FULL FEBRUARY 2023 BUSINESS GRANTS lIST

Business Grants
Written By Bernice Victor

Grants are an awesome way to fund your small business. Small business grants can help you expand your business, hire new employees, cover overhead, upgrade equipment and facilities, invest in marketing and so much more.

Apply you have nothing to lose. Read the descriptions to see if you qualify and double-check the due date and click the link to be sent right to the grant. We will continue to support fellow entrepreneurs. To support us please visit our shop and purchase a playbook or planner. If you purchase a physical planner use code Goals2023 to get a free digital planner.

Subscribe to our newsletter for a free copy of our Building Business Credit Playbook. Thank you and let’s get this money 🤑.

GLOBAL GRANTS

Amazon App Store Small Business Accelerator - The Small Business Accelerator Program allows developers that earned 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

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

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

RESPOND Accelerator - The RESPOND Accelerator is a 5-month startup accelerator program that systematically advances how entrepreneurs lead, grow and scale sustainable businesses. While the team is based in Munich, most of the accelerator operates online and they work with startups from across the globe.  Apply by 2/6/2023 - https://respond-accelerator.com/apply/

Roddenberry Catalyst Fund - The Catalyst Fund is offering grants to Nonprofits & Social Enterprises to fund ideas or early-stage projects that have a high potential for large-scale impact and sustainable change. You can be a seasoned social entrepreneur or a first-time changemaker. Eligible candidates for the Catalyst Fund may be individuals, teams of individuals, non-profit organizations, or social enterprises. Funding up to $15,000 - https://roddenberryfoundation.org/our-work/catalyst-fund/

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/

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



AFRICA GRANTS

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 modeling, intellectual property assessment, strategic and financial valuation as well as populating a data room - https://grindstonexl.com/

Google For Startups Accelerator: Women Founders - A three-month virtual accelerator program for high-potential Seed to Series A tech startups based in Africa. Google for Startups Accelerator Africa accepts applications from startups in Algeria, Botswana, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. Apply by 2/20/2023 - https://startup.google.com/accelerator/africa/

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/



CANADA GRANTS

Commercial Space Rehabilitation Grant - Offers matching funding of 50 percent to commercial business operators and owners of storefronts that are vacant (or, in certain limited circumstances, at risk of becoming vacant) to undertake interior improvements, assisting businesses to re-lease space impacted by COVID-19. Must be located in Toronto. Funding up to $24,000. Apply by 2/28/2023 - https://www.toronto.ca/business-economy/business-operation-growth/business-incentives/commercial-space-rehabilitation-grant-program/

Downtown Vancouver Storefront Security Grant - Businesses in the Downtown Vancouver catchment are eligible to apply for this funding. Downtown Van will match up to 50% of the cost (max $5,000) incurred to repair and restore damages from criminal activity.  Apply by 2/28/2023 - https://www.dtvan.ca/projects/storefrontsecuritygrant/

Innovators & Entrepreneurs Foundation (IEF) Microgrant Program - The IEF micro-grants exist to support Canadian entrepreneurs and small & medium-sized enterprise (SME) owners belonging to racialized and/or equity-deserving communities as they overcome and recover from the various global and regional business disruptions and impacts of recent years. Funding of $5,000. Apply by 2/14/2023 - https://www.ief-fie.ca/the-canie-microgrants/



UNITED STATES GRANTS

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

Barclays Small Business Grant - Must be a business based in the US and share your story for prizes from $3000 to $60,000.  Apply by 2/28/2023 - https://www.barclayssmallbizbigwins.com/

Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund - The Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund is a small grant program that provides direct assistance to veterans who are in their beginning years of farming or ranching. The Fellowship Fund does not give money directly to the veteran, but rather to third-party vendors for items the veteran has identified will make a crucial difference in the launch of their farm business. Awards range from $1,000 to $5,000. Apply by 2/14/23 - https://farmvetco.org/fvfellowship/

Fast Break for Small Business - Fast Break for Small Business is focused on supporting and investing in Black-owned small businesses by awarding $10,000 grants and a free LegalZoom product or service valued up to $500. Apply by 2/17/2023 - https://www.legalzoom.com/fastbreakforsmallbusiness

FedEx Small Business Grant - To enter the contest, applicants must be a business based in the US and have a FedEx account - though you can create one to enter. 10 awards will be given as well as 1 award to a US veteran.  Awards of $30,000-$50,000.  Apply by 2/21/2023 - https://www.fedex.com/en-us/small-business/grant-contest.html

