Each month, we gather the best in small business resources and grant opportunities that support entrepreneurs.
NATIONAL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
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Important Tax Guidance for Small BusinessFeeling overwhelmed by small business taxes? In this SCORE webinar, you'll learn how to easily prepare your tax documents, boost your tax literacy, and take control of your financial future. Gain practical guidance to master the essentials of preparing small business taxes that will help drive business success.
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Mastering Cash Flow ManagementIn this SCORE webinar, you'll learn how to better understand your business's cash flow cycle and manage your cash flow more effectively — planning for changing financial needs, preparing for seasonal or unexpected fluctuations, and managing money more strategically throughout the year.
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Secretsos Small Business GrantThe Secretsos Foundation awards $2,500 quarterly to U.S. small business owners who demonstrate passion, integrity, and a plan for growth. Applications are evaluated on the strength of the business itself, the applicant's entrepreneurial drive, and a clear explanation of how the funds will be used. Open to business owners 21 and older in all U.S. states and territories except Alaska, Florida, Hawaii, New York, and Rhode Island. There is an application fee. Applications open on the first day of each quarter and close on the last day.
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Intuit QuickBooks Small Business Hero Program
The Intuit QuickBooks and Mailchimp Small Business Hero Program awards $20,000 grants to three U.S. small businesses each quarter — businesses whose owners demonstrate courage, perseverance, and a commitment to their communities. Anyone can nominate a small business, and business owners can nominate themselves. Winners also receive growth resources and national recognition.
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IFundWomen Universal Grant Application
IFundWomen partners with enterprise brands to distribute capital to women-owned businesses. Instead of tracking individual pop-up deadlines, founders can complete one free universal application. The platform uses this database to match businesses with rolling grant cycles.
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IVMF Military Founders LabThe Military Founders Lab is a free 10-week virtual program for veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs who have been actively building their business for at least six months. The program provides business tools, mentorship, peer network, and multiple tracks aligned by shared experience or industry. Three cohorts run annually — winter, spring, and fall — with rolling applications accepted year-round.
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Service2CEO for Military-Connected EntrepreneursService2CEO provides resources, networks of people committed to your success, and an actionable curriculum that accelerates your business to the next stage of development.
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Veteran Loan Fund Business SupportThe Veteran Loan Fund provides specialized funding and technical assistance to veteran entrepreneurs. The platform connects veteran-owned businesses with community lenders and supportive resources to fuel sustainable growth.
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Mona-Kiva Loan Opportunity for Small BusinessMona and Kiva U.S. offer 0% interest, $0 fee, highly accessible loans ranging from $1,000 to $15,000. All U.S. small businesses are eligible, with a focus on immigrant, refugee, and first-generation entrepreneurs.
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ACE Empower ProgramThe Empower Program is a multi-state small business development program led by the California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce in partnership with National ACE, designed to help growth-stage entrepreneurs strengthen operational capacity and prepare for government contracting and next-phase opportunities. The program focuses on grants, loans, and capital readiness, with access to expert workshops and one-on-one support. Open to small business owners in Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.
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EASTERN U.S. BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
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Florida: Broward County Small Business Micro-GrantBroward County offers $2,500 to $5,000 in reimbursable grants to small businesses with 20 or fewer full-time employees and under $1M in annual revenue. The funds are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis to help cover operational expenses.
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Ohio: Lightship BootcampLightship Bootcamp is a free three-day in-person program for founders actively building their businesses, covering pitch development, financial modeling, AI tools, legal foundations, and customer strategy. Accommodations and meals are provided. The 2026 program runs across eight Ohio cities, with remaining dates in Toledo (Sept. 8–10), Cincinnati (Oct. 19–21), Cleveland (Nov. 1–3), and Akron (Nov. 16–18). Participants may also learn about the JobsOhio Small Business Grant, a non-dilutive funding opportunity of up to $50,000 available to eligible founders. Applications are rolling and first-come, first-served — each city has limited spots.
