LADIES, LET’S GET PAID

Women & Money
Written By Amy Royce

AUGUST FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES AND GRANTS PROVIDED BY THE BANK OF AMERICA INSTITUE FOR WOMEN’S ENTREPRENEURSHIP AT CORNELL UNIVERSITY

Below, you will find links to funding, accelerators, and general resources.   Note - Cornell has no affiliation with these organizations - so any specific questions should be directed to them. 

GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES (unless specified in the description)

Amazon App Store Small Business Accelerator - The Small Business Accelerator Program allows developers that earn less than 1 million USD in total annual revenue in the previous calendar year to access additional benefits up to or equivalent to 20% of Appstore revenue. If eligible, you’ll receive a 10% increased royalty payment and AWS credits equivalent to 10% of your app revenue. - https://developer.amazon.com/apps-and-games/small-business-program

Antler Global Startup Program - Antler is a global early-stage VC that runs multiple programs for business startups around the world. See the website for more info about the program and application dates. - https://www.antler.co/platform/#apply-now

Awesome Foundation - Foundation distributes $1,000 grants, no strings attached, to projects and their creators. At each fully autonomous chapter, the money is pooled together from the coffers of ten or so self-organizing “micro-trustees”.  Awarded monthly - https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en

AWS Startup Loft Accelerator - AWS Startup Loft Accelerator equips your technical team with tech resources, guidance and a community of peers. From technical deep dives to round tables on day-to-day CTO challenges, including: recruiting, managing an engineering team, building a minimum viable product, and design principles for cloud architecture.  Provides $25,000 in AWS credits - https://aws-startup-lofts.com/emea/program/accelerator

Canva Pro For Nonprofits - If you are a nonprofit, you can register now to get Canva’s premium features for free. - https://www.canva.com/canva-for-nonprofits/

Charity Entrepreneurship Incubation Program - The Charity Entrepreneurship Incubation Program is a two-month, cost-covered training program that gives a small cohort of talented people from all over the world everything they need to launch a field-leading charity. $200,000 in seed funding is available. Apply by 9/30/2023 - https://www.charityentrepreneurship.com/incubation-program

Emergent Ventures Grant/Fellowship Application (through Mercatus Center at George Mason University) - Emergent Ventures, a fellowship and grant program from the Mercatus Center, seeks to support entrepreneurs with highly scalable, “zero to one” ideas for meaningfully improving society. Projects will either be fellowships or grants: fellowships involve time in residence at the Mercatus Center in Northern Virginia; grants are one-time or slightly staggered payments to support a project. https://mercatuscenter.formstack.com/forms/emergent_ventures

Etsy Disaster Relief Fund - Sellers will be eligible for a grant if they experienced a federally declared natural disaster within the past year, have been an active seller on Etsy for at least one year, and their Etsy account is in good standing. Grants for $2,500. https://advocacy.etsy.com/etsy-emergency-relief-fund-at-cerf/

F6S List of Accelerators and Pitch Competitions - Provides a list of accelerators, contests and pitch competitions around the world. https://www.f6s.com/programs

Generative AI Skills Challenge Grant - A global grant for organizations training and upskilling teams on generative AI to drive social impact. $250,000 in kind funding. Apply by 8/15/2023 - https://data.org/initiatives/ai-challenge/terms-and-conditions/

LinkedIn Ad Grant - Ad Grants program provides free LinkedIn ads to nonprofit organizations that are focused on the following areas: Racial and gender equity, Economic opportunity for professionals facing barriers and Environmental sustainability Apply by 8/9/23 - https://socialimpact.linkedin.com/nonprofits

MediaTech Pitch Day - Have you developed an MVP or have a fully-operational business that can transform the media industry in its broadest sense? If so, this chance is for you. Apply to the First Global MediaTech Pitch Day and you will have the opportunity to pitch your idea in front of investors, mediatech industry experts, and potential clients. Funding up to €1,000,000. Apply by 8/7/2023 - https://pitchday.mth-conference.de/?utm_source=astra

Pollination Project - Grants to global non-profits. Annual budget for your group or organization must be less than $50,000. The total cost for the immediate project for which you are requesting funding must be less than $40,000 - https://thepollinationproject.org/apply/

Savvy Fellowship - Savvy is a 12-week virtual Fellowship program for young professionals seeking to be part of the new generation of impact entrepreneurs. Applicants should be 40 or younger - https://savvyfellows.com/team/

She Loves Tech Global Startup Challenge - All startups must be technology-based startups and for the avoidance of doubt, technology is defined as the use of science and innovation to invent useful things or to solve problems. This extends beyond digital, information or internet-based technology and covers everything from hardware to the creation of new products and solutions to existing problems. Apply by 9/21/2023 - https://www.shelovestech.org/competition

SheTrades Accelerator - SheTrades Accelerator Programme for women entrepreneurs and business support organizations in the Apparel, Accessories and Home Décor sectors is targeting women-led businesses (WLBs) and Business Support Organizations (BSO) in the Apparel, Accessories, and Home Decor sector from Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Senegal, and South Africa. - https://shetrades-accelerator.converve.io/

