5 Grants for Small Business Owners to Apply to Now
Business owners — especially small business owners — were hit the hardest during the pandemic. The unexpected global shutdown left business owners scrambling to stay afloat. A survey conducted by the Federal Bank Reserve found that three out of every 10 small businesses in the U.S. say that they will not survive 2021 without additional government assistance.
While entrepreneurship is not the easiest road to take, small business owners are trying to make it through these hard times. The struggles of these entrepreneurs do not go unnoticed. Through the government and private sectors, monetary aid is offered to offset the burden caused by the pandemic.
Small business grants are funds offered to a business by an organization for a specific purpose. Unlike loans or credit, grants do not require payback, nor will it affect a businesses credit score. Grants are essentially free money that could help with certain aspects of a business and all that is required is an application. Finding the perfect grant to apply for can take some time. Here are five grants that small business owners should apply for.
Founded by WomensNet in 1998, the Amber Grant Foundation was created to honor the memory of Amber Wigdahl who died at 19 years old. The foundation awards a multitude of grants to women entrepreneurs, including the $10,000 grant each month and a chance at an additional $25,000 each December. With one simple application and a $15 application fee, candidates are entered into the applicant pool for a chance at one of the many grants and the winner is announced on the 22 day of every month. While the deadline for the June grant is approaching quickly, the July grant will open on July 1.
Annually, the Dream Big Awards offers one small business a cash prize of $25,000. In conjunction with the Small Business of the Year title, this grant celebrates the success of a business that has been in operation for at least one year, while recognizing that the owners exemplify the spirit of innovation, entrepreneurship and individual initiative. Applicants must apply online by July 16 to be considered for the award.
Founded in 2015, the SoGal Foundation aimed to redefine the next generation of diverse entrepreneurs and investors. The SoGal Foundation partnered with Winky Lux, bluemercury, twelveNYC, Twilio, and other sponsors to provide grants of up to $10,000 to Black and multiracial women and nonbinary entrepreneurs. The program application is easy and applicants are accepted on a rolling basis.
Closing on July 9 at 6:00 p.m. EST, the third annual Stacy’s Rise Project will award $10,000 grants to 10 women-founded small businesses. In addition to the grant money, the project also will connect business owners with PepsiCo, Frito-Lay and other industry experts to provide mentorship opportunities to female business owners. To apply, applicants must share how the grant and mentorship opportunity will help to grow their business.
Coalition to Back Black Businesses
The Coalition to Back Black Business is a multi-year plan to distribute $5,000 grants to applicants each fall beginning in 2020 and ending in 2023. A select few candidates will receive $25,000 enhancement grants the following spring. In September, applicants will be able to express their interest in the grant program. Then, randomly-selected finalists will be chosen to complete a full application. By October, 300 grantees will be notified to receive their 5,000 grant payment.