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Whether you're starting a new small business or looking to expand your existing one, securing funding can be challenging for businesses of any size. If you're seeking a small business grant, WeThrive Consulting Services LLC. — is here to assist.
Government Grants
Start your search for federal grants at Grants.gov, which provides the most comprehensive database of government funds. Thousands of grants are available for businesses across various industries.
It’s important to note that not all government assistance comes directly from federal agencies. Some funds are allocated to state and local governments, nonprofit organizations, and academic institutions, which distribute them or use them to offer technical and educational support at the local level.
Along with the programs listed here, explore opportunities within your state and local governments using the resources below. Remember that you may qualify for multiple programs when researching grants and contracting options.
Here's a snapshot of available grants and programs to consider:
Employee Retention Credit: Established by the CARES Act, the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) offers a refundable tax credit to businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligibility details can be found on the IRS website. The deadline to claim this credit is April 15, 2025.
Illinois Infrastructure Grants: Launched by Governor Pritzker in 2020, Illinois' $3 billion infrastructure initiative includes capital grants from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to support local community projects. The DCEO maintains a transparent list of these grants, which can support general or specific project needs.
Minnesota Emerging Entrepreneur Loan Program (ELP): This initiative helps minority, low-income, women, veterans, and disability-owned businesses grow. Nonprofit lenders across Minnesota provide grants to support loans for startup or expanding businesses, aiming to create jobs and strengthen economic growth in underserved areas.
National Institute of Health Grants: NIH offers grants for businesses involved in biomedical technology research, particularly those related to COVID-19. Multiple grants are available with deadlines throughout 2025 and beyond.
NIDILRR's SBIR Program: This program supports technological research focusing on improving the lives of people with disabilities. A total of $1 million in grants is available, and applications are due March 10, 2025.
San Francisco Accessibility Grant: Small business owners in San Francisco can apply for grants of up to $10,000 to enhance accessibility in their establishments. The grants cover costs like ADA barrier removal and design services. Eligible businesses must be registered in San Francisco and have less than $2.5 million in annual revenue and fewer than 100 employees.
Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR): Similar to SBIR, the STTR program funds research and development projects. The key difference is that STTR grants require a formal collaboration between small businesses and research institutions.
Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF): TEF offers performance-based "deal-closing" grants to companies competing with out-of-state sites for projects in Texas. Grants are based on job creation and capital investment, with grantees committing to specific job and wage targets.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Business Programs: The USDA provides loans, grants, and guarantees to promote business growth and job creation in rural areas. Program deadlines and eligibility requirements vary.
U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA): The MBDA offers targeted grants and loans to support minority-owned businesses. Information about MBDA Business Centers is available at MBDA.gov.
U.S. Department of Education Grants: The DOE offers various grants for businesses in the education sector, with opportunities for both nonprofit and for-profit private sector companies. Deadlines for available grants run through March 17, 2025, and new opportunities are announced frequently.
U.S. Small Business Administration State Trade Expansion Program (STEP): STEP assists small businesses aiming to export products by providing federal funds for trade missions, market-entry, international marketing, and other export-related activities.
U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA): The EDA provides ongoing funding opportunities for projects that support regional and national economic development. Applicants can apply for various investments in construction, planning, technical assistance, and more.
It's important to note that applying for grants typically involves considerable paperwork. Please check your eligibility before you start an application since the process can be time-consuming and technical. Additionally, grant acceptance usually comes with reporting and auditing requirements that must be fulfilled.
Government Contract Assistance
The federal government allocates billions of dollars annually for goods and services distributed through a competitive bidding process. Several programs are designed to assist small businesses in navigating this process, giving them a better opportunity to secure federal contracts.
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Program: The federal government aims to annually award at least 3% of all federal contracting dollars to veteran-owned businesses. This program helps meet that goal by assisting small business owners who are service-disabled veterans. To be eligible, the company must be more than 50% owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans, have at least one service-disabled veteran managing daily operations and long-term goals, and have a service-connected disability.
Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contracting Program: The government targets awarding at least 5% of federal contracting dollars to women-owned small businesses annually. The SBA's Office of Women’s Business Ownership supports women entrepreneurs by providing business training, counseling, federal contracts, and access to credit and capital, all aimed at promoting equal opportunities for women in business.
8(a) Business Development Program: This program helps small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals by limiting competition for specific government contracts to participants in the 8(a) program. Companies must be certified as 8(a) entities to participate.