Social Shifters Global Innovation - The Challenge is a thrilling opportunity for young trailblazers (aged 18-30) to unleash your creativity and drive. It’s all about exploring, nurturing, and bringing to life ideas that tackle the social or environmental issues that ignite a fire within you. Funding of $10,000. Apply by 8/20/2023 - https://challenge.socialshifters.co/

Techstars Accelerators - Techstars accelerators have one goal: to help entrepreneurs succeed. During each three-month program, they surround companies (companies should be based in North American time zones) with the best mentors and an unrivaled network of corporate partners, investors, and alumni.  Companies can receive $20K for 6% of company.  Various locations and due dates - https://www.techstars.com/accelerators/

We Make Change - Global initiative that matches small businesses (mainly not for profits) with volunteers who are professional individuals or are from companies (including blue chip) that have an interest in supporting not for profits. Helps impact startups build a remote volunteer team for free volunteer help -https://www.wemakechange.org/

Western Union Foundation Fellowship with Watson Institute - The Western Union Foundation Fellowship is a venture and leadership accelerator program for entrepreneurs and community leaders from and working with highly marginalized, refugee, and forcibly displaced communities around the globe. This virtual and global program is designed to equip these next-generation entrepreneurs and leaders with the skills and experience to increase access to economic opportunity, build valuable networks and resources, and transform their communities. Funding up to $6000. Apply by 8/18/2023 - https://watson.is/western-union-foundation-fellowship/

AFRICA-SPECIFIC OPPORTUNITIES

Grindstone incubator - Must be based in South Africa - incubator will include training, corporate advisory, coaching, mentorship and funding. Specific interventions for each company include a structured gap analysis, understanding of the company value system, building a digital go-to-market strategy, financial modelling, intellectual property assessment, strategic and financial valuation as well as populating a data room - https://grindstonexl.com/

HerMeNow Accelerator Program - The HerMeNow Accelerator will support 10 women-led social enterprises across the MENA+Africa region. Funding of $10,000.  Apply by 8/7/2023 - https://bloom.pm/hermenow/

Tony Elumelu Foundation - To apply, you only need to be a permanent resident of any of Africa’s 54 countries. Your startup must be at an ideation stage or not a business older than 5 years. Funding of $5,000 - https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/

Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton program - The Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton program spans three months and includes an eight-week mini-MBA training program conducted in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC). During this period, participants will also have the opportunity to showcase their businesses in pitching sessions to a prestigious Pan-African jury. Apply by 8/11/2023 - https://www.womenpreneur.ng/

AUSTRALIA-SPECIFIC OPPORTUNITIES

Optus Business Plus Mentorship Grant Program - Must be a company incorporated in Australia that is an existing Optus Business customer or be willing to be an Optus Business customer. Funding up to $5000 - https://www.optus.com.au/content/optus/en/business/optus-business-plus-mentorship-grant-competition.html

CANADA-SPECIFIC OPPORTUNITIES

Aurora, Ontario - RiseUp and ScaleUp grants - The grants will provide $2,500 each to eligible small businesses operating in Aurora and can be used for any purpose in support of business development. Funding of $2,500. Apply by 8/18/2023 - https://www.aurorachamber.on.ca/grants/

Black Innovation Launchpad - The Black Innovation Launchpad is a FREE virtual skills development platform focused on building the next generation of Black entrepreneurs. https://www.dmzlaunchpad.ca/courses/black-innovation-launchpad

Boost Your Business Technology Grant - Boost Your Business Technology grant offers support to Canadian-owned small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) who want to adopt new digital technologies. Funding up to $15,000 - https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/152.nsf/eng/00013.html

Google for Startups Accelerator: Black Founders - This program is open to black-led technology startups within the U.S. and Canada. The accelerator program is best suited for Seed to Series A revenue generating tech startups that are headquartered in the United States and Canada. Selected companies should have a minimum of 5+ employees and the founder and appropriate team members must be available to join all program elements of their cohort. Apply by 8/2/2023 - https://startup.google.com/accelerator/black-founders/

Summer Causality Brand Grant Canada - Grant offers both full (pro bono) and matching (partial, funding requirement of 50%) services grants to help nonprofits and good causes access branding, graphic design, creative services and web site design and development services at no or low cost. The grants are open to non profit organizations, government agencies, and educational clients in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Apply by 8/11/2023 - https://www.causalitybrandgrant.com/

OPPORTUNITIES ONLY WITHIN INDIA

Visa’s She’s Next Grant Program – India - Visa invites small businesses owned and/or led by women in India to apply for the program, of which Visa will select and support three local women entrepreneurs with a grant of $10,000 each. Apply by 8/27/2023 - https://form.jotform.com/231903317923050

OPPORTUNITIES ONLY WITHIN MEXICO

Rising Leaders of Mexico Fellowship with Watson Institute - The ‘Rising Leaders of Mexico’ Fellowship is a program designed to equip next-gen entrepreneurs from Mexico with the skills, resources, and experience to scale the impactful ventures they are building. Fellows will join the Western Union Foundation Fellowship program alongside 45 other entrepreneurs to learn advanced skills in entrepreneurship and leadership, can earn seed funding, gain experience, and build a global network. (Note: This program is in English)  Apply by 8/18/2023 - https://watson.is/mexico-fellowship/

