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
Amazon Small Business Success Studio - The free service offers lessons in finance, marketing, procurement and operations, along with tips from founders -https://business.amazon.com/en/small-business/success-studio/welcome
American Express Leadership Academy - The Academy is for people in the non-profit sector who are intentionally striving to be better equipped to respond adaptively to challenges, and to keep going in the face of adversity. - https://commonpurpose.org/american-express-leadership-academy#anchor1
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
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/
Curql Accelerate Program - Any company innovating in fintech or banking is encouraged to apply! Investments will be made exclusively into CUSOs (Credit Union Service Organizations) which is a qualification they will help companies add as part of their investment. Funding of $100,000. Apply by 3/9/2025 - https://www.gener8tor.com/investment-accelerators/curql
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://www.mercatus.org/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/
Giving Joy Microgrant - Available to women 18 and older - The Giving Joy Micro Grant Program is inviting women across Europe and Middle East to apply for funding aimed at empowering women, girls, and families. This initiative supports innovative ideas, businesses, and organizations that focus on making a positive impact in their communities. Eligible applicants can propose activities in any legal field or trade, making this an exciting opportunity for women to bring their visions to life. Grant of $500. Apply by 4/30/25 (later deadlines for different regions) - https://givingjoygrants.org/grant-application
Inclusive Action Awards -Open to SMEs based in and creating positive impact for women in low- and middle-income markets globally. Funding of $5,000. Apply by 3/25/2025 - https://inclusiveactionhub.untapinnovate.com/
Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub - Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub helps startups radically accelerate innovation by providing access to industry-leading AI services, expert guidance, and the essential technology needed to build a future-proofed startup. Up to $150K in Azure credits - https://www.microsoft.com/en-ca/startups
Morgan Stanley Inclusive & Sustainable Ventures Program - Morgan Stanley is empowering early-stage innovators with access to capital and resources through its Inclusive & Sustainable Ventures (MSISV) program. This initiative supports both startups and nonprofits in scaling their impact while fostering a more equitable and sustainable investment landscape. Funding up to $250,000. Apply by 3/14/2025 - https://www.morganstanley.com/about-us/inclusive-sustainable-ventures
NGO Whisperer Global Fellowship - The NGO Whisperer Global Fellowship Programme is an accredited seven-month rigorous virtual leadership programme for exceptional leaders and founders of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and social enterprises worldwide, especially those from low and middle-income countries. Apply by 3/17/2025 - https://ngowhisperer.com/fellowship/
Orlando Magic Venture Challenge - Global startups in the late pre-seed to seed stage with post-product solutions in the sports or health sectors are invited to apply. This includes innovations in fan experience, player performance, operational efficiency, marketing, and consumer health. Funding up to $250,000. Apply by 3/5/2025 - https://www.orlandomagicventure.com/
O’Shaughnessy Fellowships & Grants - A one-year program that unites the world’s most bold and undiscovered researchers, builders and creatives to find, build and spread new ideas. Funding of $100,000. Apply by 4/30/2025 - https://www.osv.llc/oshaughnessy-fellowships
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/
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/
Small Business Champions Competition - This annual competition provides an opportunity for businesses, industry associations, chambers of commerce and non-governmental organizations to propose innovative, practical ways of helping small businesses play a more active role in world trade. Funding of $4,000. Apply by 3/28/2025 - https://www.wto.org/english/forums_e/business_e/msme_sbc_e.htm
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/
