As we approach the end of the year, it’s an excellent time for businesses to explore funding opportunities that can support their growth, development, and innovative projects. Here’s a look at some standout grant and business resource opportunities this month:
ILLINOIS OPPORTUNITY
Neighborhood Business Development Center (NBDC) Program-Chicago- The selected grantees of the NBDC program will deliver highly specialized business programs and services that help entrepreneurs start, and business owners grow or sustain their small businesses, as well as assist their program peers to build their respective capacities. The program ensures alignment with the ever-evolving needs of the diverse business community of the city Applications for this RFP must now be completed by Friday, November 8, 2024, before 12:00 PM (CDT). To apply for this RFP, visit the City’s eProcurement website and search by RFP #10553,1.
Community Development Grant - Chicago - Small grants up to $250,000 are intended to support eligible commercial, mixed-use and light manufacturing projects. Grants provide funding for up to 75% of total eligible project costs involving new construction, rehabilitation or both. Priority is given to projects with strong local impacts that leverage local talents, capacities and institutions and contribute to community vitality. Private and non-profit developers, property owners and businesses are eligible to apply. Provides up to $250,000, deadline 11/8/2024. https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/community-development-grant/home/small_grants.html
GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES
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
Aurora Tech Award - This award is a worldwide prize for women founders of tech startups created and supported by inDrive. Company must be led by a woman, be less than 5 years old and have a functional prototype of a product. Funding for $85,000. Apply by 11/21/2024 - https://www.auroratechaward.com/
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/
D-Prize Challenge 2025 for Social Entrepreneurs - D-Prize is for new organizations. Most awardees are first-time entrepreneurs. Most have not yet launched their organization, nor have they raised other funding. Those from low-and-middle income countries are encouraged to apply. Funding for $20,000. Apply by 11/3/2024 - https://d-prize.org/
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/
Live Your Dream grant for women – Soroptimist - The Live Your Dream Awards provide monetary assistance to women who provide the primary source of financial support for their families. Applicant must be enrolled in or accepted to a vocational/skills training program or an undergraduate degree program. Funding up to $10,000. Apply by 11/15/2024 - https://www.soroptimist.org/our-work/live-your-dream-awards/apply-for-the-live-your-dream-awards.html
Micro Charity Grant - The Micro Charity Grant was created to acknowledge the vital role that micro-charities play in addressing critical needs and filling essential gaps in communities around the world. The grant is available to charitable organizations, including NGOs, nonprofits, religious institutions, and educational institutions globally. Funding of $5,000. Apply by 11/15/24 - https://www.microcharitygrant.org/
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
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/
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/
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/
Tech For An Equitable Future By Braze - Tech for an Equitable Future aims to remove barriers for underrepresented founders by providing their companies 12 months of free access to the Braze platform and supporting services. Apply by 1/17/25 - https://www.braze.com/techforequitablefuture
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/
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
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
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
Beyoncé’s $10K Salon & Barbershop Grants - Beyoncé's Cécred x BEYGood Fund is awarding another round of five $10K business grants this fall to qualifying salon or barbershop owners who are based in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, and New Jersey. Applications open 11/1/24-11/20/24 - https://beygood.org/cecred/
Black Farmer Fund Rapid Response Grant - (Northeast) Black-owned farming and/or food systems businesses and/or projects located in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Jersey, New York, or Pennsylvania. Funding for $10,000. Apply by 10/31/24 - https://blackfarmerfund.org/rapid-response-fund
