You’ve made the leap from idea to concrete planning. Lets move now to funding. One thing that can make life easier? Grants. Unlike loans, grants don’t require repayment, which means more money for your business to grow.
To help you get started, here’s a list of 20 grants worth exploring.
1. FedEx Small Business Grant Contest
FedEx offers grants ranging from $15,000 to $50,000, plus other business resources. If you have a unique idea and a strong pitch, this one’s for you.
- Who should apply: Businesses needing funding for growth and marketing.
- Learn more
2. Black Ambition Prize Grant
Black Ambition is a nonprofit initiative supporting Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs with high-growth startups.
- Who should apply: Minority-owned businesses aiming to scale.
- Learn more
3. Comcast RISE Investment Fund
Comcast provides grants, marketing support, and tech resources to minority-owned businesses.
- Who should apply: Minority-owned businesses needing growth and tech support.
- Learn more
4. NASE Growth Grants
National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) members can apply for grants up to $4,000 for business growth.
- Who should apply: Self-employed individuals needing operational funding.
- Learn more
5. Grants.gov
A comprehensive database of federal government grants across industries.
- Who should apply: Businesses with projects that align with federal goals.
- Visit Grants.gov
6. Amber Grant
This monthly grant awards $10,000 to a woman-owned small business, with a $25,000 annual grand prize.
- Who should apply: Women entrepreneurs looking to fund a dream.
- Learn more
7. The Halstead Grant
A $7,500 grant for new jewelry designers looking to expand.
- Who should apply: Emerging jewelry designers.
- Learn more
8. USDA Rural Business Development Grants
The USDA provides grants to rural businesses for equipment, training, and other needs.
- Who should apply: Businesses serving rural communities.
- Learn more
9. LISC Small Business Relief Grants
LISC offers grants to help small businesses in underserved communities.
- Who should apply: Small businesses in low-to-moderate-income areas.
- Learn more
10. StreetShares Foundation Veteran Small Business Award
Veteran-owned businesses can apply for grants up to $15,000.
- Who should apply: Veteran-owned businesses.
- Learn more
11. Verizon Small Business Digital Ready
Verizon offers grants, education, and other resources for small businesses.
- Who should apply: Small businesses in New York.
- Learn more
12. Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program
This program offers a $5,000 grant and a year-long fellowship for women entrepreneurs.
- Who should apply: Women entrepreneurs seeking mentorship and funding.
- Learn more
13. Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant
Eileen Fisher offers up to $100,000 annually for women-owned businesses focused on social change.
- Who should apply: Women entrepreneurs with a sustainability focus.
- Learn more
14. New York State Innovation Venture Capital Fund
Provides venture capital for businesses working on innovative technology and products.
- Who should apply: Tech or innovation-focused businesses in New York.
- Learn more
15. Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Grants
Offers grants starting at $150,000 for small businesses focused on research and development.
- Who should apply: Businesses with R&D projects in science or technology.
- Learn more
16. Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program
STTR grants focus on businesses collaborating with research institutions on tech projects.
- Who should apply: Tech businesses working with research institutions.
- Learn more
17. The Barstool Fund
Started during the pandemic, The Barstool Fund continues to support small businesses with financial hardships.
- Who should apply: Businesses with a financial hardship story.
- Learn more
18. Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards
Cartier offers up to $100,000 annually for women-owned businesses addressing social issues.
- Who should apply: Women entrepreneurs focused on social impact.
- Learn more
19. Visa Everywhere Initiative
Visa awards $50,000 to startups tackling payment-related challenges.
- Who should apply: Fintech startups and businesses in the payment space.
- Learn more
20. Patagonia Corporate Grant Program
Patagonia provides grants to businesses and nonprofits working on environmental issues.
- Who should apply: Environmentally-focused businesses or nonprofits.
- Learn more
The Bradhurst Merchants Association: Your Partner in Growth
Finding the right grant is just the first step. Navigating applications and securing funds can be challenging, but the Bradhurst Merchants Association is here to help small businesses in Harlem and beyond. Whether it’s guidance, networking, or local knowledge, we’re dedicated to helping you access the resources you need to thrive.
Need help with a grant? Contact us today and let’s fuel your business growth together!
