AMAKA Grants is a monthly program designed to support creative entrepreneurs and small businesses by providing $500 software subscriptions and Creator Credits to two recipients each cycle. Grantees can use the funding for any creative or business software—such as Canva, HubSpot, or other tools that enhance operations and content creation. In addition to financial support, recipients receive free consultations from AMAKA’s team, offering tailored guidance on finding and commissioning creative talent through AMAKA Gigs so they can fully maximize their tools and workflow. Each grant package includes up to $500 toward a software subscription, Creator Credits offering a 50% discount on commissioning creators (with AMAKA contributing $200–$500), and expert support to elevate brand and content strategy. The program is open to brands, business owners, and creative entrepreneurs ready to strengthen their digital presence and scale their work.

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. All mothers are eligible and costs will be covered for “every mom in America.” The program is rolling and you can sign up here.

The Keep It Local Business Fund, created by the NAACP and the Nextdoor Kind Foundation in partnership with Hello Alice, awards microgrants to support U.S. small business owners of color. This cycle provides one-time $5,000 grants to 20 entrepreneurs, continuing a program that has previously distributed $100,000 to strengthen local communities. Recipients also receive public recognition, ad credits on the Nextdoor platform, and access to small-business training, including Nextdoor’s Recession Playbook. Winners participate in 1–2 events with fellow grantees to share successes and lessons learned. The fund aims to spark community-driven change and inspire a broader movement of kindness and local empowerment.

The DoorDash Local Business Disaster Relief Fund, offered through DoorDash and Hello Alice, provides $5,000–$15,000 grants to help small U.S. businesses recover from disasters. Funding can be used for essential expenses like rent, payroll, utilities, supplies, maintenance, and replacing damaged equipment. Eligible businesses include restaurants, grocery stores, convenience stores, flower shops, pet stores, and similar local shops. With nearly $10 million already awarded, the program aims to help small businesses rebuild, regain stability, and continue serving their communities.

The NASE Growth Grant offers members up to $4,000 to support small-business development. Since 2006, the program has awarded nearly $1 million to NASE members, helping them fund key business needs. Grants can be used for marketing, advertising, hiring, facility expansion, and other targeted growth initiatives. Applicants must be NASE members and follow the instructions provided after logging in.

Verizon, in partnership with LISC will award a total of $500,000 in grant funding during this grant period. Fifty (50) grantees will each receive a $10,000 grant.

Amber Grants for Women award a $10,000 grant each month to a standout woman-owned business, with all industries—including nonprofits—eligible. Monthly winners are automatically entered for a year-end $50,000 grant. Applicants in specific business categories are also considered for $10,000 Category Grants, with applications remaining active for 12 months. At year’s end, one of the 12 Category Grant winners receives an additional $50,000 award.

The Start.Pivot.Grow. Micro Grant provides $2,500 quarterly, offering non-dilutive funding so business owners can access support without giving up equity. The grant helps U.S.-based companies cover essential costs such as rent, utilities, inventory, software, marketing, bookkeeping, and professional development. To qualify, businesses must be operating for at least two years, earn $50,000+ in annual revenue, and have one to two employees, including the owner. The program is designed to help small businesses stabilize, pursue growth opportunities, and strengthen long-term success.

The Faire Small Business Grant awards $5,000 in Faire credit to help new independent retailers stock their shelves and jump-start their shops. The grant is open to U.S. and Canada–based retail stores that launched in 2024 or plan to open soon. To apply, retailers must: Share basic information to set up a Faire retailer account, Provide financial details to show business stability, and Submit a short video explaining their store vision, community connection, and how the $5,000 credit would support their launch.

The NAACP and Leslie’s Certification Boost Grant helps entrepreneurs obtain key business certifications—such as MBE, WBE, and DOBE—that open doors to partnerships, networking, and growth opportunities. The program awards $5,000 grants to support small businesses led by people of color, women, and people with disabilities, as well as businesses in HUBZones. Funding focuses on rural and urban communities in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, and Texas, where Leslie’s has a strong presence. The grant is designed to strengthen certified businesses and expand access to corporate and organizational partnerships.

The Bridge the Gap Fund offers annual financial support to Black entrepreneurs in the U.S. whose businesses were harmed by COVID-19 or looting. The grant cycle runs every three months, with donations awarded after the cycle closes. To qualify, applicants must be Black business owners, operate within the United States, have launched their business on or before January 1, 2020, and provide documentation showing financial losses. Each cycle accepts 90 applicants, with up to 15 recipients selected based on eligibility.

Warrior Rising supports veterans at any stage of launching or growing a business—whether it’s just an idea or already in operation. The program offers **up to $20,000 in funding**, along with training and other business development resources. Eligible applicants must be **veterans starting or running their own business**. Nonprofit founders may apply, though they may not receive financial assistance. Passive ventures, such as house flipping or stock speculation, are not considered operating businesses and are not eligible for support.

