Are you an ambitious entrepreneur with big dreams for your small business? Are you searching for that golden opportunity to secure funding and take your venture to new heights? Well, look no further! Dre Taylor Consulting has provided a guide to unlock 20 small business grants that can make your business dreams a reality.

Small business grants are like the secret sauce for entrepreneurial success. They provide the financial boost you need without the burden of repayment. It’s like someone waving a magic wand and saying, “Here’s the support you need to turn your ideas into a thriving business.”

So, what types of grants are available to fuel your entrepreneurial fire? Let’s dive in and explore the possibilities:

Federal, State and Local Government Grants (4):

Your federal, state and local governments offer a wide range of grants for small businesses across various industries.

1. Grants.gov: Grants.gov is a comprehensive database of government small-business grants administered by various federal agencies.
2. Economic Development Administration: The Department of Commerce offers unique grants, valuable resources, and expert technical assistance to empower communities in fostering economic expansion while fostering a spirit of entrepreneurship and fostering innovation. You can search the economic development directory for regional offices and local resources.
3. Small Business Development Centers: Your local Small Business Development Center, or SBDC, provides support for small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs. They’re often associated with local universities or a state’s economic development agency, and many can help connect you with small-business grants, as well as other business financing opportunities — plus, counseling, training and technical assistance.
4. Minority Business Development Agency Centers: The MBDA operates an extensive network of business centers across the nation with a primary focus on fostering the growth and advancement of small businesses owned by minorities. These centers play a vital role in facilitating minority business owners in obtaining capital, securing contracts, and effectively competing in emerging markets. By reaching out to your local MBDA Center, you can receive assistance in applying for various forms of financing, including debt-based options, as well as federal, state, and local grants specifically designed for supporting businesses. The agency usually holds an annual small-business grant competition and provides updates on this contest on its website.

For-Profit Grants (8):

1. USDA Rural Business Development Grants: USDA Rural Business Development Grants: The U.S. Department of Agriculture administers the Rural Business Development Grant program, which provides financing to strengthen and grow small businesses in rural communities. To be eligible, businesses need to fulfill certain criteria including having a workforce of fewer than 50 new employees, generating gross revenue below $1 million, and being situated in a qualifying rural area. Interested applicants can submit their applications once annually, with the USDA Rural Development’s local or state offices being the designated submission points.
2. National Association for the Self-Employed: Members of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) have the opportunity to seek monthly grants for their small businesses, with the potential value reaching up to $4,000. Additionally, NASE offers an annual college scholarship worth $3,000 for dependents of its members. The grant applications are evaluated on a quarterly basis, with submission deadlines falling in January, April, July, and October.
3. Fast Break for Small Business: LegalZoom, the NBA, WNBA and NBA G League have partnered with Accion Opportunity Fund to offer $10,000 grants and up to $500 in LegalZoom services for small-business owners. This program focuses on helping businesses in underserved and underrepresented communities. Applications are open twice a year.
4. U.S. Chamber of Commerce Top Small Business Awards: This prestigious program celebrates a small business for its exceptional contributions to the United States economy and extends a grant of $25,000 as an acknowledgement. The competition also presents awards across various categories, including emerging businesses and green/sustainable businesses, accompanied by their respective prizes. To be eligible, it is required to have an existing business, but the operation duration can be as short as one year. The application period for the 2023 cycle concludes on July 7th.
5. Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Grant Program: Through Verizon’s Empowering Small Business initiative, entrepreneurs can access complimentary courses and educational resources, in addition to applying for grant funding. To qualify for a $10,000 grant for small businesses, applicants must register on the Verizon website and complete at least two of the following activities: courses, live coaching sessions, or community events. After fulfilling these tasks, you can proceed to submit a grant application. Verizon is committed to offering a total of $500,000 in grant awards for the year 2023.
6. FedEx Small Business Grant Contest: Annually, FedEx holds a grant contest where over $250,000 is awarded to 10 outstanding small businesses, including a grand prize of $30,000 and $1,000 in FedEx print credits. The competition is open to for-profit small businesses based in the United States that have been operational for at least six months, employing no more than 99 individuals. The upcoming cycle will commence in early 2024
7. The Fearless Strivers Grant Initiative, in partnership with Mastercard, presents grants of $20,000 to four businesses nationwide. Beyond financial support, the winners receive personalized mentorship and access to digital tools. Applicants must meet specific criteria, including being Black women, U.S. citizens, and at least 18 years old. The application period for the 2023 cycle ends on August 31st.
8. Currently, in its fifth year, the Business Impact Grant from Publish Her awards a grant of $5,000 to a female business owner of color. To be eligible, the applicant must be at least 21 years old, a resident of the United States, and have operated the business for a minimum of one year. The business must be 100% woman-owned and generate a minimum of $50,000 in revenue. Applications will close on August 31, 2023, and the winner will be announced in October.

