Small Business Grants & Funding Opportunities for 2025
Raising capital ranks as one of the top challenges for small business owners in 2025. The good news? Dozens of grants totaling millions of dollars are available right now—and unlike loans, you never have to pay them back. Whether you need funds to hire employees, manage rising costs, or reduce reliance on personal savings, this guide covers 32+ grant opportunities you can apply for today.
How do small business grants work?
Small business grants work by providing free funding that you never have to repay—making them different from loans. Organizations or government agencies award these grants to help businesses grow or achieve specific goals. To qualify, you’ll typically submit detailed applications that include your business plan, financial records, and a clear explanation of how you’ll use the funds.
You can find small business grants from two primary sources: private funders and government agencies (both at the state and federal levels). Some grants are offered annually, while others have multiple application windows or rolling deadlines.
15 general small business grants
Below, you’ll find various grants offered by private companies and organizations available in 2025:
The Freed Fellowship Grant
Every month, the Freed Fellowship awards $500 to a small business owner, with the potential for more funding. Recipients also receive personalized business feedback and two months of free mentoring through the Freed Studio virtual community.
- Where to apply: The Freed Fellowship
- Award amount: $500 monthly, plus eligibility for a $2,500 end-of-year grant
- Who can apply: Any micro or small business owner in the U.S.
- Application frequency: Monthly rolling applications
Skip Grants
Skip offers numerous grants throughout the year, from instant $1,000 grants to training programs. Be sure to monitor these opportunities regularly, as Skip typically awards 5–10 grants to entrepreneurs and small business owners each month.
- Where to apply: Skip
- Award amount: $1,000 to $10,000 or more
- Who can apply: Varies by program (must create a free Skip account to apply)
- Application frequency: Multiple opportunities monthly
The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) Growth Grant
The NASE is an organization that represents thousands of entrepreneurs and businesses. Although you must join NASE, eligible members can apply for a Growth Grant quarterly (applications reviewed in January, April, July, and October).
- Where to apply: NASE
- Award amount: Up to $4,000
- Who can apply: NASE members in good standing
- Application frequency: Quarterly (applications reviewed in January, April, July, and October)
Verizon Small Business Digital Ready
Any small business owner can sign up for Verizon’s Digital Ready program. In addition to over $1 million in annual grant funding, Verizon offers dozens of free online courses and networking events.
- Where to apply: Verizon
- Award amount: $10,000 per grant
- Who can apply: Business owners who register for a free account, complete at least two courses, and meet other criteria set by the program
- Application frequency: Multiple rounds annually
Secretsos™ Small Business Grant
This quarterly grant program provides $2,500 in funding to help established businesses overcome challenges and fuel growth. Recipients have complete flexibility in how they use the funds, whether for hiring, operations, or implementing new strategies.
- Where to apply: Secretsos™
- Award amount: $2,500
- Who can apply: U.S. residents over 21 years of age. Businesses must be legally registered and meet one of these criteria: financially distressed (i.e., denied or unable to qualify for bank loans), woman-owned, veteran-owned, minority-owned, or located in an economic development zone.
- Application frequency: Quarterly
Patagonia Corporate Grants Program
This invitation-only environmental grant supports organizations that protect local habitats and frontline communities. You can visit Patagonia’s website to learn more about the program or nominate a deserving organization.
- Where to apply: Patagonia
- Award amount: Varies by program (typically between $5,000 and $20,000)
- Who can apply: 501(c)(3) public charities or organizations that use a 501(c)(3) as a fiscal sponsor. All recommended organizations must focus on environmental initiatives and align with one of Patagonia’s four focus areas
- Application frequency: Invitation-only, nomination-based
FedEx® Small Business Grants Program
FedEx® created this grant competition in 2012 and typically awards ten grants per year: one $50,000 grand prize and $20,000 to nine runner-ups. Interested businesses can sign up for notifications about the next application period if it’s not currently open.
