February and March 2026 Business Resource Round-Up

Zoom Solopreneur 50 Grant

The Zoom Solopreneur 50 is a first-of-its-kind recognition program spotlighting the individuals proving what a business of one can achieve. Zoom is looking for entrepreneurs who embody the spirit of independence, innovation, and impact. The top five honorees will receive visibility, resources, and a $30,000 grant.

Nominate yourself or a solopreneur by Feb. 13.

National: 2026 AARP Community Challenge

AARP’s Community Challenge funds quick-action projects that make communities more livable for people of all ages — especially adults 50+. Grants support tangible improvements like safer streets, public space enhancements, housing solutions, digital access, disaster resilience, and innovative pilot programs. Open to nonprofits nationwide, with awards ranging from a few hundred dollars up to $25,000 across flagship grants, capacity-building microgrants, and demonstration projects.

Apply by March 4.

Mona $5,000 Small Business Impact Grant

Mona, the small business funding co-pilot incubated at Harvard Innovation Labs, has launched its first Impact Grant — $5,000 in unrestricted, flexible funding for an entrepreneur making a meaningful impact in their community. The application is intentionally brief.

Apply by March 16.

Together We Thrive: The Journey to Employee Owners Webinar

Join the Center of Community Wealth and explore the strategic advantages of transitioning your business to employee ownership and learn how to do it. Held online March 27, 9 – 10 a.m. MDT.

Register for the free March 27 webinar.

North Carolina: Rise & Connect Business Breakfast  

Are you a Small Business CEO with under 100 employees? Join the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce to start your morning with meaningful conversations that spark growth. Make lasting connections, collaborate on solutions that will drive business growth, and gain fresh prospective from industry leaders. $15 entry fee for chamber members.

Register for the Feb. 17 event.

Michigan: 2026 Great Lakes Bay Region Owner to Owner Meeting

Join the Small Business Association of Michigan for an Owner2Owner (O2O) Regional Meeting on Feb. 26 at the Dow Center in Saginaw, from 6:00–8:00 p.m., paired with a Saginaw Spirit hockey game. This small-business-only event brings local owners together for networking, education, and advocacy conversations in a fun, community-focused setting. Open to both SBAM members and non-members.

Register for the free Feb. 26 event.

Florida: FGCU SBDC presents AI for Automating your Business

This free workshop will help you use AI to automate your business or non-profit. Work together with SBDC experts to build an agent, look closely at your digital presence and develop the top three things you need to do today for more leads, and run a competitive analysis. Held in person on March 3 from noon – 1:30 p.m. at the Collaboratory in Fort Myers.

Register for free March 3 workshop.

South Carolina: 10 Strategies to Start a Business Interactive Roundtable

10 Strategies to Start a Business is a high-engagement, conversation-driven workshop designed for aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs. Participants will explore the essential steps to starting a business, with bonus insights for tourism- and hospitality-based startups. The workshop also highlights free tools, trusted resources, and support services available to entrepreneurs, helping attendees move from ideas to action with confidence. Held in person at the Columbia Technology Incubator from 10 – 11:30 a.m.

Register for the free March 19 roundtable.

Georgia: Business Reach Grant for Interior Renovation

The Business Reach Grant Program makes 50% matching funds (up to $10,000) available for eligible interior renovations in Athens. The grant is intended to increase or sustain employment levels, encourage new businesses to locate downtown, assist with the expansion of existing businesses, and contribute to the overall value of downtown businesses and investments.

Learn more and apply.

Pennsylvania: Ben Franklin Technology Partners Challenge Grant

Businesses can work with four Ben Franklin Technology Partners for access to capital, business expertise, and technology commercialization services to advance the development of new technologies for the generation, conservation, and transportation of alternative and clean energy.

Learn more and apply.

Texas: United Way’s Free Tax Preparation Program

United Way’s Free Tax Preparation program provides access to free and trusted income tax assistance services to ensure that Dallas area residents receive all their eligible tax credits and refunds. Services available now through April 15, 2026.

Learn more.