HUBZone Program: Designed to assist businesses in underutilized areas, this program boosts competitiveness for government contracts. Participating companies can compete for set-aside contracts and receive a 10% price evaluation preference in open contract competitions.
Natural Resource Sales Assistance Program
In addition to purchasing goods and services, the federal government sells significant natural resources and surplus property. The SBA’s Natural Resource Sales Assistance Program reserves some of these goods for small businesses to bid on. Federal agencies sometimes divide surplus materials into smaller lots, making it easier for small businesses to participate. The five categories of goods include:
Timber and related forest products
Strategic materials
Royalty oil
Leases for minerals, coal, oil, and gas rights
Surplus real and personal property
The program also offers government sales and leasing training to help small businesses navigate the process.
General Small Business Grants
Many nonprofit and corporate organizations offer grants and other assistance to small businesses. Below are a few programs available to qualifying businesses across various industries:
$10,000 Breakthrough Grant: Honeycomb Credit offers a $10,000 grant to help small businesses achieve significant milestones, such as opening a new location, launching a food truck, or franchising. The application deadline is April 2, 2025, with winners announced by April 11, 2025.
500 Global Flagship Accelerator Program: This program provides funding and support to startups and small businesses on a rolling basis. Participants receive a four-month accelerator program based in San Francisco and a $150,000 investment.
Awesome Foundation Grants: The Awesome Foundation offers $1,000 monthly grants to individuals and groups working on various projects. Startups and small businesses are among the recipients of these monthly grants. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Faire Small Business Grant: Faire.com provides $5,000 grants to select new retail businesses to help cover inventory expenses. The grants are awarded as credit for purchasing inventory on the platform, with applications open through March 31, 2025.
The Freed Fellowship Grant: This monthly $500 grant is available to U.S.-based small business owners. In addition to the grant, recipients receive feedback on their business and a two-month free membership in the Freed Studio, a community for ambitious business owners. At the end of the year, grant recipients can also apply for a $2,500 end-of-year grant.
Hustler’s Microgrant: A $1,000 microgrant is available to passionate entrepreneurs in the U.S. Deja Vu Parker of WBLS and HerSuiteSpot present the grant, which helps support small businesses across the country. Applications are accepted monthly.
Pitch Perfect Grant: This $5,000 grant aims to support entrepreneurs in the U.S. and Canada. Open to individuals aged 18 and older with an active business, this grant helps scale businesses and achieve financial goals. The application deadline is March 31, 2025.
Skip $5,000 Funding-Ready Grant: Skip is offering a $5,000 grant to U.S. small business owners who have prepared their businesses for growth and are ready to take the next step. The application deadline is March 15, 2025.
Skip Instant Grants: Skip also provides instant grants on a rolling basis, with funding opportunities announced a couple of days in advance. These grants are offered twice a month, and the subsequent application deadline is March 7, 2025.
Small Business Digital Readiness Program: In partnership with Verizon, National ACE offers small business owners a free digital readiness program. Those who register and complete two courses are eligible for a $10,000 grant. This opportunity is ongoing.
Small Business Readiness for Resiliency Program: This program helps small businesses prepare for natural disasters and provides immediate emergency funding when needed. Companies must complete a four-step process to become eligible for funding opportunities.
Start.Pivot.Grow. Micro-Grant: A $2,500 grant is available for small businesses in the U.S. to cover essential expenses such as rent, inventory, or marketing. This grant is open to companies with at least two years of operation, generating $50,000+ in annual revenue. Grants are awarded quarterly, with rolling applications.
ZenBusiness $5K Grant Program: ZenBusiness offers $5,000 grants to support small businesses that have impacted their communities. The program is available to companies formed within three to six months. Applications are open through December 31, 2025.
Industry-specific and diverse small business grants and programs
Some small business grant programs are confined to a specific entrepreneur demographic or business profile, and they often have an application process that is easier to navigate. This is a sample list, so check with nonprofits and large corporations in your geographic area or industry.
Accion Opportunity Fund. The Accion Opportunity Fund grants small business loans ranging from $5,000-$250,000, along with educational resources, coaching, and support networks in English and Spanish. This program offers mentorship, microloans, and a hubzone program for the financial needs of small business owners. Accion Opportunity Fund works with a clientele that is 90% diverse, has created and retained over 50,000 jobs, and has generated $1 billion in economic activity. Those interested in applying for a loan can do so here.