Non-Profit Organization Grants (7):

The philanthropic world is full of generous organizations eager to support non-profit ventures. These grants cater to a diverse range of sectors, including education, healthcare, environmental conservation, and social services. It’s like a helping hand extended to those who aim to make a positive impact in the world.

1. Carnegie Corporation extends non-profit grants in four distinct program areas: education, democracy, international peace and security, and higher education and research in Africa. While the corporation generally does not provide general support or unrestricted grants, eligibility is based on meeting the criteria specific to one of the four programs, with the funds intended for qualifying projects. To apply for a non-profit grant, interested parties are required to submit a letter of inquiry through the organization’s online portal. If the letter is approved, a full proposal is requested, and the entire process typically takes four to six weeks.
2. The Ford Foundation offers grants to non-profit organizations focused on addressing issues of inequality. These grants align with nine program areas, which encompass topics such as creativity and free expression, national resources and climate change, and gender, racial, and ethnic justice. The foundation’s website provides information about ongoing projects accepting applications, along with specific instructions for each grant. You can find current projects that are accepting applications on the foundation’s website and apply based on the instructions for that specific grant
3. The Coca-Cola Foundation provides community grants to nonprofits, supporting initiatives such as clean water, women’s empowerment, recycling, and disaster preparedness. To access these funding opportunities, applicants must first complete an eligibility quiz. If deemed eligible, they can register for the foundation’s online application system, which enables browsing and application submission for available grants
4. The Walmart Foundation awards non-profit grants on a quarterly basis through local Walmart and Sam’s Club facilities. These grants, ranging from $250 to $5,000, are presented to local non-profit organizations to fund projects within their respective communities. Eligible applicants can apply for grants in eight funding areas, including community and economic development, diversity and inclusion, education, and public safety. The application process involves an eligibility questionnaire, and qualified applicants are directed to create an account on the CyberGrants FrontDoor platform. Once verified on the CyberGrants platform, applicants can submit their grant applications. The Walmart Foundation permits a maximum of 25 applications per yearly grant cycle
5. Amazon offers two annual technology grants for nonprofits through its AWS Amazon Imagine Grant program.
   
   • The “Go Further, Faster Award” is granted to innovative non-profit projects that leverage cloud technology. These projects utilize advanced cloud services such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, or high-performance computing to develop scalable solutions for specific industries or fields. Winners receive an unrestricted grant of up to $150,000, up to $100,000 in AWS promotional credit, project implementation guidance from AWS technical specialists, and access to AWS training and support. 
   
   
   • The “Momentum to Modernize Award” provides funding to enhance non-profit organizations’ operations through technology, including cloud server migration or application modernization. Awardees receive an unrestricted grant of up to $50,000, up to $20,000 in AWS promotional credit, project implementation guidance, and access to AWS training and support. Non-profit organizations with 501(c) status or equivalent are eligible to apply, and applications are accepted once per year through the AWS website.
6. State Farm Good Neighbor Citizenship Company offers three types of community nonprofit grants:
   
   • a) Safety grants. Focus on home and auto safety and disaster preparedness.
   • b) Community development grants. Support affordable and sustainable housing, job training, small-business development, personal financial literacy, among other initiatives.
   • c) Education grants. Funds awarded to programs in higher education, K-12 academic performance and financial literacy, and pathways for college and career success.

   Currently, State Farm grant applications are invitation-only once per year. However, if you think your nonprofit has a qualifying project for one of these grants, you can reach out to your local State Farm Community Contact for assistance.

7. Google Ad Grants provide eligible non-profit organizations with up to $10,000 per month in search ads displayed on Google.com. These ads can be utilized to support marketing efforts, attract donors, and recruit volunteers. To qualify, nonprofits must be registered charitable organizations with high-quality websites. Applications for these grants can be submitted through Google for Nonprofits, which offers access to various Google products at no cost, including Google Workspace for Nonprofits (comprising Gmail, Google Docs, Google Calendar, and Google Meet), Google Ad Grants, YouTube Nonprofit Program and the Google Maps Platform.

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Grant Databases (1):

You can also use grant databases, like GrantWatch and GrantFinder, to identify federal, state and local opportunities for your nonprofit organization. These types of databases allow you to search and apply for grants all in one place. However, some options require a paid subscription to access everything its platform has to offer.

Now that you know about the different types of grants available, are you ready to elevate your business to new heights? Don’t let the opportunity slip away! Our grant research and writing packages are designed to be your guiding light on the path to success. With our expertise and proven strategies, we’ll help you unlock the funding opportunities that can transform your business. From crafting compelling proposals to providing personalized guidance, we’re here to make your grant pursuit a breeze. Take the leap and explore our grant research and writing packages today by filling out our FREE Grant Questionnaire. Your dreams are within reach, and we’re here to make them a reality.