Each month, we gather the best in small business resources and grant opportunities that support entrepreneurs.
NATIONAL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
Patrick Leahy Farm to School GrantAgricultural producers and nonprofits can apply for competitive grants ranging from $100,000–$500,000 to expand or launch farm to Child Nutrition Program (CNP) initiatives that connect students with local foods through education, taste tests, school gardens, field trips, and local sourcing for meals.
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FEATURED GRANT
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Verizon Small Business Digital-Ready GrantSmall businesses can become digital-ready with access to free courses, mentorship, peer networking, 1:1 expert coaching, and a grant of $10,000.
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Avoiding Predatory Lending in a Shrinking MarketJoin Small Business Majority and the Responsible Business Lending Coalition on Dec. 10 at 3:30 p.m. ET for a free virtual session on how to spot predatory loans and safely shop for capital in today’s fast-changing small business financing landscape.
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Financial Wellness WebinarJoin Bank of America for a webinar on Dec. 17 from 10 – 11 a.m. MST to learn the fundamentals of banking, budgeting, and spending; how to build an emergency fund; and how to respond to fraud or identity theft.
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Hey Helen GrantThe Hey Helen Grant gives $10,000 in financial support to businesses that are 100% women-owned, generate less than $1M in annual revenue, and are legally registered in the United States. Nonbinary applicants assigned female at birth or who feel aligned with the intent of the grant are also welcome to apply.
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DoorDash Local Business Disaster Relief Fund
The DoorDash Local Business Disaster Relief Fund, presented by DoorDash in partnership with Hello Alice, gives grants ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 to invest in rent, utilities, maintenance, supplies, payroll, and other essential expenses that strengthen business operations and fuel recovery.
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The Breakthrough GrantHer Agenda is awarding $5,000 to one ambitious woman entrepreneur ready to break through barriers and take her business to the next level.
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Amber Grant
Amber Grants support women-owned business with at least $30,000 each month in grants, including three $10,000 monthly grants and additional $50,000 year-end awards. Eligible applicants can submit one application to be considered for all relevant grants. Winners are announced by the 23rd of each month.
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Start.Pivot.Grow Grant
Grants of $2,500 can be used for utilities, rent, inventory, marketing, software, professional development, and bookkeeping services. Eligible businesses must have one to two employees and annual revenue of $50,000 or more, and be in operation for at least two years. Winners also receive the Digital Business Growth Planner and the Prep My Loan Planner.
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Article: “The Challenges and Opportunities Facing Small Businesses Right Now”
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce explores the top challenges and opportunities shaping small businesses in 2025, from inflation and hiring to AI, upskilling, and shifting consumer trends.
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EASTERN U.S. BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
Pennsylvania: Business Goal Setting for 2026Join the Pennsylvania SBDC on Dec. 4 from 6 – 7 p.m. ET to learn how to assess your business's current performance, gain strategies for achieving growth, improve operations, and access resources and support to help you boost profitability in 2026.
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Ohio: JobsOhio Small Business GrantThe JobsOhio Small Business Grant offers up to $50,000 in financial assistance to eligible small businesses in Ohio looking to grow their operations.
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CENTRAL U.S. BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
Texas: Canva for Small Business
Join the Lee College SBDC (909 Decker Drive, Baytown) on Dec. 11 from 10 – 11 a.m. for this hands-on workshop where you’ll learn the basics of using Canva to create business materials. |
Kansas: Farmers & Flyers Marketing Webinar Series
Join this free marketing webinar on Dec. 11 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. CT, part of the Midwest Growers Collaborative series for farmers, ranchers, and growers. Learn to build your brand, promote products and events, and connect with customers. |
Nebraska: VC Office Hours
Founders, investors, and anyone interested in entrepreneurship can join the Nebraska Startup Academy and MOVE Venture Capital team at Millwork Commons (1229 Millwork, Omaha) from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. to network, co-work, and answer founder /investor questions following 1 Million Cups Omaha. |
Missouri: G.I.F.T. Grant
Grants of $10,000 are designed to support and accelerate Black-owned businesses in Kansas City. $25 application fee.
