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Grant Funding Opportunities

In our ongoing commitment to supporting the success of the local businesses we serve, LLF has complied a list of ongoing grants to support your needs.

While it takes time and effort to research and apply for funding, unlike loans, grants offer access to capital that doesn’t need to be repaid. While this list is not exhaustive, it's a good place to get started.

General

  • Grants.gov
    Grants.gov is a comprehensive database of government small-business grants administered by various federal agencies, such as the departments of Education and Veterans Affairs.
  • CLIMB Fund
    CLIMB Fund is a not-for-profit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) whose mission is to ensure access to capital for entrepreneurs and small businesses that cannot secure traditional financing.
  • National Association for the Self-Employed Growth Grant 
    NASE members can apply for monthly small-business grants worth up to $4,000, as well as an annual $3,000 college scholarship for members’ dependents. Grants are awarded year-round, with completed applications reviewed quarterly in January, April, July and October
  • U.S. Chamber of Commerce Top Small Business Awards
    America’s Top Small Business Awards recognizes a small business for its contributions to the U.S. economy and offers a grant of $25,000..
  • USDA Rural Business Development Grant
    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) administers the Rural Business Development Grant program, which provides financing to strengthen and grow small businesses in rural communities. Businesses must have fewer than 50 new employees, less than $1 million in gross revenue
  • Verizon Small Business Digital Ready
    In partnership with LISC, Verizon Small Business Digital Ready has committed $1 million in small business grants each year. To unlock the application for the current round of grant funding, register on Verizon Small Business Digital Ready, complete any combination of two courses, coaching events, and community events.
  • Hello Alice
    In partnership with Global Enterprise Network and with funding from Etsy and Progressive, Hello Alice is rewarding small business owners between $5,000 and $25,000 in grants to accelerate their growth. To be eligible, a business must have under $1M in annual revenue, a commitment to their customers and community, and a clear plan to use the grant funds. Learn more.

Grants for Women

  • Giving Joy
    Giving Joy grants are one-time micro grants (maximum $500 USD). Women ages 18 and up from any country in the world are eligible to apply.
  • Women's Net
     Each month, WomensNet gives away a $10,000 Amber Grant to a female entrepreneur. They also give away an additional $10,000 “Business Category” grant each month to an entrepreneur. These 12 categories can include anything from restaurant owners to health and wellness practitioners.

Grants for Minorities

  • Wish Local Empowerment Program
    Grants of up to $2000 to black-owned businesses (ongoing). Wish Local is offering up to $2,000 to support Black-owned businesses with 20 or fewer employees to help build, rebuild, or expand your business. 
  • The Freed Fellowship Grant
    The Freed Fellowship offers monthly $500 grants to people of color or women business owners. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and grant recipients may also win an additional $2,500 grant at the end of the year.