Trailblazer Programme (fashion) - PDS Ventures will award one innovator a significant investment of up to USD 200,000 to accelerate the company's growth and positive impact in the fashion industry. The winner will also receive commercial and operational support from PDS Group's Positive Materials – a textile company and strategic research partner supporting the development and acceleration of low impact textile innovation through collaboration between early-stage start-ups, supply chain partners and brands. Apply by 3/7/2025 - https://globalfashionagenda.org/news-article/trailblazer-programme-2025-open-call-for-early-stage-innovators/
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 - https://www.wemakechange.org/
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
Amber Grants ($15 application fee) - Must be a woman-owned business or non-profit in the US or Canada. Three $10,000 Amber Grants are awarded each month. Three of the 36 monthly winners get an additional $25,000 Year-End Amber Grant. -https://ambergrantsforwomen.com/
Bank of America's Business Education Center for Entrepreneurs - Visit Bank of America's Small Business Education site for access to free webinars on Accessing Capital, Building Business Credit and more - https://go.bofa.com/BusinessEducationCenter
Black Ambition Prize - Black Ambition seeks to support entrepreneurs from backgrounds that have historically been overlooked by venture capital funding. To be eligible to apply, a team must have at least one founding member from such a background, including, but not limited to, backgrounds such as Black/African/African American, Hispanic/Latino/Latina/Latinx, LGBTQ, parents with earned income below the poverty level, first-generation immigrants, first-generation college graduates, and those raised by a single parent. Founders from any background traditionally overlooked in venture capital funding may apply regardless of race. Funding up to $100,000. Apply by 5/2/2025 - https://platform.younoodle.com/competition/2025_black_ambition_prize_competition
Builders and Backers Idea Accelerator - The Builders + Backers Idea Accelerator is now accepting applications for its Spring 2025 cohort, offering aspiring entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to turn their ideas into reality[. This free, virtual program is designed to take founders from concept to first launch, providing valuable resources and support along the way. Funding of $5,000. Apply by 3/11/2025 - https://www.buildersandbackers.com/building/current-idea-accelerator/spring-2025
CTIA Wireless Foundation Catalyst Grant - The Catalyst Grants Program seeks ambitious social entrepreneurs who have developed mobile-first solutions that leverage 5G and cutting-edge wireless technologies to address pressing challenges in American communities. This competitive program aims to deepen our connections and strengthen our communities through innovative mobile solutions. Funding up to $100,000 – Apply by 3/4/2025 - https://www.wirelessfoundation.org/catalyst
Door Dash Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund (DoorDash and HelloAlice) - To help restaurants recover in times of critical need, DoorDash has partnered with Hello Alice to create the Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund. The fund supports restaurants impacted by natural disasters, severe weather events, or major infrastructure failures, and provides relief through $10,000 grants. Apply by 3/3/2025 - https://helloalice.com/grants/doordash/
EmpowerHer Grant - Boundless Futures Foundation - The Boundless Futures Foundation awards grants to U.S.-based female entrepreneurs and nonprofits that support female entrepreneurship. The EmpowHer Grant offers entrepreneurs up to $25,000, with funds provided as reimbursements for business expenses upon proof of payment. EmpowHer Grant applications are accepted on a rolling basis - https://boundlessfutures.org/our-impact/
Faire Small Business Grant - Small business grant program gives select new stores $5,000 to use on Faire to stock their shelves with amazing products. Apply by $5,000 - https://www.faire.com/en/small-business-grant
First Interstate BancSystem Foundation grants - First Interstate Bank and the First Interstate BancSystem Foundation provide support in communities served by First Interstate Bank in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington, and Wyoming. Must be a nonprofit to apply. The majority of the Foundation's grants are focused on alleviating poverty by assisting low- and moderate-income individuals and communities. Funding minimum of $2500 -https://www.firstinterstatebank.com/company/commitment/grants.php
Foundation for Financial Planning Grant - Each year, FFP awards grants to community-based and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations to fund the development of programs connecting volunteer financial planners to individuals and families in crisis or need. Funding of $5,000. Apply by 4/30/2025 - https://ffpprobono.org/our-work/grants/
