Small business grants have already proven vital in empowering genius entrepreneurs from various communities.
Here are additional grant opportunities now in the US for different sectors, including women-owned businesses:
StartHER TWU Grants: Texas Woman’s University’s Center for Women Entrepreneurs is launching its fifth funding round, offering 25 grants of $5,000 each. Since its inception, it has awarded $450,000 to 90 women-owned businesses, coupled with business advisory sessions and virtual training courses. The program will begin accepting applications for its latest round of grants on September 22. Applications are due by October 22.
Suffolk County JumpSmart Grant: New York’s Suffolk County is strengthening community development and economic growth by allocating $25 million through the American Rescue Plan Act to support large-scale projects. Businesses, downtown areas, and nonprofits throughout the county can request a minimum of $100,000, and application is available online now through September 29.
Laredo College Skills for Small Business Grant: Texas’s Laredo College offers grants covering up to $1,800 for new employees and $900 for existing employees. Employers can apply for these grants support employee training – free training courses – and professional development, a significant asset for business growth. Employers may use O*NET-SOC Auto Coder to find the best match between job titles/descriptions and SOC-coded occupations.
Orange County BOOST Grants: In Florida’s Orange County, small businesses, home-based ventures, and gig workers can secure grants ranging from $1,400 to $10,000, providing essential financial relief. The application deadline is on Friday, September 15, at 11:59 p.m. If residents are unable to access the internet or have a language barrier, they are asked to email [email protected] or call 407-836-3111 for assistance.
South Bend Small Business Crime Prevention Grants: South Bend, Indiana, is working to make the city a bit safer. It introduces a novel grant program of up to $5K for small business security upgrades
Eligible businesses can access up to $5,000 for security upgrades, prioritizing those participating in the city’s Real Time Crime Center initiative before the grant deadline on Sept. 29. You can contact the city for a free assessment by clicking here.
Canton CARES Small Business Grant Program: Canton, New York, is extending a lifeline to businesses with less than 25 employees affected by the pandemic. Under its Canton CARES Small Business Grant Program, funds for for-profit businesses are awarded based on job retention or creation, offering ongoing support with rolling applications (The village plans to accept applications on a rolling basis).
Small business grants, as non-repayable financial aids, contribute significantly in sustaining business ventures. These grants support to diverse segments, including minority-owned, veteran-owned, and women-owned enterprises. They are instrumental in enhancing business growth and resilience.
Securing a small business grant requires a thorough research to ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives. Writing application effectively, highlighting your business plan, financial situation, and grant justification, is vital. Post-application follow-ups demonstrate commitment and professionalism. In addition, having an alternative plan in case of grant denial can ensure your uninterrupted progress.
While grants may seem like “free money,” they often come with specific usage guidelines. Understanding and adhering to these guidelines is essential to maximize the grant’s benefits. Strategic planning and financial consultation with experts can help ensure funds are employed efficiently and in line with grant requirements.