Amazon’s Black Business Accelerator Program. You may be eligible for the Black Business Accelerator Program if you're a seller in Amazon's store. Created to support Black entrepreneurs, the program offers financial support, mentorship, business advice, and promotional support. Eligible sellers will have access to free imaging services, cash grant opportunities, advertising credits, and money toward start-up costs. You can learn more about this opportunity at their website.
Amber Grant Foundation. With a simple goal of supporting women entrepreneurs, the Amber Grant Foundation was founded by WomensNet in 1998. The foundation awards yearly grants, including the $10,000 Monthly Amber Grant, two $25,000 Annual Amber Grants, and $10,000 each quarter for The Startup Grant and The Non-Profit Grant, respectively. There are also 12 Business Category Grants — an additional $10,000 each month — with all eligible applications remaining active until the month of their specific category.
America’s Seed Fund. America’s Seed Fund, sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF), offers up to $2 million for U.S.-based startups and small businesses developing innovative technology. Project pitches are accepted on a rolling basis, and official responses from NSF typically take one month.
Anonymous Was A Woman Environmental Art Grant (AWAW EAG). The Anonymous Was A Woman Environmental Art Grant (AWAW EAG) offers up to $20,000 for environmental art projects led by women-identifying artists in the U.S. and U.S. Territories. Eligible applicants must be at least 18 years old, reside in the U.S. or a Tribal Nation, and not be enrolled in a degree program during the grant term. Projects should engage with environmental issues through themes like eco-social engagement, systems restoration, and climate change while including a free public engagement component. Applications for the 2025 cycle close on Tuesday, April 15, at 5:00 PM ET, and selected projects must be completed by August 2026.
The Big Idea Grant. The Big Idea Grant by Yippity Doo offers ambitious women entrepreneurs $1,000 to support their business ventures, along with access to mentorship, resources, and a wealth mindset coaching group. To qualify, applicants must identify as women entrepreneurs with a clear vision for their business. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with one recipient selected each month.
Binc Foundation Emergency Financial Assistance. The Binc Foundation provides emergency financial assistance to bookstore owners, booksellers, comic store employees, and owners facing unforeseen financial needs. Eligibility criteria include specific employment durations and financial hardship from qualifying life events. Binc's assistance process involves a confidential application and documentation verification to help individuals regain economic stability.
Carhartt For the Love of Labor Grant. Carhartt, a popular workwear distributor, created the Love of Labor grant program to help connect workers with trade programs in their local communities during an unprecedented labor shortage. Awards will be distributed on a rolling basis to “like-minded organizations” dedicated to educating, training, and placing workers into trade jobs. Organizations interested in the program can apply by contacting Carhartt directly. Nominations are accepted as well.
Child Care Business Opportunity Fund. The Child Care Business Opportunity Fund, offered by the Women's Business Development Council (WBDC) in partnership with the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood, gives grants of up to $25,000 to support childcare businesses in Connecticut. These grants are designed to help licensed and aspiring businesses at different stages, whether just starting or ready to expand. Eligibility differs based on each grant offering. Pre-applications for Emergency Facilities Grants are now being accepted, and applications for both start-up and expansion grants are due by March 3, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.
Comcast Innovation Fund. The Comcast Innovation Fund accepts applications for the 2025 grant year, providing financial support ranging from $3,000 to $150,000 for projects with a one-year duration that advances Internet technology and public policy. Grants are available to technologists, researchers, and academics in areas such as Wi-Fi performance, routing security, live video streaming, and quantum computing-related cybersecurity. Interested applicants must complete a pre-qualification form to be considered. The grant deadline is rolling until the funds for the year are exhausted.
Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program. The Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program provides year-round funding to help rural areas develop essential facilities that support community services. Eligible applicants include public bodies, community-based nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes, with projects focused on rural areas with populations under 20,000. Funding can be used for constructing, purchasing, or improving facilities like healthcare centers, public safety buildings, educational services, and local food systems. Grants are prioritized for small, low-income communities and are awarded on a graduated scale, with up to 75% of eligible costs covered for the neediest communities. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, substantial community support, and complete an environmental review to qualify.