Texas: 2026 Hard Hat Construction Expo

The largest and most diverse construction business expo in the Southwest connecting owners and general contractors with certified minority-owned construction businesses. $80 – $95 entry fee includes entry, round-table discussion, and meals. Held all day on Feb. 18 at Globe Life Field in Dallas Forth Worth.

Register for the Feb. 18 expo.

Illinois: McKinsey Fast Grants 2026

Through the Fast Grants initiative, McKinsey’s Chicago office helps local organizations with underrepresented founders tackle their toughest challenges and achieve sustainable, inclusive growth at scale. Underrepresented founders include first generation business owners and/or founders from economically disadvantaged communities. Together, McKinsey and A4CB will provide a $10,000 grant to four organizations whose founders show significant promise for impact.

Apply by Feb. 18.

Missouri: Accessing Capital for Your Small Business (Hybrid)

Pathway Financial Education hosts a free, hybrid workshop on Feb. 25 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. CST designed to help small business owners understand how business lending really works and what it takes to become loan-ready. Join in person in Kansas City at Pathway Financial Education in the 18th & Vine District or online via Zoom.

Register for the free Feb. 25 session.

Louisiana: Building and Financing Your Business in Baton Rouge

This hands-on workshop is for aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage business owners. Learn how to evaluate your business idea, develop a strong business plan, market and explore funding options, and connect with essential small business resources. Participants will leave with a clear startup roadmap and a simple checklist to launch their business with confidence. Held in person on March 13, 10 a.m. – noon, at the LSBDC Main Office at Southern University in Baton Rouge.

Register for the free March 13 workshop.

Texas: SESSION Foundation Grant

This $80,000 grant—matching the original funding Brittany Grignon Hays received to launch SESSION Pilates—is for female-founded businesses based in North Texas, offering both capital and access to mentorship from some of North Texas’ leading female-founder powerhouses.

Apply by March 18.

Missouri: Financial Projections for Small Businesses (Hybrid)

Pathway Financial Education offers a practical workshop on March 25 from 7 – 8:30 p.m. CDT focused on building clear, realistic financial projections for small businesses. Join in person in Kansas City at Pathway Financial Education in the 18th & Vine District or online via Zoom.

Register for the free March 25 workshop.

California: Community Business Accelerator

Community Business Accelerator (CBA) is a 16-week intensive program in partnership with FOUND/LA. CBA is designed for Los Angeles-based businesses that are building real impact alongside sustainable revenue. These companies create jobs, expand access, and strengthen local neighborhoods while working toward long-term growth. CBA is built to help founders make clearer decisions, move faster, and grow with intention.

Apply by Feb. 12. 

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 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at the Santa Fe Business Incubator (3900 Paseo del Sol, Santa Fe).

Register for the free Feb. 26 session. 

Register for the free March 26 session.

Colorado: Cooperative 101s / Cooperativa 101 (Virtual)

Community workshops from the Center for Community Wealth focused on learning how cooperative business can build community wealth and power. Presented online in English with Spanish translation on Feb. 25, noon – 1p.m. MDT.

Register for the Feb. 25 session. 

Colorado: Rural Startup Days

This is a completely free, multi-day event designed to activate the Southeast entrepreneurial community by providing educational sessions, local showcases, and networking opportunities! Rural Startup Days spotlights the joy of supporting small businesses and a thriving community by shopping local, building community, and network with fellow founders in and around the La Junta area.

Register for the free Feb. 25 – 27 event. 

Colorado: Cooperativa 101 / Cooperative 101s (Virtual)

Talleres comunitarios del Centro para la Riqueza Comunitaria centrados en aprender cómo las empresas cooperativas pueden generar riqueza y poder comunitario. En linea en español con interpretación al inglés, 18 de marzo, 5 – 6 p.m. MDT.

Inscríbase en la sesión del 18 de marzo.  

California: Legal Issues for Small Businesses

This free webinar, held 10:30 a.m. – noon MDT, will focus on core legal issues important to all new companies and small businesses including the corporate form chosen, protecting Intellectual Property, contracts, how to avoid litigation and important workplace and employment best practices.

Register for the free March 24 webinar.