Each month, we gather the best in small business resources and grant opportunities that support entrepreneurs.
NATIONAL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
Talent x Opportunity Accelerator
This hybrid accelerator from Andreessen Horowitz supports founders building culturally innovative businesses who lack access to traditional startup networks and resources. Selected entrepreneurs receive $175,000 in exchange for a 7% ownership stake, along with mentorship and community. |
Prose Emerging Entrepreneurs Grant
In partnership with Ellis Brooklyn, Prose will award $10,000 to an AANHPI-led business to support its mission and growth. |
Small Business Hero Grant
Nominate a small business to receive $20,000 through the Small Business Hero Program, which supports local businesses making a difference in their communities. |
STREETS Global Award
This $10,000 award honors mission-driven hospitality or tourism organizations that are one to five years old and creating social impact through innovation and sustainability. Open to businesses, nonprofits, and NGOs worldwide. |
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Zendesk Tech for Good
Zendesk partners with nonprofits worldwide to provide free software, pro bono support, and grants that help scale impact through technology. |
Bank of America Credit Basics Workshop
Join Bank of America on Friday, Aug. 15, at 10 a.m. MT for a virtual Credit Basics workshop. Learn how to manage credit wisely, build a strong credit foundation, and understand the role credit plays in banking. This free session will equip you with the knowledge to make informed financial decisions. |
Bank of America Financial Wellness Workshop
Join Bank of America on Friday, Aug. 15, at 10 a.m. MT for a virtual Financial Wellness workshop. Learn the basics of banking, budgeting, and building an emergency fund, plus how to respond to fraud or identity theft. This free session will help you make smart financial decisions and plan for the future. |
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Maker MasterMind: The Business of Filmmaking with Mike ShumJoin DreamSpring on Aug. 21 at 10 a.m. MDT for a conversation with independent filmmaker Mike Shum as part of our free Maker MasterMind series. Learn how Mike built a career producing and shooting documentaries for outlets including PBS Frontline and Al Jazeera Witness, becoming a multi-award-winning filmmaker along the way.
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Maker MasterMind: The Business of Jewelry with Courtney GrayJoin DreamSpring in conversation with metalsmith and entrepreneur Courtney Gray on Sept. 18 at 10 a.m. MDT as part of our free Maker MasterMind series. Hear how Courtney has built a creative career at the bench and in business, forging her path as a jewelry designer and small business owner.
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Impact Accelerator ProgramFrom Oct. 17 to Dec. 5, immerse yourself in a dynamic virtual accelerator designed to grow your revenue and prepare your business for investment. Led by industry experts, the program offers hands-on learning, quick-start tools, and actionable strategies for scaling impact.
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Foot Locker Foundation Community Empowerment ProgramThis program offers grants from $25,000 to $100,000 to 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting youth programming or capital improvements in low-to-moderate income communities across 14 U.S. cities, including Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, New York City, and others.
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She's Connected with AT&TThis opportunity offers women business owners a chance to win $50,000, a year of AT&T service with a new device, and national exposure through an AT&T content feature.
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Small Business Readiness for Resiliency GrantIn partnership with FedEx, this $5,000 grant helps small business owners proactively prepare for disasters through the Resiliency (R4R) Program.
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EASTERN U.S. BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
Pennsylvania: Mechanics of Starting a New Business WebinarThis free webinar, held 5 – 7 p.m. EDT on Aug. 7, is designed for those planning to start a business or operating less than one year. Learn the essentials to get your business off the ground with Pitt SBDC.
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North Carolina: SBTDC Taking the Leap – Virtual Cohort for StartupsJoin this free virtual program held on August 4, 11, 18, and 25, from 6 – 8 p.m. EDT, to gain tools and guidance for launching your business. You will access templates, marketing strategies, and expert mentorship while networking with fellow founders.