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Missouri: Social Venture Meetup with Shaniqua Jones-Williams
Shaniqua Jones-Williams, Founder & CEO of SendBack, shares how she leads innovative solutions that cut costs, reduce waste, and create a greener, more customer-friendly experience. Held at Keystone CoLAB (800 E 18th St, Kansas City) from 6 – 8 p.m. |
WESTERN U.S. BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
California: OCHCC Main Street Digital Training & Grant Program
The Orange County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce offers a four-week training and $2,000 grant to help small businesses increase their social media presence and revenue. Eligible businesses must be in Irvine, have two to 25 employees, and hold an active business license since early 2019. |
New Mexico: Packaging and Pricing Your Services
Join SCORE to learn how to price your services, define your ideal client, and package your offerings for value and growth on Dec. 2 from 5 – 7 p.m. at the Santa Fe Business Incubator (3900 Paseo del Sol, Santa Fe). |
New Mexico: InvestHER Power Circle
Connect with women investors, founders, innovators, and executives shaping New Mexico’s entrepreneurial ecosystem at a facilitated networking event, held Dec. 4 from 4:30 – 7 p.m. at The Kitchen Table Santa Fe (313 Camino Alire, Santa Fe). |
New Mexico: Veterans Small Business Lending Expo
The NM Veterans Business Outreach Center, in partnership with the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce, NewSpace Launchpad, and the SBA, is hosting a free lending expo connecting veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs, startups, small businesses, nonprofits with earned revenue, and community business supporters with banks, CDFIs, microlenders, and investors. Held on Dec. 9 from 1 – 4 p.m. at NewSpace Launchpad (2420 Alamo Ave SE, Suite 104, Albuquerque). |
New Mexico: Native American Business Roundtable
Join this monthly gathering for Native American entrepreneurs and business owners to connect, share resources, and build pathways to success. Held 10 a.m. – noon at the Santa Fe Business Incubator (3900 Paseo del Sol, Santa Fe). |
New Mexico: Economic Justice Workshop
Immigrant entrepreneurs can attend this free workshop to access essential business documents and receive guidance on licensing, tax IDs, and business development resources. Held on Dec. 9 from 4 – 7 p.m at St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church (601 Montaño NW, Albuquerque). |
New Mexico: Maker’s Marketplace – Practical Strategies for Selling Your Work
Learn how to price your products, choose the right sales channels, and share your story in a way that connects with buyers. Held on Dec. 9 from 5–7 p.m. at the Santa Fe Business Incubator (3900 Paseo del Sol, Santa Fe). |
Colorado: Business Ownership – Build, Buy, or Franchise?
Are you interested in entrepreneurship, but curious about which form of business ownership aligns best with your goals? In this Colorado SBDC webinar, held on Dec. 10 from 9 – 10 a.m. MT, learn about three options to enter business ownership: Building or starting a business from scratch, buying an existing business, and becoming a franchisee. |
FEATURED EVENT
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DreamSpring Community Open HouseYou're invited to a community open house in honor of DreamSpring Founder Anne Haines, held Dec. 12 from 3 – 6 p.m. at DreamSpring Headquarters (2000 Zearing NW, Albuquerque), marking her well-deserved retirement from DreamSpring. Enjoy tasty treats and warm community in celebration of a leader who has opened doors for thousands of entrepreneurs.
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New Mexico: Office Hours for Entrepreneurial Leadership Coaching
Attend a 30-minute session on Dec. 15 with leadership coach Scott Tafoya to discuss challenges, growth opportunities, and strategies to strengthen your leadership skills. Sessions can be attended in person at the Lobo Rainforest (101 Broadway NE, Albuquerque) or online from 1 – 4 p.m. MST on Dec. 15. |
New Mexico: East Central Business Owners Speaker Series
Join Albuquerque’s District 6 and 9 city councilors for a discussion on the free tools and resources offered by CABQ Economic Development to help your small business thrive. Held on Jan. 28 from noon to 1 p.m. at Manzano Mesa Multigenerational Center. |
Nevada: Clark County District A Tenant Improvement Grant Program
Are you a small business or commercial property owner in the unincorporated areas of Clark County Commission District A? This grant program offers up to $25,000 to help you improve your property and strengthen your business presence. |
