5 Small Business Grants You Can Apply For Right Now

5 Small Business Grants You Can Apply For Right Now

  • 5 hours ago
  • forbes.com
  • Keywords: High inflation, Consumer confidence decline, Funding challenges

Small business owners facing economic challenges can explore five grant opportunities offering up to $100,000 in funding. These grants aim to support underrepresented groups, including women of color, with initiatives like scaling ventures, enhancing operational resilience, and accessing capital for growth. Deadlines vary, so timely application is key to securing much-needed financial support.

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Estimated market influence

The Conference Board

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Provided economic data showing negative trends.

Bank of America

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Report highlights shrinking access to traditional funding for small businesses.

Dream Makers Founder Grant

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Supports underrepresented entrepreneurs with grants.

Cartier Women’s Initiative

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Provides substantial financial support and mentorship for women-led businesses globally.

Cultivate Small Business

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Offers comprehensive support including grants, mentorship, and education for food entrepreneurs in specific regions.

Amazon Business

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Investing over $250k in small businesses through grants and perks.

Stamps.com

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Launched inaugural grant to enhance operational resilience for service-based businesses.

Context

Analysis and Summary: Small Business Grants for Growth and Resilience

Overview

  • Economic Context: Inflation at ~4% (as of March 2025) and declining consumer confidence for five consecutive months signal a challenging economic environment.
  • Funding Challenges: Access to traditional funding is shrinking, with only 71% of small business owners seeking funds in 2024 compared to 82% in 2023. Personal savings remain the primary source at 69%, up from 43% in 2020.

Key Market Insights

  • Grant Opportunities: Five grants totaling over $1 million are available, targeting underrepresented entrepreneurs and small businesses.
  • Targeted Support: Focus on women of color and historically excluded groups to address systemic funding barriers.

Grant Opportunity Analysis

1. Dream Makers Founder Grant

  • Amount: $25,000 per grant (5 grants annually). Total for 2025: $125,000.
  • Eligibility: U.S.-based, women-owned (at least 51%), CPG businesses excluding beauty products.
  • Application Deadline: May 30, 2025. Winners announced in August 2025.

2. Cartier Women’s Initiative

  • Amount: $30,000 to $100,000 per winner.
  • Eligibility: Global women-led businesses with a social/environmental impact.
  • Application Deadline: June 24, 2025.

3. Cultivate Small Business Program

  • Support: 12-week curriculum, mentorship, and capital grants for early-stage food entrepreneurs in low-income neighborhoods.
  • Eligibility: U.S.-based businesses with $25k-$1M revenue and 1-10 employees.
  • Application Window: March-June 2025 (fall cohort).

4. Amazon Business Small Business Grants

  • Total Investment: Over $250,000.
  • Prizes: $25k grand prize, $20k for finalists, $15k for semi-finalists; plus business perks.
  • Eligibility: U.S.-based Amazon Business customers with <$1M annual revenue.
  • Application Deadline: May 23, 2025.

5. Stamps.com Flexibility Grant

  • Amount: $25,000 for one service-based business.
  • Eligibility: U.S.-based businesses with ≥3 employees and ≥2 years in operation.
  • Application Window: May 1-31, 2025.

Strategic Considerations

  • Diverse Funding Sources: Grants provide alternative funding for small businesses navigating economic uncertainty.
  • Targeted Support: Focus on underrepresented groups (e.g., women of color) addresses systemic funding gaps.
  • Operational Resilience: Grants like the Stamps.com program emphasize automation and digital tools to enhance business flexibility.

Competitive Dynamics

  • Global vs. Local Focus: Programs like Cartier Women’s Initiative offer global visibility, while others like Cultivate focus on specific regions.
  • E-commerce Growth: Amazon Business grants incentivize e-commerce expansion, aligning with growing online retail trends.

Long-Term Effects and Regulatory Impacts

  • Funding Accessibility: Increased grant opportunities may reduce reliance on traditional financing, fostering more diverse entrepreneurship.
  • Policy Influence: Potential for regulatory changes to expand access to capital for underrepresented businesses.

Conclusion

These grants provide critical financial support for small businesses in a challenging economic climate, particularly benefiting women and underrepresented entrepreneurs. Strategic alignment with grant programs can help businesses scale, innovate, and build resilience during periods of limited traditional funding.