HerRise Micro-Grant ($10 fee to apply) - Each month a $1000 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/
Hillman Emergent Innovation (HEI) program - The Hillman Emergent Innovation (HEI) program provides grants to accelerate the development of bold, nursing-driven interventions that improve the health and healthcare of marginalized populations within the US. Funding up to $50,000. Apply by 2/18/2025 - https://www.rahf.org/programs
Home Depot Foundation's Veteran Housing Grants program - The Home Depot Foundation's Veteran Housing Grants program awards grants to nonprofit organizations for the new construction or rehabilitation of multifamily, permanent supportive housing for veterans throughout the United States, including Puerto Rico. The grants fund physical construction costs, and must comprise less than 50% of the total development cost of the project. While rural areas will be considered, priority will be given to large cities with populations of over 300,000 people. Specifically, there is a focus on projects in the following cities: Los Angeles and San Diego, CA; Denver, CO; Atlanta, GA; Tampa, FL; Chicago, IL; Detroit, MI; New York, NY; Houston, TX; and Seattle, WA. Funding up to $500,000. Deadlines of March 21, 2025 and July 3, 2025 - https://corporate.homedepot.com/page/veteran-housing-grants
Honeybook Breakthrough Grant - Open to all small business owners. You can use the funds to expand your product line, move to a new space, purchase new equipment, or anything else that will help you breakthrough in 2025! The grant runs from January 17 through April 2, 2025. Funding of $10,000 -https://www.honeycombcredit.com/breakthrough
J.M.K. Innovation Prize - The J.M.K. Innovation Prize seeks to identify and support bold problem-solvers leading transformative, early-stage projects in the fields of heritage conservation, the environment, and social justice. The process is open to individuals or teams representing nonprofit or mission-driven for-profit organizations within the United States. Funding up to $150,000. Apply by 4/25/2025 - https://jmkfund.org/innovation-prize-2025
Idea Cafe Small Business Grant - Idea Cafe, an online resource center for women-owned businesses, has been awarding Idea Cafe Small Business Grants of $1,000 to women entrepreneurs who either own a business currently or want to start their own business. Applications are now being taken for women who would like to apply for the grant money. (no fee but must sign up to be part of Idea Cafe) - https://www.businessownersideacafe.com/business_grants/index.php
Josephine Collective - The Josephine Collective looks at deals on a rolling basis, and founders can apply to be considered at any time. Goal is to have the entire process take no more than 3 weeks from presentation to wire. They invest anywhere from $10K to $100K depending on the Collective’s interest. JC prefers early-stage tech-enabled businesses. Companies must be for-profit, US-domiciled, and have an expectation of becoming large-scale businesses. "Lifestyle" businesses, single location businesses with no current plans to scale, and non-profits will not be considered. - https://joinjosephine.com/
Kitty Fund - Helping Mompreneurs - The Kitty Fund makes small micro investments in Moms who are running employer-based small businesses with two or more employees. Funding of $1,000. Applications open 3/18/25 - https://foundersfirstcdc.org/kitty-fund
L'Oréal Paris Women of Worth program - The L'Oréal Paris Women of Worth program is an inspiring philanthropic initiative that recognizes and empowers exceptional women making a difference in their communities. Female non-profit leaders based in the US can apply. Funding of $25,000. Apply by 3/8/2025 - https://www.lorealparisusa.com/women-of-worth
Military Entrepreneur Challenge - The Military Entrepreneur Challenge is a nationwide grant program that gives veteran, military spouse, and Gold Star Family entrepreneurs the opportunity to network, learn, and compete for capital to grow their small business. - https://secondservicefoundation.org/mec/
Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship - Must be a social enterprise that is intentional about supporting women’s economic empowerment, climate resilience, or the intersection of both and have at least $50K in income. Accelerator cohort starts in July 2025. Apply by 4/13/2025 - https://www.millersocent.org/accelerator/
Minority Business Circle - Supportive network for diverse entrepreneurs in various industries, offering opportunities like grants, loans, significant discounts on essential business products, and a comprehensive step-by-step guide with customized tools to track progress and foster growth. See link for info - https://minoritybusinesscircle.com/