Summer Causality Brand Grant Canada - Grant offers both full (pro bono) and matching (partial, funding requirement of 50%) services grants to help nonprofits and good causes access branding, graphic design, creative services and web site design and development services at no or low cost. The grants are open to non profit organizations, government agencies, and educational clients in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Apply by 8/11/2023 - https://www.causalitybrandgrant.com/

OPPORTUNITIES ONLY WITHIN THE UNITED KINGDOM

Innovate UK KTN - Resource for sourcing grant programs available in the UK across all sectors. Funding opportunities section allows visitors to the website to filter grants by sector or type of funding required. - https://iuk.ktn-uk.org/opportunities/

OPPORTUNITIES ONLY WITHIN THE UNITED STATES

Amazon's Black Business Accelerator - Dedicated to helping build sustainable equity and growth for Black entrepreneurs by enabling their success as sellers. Grow your business with access to financial support, strategic business guidance and mentorship, and marketing and promotional support. - https://sell.amazon.com/programs/black-business-accelerator

Antares REACH Grant Program US - Hello Alice and the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN), the Antares REACH Grant Program will provide $20,000 grants to small businesses, with an emphasis on businesses preparing for their next stage of growth; operated by historically underrepresented entrepreneurs; and providing important community services. Funding of $20,000.  Apply by 8/4/2023 - https://helloalice.com/grants/antares-capital/

Brookfield Properties Partner to Empower - Looking for business owners of color who are interested in opening a store within the Brookfield Properties U.S. mall portfolio, want to sign a license agreement — ideally for a minimum of two years and are available to attend the Retail Workshop, a virtual, expert-led course on all things business and brick-and-mortar retail. Apply by 8/11/23 - https://www.brookfieldproperties.com/en/our-businesses/retail/leasing/business-resources/partner-to-empower.html

Fearless Strivers Grant - Open to black women who are legal U.S. residents (including DC), 18+ and the principal owner of a U.S.-based small business. Grants for $20,000.  Apply by 8/31/2023 - https://www.fearless.fund/strivers-grant-contest

Freed Fellowship - Every month, one $500 grant is awarded to an underrepresented founder in the US to invest in their existing business. No strings attached. No equity required. Grant recipients are also eligible to receive an additional end-of-year grant of $2,500. https://www.freedfellowship.com/grant1

Google for Startups Accelerator: Black Founders - This program is open to black-led technology startups within the U.S. and Canada. The accelerator program is best suited for Seed to Series A revenue generating tech startups that are headquartered in the United States and Canada. Selected companies should have a minimum of 5+ employees and the founder and appropriate team members must be available to join all program elements of their cohort. Apply by 8/2/2023 - https://startup.google.com/accelerator/black-founders/

HerRise Micro-Grant ($10 fee to apply) - Each month a $500 micro-grant will be awarded to a for-profit small business owned by women of color. Past recipients used their growth grants for computers, equipment, marketing materials, software purchase, website creation and more. - https://www.hersuitespot.com/herrise/

Juntos Crecemos Hispanic Digital & Delivery Program (PepsiCo) - PepsiCo is inviting Latina entrepreneurs who work in food service to apply for eight weeks of personalized expert consultation, including best practices across operations, technology, marketing and digital presence. https://pepsicojuntoscrecemos.com/jefaowned/

Keep it Local Business Fund - Must be majority (51%) owned and/or operated by a person of color with less than $1MM in revenue and less than 25 employees. Grants for $5,000. Apply by 9/4/23 - https://about.nextdoor.com/nextdoor-kind-foundation/keep-it-local-business-fund/

Literacy Opportunity Fund - The Literacy Opportunity Fund is offering grants up to $6,000 to nonprofit organizations general operating expenses who provide literacy services and programs to youth in the community. Funding up to $6000. Apply by 10/1/2023 - https://www.proliteracy.org/Literacy-Opportunity-Fund

Manufacturing Hardware Accelerator at Rev: Ithaca Startup Works - The manufacturing hardware accelerator is designed for startups based anywhere in the U.S. that have already developed a fully functional prototype and identified its customer market. Hardware and physical product startups with innovations geared towards businesses or consumers that include electronics, plastics, enclosures, mechanisms, and or machines are encouraged to apply. Apply by 9/25/2023 - https://www.revithaca.com/manufacturing-hardware-accelerator/

McBride Sisters SHE CAN Fund in Food and Wine - SHE CAN Fund invests in the professional advancement and career growth of high-potential, professional women, with a particular focus on women of color. Our mission is to close the gender and race gap in leadership positions in wine & spirits, hospitality, and finance industries by providing professional development - https://www.mcbridesistersfund.org/

Microsoft TechSpark Community Engagement Fellowship Grant - Community organizations focused on creating inclusive economic opportunities will have the opportunity to apply to receive a mix of funding and contextual technical assistance through in-person and virtual support. Awarded organizations will select a member of their team to represent their organization as a TechSpark Fellow. Applicant must be US-based non-profit. Funding up to $50,000 - https://customervoice.microsoft.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=v4j5cvGGr0GRqy180BHbRzqG-8hAJq1BsU8sgfjznelUQUpCUkJVOTgyTThESk1RTURRR1JUSldUWSQlQCN0PWcu

