Nearly 33 million small businesses operate across the United States, yet funding remains one of the biggest barriers to growth — especially for early-stage owners who can't qualify for traditional loans. Small business grants offer free, non-repayable capital that can cover equipment, hiring, marketing, and more. Data from VentureSmarter shows that access to capital is among the top three challenges cited by small business owners nationwide. Whether you're just starting out or scaling up, grants can bridge the gap — and pairing them with strategies like tracking your business finances or exploring small business staffing options puts you in an even stronger position. Here are 11 grants worth applying for right now.
Quick Answer
Small business grants provide free, non-repayable funding for expenses like equipment, hiring, and marketing. Nearly 33 million U.S. small businesses face capital access as a top challenge. Grants are available through federal programs, state agencies, and private organizations — making them viable for early-stage owners who don't qualify for traditional loans.
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Summary Table
| Item Name | Price Range | Best For | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shopify | $19–25/month | E-commerce Entrepreneurs | Visit Site |
| Mona Small Business Impact Grant | $5,000 (free) | Community-focused US businesses | Visit Site |
| American Express Shop Small Grants | $20,000 (free) | Established small businesses | Visit Site |
| Breva Thrive Grant | Up to $10,000 (free) | Growth-stage small businesses | Visit Site |
| NASE Growth Grant | Up to $4,000 (free) | Self-employed & micro-business owners | Visit Site |
| Amber Grant for Women Entrepreneurs | $10,000–$25,000 (free) | Women-owned businesses | Visit Site |
| USDA Rural Business Development Grants | $10,000–$500,000 (free) | Rural small businesses | Visit Site |
| 2026 Pride Fund for LGBTQIA+ Business Owners | Varies (free) | LGBTQIA+-owned businesses | Visit Site |
| Walmart Spark Good Local Grants | $250–$5,000 (free) | Community-based organizations & small businesses | Visit Site |
| Hiring Our Heroes Grants | Varies (free) | Veteran & military spouse entrepreneurs | Visit Site |
| Second Service Foundation Veteran Grants | Varies (free) | Veteran-owned small businesses | Visit Site |
11 Legit Small Business Grants to Claim (2026)
Below you'll find detailed information about each option, including what makes them unique and their key benefits.
1. Shopify
While Shopify is primarily an e-commerce platform, it's directly relevant to small business grant seekers because many grant programs — including those targeting underrepresented entrepreneurs — require applicants to demonstrate an active, revenue-generating business. Setting up a Shopify store establishes your business credibility and can strengthen grant applications. Plans start at $19–25/month with a 3-day free trial.
Why it matters for funding:
- Proves business legitimacy to grant reviewers
- Tracks revenue data useful for financial grant requirements
- Best for: Entrepreneurs building a fundable business profile
The Mona Small Business Impact Grant provides direct funding to small business owners, making it one of the more accessible business funding opportunities for entrepreneurs who may not qualify for traditional loans. This grant targets businesses demonstrating community impact, prioritizing applicants from underserved markets. Award amounts and eligibility vary by cycle, so checking current deadlines is essential.
Key details:
- Focuses on community-driven small businesses
- No repayment required — grant funding, not a loan
- Application windows open periodically throughout the year
American Express periodically offers small-business grants and funding support through its Shop Small initiative, which aims to strengthen local and independent businesses. These grants are typically tied to community impact and business sustainability, making them a viable funding source for entrepreneurs who already accept Amex payments or operate in eligible retail categories.
Key details:
- Grant amounts and eligibility vary by program cycle
- Focuses on independent, community-based small businesses
- Applications often require a business plan and revenue history
The Breva Thrive Grant targets underserved small-business owners, particularly women and minority entrepreneurs seeking non-dilutive funding to grow their operations. Unlike loans, this grant does not require repayment, making it an attractive option for early-stage businesses that want capital without giving up equity or taking on debt.
Notable details:
- Prioritizes women-owned and minority-owned businesses
- No repayment required — true grant funding
- Application typically requires business description and intended use of funds
The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) offers Growth Grants of up to $4,000 to help self-employed individuals and micro-business owners fund specific business needs. These grants for independent business owners cover expenses like marketing, equipment, and hiring — making them practical for sole proprietors who rarely qualify for traditional small-business financing. Membership in NASE is required to apply.
Key details:
- Awards up to $4,000 per grant cycle
- NASE membership required (plans start around $11/month)
- Funds can cover equipment, advertising, or staffing costs
The Amber Grant awards $10,000 monthly and $25,000 annually to women-owned businesses, making it one of the most accessible recurring funding opportunities for female entrepreneurs. Monthly winners are automatically entered for the larger year-end award. Applications are straightforward — just a short business description and explanation of how the funds would be used — with no industry restrictions.
Key details:
- $10,000 monthly grant + $25,000 annual award
- Open to all industries and business stages
- Application fee is $15; no lengthy proposal required
The USDA Rural Business Development Grant program specifically funds small businesses and nonprofits in rural areas (populations under 50,000), making it one of the most targeted federal funding sources available. Grants support training, technical assistance, and infrastructure projects. Because funds come directly from the federal government, competition is lower than many private grant programs.
Key details:
- Two tiers: "Opportunity" grants (under $50,000) and "Enterprise" grants (over $50,000)
- Administered through local USDA Rural Development state offices
- Eligible uses include equipment, real estate, and workforce training
The Pride Fund is an identity-based small-business grant specifically supporting LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs who face documented barriers to traditional financing. Offered through the StartOut nonprofit, the program awards grants to early-stage business owners alongside mentorship and networking access. Applying during the 2026 cycle typically opens in spring — check StartOut's website for exact deadlines.
What you get:
- Cash grants awarded to qualifying LGBTQIA+-owned businesses
- Mentorship pairing with experienced entrepreneurs
- No repayment required — free business funding
Walmart's Spark Good Local Grants program provides funding to nonprofit organizations and community-focused small businesses through local store nominations. Grants typically range from $250 to $5,000 and are distributed through individual Walmart store managers, making this a hyperlocal funding opportunity worth pursuing if your business serves the surrounding community.
Key details:
- Grant amounts: $250–$5,000 per award
- Applications submitted through local Walmart store managers
- Priority given to organizations addressing community needs
Hiring Our Heroes, a U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation initiative, offers grants and resources specifically to veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs looking to launch or grow a small business. Beyond direct funding, the program connects recipients with mentorship networks and corporate partners, adding business development value beyond the grant dollars themselves.
What you get:
- Targeted funding for veteran-owned and military spouse-owned businesses
- Access to corporate mentorship and professional networks
- Entrepreneurship fellowships and training programs included
The Second Service Foundation provides small-business funding exclusively to post-9/11 veterans transitioning from military service into entrepreneurship. Awards focus on covering startup costs, equipment, and operational expenses that are often the biggest barriers for new veteran-owned businesses. This niche grant pool means less competition compared to broadly available small-business grants.
Notable perks:
- Exclusively targets post-9/11 veterans, reducing applicant competition
- Funds startup costs, equipment, and early operating expenses
Final Words
These 11 small-business grants prove that free funding is within reach — you just need to know where to look. Whether you need startup capital, expansion funds, or industry-specific support, start by applying to the grants that best match your business profile and eligibility today.