The Mighty Penguin team is dedicated to the success of nonprofits and businesses. Learn more about these 12 grants that support small businesses' success throughout the United States.
1. Amazon Small Business Grant Program
The Amazon Business Small Business Grants contest is an annual initiative aimed at supporting small businesses in the United States by providing financial assistance and resources for growth. Eligible small business owners with annual revenues of $1 million or less can apply for grants ranging from $15,000 to $25,000 during the specified application period. Finalists and semi-finalists are selected based on criteria such as innovation and community impact, with Amazon Business customers having the opportunity to vote for the grand prize winner. In addition to monetary grants, winners receive benefits like a 1-year Business Prime membership and consultations with the Amazon Business team.
*must have an Amazon business account to apply
2. America's Top Small Business Awards
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has revamped its prestigious small business awards, now called America's Top Small Business Awards, to spotlight the achievements of small businesses and their role in bolstering the nation's economy. Sponsored by Enova and supported by Dell Technologies, Experian Employer Services, Iron Mountain, T-Mobile for Business, and Walmart Business, these awards aim to recognize outstanding small businesses. Eligible applicants, defined as legal U.S. residents operating for-profit businesses with fewer than 250 employees or gross revenues under $20 million are invited to apply for the Top Small Business Award. The winner of America's Top Small Business would receive $25,000 and national recognition.
3. Women’s Business Center of Utah
The Women's Business Center of Utah (WBCUtah) is dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs through support, technical services, grants, and advocacy, aiming to help them avoid mistakes, build confidence, and run profitable businesses. WBCU collaborates with various partners and funders, including the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, American Express, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo. WBCUtah offers a range of entrepreneurial services, including expert advising and business training, both in-person and online. Additionally, WBCU maintains a directory of women-owned businesses in Utah and provides free business training. Based in Salt Lake City and Cedar City, WBCUtah operates as a nonprofit subsidiary of the Salt Lake Chamber, funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration, and is committed to fostering women's entrepreneurship throughout the entire state of Utah.
4.Comcast Rise Grant 2024
Comcast RISE is a program designed to uplift small businesses and entrepreneurs, particularly those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, by providing them with essential resources and support for growth and sustainability. Launched in 2020 and expanded in 2023, Comcast RISE has awarded grants to thousands of businesses, totaling over $110 million, focusing on areas such as business consultation, education, monetary grants, creative production, media scheduling, and technology upgrades. The program aims to advance digital equity and economic mobility, with a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and community investment. Recipients of Comcast RISE benefits may receive tailored consultations, educational resources, a $5,000 monetary grant, creative production assistance, media strategy consultation, and a technology makeover including computer equipment and Internet services. Through Comcast RISE, communities can support local businesses and contribute to their economic growth and resilience. Keep an eye on their website for further information and future grant window opportunities.
4. FedEx Small Business Grants Program
The FedEx Small Business Grants Program offers small businesses the chance to win up to $50,000 and other valuable prizes, including consultation services, educational resources, a $500 print credit at FedEx Office, and more. Applicants must be existing FedEx customers with active and open business accounts. Other eligibility requirements are having fewer than 99 employees and are actively shipping with FedEx. The program aims to support small businesses as they grow and thrive, providing resources and recognition to help them succeed. Recipients will be selected based on the clarity and engagement of their application, alignment with FedEx's brand, and potential for community impact, among other factors. Applications typically open in March and must be submitted by April every year.
5. Female Founder Collective
In a collaborative effort to elevate and empower women on a mission to break barriers, Dannon® Light + Fit® and the Female Founder Collective (FFC) have launched the DANNON® LIGHT + FIT® x FFC GRANT PROGRAM. Established in 2018 with the vision of supporting, developing, and elevating female-founded and women-owned businesses, FFC aims to foster prosperity in diverse ways. This grant program, designed for women founders who relentlessly pursue their aspirations, offers five deserving recipients a $10,000 USD grant, a one-year FFC 10th House membership, and a one-hour NORTH mentorship session. By creating an ecosystem that provides content, capital, and learning opportunities, they strive to propel these grant winners to the next level. With an exclusive membership community, peer-mentors, and expert advisory marketplace, FFC ensures that women entrepreneurs have the resources, tools, and support needed for growth and scaling.