MIT Solve: Truist Foundation Inspire Awards - This challenge is seeking nonprofit organizations with innovative, tech-enabled solutions that address challenges faced by small business owners. Funding for $10,000. Apply by 8/4/2023 - https://solve.mit.edu/challenges/truist-foundation-inspire-awards-year-2

Nasdaq Foundation: Quarterly Grant Program to Empower Diverse Entrepreneurs - Only open to non-profits. Grants will be given in this area to organizations and programs that impact women and under-represented communities in one or more of the following ways: Enhance financial engagement and Improve access to knowledge and tools. Funding up to $75,000.  Apply by 8/11/23 and 11/10/23 - https://www.nasdaq.com/nasdaq-foundation/grant-program

Novae Grants Database - Novae Grants database are intended for small businesses with 6-100 employees, though some are also intended for larger businesses and sole proprietor startups - https://grants.novaegrants.com/

PublishHer Grant - Business Impact Grant (BIG) program for women of color whose businesses are making a difference in the lives of others and the world. Apply by August 31, 2023. Grants for $5,000 - https://publishherpress.com/grants-for-women-business-owners/

Pure Leaf "No" Grants - "No" grants (grants are $2000 and open to US residents - concept is that women have to say "yes" to so much - what would an additional $2K enable you to say "no" to?) Winners receive the $ and access to a support community and resources through SeekHer's Community Care Program. Funding of $2,000. Due dates are 8/31/23 and 10/31/23 - https://www.pureleaf.com/NoGrants/

Shape Your Future Small Business Awards - Tarte Cosmetics - The program will offer two tiers of funding for Black female-owned businesses with 6 awards of $25,000 and 15 awards of $10,000 each, tailored to the unique needs and sizes of the selected small businesses. Applications are supposed to open on 8/1/23 on their social media site - https://www.instagram.com/tartecosmetics/

She's Connected Grant - AT&T - Apply or nominate your favorite woman-owned small business to become a part of the She’s Connected by AT&T community and for a chance to win $20,000 for a women-owned small business, a free year of AT&T service and devices, along with the full support of the She’s Connected by AT&T platform. Apply by 8/31/2023 - https://about.att.com/story/2023/shes-connected-contest.html

SPUR (Shared Purpose, Unlimited Reach) Pathways - Through an integrated and collaborative approach, Macy’s, Inc. and Momentus will provide access to a range of capital options from microloans to growth capital to equity investments. This represents a commitment to underrepresented businesses and aims to galvanize the retail industry to invest in the next generation of entrepreneurs - https://www.macysinc.com/purpose/spurpathways

Start Path Small Business (Mastercard) - During the 4-month program, startups will have the opportunity to leverage Mastercard's network and subject matter expertise to uncover product partnerships, scale their companies and power solutions that drive safe, secure and simple experiences. Companies should be in one of following industries: Customer Service, Banking, Security, E-commerce, Artificial Intelligence, Payment Processing, Digital Lending, FinTech -https://developer.mastercard.com/programs/start-path-small-business/

Start Small Think Big is a nonprofit that helps small businesses with high potential and limited access to the resources needed to create thriving businesses. They partner with small business owners, providing personalized business support and building connections with local communities.  If you are interested in being considered as a “client” for free services, you can fill out this form https://partner.startsmallthinkbig.org/bofainstitute (for English) or https://partner.startsmallthinkbig.org/bofainstitute-esp (for Spanish)  They also offer free webinars (in Eng and Span).  See this link for their upcoming events: https://www.startsmallthinkbig.org/events-for-small-businesses

Startup Collective by Aveeno - The Startup Collective by Aveeno is an initiative designed to empower Black female-identifying entrepreneurs with a product, brand, or technology that meets the skin or hair care needs of Black consumers. They will be enabled to achieve business growth by providing them with access to grants, education, and resources. Funding up to $100,000. Apply by 8/13/2023 - https://www.aveeno.com/startup-collective

Summer Causality Brand Grant Canada - Grant offers both full (pro bono) and matching (partial, funding requirement of 50%) services grants to help nonprofits and good causes access branding, graphic design, creative services and web site design and development services at no or low cost. The grants are open to non profit organizations, government agencies, and educational clients in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Apply by 8/11/2023 - https://www.causalitybrandgrant.com/

TL Effect Mentorship Program - The TL Effect is an in-house mentorship program geared towards women-of-color entrepreneurs looking to take their consumer-focused early-stage start-up to the next level. One recipient will receive a $20,000 grant - https://blog.thirdlove.com/the-tl-effect/

TRANSFORM Business Grant - The TRANSFORM Business Grant is designed to support individuals in systemically oppressed groups who demonstrate financial need. This includes, but is not limited to, BIPOC individuals, individuals who have a disability, formerly incarcerated individuals, and queer, trans, and nonbinary folks. Grants for $1,000.  Apply by 8/20/2023 - https://www.transformgrant.org/

Truist NonProfit Grant - The Truist Foundation supports nonprofits with grants that target leadership development, economic mobility, thriving communities and educational equity. Quarterly deadlines - https://www.truist.com/purpose/truist-foundation/grant-application