DoorDash Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund. The DoorDash Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund offers $10,000 grants to help restaurants recover from natural disasters, severe weather, or significant infrastructure failures. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based restaurants, gastropubs, or bakeries with brick-and-mortar locations that have experienced revenue loss due to a declared disaster within the past 12 months. To qualify, businesses must have no more than three locations, have been in operation for at least six months, employ fewer than 50 people at each location, and generate less than $3 million in annual revenue per location. Applications are accepted quarterly, with the current round open through May 30, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. ET.
Etsy Emergency Relief Fund. If you’re an Etsy business owner, you may be qualified to apply for relief funding courtesy of a partnership with CERF+, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping artists prepare for and recover from emergencies and disasters. The partnership was established in 2017, and both companies continue to provide up to $2,500 in funding through the grant program. To apply, you must have been a registered Etsy business for at least one year and have been affected by a natural disaster. This grant opportunity is rolling.
Foundation for a Just Society Grants. Foundation for a Just Society offers grants to local, national, regional, and global organizations and networks that support the rights of women, girls, and LGBTQI individuals. Grants are issued four times each year (March, June, September, and November), with invitations for proposals extended two months prior.
Galaxy Grants. Galaxy Grants supports women and minority entrepreneurs with their small businesses by offering valuable resources, tools, funding, and knowledge. They are running a $2,450 Galaxy Grant Giveaway, sponsored by Hidden Star, a 501(c)(3) organization, with a quick 30-second entry process. The entry deadline is March 31, 2025, and winners will be announced next week. Plus, there's an opportunity to win for you and a friend, as each of you could receive a $2,450 grant if your friend wins, subject to the Terms and Conditions.
Global NY Grant Program. The Global NY Grant Program provides reimbursable grants of up to $25,000 for small and medium-sized New York State businesses to expand their global exports through trade shows, market customization, and product adaptations for foreign regulations. Not-for-profit organizations that assist companies with export education and trade activities may qualify for grants of up to $100,000. Eligible companies must have 500 or fewer employees in New York, be operational for at least one year, and demonstrate a need for assistance and understanding of export-related costs. Applications are accepted continuously, with an average processing time of 90 days, and reimbursement is available for up to 50–75% of project costs, depending on the applicant type.
HerRise MicroGrant. The HerRise MicroGrant offers financial aid to U.S.-registered businesses that are majority-owned by women of color, focusing on companies with innovative community solutions that are still struggling to obtain funding. Applications are reviewed monthly, with winners announced during the subsequent month's HerSuiteSpot First Friday Mixer. Nonprofits, franchises, direct sellers, authorized resellers, and independent consultants are ineligible to apply.
Hivers and Strivers Investment Program. As an angel investment group, Hivers and Strivers works to provide capital to qualifying businesses. Specifically, the investment group funds projects submitted by veteran-owned and veteran-led businesses. Funding opportunities can range from $250,000 to $1 million. Those who qualify can apply for funding for a business idea on a rolling basis, but businesses reliant on government contracts are not eligible to apply.
IFundWomen Universal Grant Application. This is a resource for female entrepreneurs seeking grants. Through partnerships with brands like Visa, Caress, and Comcast, IFundWomen has deployed over $170 million in grants to entrepreneurs. Applicants gain priority access to funding opportunities and resources within the IFundWomen community.
#MomsMeanBusiness. ZenBusiness, a company that helps others launch and run their businesses, has created the #MomsMeanBusiness campaign to recognize the resilience of moms and celebrate their accomplishments. To help mothers take the first step toward entrepreneurship, ZenBusiness covers business formation costs and will help entrepreneurs form an LCC, track expenses, secure a business name, and more. All mothers are eligible, and costs will be covered by “every mom in America.” The program is rolling out, and you can sign up here.
National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) Growth Grants. According to its website, the NASE has distributed over $1,000,000 in grants to its members. Its growth grants provide up to $4,000 to assist with training, marketing, and more. You must be a member for 90 days before you are eligible to apply.
Olga Loizon Memorial Foundation. The Olga Loizon Memorial Foundation offers grants of up to $10,000 to aspiring women entrepreneurs in Michigan who embody the passion and vision of Olga Loizon, the founder of metro Detroit's Olga's Kitchen. Applicants must have a business located in Michigan and demonstrate financial need through a personal statement; a formal business plan is also required. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Patagonia Corporate Grant Program. Patagonia’s corporate grant program offers between $10,000 and $20,000 of funding to nonprofits with missions to protect and preserve the environment. Though grants are awarded by invitation only, Patagonia accepts recommendations for organizations that meet program criteria.