MIT Solve Global Learning Challenge - The Challenge seeks solutions that increase access to quality learning experiences, especially in emergency and conflict-affected areas or with limited internet, improve engagement and outcomes for learners with disabilities and learning differences and/or provide skills for thriving in a complex world, from problem-solving to AI literacy. Funding of $10,000. Apply by 4/17/2025 - https://solve.mit.edu/challenges/2025-global-learning-challenge
Mona-Kiva Loan Opportunity for Small Business - Mona and Kiva U.S. have partnered to distribute $1 million of loan funding to 100 small businesses in the form of 0% interest, $0 fee, highly accessible loans $1,000 to $15,000 in size. All U.S. small businesses are eligible. Immigrant, refugee, and first-generation entrepreneurs are especially encouraged to apply.- https://www.mona-ventures.com/mona-capital
MSP Equity Accelerator sponsored by Allianz - The MSP Equity Accelerator sponsored by Allianz invests in high-growth startups founded by Black, Brown and Women entrepreneurs. For each cohort, $100K is invested in each of five startups who receive a concierge experience during our 12-week accelerator program. Founders must be willing to travel to Minnesota for In-Person Components of the program. Apply by 4/25/2025 - https://www.gener8tor.com/investment-accelerators/msp-equity-accelerator
Nehemiah Davis’ Greatness Grant - The Greatness Grant is a funding opportunity designed specifically for beginning entrepreneurs who are ready to take the leap but need financial support to kickstart their journey. Whether you’re starting your first business or growing an idea that’s been on your heart, this grant is your chance to access the resources you need to succeed. Funding of $2,500. Apply by 3/5/2025 - https://greatnessgrant.com/
Next 1B program (by McKinsey) - The Next 1B program from McKinsey is designed to support Black-owned brands in the United States. Eligible businesses are typically more than one year in maturity with anywhere from $250k-$5M in annual revenue, and sells consumer products - https://www.mckinsey.com/bem/overview/next-1b
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/
NSF Seed Fund - NSF helps startups navigate the earliest stages of technology translation, investing roughly $200 million annually in approximately 400 startups. Each startup can receive up to $2 million to support translational research and development. From advanced manufacturing to artificial intelligence to biological technologies to environmental technologies, they fund nearly all areas of technology. - https://seedfund.nsf.gov/
Pegasus Angel Accelerator - Industry agnostic and consider startups in every sector. Participants will need to relocate to Santa Monica for the program. Funding of $100,000. Apply by 3/13/2025 - https://www.pegasusangelaccelerator.com/accelerate
Rémy Martin This is My City Grant - Are you an emerging creative making a notable cultural impact in Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, or New York City? Rémy Martin’s This is My City grant program is seeking visionary artists, musicians, designers, and entrepreneurs who are making an impact in their communities. Funding of $20,000. Apply by 4/11/2025 - https://helloalice.com/grants/remy-martin-this-is-my-city-grant-program/
Rev Summer Prototyping Hardware Accelerator - The Rev Summer Prototyping Hardware Accelerator is open to anyone with an idea for a physical product and a passion for entrepreneurship. The program is free and open to the public, and teams do not need to have a legally-formed LLC to participate. The classic track supports product ideas across all industries, and the AgTech and CleanTech tracks offer startups the chance to work with a like-minded cohort and learn from industry experts. Funding of $2,000. Apply by 3/28/2025 - https://www.revithaca.com/prototyping-hardware-accelerator/
Service2CEO program - Service2CEO Is an entrepreneurship program for military-connected entrepreneurs. The program provides resources, networks of people committed to your success, and an actionable curriculum that accelerates your business to the next stage of development. - https://www.therosienetwork.org/service2ceo-program
Siakam EdTech Engine Accelerator - The Siakam EdTech Engine is a 12-week virtual accelerator program designed to help early-stage EdTech startups scale their impact. Co-founded by NBA champion Pascal Siakam’s PS43 Foundation and powered by DMZ, the program offers mentorship, resources, real-world testing, and funding opportunities. Funding up to $30,000. Apply by 3/11/2025 - https://dmz.torontomu.ca/edtech