Vela Educaion Fund Grants - ELA supports thousands of independent operators who facilitate learning outside the traditional bounds of ‘school.’ Must be US based and serve K-12 learners or programs outside of traditional public, private, or charter schools. Funding up to $10,000. Apply by 8/11/23, 10/6/23 - https://velaedfund.org/microgrants/

Venmo Small Business Grant - Applicants must have a Venmo business profile with a business description as well as profile and background photos on their accounts. Must have less than 10 employees and less than $50,000 in revenue. Grants for $10,000. Apply by 8/7/2023 - https://venmo.com/business/small-business-grant/

Veterans Business Outreach Center - The Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) program offers resources to veterans who are interested in starting or growing a small business. There are 22 locations (soon expanding to 35) and they offer workshops, training, counseling, and mentorship opportunities. - https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/resource-partners/veterans-business-outreach-center-vboc-program

Warrior Rising Grant - Warrior Rising strives to accept and assist veterans at any point in the process of starting their own business, whether it is only a concept or if they have actual operations. Funding of $20,000 - https://www.warriorrising.org/apply/

Wish Local Empowerment Program - You must be a Black-owned business with a brick-and-mortar shop within the United States and less than 20 employees. If selected for the program, you must join Wish Local (which is free). Grants for up to $2000 - https://www.wish.com/local/empowerment

Women and Minority Business Owner Down Payment Grant (Bank of America) -  Non-repayable grant is for up to $25,000 on SBA owner occupied commercial estate loans for business locations within select opportunity zones (Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas and Los Angeles) Program may expand based on pilot. - https://promotions.bankofamerica.com/smallbusiness/downpaymentgrant

STATE-SPECIFIC OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN THE UNITED STATES

Arkansas

California

  • Bakersfield Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Technical Assistance and Grant - The City of Bakersfield Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Technical Assistance and Grant Program is a visionary initiative aimed at providing crucial support to local minority-based businesses in need. Funding up to $40,000 -https://www.bakersfieldcity.us/1108/Entrepreneurship-Grant-Program

  • Carson, CA Small Business and Commercial Improvement Grants - Small Business Grant Program will provide grants of $5,000 to $25,000 for businesses impacted by the pandemic, while the Commercial Facade Improvement Program will offer a dollar-for-dollar matching grant to encourage businesses to make aesthetic improvements to their storefronts. Businesses must be located in Carson and have 50 employees or fewer.  Funding up to $25,000 -https://ci.carson.ca.us/communitydevelopment/SBGProgram.aspx

  • Concord, CA Small Business Grants - The reimbursement grant is intended to help businesses recover typical operating costs such as rent/lease payments, utilities, payroll, inventory, facility repairs, upgrades, and other expenses. Funding of $5,000.  Apply by 8/11/23 - https://concordfirst.com/local-business/covid-19-resources/arpa-reimbursement-grant/

  • Long Beach Visual Improvement Grant Program - This City of Long Beach Visual Improvement Program (VIP) Grant will provide direct financial relief to local small businesses and nonprofits impacted by crime and vandalism on or after 10/1/2022. Eligible businesses can receive $1,500 to cover repairs to their storefront caused by vandalism. - http://longbeach.gov/smallbizgrants

  • San Francisco Vandalism Relief Grant - Business must have a storefront that was damaged after July 1, 2020 and business must have less than $8M in revenue. Funding of $2,000 - https://sf.gov/get-grant-vandalism-related-costs-your-small-business-storefront

Colorado

Connecticut

  • Danbury Small Business Grants - To be eligible for assistance under this program, applicants must be a currently operating for-profit Danbury based business that is physically located and registered within the City of Danbury and employs ten or fewer full-time employees. The business must also have an annual gross revenue prior to the COVID-19 pandemic of less than $1,500,000. Funding of $5,000. Apply by 8/31/2023 - https://www.danbury-ct.gov/441/Small-Business-Assistance-Program

  • Meriden Business Investment and Growth Program - Priority funding will be for projects located in the Meriden Transit Oriented District, being located in a census tract, to permit additional employment and business opportunities for minority and socially disadvantaged entrepreneurs. Funding up to $300,000. Apply by 12/31/2024 - https://www.medco.biz/arpa/

  • New Haven Small Business Grant - Must be for profit business located in New Haven County, CT - https://www.e3connector.com/decd-small-business-grant

  • Torrington/WBDC Small Business Grant Program - Business must be located in Torrington, Connecticut and have a zoning permit from the City of Torrington. Funding up to $10,000 -https://ctwbdc.org/torrington/

  • West Hartford, CT Small Business and Nonprofit Grants - Business or non-profit must be physically based in West Hartford, CT with less than 50 employees.  Funding up to $10,000 - https://www.westhartfordct.gov/town-departments/economic-development/small-business-non-profit-recovery-grant-program

  • Women's Business Development Council Grant - The grants are available for women-owned small businesses in Connecticut with clearly defined projects that will have a measurable impact on the business, its growth, and profitability. The funding ranges between $2,500 and $10,000 and applicants must provide a minimum 25% match of the grant. Funding up to $10,000. Applications open 8/14/23 - https://ctwbdc.org/equity-match-grant-program/

Delaware

  • Site Readiness Fund - The Site Readiness Fund provides grants, loans or other economic assistance to qualified businesses or local governments based in Delaware that invest in constructing, renovating, or improving commercial, industrial sites that are readily available to businesses - https://business.delaware.gov/site-readiness-fund/