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CENTRAL U.S. BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
Alabama: Alabama Launchpad Pitch Competition
Alabama Launchpad helps early-stage entrepreneurs turn ideas into thriving businesses with expert coaching and seed funding. Apply now to join the next competition and pitch for your chance to accelerate your venture. |
Texas: Governor’s Small Business Summit
Join the Governor’s Small Business Summit on Aug. 21 in Big Lake for a day of expert-led sessions and networking designed to help Texas entrepreneurs start, grow, and strengthen their businesses. Connect with resource partners and gain actionable insights on key business topics. $20 tickets include access to all sessions, resource providers, lunch, and complimentary headshots. |
Missouri: Government Contracting 101 Workshop
Join Missouri APEX Accelerator on Sept. 3, from 9 – 10:30 a.m., for a free virtual class covering the essentials of government contracting. Learn how to research opportunities, navigate the procurement process, and take actionable steps to compete for contracts at all levels of government. |
Louisiana: STEP (State Trade Expansion Program) Grant
Louisiana small businesses can get up to $10,000 in 90% reimbursement funding to grow international sales through the STEP Grant. Eligible expenses include trade shows, export training, shipping samples, compliance testing, and more. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. |
WESTERN U.S. BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
Colorado: Mastering Business Finances Workshop
Join this free in-person workshop in Colorado Springs on Aug. 2 from 8–11:30 a.m. to learn how to analyze financial statements, stay tax compliant, build connections with lenders and financial experts, and get funding-ready. Held at the Colorado Springs Chamber and Economic Development Corporation. |
Colorado: Grant Training Program
The Region 9 Economic Development District of Southwest Colorado offers two free, on-demand grant trainings: Funding Your Vision is a comprehensive course covering the full grant process, and Numbers into Narrative helps you connect data with storytelling to strengthen your applications. |
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Arizona: The Business Brew Morning Meetup for Entrepreneurs
Join this free in-person event held at Phoenix’s BMO Tower on Aug. 6, from 9:30 – 11 a.m., to connect with small business owners over coffee and breakfast, play Networking Bingo for prizes, and hear from local business resource experts from BMO, DreamSpring, and the City of Phoenix. |
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New Mexico: Women in Tech Peer Group Meetup
Join the NM Technology Council on Aug. 12 from 9 – 11 a.m. MDT for a free meetup bringing together women across the tech ecosystem, from founders to early-career professionals. Location TBD; bring your own coffee. |
New Mexico: Opportunity Enterprise Development Financing
Loans are available to help for-profit and nonprofit entities build or renovate commercial spaces that attract businesses and create economic benefits, as well as construct workforce housing or infrastructure for affordable housing across New Mexico. Projects must demonstrate that other financing options are unavailable or insufficient. For commercial projects, the developer cannot be the primary occupant of the facility. |
New Mexico: 2025 Northern NM Small Business Summit
The 2025 Northern NM Small Business Summit is a full-day event bringing together entrepreneurs, small business owners, and community partners for networking, learning, and inspiration. Sessions will cover financing, business planning, marketing, social media, government contracting, disaster recovery, and more. Held at the Las Vegas NM Small Business Development Center on Aug. 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
Arizona: Phoenix Small Business Conference
Connect with fellow entrepreneurs at the Phoenix Small Business Conference on Sept. 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST at the Phoenix Convention Center, South Building. This full-day event features networking, workshops, and resources to help your business grow. |
New Mexico: 2025 Tech Summit
Held on Sept. 17 from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Sandia Casino & Resort in Albuquerque, the Tech Summit is New Mexico’s premier technology event. It brings together over 700 attendees from industry, government, education, and nonprofits to connect, collaborate, and shape the future of technology. This comprehensive event offers keynotes, panels, and networking to drive innovation across the region. Admission is $125 for NMTC members and $150 for regular attendees. Presented by the New Mexico Technology Council. |
Utah: Get Started Business Idea Challenge
This milestone grant program awards non-equity funding to help Utah entrepreneurs validate ideas, build prototypes, or launch marketing efforts. Applications are due the first Wednesday of each month, with live pitch events on the third Wednesday. |
California: Lift Initiative Spark Relief Grant
San Joaquin County’s LIFT Initiative offers up to $5,000 in funding to help small businesses recover and grow in the post-pandemic economy. Grants are awarded first come, first served until funds run out. |