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CENTRAL U.S. BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
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Texas: Entre Capital Second Chance ACCELERATOR™ Info Session
RSVP for an info session on Entre Capital's 7-week virtual program for justice-impacted business owners in Texas who are ready to build stronger operations, prepare for funding, and grow with intention. Learn what the program involves, what you'll need to apply, and get your questions answered. Register for the free Aug. 20 info session. |
FEATURED EVENT
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Texas: "Back to Business" Resource Fair Presented by Vista Bank
Join DreamSpring at the "Back to Business" Resource Fair — part of an ongoing series in partnership with Vista Bank, the South Dallas Fair Park Innovation Center, and the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce. Grab a bite, share ideas with fellow business owners, and connect directly with industry leaders. Held at Vista Bank & Financial Literacy Center in Dallas from 9 – 11 a.m. Register for the free Aug. 21 event in Dallas. |
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FEATURED EVENT
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Texas: The Founder's Foundation — Mastering Personal Cash Flow
Join Capital One Café and DreamSpring for the first session of a two-part conversation series for local small business owners, founders, and CEOs. This session covers personal cash flow before transitioning to true business banking. Light refreshments provided; connect 1-on-1 with Capital One Ambassadors, Small Business Bankers, and fellow local leaders after the panel. Held 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Capital One Café at Uptown Dallas. Register for the free Aug. 26 event in Dallas. |
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Texas: Small Business Assistance Program
The City of Dallas Office of Economic Development provides reimbursable grants to support local small businesses with 20 or fewer employees. Funding assists with real estate and capital improvements as businesses expand or move into Dallas storefronts. Total project costs cannot exceed $2M. Projects must meet minimum investment thresholds and have 75% of costs committed from outside sources. Maximum awards range from $100,000 up to $400,000 for projects that create or retain living wage jobs. |
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Alabama: Innovate Alabama Supplemental Grant
The state provides up to $250,000 in matching funds for local businesses that have received federal Small Business Innovation Research or Small Business Technology Transfer awards. The Innovate Alabama Supplemental Grant Program supports ventures operating in fields like technology and advanced manufacturing. |
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Illinois: Chicago Small Business Improvement FundThe Small Business Improvement Fund provides grants covering 30 to 90 percent of the cost of permanent building improvements and repairs for commercial and industrial properties in Chicago TIF districts. Maximum grants are $150,000 for commercial properties and $250,000 for industrial properties. Eligible businesses must have gross annual sales up to $9 million and be located in an active TIF district. Applications open monthly on a rolling basis — check current district availability before applying. |
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Mississippi: Innovate Mississippi Seed Fund
Innovate Mississippi provides proof-of-concept grants and seed funding to high-growth tech startups operating across the state. The program helps local entrepreneurs bridge the gap between initial product development and angel investment by offering up to $10,000 for early-stage operational support. |
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Oklahoma: OCAST Industry Innovation ProgramThe Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology awards grants of up to $500,000 to in-state businesses. Funding supports the development of new technologies that benefit the local economy. At least 51% of the funded project must operate within the state and commit to a $1-for-$1 match. |
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Tennessee: LaunchTN Matching FundLaunch Tennessee offers targeted matching funds to state-based startups that have already secured a federal Small Business Innovation Research or Small Business Technology Transfer award. The funds can be utilized for commercialization and scaling operations. This rolling opportunity helps tech-focused founders stretch their federal dollars further. |
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Wyoming: Kickstart Grant ProgramThe Wyoming Business Council provides $5,000 to $50,000 in non-dilutive funding to growth-oriented startups operating in the state. The program helps founders with 25 or fewer employees overcome initial hurdles through direct financial support and valuable investor networking opportunities. |
WESTERN U.S. BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
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Colorado: Native Entrepreneurship | Shore Up — Southwest Colorado
Taught by entrepreneurs and award-winning professors Erick Mueller and Eric Bruno in partnership with the Southern Ute Tribe, this two-day intensive is designed for second-stage Native-owned small businesses and organizations ready to move from startup to scale. Now in its third year, the 2026 program focuses on what comes after the startup phase — strategy, systems, and sustainable growth. Questions can be directed to deming@colorado.edu. |
FEATURED EVENT
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New Mexico: Lunch & Learn — Business Fundamentals and Access to Capital
The Black Chamber of Commerce of New Mexico invites you to their upcoming Lunch and Learn: Business Fundamentals and Access to Capital. Featured speakers include Ken Jackson of the ABQ Small Business Office of Economic Development and DreamSpring President & CEO Charles McElrath. Registration required. Register for the Aug. 26 event in Albuquerque. |
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New Mexico: PNM Business UpLift
PNM's Business UpLift program helps New Mexico small businesses reduce operating costs through energy efficiency upgrades. Selected businesses receive targeted support to lower utility bills and improve their facilities. |
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Arizona: Microbusiness Loan Program
The State of Arizona's Office of Economic Opportunity, in partnership with local lenders, provides loans ranging from $2,000 to $50,000 to support the state's smallest businesses. Eligible microbusinesses must be owned and operated in Arizona and have five or fewer employees. Funds can be used for working capital, equipment, real estate improvements, or debt refinancing. Loan recipients also receive complementary financial education and business planning support. |
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California: Genesis for Good Catalyst Empowerment Grants
The Genesis for Good Foundation awards grants of up to $10,000 to support small businesses operating in low-to-moderate income areas of Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. Eligible entrepreneurs must have ten or fewer employees, generate $500,000 or less in annual gross revenue, and have been in continuous operation for at least one year. In addition to funding, recipients receive business advisory support and point-of-sale technology to help streamline operations. |