Florida

  • digitalundivided's BREAKTHROUGH Program - Miami - Must identify as a Black or Latina woman and have an established business in the Mami area that has been registered for at least 1 year with over $50K in revenue. Funding for $5,000.  Apply by 8/27/2023 -https://www.digitalundivided.com/breakthrough

  • Mom and Pop Small Business Grant (Miami/Dade) - Mom and Pop Small Business Grant Program offers funding opportunities for small owned and operated businesses to purchase equipment, supplies, advertising/marketing, inventory, building liability insurance, security systems and to make minor renovations. Applications are filed by District and all have different due dates. See website for details - https://www.miamidade.gov/global/service.page?Mduid_service=ser1471548035447835

  • Orange County Small Business BOOST - The Orange County Small Business BOOST program provides grants to eligible small businesses, home-based businesses and gig workers that were impacted by COVID-19. Small businesses, home-based businesses, and gig workers located in Orange County, Florida, (including municipalities) that can demonstrate a 25% decline in revenue or more during the COVID-19 pandemic may apply for the non-repayable awards. Funding up to $10,000 -https://www.ocfl.net/EconomicDevelopment/SmallBusinessBOOST.aspx

  • Orlando Business Funding Availability - Website with links to several funding options fo businesses based in Orlando, FL - https://www.orlando.gov/Community-Programs-Events/Grant-Funding-Availability

  • Sarasota Opportunities For All Small Business Grants - Minority-owned small businesses (51% or more ownership) providing services or products in the Sarasota/Manatee region are invited to apply. Funding for up to $10,000. Apply by 9/18/2023 - https://www.sarasotachamber.com/opportunities-for-all.html

Georgia

Illinois

  • Cook County Small Business Grant - Businesses located in Cook County with fewer than 20 full-time employees that were in business prior to 2020 are eligible to apply. Funding up to $20,000.  Apply by 8/18/2023 - https://cookcountysmallbiz.org/sourcegrant/

  • Danville, IL Small Business Grant - Businesses must be restaurants which prepare and sell food either for on-premise or off-premise consumption or have been deemed by the State of Illinois as a “non-essential” business which was required to “cease all activities except for minimum basic operations”. Must have a commercial business location within the City of Danville (home-based businesses are ineligible).  Grants for $10,000 https://www.cityofdanville.org/government/community-development/cdbg-covid-19-small-business-assistance-grant

  • Gurnee, IL Small Business Grant - The village of Gurnee, Illinois launched a small business grant program last month. Grants can be used to improve business facilities and each business must provide at least half of the capital (match) for each project. Grants up to $10,000 - https://www.gurnee.il.us/business/small-business-capital-investment-grant-program

Indiana

  • Bloomington Small Business Grants - Bloomington Urban Enterprise Association (BUEA) has three grant programs to support small business owners in the Enterprise Zone - Small Business Safety & Security Grant, Business Building Improvement Grant and Accessibility Modification Grant – Funding up to $5000 – Apply by 9/1/23 - https://bloomington.in.gov/business/buea/business

  • Franklin Chamber Foundation Small Business Grant - Small businesses of 10 or fewer full-time employees located in Franklin, IN are encouraged to submit applications for the grants which may be used for initiatives such as expanding a physical space, online presence or marketing initiatives. Examples of capacity building are: user-friendly online shopping platforms, enhanced point of sale systems, updated websites, increased physical spaces and innovative marketing strategies.  Funding for $2,500. Apply by 7/31/2023 - https://www.franklincoc.org/capacity-building-grant-program

Kansas

  • Topeka & Shawnee County Small Business Incentive Program - The for-profit business must be located in the City of Topeka or Shawnee County and less than 100 employees – Next deadlines are8/11/23 and 11/30/23 - https://www.gotopeka.com/small-business-incentive/

Kentucky

  • Kentucky STEP Grant - The STEP grant provides reimbursement to eligible small businesses for allowable international export development activities. Funding up to $10,000 - http://kyexports.com/step-grant/

Louisiana

Maryland

Massachusetts

  • Cambridge, MA Small Business E-Commerce Grant - Priority will be given to Cambridge-based businesses with fewer than 25 employees, businesses with no or little online presence, and businesses that have seen a severe decrease in sales from pre-pandemic levels.  Funding up to $4000. Apply by 8/21/2024 - https://www.cambridgema.gov/covid19/Business/Assistance/ecommercegrant

  • Sussex County Small Business Grant Program - Business must have been legally established in Sussex County since Jan. 1, 2019 and have annual revenue less than $4 million and 50 or fewer full-time employees. Funding up to $15,000 - https://www.sussexcountysbg.com/

Michigan

  • Lansing Small Business Support Grants - The program will provide vital funding assistance, in the form of reimbursement grants up to $50,000, to support small businesses looking to be a part of Downtown Lansing’s transformation as the community works towards recovery following the COVID pandemic. Funding also available for nonprofits - https://www.downtownlansing.org/small-business-support-grants/