Black Girl Ventures Pitch Program - The BGV Pitch Program flips the traditional pitch experience on its head: they coach entrepreneurs, host a live crowdfunded pitch competition, then connect entrepreneurs to community and professionals to support them on their journey. You don't need to have experience pitching, nor do you need to have a pitch deck already created. Must be located in Los Angeles, Austin, Chicago or NYC. Funding for up to $10,000 - Deadlines are based on city (April 26 to Nov 6) - https://blackgirlventures.submittable.com/submit
BMO Fellowship with Watson Institute - The BMO Fellowship is a fully-funded venture and leadership program designed to provide comprehensive support to highly promising, diverse environmental sustainability entrepreneurs and leaders. It offers award-winning training in entrepreneurship, sustainability, and leadership to help advance their environmental sustainability-focused ventures and actively contribute to solving their communities’ most pressing challenges. This Fellowship is specifically intended for individuals from historically underserved communities who possess lived experience with the challenges they are determined to address. Preference will be given to those in AZ, NM, CA and CO. Apply by 2/2/25 - https://watson.is/bmo-fellowship/
BryteBridge Cares Microgrant - The BryteBridge Cares Microgrant Program provides vital support to nonprofits across the United States. 10 nonprofits will receive $1,000 cash grants and another 10 organizations will receive $1,000 in service credits or a BryteBridge Connect membership. The cash grants can be used for any organizational needs, from general operations to program development. Service credits offer access to essential nonprofit services such as compliance support, strategic planning, and fundraising consulting. Apply by 11/1/2024 - https://brytebridge.com/empowering-nonprofits-brytebridge-cares-microgrant-program/
Catalyst 2025 Cohort accelerator - Each year, Catalyst selects a small group of founders for a focused 5-month program designed to help them quickly gain customers and grow their ventures. The program is open to founders from anywhere, but one of the founders must be in New York during the program which runs from February to June. Your business should already be serving, or have a strong interest in serving, low-income communities in NYC. Funding of $100,000. Apply by 11/15/24 - https://www.labs.robinhood.org/our-programs/catalyst
Dairy Runway Program - (NY and New England) - The Dairy Runway Program welcomes food entrepreneurs and dairy innovators with early-stage ideas for value-added dairy products to participate in a free Cornell University-hosted entrepreneurship course focused on initial product concept and customer discovery. In addition to virtual classes, the program includes prototype training and business coaching. The program is open to any dairy entrepreneur or food innovator located in New York and the New England states with an idea for a new, value-added, cow milk-based dairy product. To be eligible, participants must agree to source cow milk produced in the state of New York in their proposed dairy product. Apply by 1/6/25 (info sessions in Nov and Dec) - https://dairyinnovation.org/dairy-runway-program/
eBay Circular Fashion Fund - The Circular Fashion Fund invests in businesses from fashion start-ups and beyond as they scale innovative solutions from production to end-of-life. Funding of $50,000. Apply by 11/15/24 - https://www.ebay.com/sml/circular-fashion-innovation-fund-apply
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. Nonprofits that support female entrepreneurs through education, mentorship, or financing can request up to $30,000 in grant funding through the Her Village Grant. EmpowHer Grant applications are accepted on a rolling basis, while the deadline for the Her Village Grant is October 1, 2024. - https://boundlessfutures.org/our-impact/
Grow-NY Summit - Grow-NY Summit is a two-day event on Nov 15-16 highlighting food and agriculture innovation and entrepreneurship. The event is hybrid this year, attendees can join us in person in Syracuse, NY, or virtually. In person tickets are $50 ($25 for students) and virtual access is free. Participants in this program can use code BOAWOMEN10, also for $10 off. Apply by 11/6/2024 - https://web.cvent.com/event/d8ec5e31-571a-4791-a908-b39c68a8f308/summary
Gusto Impact Award Grant - The Gusto Impact Awards celebrate small businesses that make a difference in their communities. Winners will receive $40,000 in local advertising and $10,000 in cash. Must be located in the greater metropolitan areas of Charlotte, North Carolina; Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas; Denver, Colorado; Houston, Texas; or Miami, Florida. Funding of $50,000. Apply by 11/20/24 - https://gusto.com/customers/impact-award-contest
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/
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
IMPACT grants - Primary goal of grant is to fuel the endeavors of businesses and nonprofits that are actively making a significant IMPACT within their communities and beyond. Open to US and Canada-based organizations. Funding of $1,000 -https://impactfundingsolutions.com/impact-grant-application-for-businesses/
