Free Grants for Small Businesses and Startups in 2025

Managing cash flow is often difficult for every early-stage founder.

You’re expected to prove traction, scale your operations, and sometimes recover from setbacks -  all without burning through your limited runway. Grants can really help you there.

Unlike equity funding, grants are non-dilutive. You don’t give up ownership, and you’re not expected to repay the money. In 2025, several public, private, and nonprofit programs are offering financial support to small businesses and startups across the US with clear eligibility criteria and transparent cycles.

We have curated the best opportunities available this year, from corporate-backed grants like FedEx and Venmo, to nonprofit programs like Comcast RISE and Patagonia’s environmental fund. Whether you're building a SaaS business, running a retail store, or recovering from a local disaster, there may be free capital on the table.

Let’s walk you through where to find them, who qualifies, and how to apply with confidence.

Category 1 - Private and Nonprofit Grants for SMBs

Some of the most founder-friendly grants come from private organizations and nonprofits. These programs are often designed to support underrepresented entrepreneurs, local communities, and mission-driven initiatives.

1. Comcast RISE Investment Fund

The Comcast RISE program goes beyond just a cash grant. It offers a package that can include business consultations, media production, tech makeovers, and marketing resources. The goal is to help small businesses, especially those owned by women and people of color get access to tools that drive visibility and growth.

Who it's for: Small businesses focused on community impact, especially underrepresented founders.

Typical Grant: $5,000–$10,000 plus in-kind services.

Apply here – www.comcastrise.com

2. NASE Growth Grants

If you’re already a member of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), you can apply year-round for a growth grant of up to $4,000. These funds can be used for equipment, marketing, hiring, or even expanding your physical space.

Who it's for: NASE members only (membership required to apply).

Typical Grant: Up to $4,000.

Apply here – www.nase.org/become-a-member/grants

3. Patagonia Environmental Grants

If your business or nonprofit is addressing environmental challenges through grassroots activism, Patagonia may be a fit. These grants fund direct-action efforts that challenge the root causes of environmental problems.

Who it's for: U.S.-based nonprofits with an environmental focus.

Typical Grant: $5,000–$15,000.

Apply here – www.patagonia.com/grant-guidelines/

Category 2 - Corporate-Backed Grants to Boost Small Businesses

Large corporations have stepped up in recent years with grant programs that offer more than just funding.Many include access to tools, publicity, or mentorship. If your business aligns with their platforms or customer base, these are worth exploring.

4. FedEx Small Business Grant

FedEx’s annual grant contest rewards growing small businesses with both cash and exposure. Alongside the grand prize, finalists receive marketing consultations and access to FedEx business services.

Who it's for: U.S.-based SMBs with a FedEx account.

Typical Grant: $50,000 grand prize; $20,000 for finalists.

Apply here – www.fedex.com/en-us/small-business/grants.html

5. Venmo Small Business Grant

Venmo offers $20,000 grants to help micro-businesses scale. To qualify, your business must have annual revenue under $50,000 and no more than 10 employees. The program emphasizes businesses that have a meaningful community presence.

Who it's for: U.S. small businesses earning under $50,000/year with ≤10 employees.

Typical Grant: $20,000 plus business promotion.

Apply here – www.venmo.com/business/small-business-grant/

6. Amazon Small Business Grants

If you’ve used Amazon Business for purchases and have revenue under $1 million, you’re eligible to apply for their annual grant program. Winners receive not only funding but also support across marketing and operations.

Who it's for: U.S. Amazon Business customers with ≤$1M in annual revenue.

Typical Grant: $25,000 grand prize; $15,000–$20,000 for finalists.

Apply here – www.amazon.com/b/grant

7. American Express Backing Small Business Grant

Designed for physical storefronts and brick-and-mortar businesses, this program from AmEx and Main Street America supports growth, recovery, and resilience with $10,000–$30,000 grants.

Who it's for: U.S.-based physical businesses with a local presence.

Typical Grant: $10,000–$30,000.

Apply here – www.mainstreet.org/howwecanhelp/backingsmallbusinesses

Categroy 3 - Women-Focused Grants for Impact-Driven Founders

Women-led businesses continue to be underserved by traditional funding channels but these grant programs are working to close the gap. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling with a social mission, there are recurring and high-value grants designed for you.

8. Amber Grant

The Amber Grant awards $10,000 every month to a woman entrepreneur, with one annual winner receiving an additional $25,000. The application is short and accessible making it a good starting point for first-time grant seekers.

Who it's for: Women entrepreneurs in the U.S. or Canada; all industries and business stages

Apply here – www.womensnet.net 

9. Cartier Women’s Initiative Regional Awards

This global program supports early-stage, women-led, impact-focused businesses. In addition to funding, it offers mentorship, business training, and access to an international peer network.

Who it's for: Women-led, impact-driven businesses worldwide

Typical Grant: $30,000–$100,000

Apply here – www.cartierwomensinitiative.com/apply

10. Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant

Geared toward socially and environmentally conscious businesses, this grant supports mature, majority women-owned companies that are already driving change in their communities.

Who it's for: 51%+ women-owned businesses with at least 3 years of operation and a clear social/environmental mission

Typical Grant: $10,000 each (multiple recipients annually)

Apply here – www.eileenfisher.com/grants 

11. IFundWomen Universal Grant

Instead of applying to individual brand-sponsored grants, IFundWomen offers a single application that qualifies you for a pool of active funding opportunities from multiple corporate partners.