6. Hello Alice
Hello Alice, your ultimate resource for small business grants: a curated selection tailored to your business's specific needs, conveniently delivered to your inbox on a weekly basis. Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand, finding free funding has never been simpler. Explore opportunities like the Restaurant Relief Fund, the NAACP x L'Oreal Inclusive Beauty Fund, and the American Dream Awards, each offering support at various stages of your entrepreneurial journey. Streamline your search for financial assistance, so you can focus on building your business and achieving your goals.
7. Nav's Small Business Grant
Nav's Small Business Grant program is currently closed as they take a pause to gather feedback from customers and grant applicants, aiming to enhance their support for small businesses. While awaiting the program's reimagining, they suggest alternative grant opportunities such as the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) Growth Grants and the Amber Grant for Women. Additionally, Nav offers resources to explore more grant options and curated business grants on their website. Despite the temporary closure, Nav reassures that the Grant Program will return with updates and new ways to assist small businesses. Previous winners like Sipping Streams Tea have benefited from Nav's support, utilizing grant funds to enhance their business endeavors. Stay informed about future developments through Nav's updates, and in the meantime, explore other avenues for funding assistance, including loans, lines of credit, and banking services provided by Nav.
8. Skip Small Business Grant Program
The Skip Grant Program, initiated in December 2021, offers an opportunity for all business owners and entrepreneurs to secure a $1,000 cash grant along with $1,000 in Skip service credits. As a way of giving back, Skip has been leveraging its YouTube revenue to support individuals and small businesses throughout the pandemic. Applying for the Skip Grant is a simple process that takes only a few minutes, involving basic information submission and agreeing to the program's terms. Additionally, participants can earn extra entries by subscribing to Skip's YouTube channel, following them on Instagram, and sharing their personalized referral link with others. With the chance to receive multiple entries and access funding assistance beyond grants, Skip stands ready to support businesses in their financial endeavors.
9. Small Business Readiness for Resiliency Program (R4R)
The Small Business Readiness for Resiliency Program (R4R), developed in collaboration with FedEx and supported by Allstate, aims to assist small businesses impacted by disasters. Small businesses, comprising 99.9% of enterprises in the United States, are crucial for economic growth but are particularly vulnerable during disasters, with an estimated 25% not reopening after major disasters. R4R provides resources, support, and $5,000 in quick-turn relief funding to prepared businesses following a federal disaster declaration. Through a three-step process, businesses are guided to enhance their preparedness, starting with completing an Emergency Preparedness Checklist. This initiative underscores the importance of proactive measures in mitigating disaster risks and highlights the commitment of partners like FedEx and Allstate to supporting small business resilience.
10. ZenBusiness 2024
ZenBusiness is offering a $5,000 grant program for small businesses, with over 40 grants available this year. To qualify, applicants must be current customers, at least 18 years old, and have used ZenBusiness formation services within the last 3 to 6 months. Businesses must be registered in the U.S. and offer products or services benefiting their community. Grantees receive $5,000, ZenBusiness Money Pro access for 30 days, and free ZenBusiness Banking for the first month. Past recipients have used the grants for various purposes, including business expansion, community outreach, and equipment purchases. ZenBusiness aims to support entrepreneurship and address systemic inequalities through its grant program and donations to aligned organizations. Applicants can only apply once per month, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with taxes potentially applicable to grant awards.
11. Main Street America
Main Street America is dedicated to revitalizing historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts nationwide, offering a range of programs, resources, and grant opportunities to empower communities. With initiatives like the T-Mobile Hometown Grant Program and the Backing Small Businesses Grant Program, in partnership with American Express, Main Street America provides funding and support for placemaking projects and economically vulnerable small businesses with significant community impact. Through a network of over 1,600 community coalitions, Main Street America celebrates success stories and fosters connections, while also providing valuable resources such as insightful guidebooks and engaging events like the Main Street Now conference.
We hope you found value and inspiration in this comprehensive grant list for small businesses. If you would like to hire Mighty Penguin to help you with your grant applications or aid in the strategic planning and growth of your business, please reach out to us today!