Next View Ventures Accelerator - This program is intended for pre-seed and seed-stage companies that are incorporated and targeting customers in North America. Startups that have been operational for less than three years and have previously raised less than $2M of capital will be considered. All startups receive $400K for 10% of the company upon acceptance into the program. Apply by 2/28/2023 - https://nextview.vc/accelerator/

Sage "Invest in Progress" Grant through BOSS Impact Fund - The BOSS Impact Fund supports Black women-led businesses to build scalable, growth-aggressive companies. Must be a US-based, for-profit business. Funding of $10,000. Apply by 2/24/2023 - https://www.bossimpactfund.com/landing_page2/

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 micro-loans 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

Target Accelerator Programs (early stage and mature stage) - Must be an early-stage consumer packaged goods (CPG) company focused on growth and scaling for mass retail. Target Forward Founders program is a 10-week virtual startup accelerator program for early-stage consumer packaged goods companies looking to better understand retail. The Target Takeoff program is a 6-week virtual startup accelerator program for mature consumer packaged goods companies in the essentials and food and beverage space looking to take their brand to the next level and scale into mass retail. Funding of $5,000. Apply by 2/3/2023 - https://targetaccelerators.com/apply-now/

Zen Business - For a limited time, Zen Business is giving every mom in America the ability to start an LLC for free. - https://www.zenbusiness.com/moms/


ARKANSAS GRANTS

CALIFORNIA GRANTS

  • California Dream Fund - To apply for the grant, the program first requires eligible startups to participate in a no-cost business startup program that combines helpful startup training workshops with one-on-one consulting services. Upon successful completion of the program, eligible participants will be given a link to apply for grant funding up to $10,000 - https://calosba.ca.gov/funding-grants-incentives/california-dream-fund-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. - https://ci.carson.ca.us/communitydevelopment/SBGProgram.aspx

  • Lake County, CA Microgrant Program - Must be physically located in Lake County and have <5 full-time equivalent employees. Grants for $2,500 on a first come, first served basis - https://www.lakecountycaedc.org/grants/

  • 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. Applications open 2/22/23 - http://longbeach.gov/smallbizgrants

  • San Bernardino County Microbusiness COVID-19 Relief Grant - Must be a business located within the San Bernardino County boundaries with 5 or less employees. Grants for $2,500 - https://www.selectsbcounty.com/major-initiatives/microbusiness-covid-19-relief-grant

  • San Francisco Flood Relief Grant - Small businesses, property owners, and residents that experienced significant damage from flooding may be eligible for disaster relief grants and support up to $5000. Apply by 2/10/2023 - https://sf.gov/get-help-if-your-business-was-damaged-flooding

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


COLORADO GRANTS


CONNECTICUT GRANTS


DELAWARE GRANTS

  • 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 GRANTS


GEORGIA GRANTS


HAWAII GRANTS


ILLINOIS GRANTS

  • Chicago Job Creators Grant - Must be located in the state of Illinois and have a current staff of 2-20 employees. Will have the ability to add 1-2+ net new premium wage jobs in the next 12 months. Your company must be a service-based business and at least one revenue stream serving other businesses. Must be a for-profit company with annual revenues between $100K and $3 million. Grants for $100,000. Apply by 2/7/2023 - https://foundersfirstcdc.org/chicago/

  • Climate Infrastructure Fund - Applicants may be Chicago non-profit organizations and small businesses, with priority given to projects located in environmental justice communities. Prioritization will be given to projects with documented climate mitigation and resiliency improvements, equity impacts, and project readiness. Funding up to $250,000. Apply by 2/24/2023 - Chicago.gov/ClimateFund

  • Danville, IL Small Business Grant - Businesses must be restaurants that 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

  • Founders First Job Creators Quest Grant – Chicago - Applicants should be located in Chicago, have fewer than 20 employees, and identify as Black, Indigenous, a person of color, LGBTQIA+, a military veteran, a woman, or located in a low to moderate-income area.  25 grants totaling $100,000. Apply by 2/8/2023 - https://foundersfirstcdc.org/chicago/

  • 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

  • Schaumburg Small Business Grants - The Village of Schaumburg has allocated $245,000 to provide grants of up to $30,000 to small businesses defined as having 50 or fewer employees. Submissions will be accepted on a rolling basis until grant funds are expended. https://centerofconcern.org/schaumburg-small-business-grants/