  • Michigan Veteran Entrepreneur-Lab (MVE-Lab) - Michigan Veteran Entrepreneur-Lab (MVE-Lab) is a free 3-month entrepreneurship accelerator for veterans and/or military spouses. It is designed to provide hands-on startup education for those seeking to add $20,000 or more annual income to their household through small business activity. Apply by 9/4/2023

  • Pure Potential Business Grants - Business must be for-profit and located within Livonia. Must have fewer than 100 employees. Funding up to $15,000 - https://www.livonia.gov/1912/Pure-Potential

  • Small Business Growth Activator - Washtenaw County - Your business must have been open and operating in Washtenaw County as of March 16, 2020 and have fewer than 5 employees. Eligible businesses may receive additional website, bookkeeping, and marketing support valued up to $2,500. Grants of $5,000 - https://www.washtenaw.org/3710/Small-Business-Growth-Activator

  • Wayne County Small Business Hub - Resources for small businesses in Wayne County - https://www.waynecounty.com/smallbusiness/home.aspx

Minnesota

Missouri

New Hampshire

  • Coos Economic Development Corporation Grant - For small businesses in Coos County: Berlin, Colebrook, Gorham, Lancaster, and Whitefield. Grant awardees will receive up to $5,000 towards storefront rent for 3-months, insurance, utilities, signage, and other reasonable expenses. - https://www.coosedc.org/blogcontent/popupgrant

  • Manchester Small Business Grant and Program Assistance - Support small businesses based in Manchester, NH with fixed business costs, including rent, utilities, and payroll, accrued during the pandemic, costs associated with transitioning to e-commerce business platforms, outdoor space upgrades, and other technical assistance needs.  Grants up to $10,000 -https://www.manchesternh.gov/Departments/Planning-and-Comm-Dev/American-Rescue-Plan-Act

New Jersey

  • Small Business Improvement Grant - All creditworthy, small, minority-owned or women-owned businesses in New Jersey may apply for assistance under the Small Business Improvement Grant. Businesses may be reimbursed for capital improvements, or purchase and/or installation of new furniture, fixtures, and equipment. Grants up to $50,000 - https://www.njeda.com/smallbusinessservices/

New Mexico

New York

  • Buffalo - M&T Bank Minority and Women Emerging Entrepreneurs program - The CEL is accepting applications for the 2024 MWEE program. To be eligible, an entrepreneur must be a woman or member of a recognized minority group and own a business in the Buffalo Niagara region. Applications due in August -https://management.buffalo.edu/entrepreneurship/center-for-entrepreneurial-leadership-cel/mtbank-minority-women-emerging-entrepreneurs-program-mwee.html

  • Canton CARES Small Business Grants - Grants to microenterprises and small businesses with less than 25 employees in the Village of Canton that have been impacted by the pandemic. As such, the primary goal of the program is to address improvements that support customer and staff safety and improve business resiliency related to future occurrences of the virus or other disasters; allowing businesses to prepare for, prevent, or respond to impacts of the pandemic. -https://cantonny.gov/canton-cares-small-business-grant-program-now-open/

  • Empire State Development Corp.’s COVID-19 Capital Costs Tax Credit Program - Individual businesses can apply for tax credits of up to $25,000, which may cover up to half of qualified, pandemic-related expenses. Qualifying expenses include supplies or upgrades related to health and safety, including disinfectants, new HVAC equipment, touchless kiosks, and outdoor-space expansions. - https://esd.ny.gov/covid-19-capital-costs-tax-credit

  • Launch NY - Launch NY is a nonprofit venture development organization in Upstate New York that provides pro bono mentoring and access to risk capital for high-growth startups in the Upstate area  - https://launchny.org/entrepreneurs/apply-now/

  • Oyster Bay Forward Grant Program - Grant Program is open to businesses that employ up to 50 full-time equivalent employees as well as sole proprietors. Open to for-profit and non-profits. Grants for $5,000 - https://ndc.smapply.io/prog/oyster_bay_forward/

  • Pre-Seed and Seed Matching Fund Program - Program will offer early-stage businesses growth assistance from $50,000 up to $250,000 with matching from the private sector (there must be at least $1 of private sector investment for every $1 NY Ventures invests). In addition to financial support, Empire State Development offers the tools and key introductions needed to help companies reach the next level. Company must be registered to do business in New York - https://esd.ny.gov/pre-seed-and-seed-matching-fund-program

  • Rockland County Grants - Grant opportunities for restaurants and small businesses located in Rockland County. Funding up to $25,000. Apply by 9/15/23 - https://rocklandgov.com/departments/county-executive/reviving-and-rebuilding-rockland/grants/

North Carolina

  • Beyond Open CLT grant - The Beyond Open grant program aims to help diverse small business owners in Charlotte-Mecklenburg build wealth by investing in capital assets such as equipment, technology, inventory, and real estate. Beyond Open grants in three categories of support from $5k - $250k+ and do not need to be repaid. Round 2 is opening on 8/1/23 and will close on 8/30/23.  Funding up to $25,000 - https://www.beyondopenclt.com/

  • Moore County Chamber of Commerce Small Business Grant - To be eligible for funding under the program, the business must employ less than 100 employees and have a storefront presence in the county. Nonprofits that meet these requirements may also apply if they operate a storefront small business, like a resale store or a café. Funding up to $5000. Apply by 8/31/2023 -http://members.moorecountychamber.com/news/details/moore-county-chamber-of-commerce-administering-100-000-small-business-revitalization-grant-program