- Where to apply: FedEx®
- Award amount: $20,000 to $50,000
- Who can apply: For-profit business owners based in the U.S. who actively ship products using a FedEx business account
- Application frequency: Annual competition
Start.Pivot.Grow. Micro Grant
This quarterly grant program provides $2,500 to help small businesses cover essential expenses and invest in growth opportunities. This grant also has a rolling application deadline, so you can apply year-round.
- Where to apply: Start.Pivot.Grow.
- Award amount: $2,500 and bonus business planning tools
- Who can apply: Anyone who has been in business for at least two years with 1–2 employees (including the owner) and annual revenues of $50,000 or more
- Application frequency: Rolling applications, quarterly awards
Spark Good Local Grants
Walmart’s community grant program funds local nonprofits, government agencies, and educational institutions serving their communities. Applications are typically accepted during three submission periods throughout the year.
- Where to apply: Walmart
- Award amount: $250 to $5,000
- Who can apply: 501(c)(3) public charities, government entities, educational institutions, and faith-based organizations operating within a local Walmart’s service area (must create a Spark Good account and complete a verification process through Deed)
- Application frequency: Three submission periods annually
Lenovo Evolve Small Initiative Grants
Lenovo created the Evolve Small Initiative in 2021 to help small businesses with funding, technology, and mentorship. Winners in 2025 will receive a cash grant and other resources, focusing on business development and AI implementation.
- Where to apply: Lenovo
- Award amount: $25,000 cash grant, an AI technology package valued at $10,000, and access to Goodie Nation and Chantel Cohen mentorship programs
- Who can apply: Businesses located in North America (excluding Quebec) with annual revenues under $7.5 million and 75 or fewer employees
Hustler’s MicroGrant
Thanks to a collaboration between Deja Vu Parker and HerSuiteSpot, this program offers monthly grants to passionate small business owners and entrepreneurs. Applications open every month.
- Where to apply: HerSuiteSpot
- Award amount: $1,000
- Who can apply: Small business owners and entrepreneurs in the U.S.
- Application frequency: Monthly
American Express® Backing Small Businesses
American Express and Main Street America created this grant in 2021 to support economically vulnerable small business owners. Applications typically open in the spring and have submission limits, so be sure to apply early.
- Where to apply: Main Street America
- Award amount: $10,000 (up to $30,000 for Enhancement Grants)
- Who can apply: Independently owned small businesses that employ 20 or fewer full-time employees. Must be located in older or historic commercial districts (brick-and-mortar only)
- Application frequency: Annual program, typically opens in spring
The Amber Grant
Founded by WomensNet in 1998, the Amber Grant program awards thousands of dollars to woman-owned businesses each month. Plus, you can apply for multiple grant opportunities with just one application, including monthly grants, industry-specific grants, and end-of-year awards.
- Where to apply: WomensNet
- Award amount: $10,000 to $25,000
- Who can apply: Women over 18 years of age with a business at least 50% women-owned (startups are also eligible to apply)
- Application frequency: Monthly applications with end-of-year awards
Comcast RISE
Comcast RISE is an annual program that supports small businesses with consulting services, media production, technology upgrades, and monetary grants. Over 14,000 small businesses have benefitted from the program, and the details for 2025 will be announced soon.
- Where to apply: Comcast RISE
- Award amount: $5,000 grants and other business resources
- Who can apply: Small businesses located in certain areas (check the program page for updates)
- Application frequency: Annual program
The Awesome Foundation Grants
This foundation is a global community of chapters supporting awesome projects with $1,000 micro-grants, awarded monthly. Each chapter’s trustees fund these grants and encourage anyone with a great idea to apply.
- Where to apply: The Awesome Foundation
- Award amount: $1,000
- Who can apply: Individuals, groups, or organizations with a project idea
- Application frequency: Monthly by chapter
State business incentives
The State Business Incentives Database can help you find financial opportunities that are only available in your region. In addition to state grants, you can typically find tax credits, workforce training programs, energy efficiency rebates, and similar incentives in your area.
SBA-backed loans
While they must be repaid, SBA-backed loans typically offer competitive rates and more flexible terms than traditional small business financing. Options include 7(a) loans, 504 loans, and microloans, depending on your needs and what you intend to use the funds for.