Rauschenberg Medical Emergency Grant. The Rauschenberg Medical Emergency Grant provides funding of up to $5,000 for artists experiencing recent and unexpected medical, dental, or mental health emergencies. Eligible applicants must be generative artists in visual arts, choreography, or film/video/electronic/digital arts with an average income below $75,000 ($150,000 for joint filers). Grants cover out-of-pocket expenses like co-pays, emergency dental work, and transportation for treatment but exclude chronic conditions, living expenses, or ongoing care. Applications for Cycle 29, covering emergencies from August 1, 2024, onward, are due by March 11, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. ET.
Rémy Martin This is My City Microgrant. The Rémy Martin This is My City Microgrant awards $20,000 grants and one-on-one mentorship from industry experts to emerging creatives who contribute to their local culture through entrepreneurial projects. Chosen candidates will be recognized as honorees and receive guidance from established music, art, or culture figures. Eligible applicants must be at least 21 years old and reside in one of the four cities: Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, or New York City. Applications are due by April 11, 2025, at 6:00 pm ET.
Retail Readiness Entrepreneurship Training Program. Watson Institute’s Retail Readiness Entrepreneurship Training Program is a 16-week initiative to empower underserved U.S.-based entrepreneurs working in agriculture or creating value-added agricultural products. The program runs from March 10 to June 30, 2025, providing participants with up to $1,000 for retail readiness certifications, leadership and venture scaling guidance, and access to a network of mentors and peers. Eligible applicants must be impact-driven entrepreneurs with proven products and revenue in the "missing middle" stage, working in areas with high wealth inequality. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until all spots are filled.
RTC Women in Tech Fund. Rewriting The Code (RTC) supports college and early-career women in tech by providing them with opportunities to help disrupt gender and racial inequality in the industry. The RTC Women in Tech Fund provides financial resources to women enrolled in undergraduate tech programs to help cover costs that may be an obstacle to education. Three different grants are available depending on each applicant’s specific financial needs. All applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
StartOut Scholarship Program. StartOut offers scholarship opportunities to LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs who wish to participate in its Founder Program and become a Giving Member. The initiative provides a 12-month membership for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs who have been underrepresented, underserved, and underestimated within their community.
Supplier Innovative Finance Program. The Empire State Development’s Supplier Innovative Finance Program offers up to $5,000 unrestricted grants to help socially and economically disadvantaged businesses (SEDI) in New York grow and access capital. In addition to funding, businesses can access educational resources designed to help founders improve their funding readiness and connect them with funders in matchmaking sessions. To be eligible, companies must be headquartered in New York with annual revenues between $250,000 and $10 million and certified as minority, women, veteran, or LGBTQ+ owned. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Wells Fargo Grant. Wells Fargo and the Wells Fargo Foundation offer grants to nonprofit organizations addressing financial health, housing affordability, small business growth, and sustainability. To qualify, organizations must hold 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status (or equivalent for public schools, tribal entities, or governmental agencies), demonstrate fiscal stability, and address critical community needs centered around diversity, equity, and innovation. Applications are by invitation only, though eligible nonprofits may submit a Grant Interest Form for consideration. However, Wells Fargo does not fund individuals, for-profit entities, political groups, or travel-based initiatives.
The Wish Local Empowerment Program. This program, brought to you by the e-commerce brand Wish, assists Black-owned small businesses by dedicating a $2 million fund to support approximately 4,000 Wish Local partners. Recipients can receive financial assistance ranging from $500 to $2000, with flexibility in fund allocation. Eligible businesses must meet criteria such as having a Black-owned business with 20 or fewer employees and an average annual revenue under $1 million. Successful applicants will also join Wish Local, gaining access to its consumer base through various partnership opportunities.
2025 Halstead Grant. The Halstead Grant is an annual award for emerging silver jewelry artists, offering $7,500 in cash, a $1,000 Halstead gift card, and industry recognition. Winners will also receive personalized feedback from industry judges to refine their business approach. To apply, applicants must submit 15 business-related questions and a design portfolio. The application deadline is May 1, 2025.
Please check each grant opportunity on the website for additional requirements. Most grants require tax documentation, EIN registration documents, yearly budget reports, and additional documents and eligibility grantee interest focus/population areas.