Small Business Readiness for Resiliency grant - Developed in partnership with founding sponsor FedEx, the Small Business Readiness for Resiliency Program (R4R) is a multi-year initiative to empower small business owners to proactively mitigate the risks posed by disasters. Funding of $5,000 -https://www.uschamberfoundation.org/solutions/disaster-response-and-resiliency/small-business-readiness-for-resiliency
Small Certified Supplier Innovative Finance Program - Targeted to small certified suppliers in California, Georgia, Kansas, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas and Washington, the Small Certified Supplier Innovative Finance Program is designed to engage diverse suppliers in educational funding readiness training and funder matching to support capacity building. Funding for $5,000 - https://foundersfirstcapitalpartners.com/small-certified-supplier-innovative-finance-program/
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 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. Applicants should have at least $500 in recurring sales over the past 3 months and total household income must fall below 750% Federal Poverty Guidelines. If you are interested in being considered as a “client” for free services, you can fill out this form https://partner.startsmallthinkbig.org/bofainstitute (check toggle on side for English/Spanish). They also offer free webinars (in Eng and Span) with upcoming events listed here - https://www.startsmallthinkbig.org/events-for-small-businesses
Substack Creator Accelerator Fund - The Substack Creator Accelerator Fund is for creators who are ready to expand their reach and subscription business by taking advantage of Substack’s growth network and full suite of publishing, community, and discovery tools. Any U.S.-based individual creator, or small group of creators, who have a monthly recurring revenue (MRR) of at least $2,000 can apply. -https://read.substack.com/p/substack-creator-accelerator-fund
TD Charitable Foundation Grants - The TD Charitable Foundation’s Capacity Building Fund provides grants to nonprofit organizations in TD Bank’s U.S. market areas for training, talent, tools, and tactics to further help their programs succeed. The Fund includes two opportunities: Capacity Building Grants provide funding to help strengthen and increase the impact of organizations on the communities they serve. These grants support work around three key issues: tactics, talent, and tools. The Nonprofit Training Resource Fund supports specific trainings that increase the capacities and skill sets of organizations’ employees. For both opportunities, support is primarily provided for programs aligned to one of TD’s corporate citizenship priorities: better health, connected communities, financial security, and a vibrant planet. Applicants must have annual operating budgets of $2 million or less and serve low- to moderate-income communities and diverse or historically underserved communities. Eligible areas are CT, DE, DC, FL, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, SC, VA, and VT. Funding up to $150,000. Apply by May 30, 2025 - https://www.td.com/us/en/about-us/communities/ready-commitment/funding-opportunities/non-profit
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
U.S. Venture/Schmidt Family Foundation Grant - The Program Grants will be awarded from the U.S. Venture/Schmidt Family Foundation (USV/SFF) to help the disadvantaged, improve the quality of people’s lives, and strengthen our communities. The Foundation will consider a broad range of requests including specific program needs, capital or general operating support. A charitable organization will typically receive no more than one program grant per calendar year. Apply quarterly (4/25/25, 7/25/25, 10/24/25) - https://www.usventure.com/giving-back/us-venture-schmidt-family-foundation/program-grants/
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
YippityDoo Big Idea Grant ($15 application fee) - Each month, one $1000 grant is awarded to a woman, age 18 or over, in the US to invest in their Business or Idea. It can be used as a start up grant, marketing grant, operational grant or whatever you need to help you to the next level with your idea or business. - https://programs.yippitydoo.com/thebigideagrantforwomen
ZenBusiness Free LLC Formation for Moms - To help mothers take the first step toward entrepreneurship, ZenBusiness is covering business formation costs and will help entrepreneurs form an LCC, track expenses, secure a business name, and more. -https://www.zenbusiness.com/moms/
Comments