• America’s Seed Fund. America’s Seed Fund, sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF), offers up to $2 million for U.S.-based startups and small businesses that are developing innovative technology. Project pitches are accepted on a rolling basis, and official responses from NSF typically take one month.
• Aurora Tech Award. The Aurora Tech Award, supported by inDrive, is a grant awarded to women founders of tech startups within their first five years of founding. The top five winners will receive cash prizes totaling $85,000, with the first-place winner receiving $30,000, alongside mentorship and networking opportunities. To qualify, startups must be led or co-led by a woman, have a functional product prototype, and have received no more than $4 million in prior funding. The application deadline is November 21, 2024, and winners will be announced in spring 2025.
• Backstage Capital. Backstage Capital supports underrepresented founders by investing in startups led by women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs. They focus primarily on U.S.-based, scalable businesses with the potential for high growth. Investments typically range from $100,000 and up, predominantly targeting early-stage companies. Applications are reviewed regularly and feedback is provided to those not selected with encouragement to reapply in the future.
• Binc Foundation Emergency Financial Assistance. The Binc Foundation provides emergency financial assistance to bookstore owners, booksellers, and comic store employees and owners facing unforeseen financial needs. Eligibility criteria include specific employment durations and financial hardship resulting from qualifying life events. Binc's assistance process involves a confidential application and documentation verification, aiming to help individuals regain financial stability.
• 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. Applications for the EmpowHer Grant are accepted quarterly, while the Her Village Grant follows a biannual cycle, with details on the next round to be announced soon.
• Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR). The SBIR offers grants to small businesses so they can participate in federal research and development with the potential for commercialization. It’s a highly competitive awards-based program that helps businesses achieve scientific excellence and technological innovation. To qualify for SBIR grants, you must operate a for-profit company and satisfy other requirements.
• Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR). Similar to SBIR, the STTR program focuses on funding research in the R&D arena. However, what separates the STTR is the requirement that the small business has a formal collaboration with a research institution. To qualify for STTR grants, you must operate a for-profit company and satisfy other requirements.
• U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA). Targeted grants and loans designed to aid minority-owned businesses are offered throughout the year. Minority-owned businesses can find information about local MBDA Business Centers at MBDA.gov.
• U.S. Small Business Administration State Trade Expansion Program (STEP). Intended to assist small businesses desiring to export product, this program distributes federal funds through state entities. Small businesses that meet the criteria set by each state can use the financial assistance to participate in foreign trade missions and shows, obtain entry to foreign markets, develop websites, and design international marketing products or campaigns.
• U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA). The EDA is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce and offers ongoing funding opportunities for projects that support regional and national economic development. Applicants can apply for a variety of rolling-basis EDA investments that fund projects in construction, non-construction, planning, technical assistance, research and evaluation, higher education, and more.
• Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Program. The federal government seeks to award at least 3% of all federal contracting dollars to veteran-owned businesses annually, so this program helps with meeting that target. This federal contracting program offers assistance to small business owners who are service-disabled veterans. Eligible small businesses must be over 50% owned/controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans, have day-to-day operations and long-term goals managed by at least one service-disabled veteran and have a service-connected disability.
• Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contracting Program. The federal government seeks to award at least 5% of federal contracting dollars to women-owned small businesses annually. Through this SBA program, the Office of Women’s Business Ownership provides support to women entrepreneurs by offering business training, counseling, federal contracts and access to credit and capital. Their goal is to offer equal opportunities for all women in business.
• HUBZone Program. This program aids businesses in underutilized business zones by making them more competitive in regard to some government contracts. Businesses that join the HUBZone program can compete for set-aside contracts as well as receive preference on others, including a 10% price evaluation preference in open contract competitions.
• Accion Opportunity Fund. The Accion Opportunity Fund grants small business loans ranging from $5,000-$250,000, along with educational resources, coaching, and support networks in both English and Spanish. This program offers mentorship programs, microloans, and a hubzone program for small business owners’ financial needs. Accion Opportunity Fund works with a clientele that is 90% diverse, has created and retained over 50,000 jobs, and has generated $1 billion in economic activity. Those interested in applying for a loan can do so here.