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/
Manufacturing Hardware Accelerator at Rev: Ithaca Startup Works - Applications are open for the Manufacturing Hardware Accelerator at Rev: Ithaca Startup Works! We're seeking ambitious hardware startups ready to bring their prototypes to market. This year-long, hybrid program, supported by the U.S. Economic Development Administration and offered in partnership with Cornell Engineering, provides specialized training, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Benefit from customized guidance, mentorship, and connections within our vibrant ClimateTech, AgTech, and MedTech ecosystems! Apply by 11/22/24 - https://bit.ly/4eqh4Zv
Marshalls Good Stuff Accelerator Program - The Marshalls Good Stuff Accelerator Program will provide access to mentoring, peer coaching and a subscription for Luminary as well as a $5000 grant. Apply by 10/31/24 - https://www.marshallsgoodstuffacceleratorprogram.com/
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/
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/
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
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
Nordstrom Community Grants for Nonprofits - Nordstrom is dedicated to supporting causes that provide basic needs to youth and their families. They award over $2 million in Community Grants each year across the U.S. as part of this commitment. Applicants need to work within the Education, Health Care or Human Services space. Apply 10/1-10/31/24 - https://www.nordstrom.com/browse/nordstrom-cares/corporate-philanthropy/corporate-grant
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/
Retail Readiness Training Program with WalMart and Watson Institute - The Retail Readiness Entrepreneurship Training Program is a competitive 16-week leadership and venture development program designed to support 25 underserved retail entrepreneurs who transform agricultural inputs into higher-value products or work directly in agriculture. Founders receive essential training, a curated list of retail readiness certifications and the financial stipend to pursue those certifications, mentorship, and access to a robust network and community. The program also offers long-term, sustainable alumni support to help entrepreneurs become retail-ready, scale their ventures, create jobs, and positively impact their communities. Apply by 2/9/2025 - https://watson.is/retail-readiness-entrepreneurship-training-program/#new_tab
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
Tech x Women Boost Camp - For Female Tech Founders - Apply now for one of the 500 coveted spots in this immersive 12-week accelerator and dive into engaging sessions and a supportive community of peers. Apply by 11/1/24 - https://helloalice.com/grants/tech-x-women-boost-camp/
Tory Burch Foundation Fellows - The Tory Burch Foundation Fellows program is now accepting applications. It is open to women-identifying entrepreneurs who own the largest or equal stake in a majority women-owned business. Applicants need to be legal residents of the US and the business must be for-profit. Funding of $5,000. Apply by 11/1/2024 - https://www.toryburchfoundation.org/fellows/
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
Verizon Small Business Digital Ready - Small businesses can unlock the application for this round of grant funding by first registering on the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready portal and completing at least two courses, coaching or community events, in any combination between July 1, 2024 and December 13, 2024 at 11:59pm PT. Small businesses that complete the application will be eligible for consideration to receive a $10,000 grant. Apply by 12/13/24 - https://digitalready.verizonwireless.com/
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/
ZenBusiness Small Business Grants - The ZenBusiness 2024 Small Business Grant Program offers $5,000 to small businesses who form a legal business entity (LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp). In order to qualify for this grant, you must have used their foed formation services in the last 3-6 months. Apply by 12/31/2024 - https://www.zenbusiness.com/grants
Tips for Applying
Clear Vision: Articulate your goals, impact, and how funding will accelerate your mission.
Detailed Budget: Outline how funds will be allocated, with transparency and specificity.
Community Connection: Many funders prioritize impact on the local community, so emphasize your project’s positive effects.
November is packed with funding options to support businesses and nonprofits in bringing their visions to life. Take advantage of these opportunities to end the year on a high note!
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