Who it's for: Women entrepreneurs in the U.S.; some grants may target specific industries

Typical Grant: Varies depending on brand partner

Apply here – www.ifundwomen.com/grants 

Categroy 4 - Grants to Help You Start or Grow Your Business

Starting a business is hard enough but the right grant at the right time can remove some of the early barriers. These programs are tailored to support entrepreneurs who are launching or pivoting their businesses in 2025, with a mix of cash awards and formation support.

12. LegalZoom Fast Break for Small Business

In partnership with the NBA and WNBA, this program supports early-stage small businesses with startup capital and legal resources. Alongside the grant, recipients receive access to LegalZoom services that cover business formation, licenses, or compliance.

Who it's for: U.S. early-stage entrepreneurs needing legal and formation support

Typical Grant: $10,000 in funding + $500 in LegalZoom services

Apply here – www.legalzoom.com/fastbreakforsmallbusiness 

13. Bizee Fresh Start Business Grant

Bizee (formerly Incfile) offers this grant to help founders start or expand their businesses. It's designed for entrepreneurs launching new ventures or making major shifts in 2025, and includes business formation at no cost.

Who it's for: Entrepreneurs starting or pivoting a U.S.-based business

Typical Grant: $2,500 + free LLC/business formation services

Apply here – www.bizee.com/fresh-start-business-grant 

14. The UPS Store Small Biz Challenge

This national competition rewards small business owners who demonstrate creativity, grit, and growth potential. Finalists compete in a live challenge and can win cash prizes along with business services and national exposure.

Who it's for: U.S.-based businesses with 9 or fewer employees

Typical Grant: Up to $25,000 in cash and business services

Apply here – www.theupsstore.com/smallbizchallenge 

15. Hello Alice Small Business Growth Fund

Hello Alice runs multiple grant programs throughout the year, and the Growth Fund is one of the most accessible. It prioritizes businesses led by underrepresented founders and supports their next phase of growth.

Who it's for: U.S. for-profit businesses with less than $1M in annual revenue

Typical Grant: $5,000–$25,000

Apply here – www.helloalice.com/grants

Categroy 5 - Emergency and Alternative Grant Options

Not all grants are tied to traditional growth plans. Some are designed to support recovery, help businesses bounce back from disasters, or offer aid in tough times. If your business has faced recent disruption from natural disasters to public health events, these programs can offer vital relief.

16. State and Local Recovery Grants

Many states and cities across the U.S. offer recovery-focused grants to small businesses affected by hurricanes, floods, wildfires, or public health emergencies. These are usually time-sensitive and vary by location, so staying in touch with your local economic development office is key.

Who it's for: Small businesses impacted by recent disasters (pandemic, storms, closures, etc.

Typical Grant: Varies by state, program, and incident

Check your state/city economic development website to apply

17. Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund (Hello Alice & DoorDash)

Restaurants hit by disaster-related losses can apply for this targeted grant. It’s designed to help independent food businesses cover expenses during recovery,  whether it’s from a storm, fire, or public crisis.

Who it's for: Independently owned restaurants impacted by a disaster

Typical Grant: $10,000

Apply here – www.helloalice.com/grants

How to Apply for These Grants Effectively

Grants can be competitive, but a strong, timely application can significantly improve your chances. Whether you're applying for $2,500 or $50,000, the process often boils down to clear storytelling, solid documentation, and matching the right opportunity.

Step 1. Read the eligibility criteria closely

Don’t waste time on grants you don’t qualify for. Before starting any application, check for location, business stage, revenue caps, or founder demographics that might disqualify you.

Step 2. Prepare your core documents in advance

Most grants ask for similar basics:

• Business registration documents
• A short business description or pitch
• Revenue numbers (especially if there's a cap)
• Impact or growth story (for social/environmental grants)
• Past use of funds (if you’ve received grants before)

Create a simple folder with editable versions so you're ready to apply quickly.

Step 3. Match your story to the grant’s goals

If a grant supports community uplift or climate innovation, tailor your application to reflect how your business fits that narrative. Avoid copy-pasting the same answers across different programs.

Step 4. Track deadlines and cycles

Use a calendar or tool like Trello, Notion, or Google Sheets to track which grants are open, closed, or recurring. Many grants open only once or twice a year, and some fill on a rolling basis.

Step 5. Don’t ignore smaller or niche grants

Grants offering $2,500–$10,000 often have fewer applicants than headline-making programs. They're a great fit for early-stage businesses looking for their first win.

Free Capital Is Out There, If You Know Where to Look

Grants may not always be flashy, but they’re one of the most overlooked ways to fund early-stage growth. They don’t dilute your equity, they don’t come with payback terms, and many offer more than just money including resources, visibility, and mentorship.

If you're building or rebuilding in 2025, this list gives you a solid head start. Keep an eye on deadlines, set reminders, and don't hesitate to apply,  especially if it’s your first time. The right grant at the right time can give your business the breathing room it needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are small business grants considered taxable income?

Yes. In most cases, grant money is treated as taxable income by the IRS. Be sure to report it and consult a tax professional for proper accounting.

Can I apply for more than one grant at the same time?

Absolutely. Unless explicitly restricted, you can apply to multiple grant programs at once. In fact, it's a good strategy. Just be sure to customize each application.

What documents do I need when applying?

You’ll typically need:

• Proof of business registration
• A short business summary
• Revenue information
• Identity documents for the founder
• Evidence of impact or need (for mission or hardship-based grants)

How do I find grants that are relevant to my industry?

Platforms like Hello Alice, IFundWomen, and GrantWatch regularly list open grant cycles by industry, region, or founder demographic. You can also follow newsletters from economic development agencies or business banks.

How long does it take to receive funds if I win?

Processing time varies by grant, but most range from a few weeks to a couple of months. Some programs also include onboarding steps before funds are disbursed.

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