  • NC Idea Micro Grant - NC IDEA MICRO grants are specifically targeted at companies headquartered in and that conduct a majority of corporate operations in the State of North Carolina. All publicly facing materials, including website, social media, and other marketing materials and channels should identify the business as a North Carolina company. Selected companies must agree to maintain the majority of corporate operations in the State of North Carolina for at least the 12-month period following completion of the grant. NC IDEA MICRO grants are awarded to companies bringing an innovative product or business model to market, and on a path to become a multi-million dollar company, have 50+ employees or be investable in 5-7 years.  Funding of $10,000.  Apply by 8/28/23 - https://ncidea.org/nc-idea-micro/

  • NC Idea Seed Grant - NC IDEA SEED grants are specifically targeted at companies headquartered in and that conduct a majority of corporate operations in the State of North Carolina. All publicly facing materials, including website, social media, and other marketing materials and channels should identify the business as a North Carolina company. Selected companies must agree to maintain the majority of corporate operations in the State of North Carolina for at least the 12-month period following completion of the grant. NC IDEA SEED offers early-stage companies the critical funding they need to scale faster. Our $50K grants are awarded to innovative startups with a proven concept — even if they are not yet profitable. Funding of $50,000. Apply by 8/28/23 - https://ncidea.org/nc-idea-seed/

Ohio

Oregon

  • Key4Women Pitch Competition - KeyBank’s Key4Women program, along with Microenterprise Services of Oregon and the Portland Thorns Football Club have announced a collaborative business pitch contest for women-owned businesses in Oregon and Southwest Washington. Funding up to $20,000.  Apply by 8/31/23 - https://www.mesopdx.org/key4women

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

​South Carolina

Texas

  • Irving Small Business Grants - For small businesses in Irving, TX, the Recovery Grant is direct financial assistance in the form of a one-time grant up to $15,000. The Resiliency Grant provides professional business support in the form of training and technical assistance. Applicants can apply for both grants. - https://www.cityofirving.org/4171/Small-Business-Grants

  • San Antonio Facade Improvement Grants - The City of San Antonio Façade Improvement Grant Program offers grants to support aesthetic and functional upgrades for active small business spaces and associated building exteriors visible from the public right-of-way. Funding up to $50,000. Apply by 9/8/2023 - https://www.sanantonio.gov/EDD/Programs-Grants/Facade

  • San Antonio Outdoor Spaces Grants - The City of San Antonio Outdoor Spaces Grant Program offers grants to improve outdoor dining and drinking spaces for small, independent, and locally owned food and drinking establishments located inside the City of San Antonio’s city limits. Eligible applicants who meet the program requirements may receive up to $10,000 towards eligible project expenses. Funding up to $10,000. Apply by 9/1/2023 - https://www.sanantonio.gov/EDD/Programs-Grants/outdoor

  • Texas Job Creators Quest Grant - The $100,000 fund will make investments to 25 diverse-led businesses in the North, Central, or South Texas regions. Founder must identify as one of the following: Latinx, Black, Asian, Women, LGBTQIA+, Military Veteran, or located in a Low to Moderate Income area. Grants of $4,000. Apply by 8/7/2023 - https://foundersfirstcdc.org/texas

Virginia

Washington, D.C

  • BLACKBONE Project - BLACKBONE Project, an initiative to help D.C. based Black women founders grow and scale their business with capacity-building resources, access to capital and mentoring. -https://www.blackboneproject.com/

  • Obviously DC Grant opportunities - Variety of grants available - Special Event Fee Relief Fund, Vitality Fund, Commercial Property Acquisition Fund , and DC Family Fun Destinations Grant.  See website for more info -https://www.obviouslydc.com/fy22-business-funding-opportunities

Washington (state)

  • Key4Women Pitch Competition - KeyBank’s Key4Women program, along with Microenterprise Services of Oregon and the Portland Thorns Football Club have announced a collaborative business pitch contest for women-owned businesses in Oregon and Southwest Washington. Funding up to $20,000.  Apply by 8/31/23 - https://www.mesopdx.org/key4women

  • Seattle Storefront Repair Grant - Storefront Repair Fund grants will help cover costs to repair current property damage or reimburse business owners for costs paid out of pocket for past damages. Eligible property damages include broken windows, broken doors, broken locks and etching on windows. This grant will not cover loss of stolen goods or damages such as graffiti. Business must be within Seattle city limits. Funding up to $2,000 - https://www.seattle.gov/office-of-economic-development/small-business/small-business-programs/storefront-repair-fund#applicationandrequireddocumentation

  • Spokane Assistance to Small Businesses Grant - Grant funding is for small businesses in Spokane that were impacted by the COVID pandemic and need help in post-pandemic recovery. Grants of up to $45,000 will be awarded to small businesses that can show a decline in gross revenue or show increased expenses equal to or greater than the $45,000 grant amount. Additionally, businesses that started operations in 2020 or 2021 are eligible for grants of up to $15,000.  Apply by 8/31/2023 - https://my.spokanecity.org/covid19/arpa/current-funding-opportunities/

Amy Royce
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