The Reel Change Film Fund, launched by New Music USA in 2020 and renewed in 2025, supports emerging film composers through targeted funding and mentorship. Backed by SESAC, Christophe Beck, Sonos, and additional sponsors, the program awards 4–6 grants each year averaging $20,000 on a rolling-application basis. Funding covers composer fees, studio time, musicians, orchestration, recording, mastering, and other essential production costs to help composers build sustainable careers. Since inception, Reel Change has supported 30+ grantees with over $450,000 in funding. Grantees also receive in-kind support: $1,000 in Spitfire Audio software, hardware and software from Steinberg, and the Komplete Collectors Edition from Native Instruments. Applications are reviewed continuously by an advisory board of leading film composers, who also provide mentorship to grantees and select applicants.

The YippityDoo Big Idea Grant was created to empower women entrepreneurs through both funding and mentorship. Designed to help women turn bold ideas into successful ventures, the program awards **one $1,000 grant each month to a for-profit women-owned business** and **one $1,000 grant every other month to a nonprofit women-owned organization**. Winners also receive access to a success-mindset coaching group for added support. Built by women and for women, this grant aims to uplift passionate founders ready to grow their impact.

Feed the Soul Foundation, a nonprofit supporting marginalized culinary professionals, offers the National Emergency Relief Fund (NERF) to help food-industry businesses impacted by disasters, vandalism, theft, equipment failures, and similar hardships. Awards range from $500 to $1,000, with final amounts determined through committee review; funding is not guaranteed. Applications are accepted ongoing, but incomplete submissions will not be reviewed. To qualify, businesses must be 51% owned by marginalized owners (including Black, Indigenous, and Latinx entrepreneurs), be U.S.- or Puerto Rico–based, and be at least one year old. Applications must be submitted electronically, and funding cannot be used for start-up costs, personal expenses, legal fees, or other disallowed uses. Requests may not exceed $1,000, and only one application is allowed per business and applicant.

Edwards & Edwards Management offers the E & E Management Entrepreneur Grant to support Black-owned small businesses in the U.S. Applicants must pay a $25 registration fee and meet several requirements: the business must be at least one year old, Black-owned, for-profit, and fully registered or incorporated. Eligible businesses must also have annual revenue between $50,000 and $100,000. Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until all funds are distributed.

Since 2016, The Outrage has amplified individuals, businesses, and organizations working to make the world better. They created The Amplifier Grant to extend that mission, awarding at least $5,000 each season (Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall) on a rolling application basis. After years of building resources to support changemakers, they’re now offering a seasonal grant to close funding gaps that often prevent projects and small businesses from launching or growing. The grant seeks “do-ers” of all kinds—small businesses, community groups, startups, nonprofits, school projects, and more—so long as they are making a positive impact in the United States. The goal is simple: get funding into the hands of people improving their communities. If your work creates meaningful change, whether you’re a bakery or an after-school program, they encourage you to apply.

Wish is dedicating a $2M fund to support about 4,000 Black-owned small businesses. Selected recipients will receive $500–$2,000 in financial assistance. The program aims to address historic inequities, strengthen community businesses, and promote diversity in American commerce. Eligibility requires that applicants be 18+, operate a Black-owned, U.S.-based brick-and-mortar store with 20 or fewer employees and annual revenue under $1M. If chosen, recipients must join Wish Local.

ZenBusiness is awarding 40+ small-business grants in 2025. Each grant provides $5,000, 30-day access to the Growth Center (with coaching and website tools), 30-day access to Money Pro for managing clients and finances, and one month of free ZenBusiness Banking to separate business and personal funds. Applicants must be 18+, U.S.-based, registered private businesses that positively serve their communities. You must be a current ZenBusiness customer who used formation services in the past 3–6 months. Only one application per customer per month is allowed, and past winners can’t reapply. Applications are accepted January 1–December 31, 2025, and reviewed quarterly based on the submission date.

The Shophand $5K Small Business Boost Grant is now open early for applications. Awarded three times a year, the grant supports small business owners who are overwhelmed by the tech and operational demands of running a business. Each winner receives $2,500 in no-strings-attached cash plus $2,500 in Shophand services, including AI tools and automation, creative and media support, marketing and tech assistance, operations improvements, software setup, and personalized, human-powered guidance. Designed specifically for non-techie business owners, the Boost Grant provides $5,000 in total support to help entrepreneurs tackle their biggest challenges and run their businesses more smoothly, efficiently, and with far less stress.

American Express and Main Street America are launching the Amex Shop Small Grants Program, offering 250 grants of $20,000 each to support small U.S. businesses in growing, innovating, and strengthening their communities. The program begins with $5 million in funding, with additional grant funds added through a $1 donation each time an Amex Card Member shops at a qualifying small business on November 29, 2025. Applications are open from November 29, 2025, through January 16, 2026.