• Amazon’s Black Business Accelerator Program. If you're a seller in Amazon's store, you may be eligible for the Black Business Accelerator Program. Created to support Black entrepreneurs, the program offers financial support, mentorship, business advice, and promotional support. Eligible sellers will have access to free imaging services, cash grant opportunities, advertising credits, and money toward start-up costs. You can learn more about this opportunity at their website.
• Amber Grant Foundation. With a simple goal of supporting women entrepreneurs, the Amber Grant Foundation was founded by WomensNet in 1998. The foundation awards a series of grants throughout the year, including the $10,000 Monthly Amber Grant, two $25,000 Annual Amber Grants, and $10,000 each quarter for The Startup Grant and The Non-Profit Grant, respectively. There are also 12 Business Category Grants — an additional $10,000 each month — with all eligible applications remaining active until the month of their specific category.
Grants.gov - Searchable database of all federal grants.
Overview: This is the main hub for federal grants. It includes a wide range of categories such as health, education, public safety, and more. It’s an essential tool for nonprofits, local governments, schools, small businesses, and researchers seeking federal funds.
How to Use: Users can create a profile, track their grant submissions, and receive updates on new grant opportunities. The site allows filtering by eligibility (individuals, businesses, nonprofits, etc.) and deadlines.
Grants Management: Searchable database of all NY state grants
Overview: This is the go-to resource for state-level funding opportunities in New York. It provides access to grants available from New York state agencies, which often focus on public services, economic development, and education.
Key Features: It offers a grant opportunity portal where users can search by keyword, category, or agency. It also includes tools for managing awarded grants and keeping up with reporting requirements.
Grow Your Small Business - Hello Alice: Small business grants, guides, and events for small business.
Overview: Hello Alice is a platform aimed at helping small business owners find grants, guides, and educational resources. Their focus is on women, minorities, and veteran-owned businesses.
Key Features: Besides grant listings, Hello Alice offers a community for entrepreneurs to connect and share resources. The platform also offers virtual events and guides tailored for small business owners at different stages of growth.
Grant Watch: Grant listing directory in the USA.
Overview: Grant Watch aggregates grant listings across the U.S., with a focus on nonprofits, small businesses, and government agencies. It includes federal, state, local, and foundation grants.
Key Features: This resource allows users to browse by categories such as arts, education, community services, and small businesses. A paid subscription is required for full access to detailed grant information;
Grants - Kirsten Gillibrand | U.S. Senator for New York: Compilation of grant guides by U.S. Senator Gillibrand’s office.
Today, Mayor Adams unveiled the MyCity Business site, a new website designed to help NYC businesses save time, avoid frustration, and connect more easily with City resources. MyCity Business site is the newest phase of Mayor Adams’ MyCity portal, and will serve as an easily accessible, all-in-one resource for applications, permits, licenses, and related information needed to open and operate a business in New York City. Features of the new site include:
The MyCity Business site is the result of a cross-agency collaboration between the New York City Office of Technology and Innovation and the Department of Small Business Services, advancing priorities outlined in Mayor Adams’ “Rebuild, Renew, Reinvent: A Blueprint for New York City’s Economic Recovery” and delivering on recommendations in both the inaugural report of the city’s Small Business Advisory Commission and New York City Councilmember Julie Menin’s “Creation of a One-Stop Shop Small Business Portal” bill, which was signed into law by Mayor Adams in 2022. Still in its beta phase, the MyCity Business site and the chatbot will expand in the coming months.
The multi-year OSWD funding includes $150 million for new grant programs administered by ESD that will support employer-driven, high-skilled workforce training programs.
Looking for capital for your small business or startup? Through SBA's microloan program, entrepreneurs can borrow up to $50,000 for working capital, inventory, supplies, and more. The average microloan is about $13,000.