  • Small Business Improvement Fund – Chicago - Grants for permanent building improvements and repairs. Chicago’s Department of Planning and Development facilitates the program. Local businesses can apply for grants that cover between 30 percent and 90 percent of their remodeling or building costs.  Funding up to $250,000. Different application deadlines based on location in Chicago. - https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/small-business-improvement-fund/home.html


INDIANA GRANTS

  • Indiana Technical Assistance Program - INTAP is an annual program that helps small Indiana businesses complete growth and improvement projects by providing up to $15,000 in services from a qualified professional and technical vendor. This helps businesses secure the necessary skill set, qualifications, or technical expertise needed to execute a project. Apply by 2/17/2023 - https://isbdc.org/tech-commercialization/


KANSAS GRANTS

  • HERImpact Kansas City Pitch Competition - Women business owners and social entrepreneurs in Kansas City are encouraged to compete this spring in a Shark Tank-style funding event aimed at investing in women’s ambitions to start and scale local businesses. This competition is for women social entrepreneurs in the Kansas City metropolitan area (i.e., the 14 counties straddling Missouri and Kansas). The total prize pool of $50,000 will be split among the winning contestants. Apply by 2/10/2023 - https://1863.smapply.io/prog/herimpact_kc_pitch_2022/

LOUISIANA GRANTS


MAINE GRANTS

  • Ellsworth Downtown Grants Program - Mini-grants of $1000 will be available for start-up or expansion projects to help entrepreneurs and support economic opportunities in the city of Ellsworth. All downtown Ellsworth business owners and area entrepreneurs are eligible to apply. Apply by 2/17/2023 - https://www.heartofellsworth.org/grantprogram2023


MARYLAND GRANTS


MASSACHUSETTS GRANTS


MICHIGAN GRANTS

  • 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/

  • Match on Main Grants Reimbursement Grant Program - provided by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation that serves to support new or expanding place-based businesses by providing up to $25,000 in funding to support eligible activities. - https://www.miplace.org/small-business/match-on-main/

  • 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


MINNESOTA GRANTS


MISSOURI GRANTS

  • HERImpact Kansas City Pitch Competition - Women business owners and social entrepreneurs in Kansas City are encouraged to compete this spring in a Shark Tank-style funding event aimed at investing in women’s ambitions to start and scale local businesses. This competition is for women social entrepreneurs in the Kansas City metropolitan area (i.e., the 14 counties straddling Missouri and Kansas). The total prize pool of $50,000 will be split among the winning contestants. Apply by 2/10/2023 - https://1863.smapply.io/prog/herimpact_kc_pitch_2022/

  • North St. Louis Commercial Corridor Grant - Businesses and nonprofits located on 11 eligible corridors and neighborhoods in North St. Louis can apply for operational support and façade and storefront improvement grants. https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/sldc/grants/north-st-louis-commercial-corridor/index.cfm


NEW HAMPSHIRE GRANTS

  • 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 GRANTS

  • 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 the purchase and/or installation of new furniture, fixtures, and equipment. Grants up to $50,000 - https://www.njeda.com/smallbusinessservices/


NEW MEXICO GRANTS

NEW YORK GRANTS

  • Albany Small Business Grants - Small Business Building Improvement Grant (BIG) Program provides access to critical funding necessary for aspiring entrepreneurs and new businesses to get off the ground in the City of Albany and for existing Albany businesses to grow. Funding up to $25,000. Apply by 2/10/2023 - https://capitalizealbany.com/Grants/

  • Allegany County Small Business grant - Must be a for-profit business located in Allegany County with fewer than 25 employees. Funding up to $75,000. Apply by 2/17/2023 - Contact Dr. Craig Clark at craig.clark@alleganyco.gov for application

  • Cortland, NY Microenterprise Grant - Microenterprise Program is designed to help eligible businesses with five or fewer employees, including the owner, with grants of up to $35,000. The owner or new hire(s) must have low-to-moderate incomes. Apply by 2/20/2023 - https://www.cortland.org/498/Microenterprise-Assistance-Program

  • 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

  • Hope4Heroes - Military veteran’s program specifically designed to mentor and provide support for small veteran-owned businesses in New York’s Bronx County. Must be a veteran with an honorable character of service & must currently own and operate a small business in Bronx County, New York.  Award is one year of financial mentorship - https://militarywarriors.org/hope4heroes/

  • 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. The 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 up to $25,000 - https://rocklandgov.com/departments/county-executive/reviving-and-rebuilding-rockland/grants/

  • Seed Funding Grant Program - The New York State Seed Funding Grant Program was created to provide assistance to early-stage small businesses to succeed in a recovering New York State economy. Must be incorporated in New York State or licensed or registered to do business in New York State and have less than $1MM in revenue. Grants up to $25,000 - https://nyseedgrant.com/


NORTH CAROLINA GRANTS

  • Creative Renewal Fellowship - Creative Renewal Fellowship is intended to provide a structured period of rest and creative exploration for vocational artists. Funds may be used for travel, housing, and/or the equipment necessary to conduct proposed activities. Applicants should have 10+ years of pursuing a career in their discipline and be residents of Mecklenburg County for three years at the time of application.  Funding of $15,000. Apply by 2/6/2023 - https://artsandscience.org/creative-renewal-fellowship


OHIO GRANTS

PENNSYLVANIA GRANTS

  • Local Share Account (LSA) – Philadelphia - Eligible applicants include any of the following entities located within the City of Philadelphia: Community Development Corporations, Economic development organizations and redevelopment authorities, business improvement districts/neighborhood improvement districts, not-for-profit organizations with a 501(c) designation, the City of Philadelphia, and the School District of Philadelphia. Funding up to $500,000. - https://dced.pa.gov/programs/local-share-account-lsa-philadelphia/

  • Merchants Fund Stabilization Grant (Philadelphia) - The grant is a one-time infusion of capital to help the business stabilize/recover from a specific deficit/challenge (e.g. replace a failing HVAC system, repair an outdated production space,  etc.) or grow/take advantage of an opportunity to increase revenue or decrease expenses (e.g. purchase a piece of equipment that will improve productivity, improve the interior of the store, expand to wholesale/e-commerce, etc.).  Business must be in Philadelphia.  Apply by 2/28/2023 - https://merchantsfund.org/grants/stabilization/

  • PA Arts and Culture Recovery Program - Applicants should be nonprofit arts and culture organizations, local arts and culture districts and arts and culture professionals located in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Funding up to $25,000. Apply by 2/28/2023 - https://dced.pa.gov/programs/covid-19-arpa-pa-arts-and-culture-recovery-program-pacr/

  • Scranton Small Business Grants - Businesses must be in a qualifying Low-to-Moderate service area within the City of Scranton.  Grants up to $5000 -https://scrantonpa.gov/2022/02/17/microgrants-for-small-business-startups/


RHODE ISLAND GRANTS


SOUTH CAROLINA GRANTS


TEXAS GRANTS

  • Fort Bend, TX Small Business Grant - To qualify, you must be a Fort Bend business that has been operational since December 30, 2019, and prove a revenue decline of at least 25 percent from 2019 to 2020. Grants for $5000-$25,000 -https://fortbendcounty.com/expansion-and-relocation/grants

  • Harlingen Revitalization Grant - Revitalize Harlingen is a small business site improvement matching grant program offered by the Harlingen Economic Development Corporation that will provide, in the form of an incentive grant, up to $10,000 for the site and storefront improvements; encouraging the retention of jobs for business enterprises in the City of Harlingen - https://harlingenedc.com/revitalize-harlingen

  • We All Win Waco Small Business Grants - Businesses must be located inside the Waco city limits, employ fewer than 25 people, and must be located in Community Development Block Grant eligible areas as of Mar. 3. Funding up to $60,000. Apply by 2/4/2023 - https://www.waco-texas.com/Departments/Housing/Small-Business-Support


VERMONT GRANTS

  • Vermont Creative Futures Grant Program - This program is open to all Vermont-based creative economy nonprofits and for-profit businesses including sole proprietors that can demonstrate economic harm caused by or exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Funding of $5000-$200,000. Round 2 is due by 2/28/23. Round 3: 5/1-6/30/23 - https://www.vermontartscouncil.org/grants/creative-futures-grant-program


VIRGINIA GRANTS

Washington (state)

Bernice Victor

I am an Expert Brand & Marketing Strategist. I am here if you want to build and grow a sustainable business.

https://www.championbrandingagency.com
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