Each month, we gather the best in small business resources and grant opportunities that support entrepreneurs.
Zoom Solopreneur 50 GrantThe 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.
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National: 2026 AARP Community ChallengeAARP’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.
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Mona $5,000 Small Business Impact GrantMona, 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.
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Financial Wellness WebinarJoin Bank of America for a webinar to learn the fundamentals of banking, budgeting, and spending; how to build an emergency fund; and how to respond to fraud or identity theft. Register for the free March 18 webinar, held 11 a.m. – noon MDT. |
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.
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T-Mobile Hometown GrantsT-Mobile is awarding up to $50,000 to 100 small towns (50,000 people or less) each year for community projects like revitalizing structures or improving public spaces. Priority is given to projects that enhance the local sense of place.
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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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HerRise MicroGrant
The HerRise MicroGrant offers financial aid to U.S.-registered businesses majority-owned by women of color, focusing on businesses with innovative community solutions. Applications are reviewed monthly, with winners announced at the next HerSuiteSpot First Friday Mixer. Nonprofits, franchises, direct sellers, authorized resellers, and independent consultants are ineligible.
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Intuit Small Business Hero Program
Nominate your small business hero for a $20,000 grant. Celebrate a small business in your community by nominating a small business who has shown courage, perseverance, and integrity.
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Morgan Stanley Small Business Academy
Nominate your small business hero for a $20,000 grant. Celebrate a small business in your community by nominating a small business who has shown courage, perseverance, and integrity.
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Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Self-Paced Courses
Through Digital Ready, Verizon aims to support more than 1 million business owners by 2030 with accessible, free resources to help you thrive in an increasingly digital economy. Business owners can sign up for customized learning plans covering digital marketing, operational efficiency, financial management, and more; live coaching from experts; and networking opportunities with diverse, industry-specific businesses in their area.
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North Carolina: Rise & Connect Business BreakfastAre 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.
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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.
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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.
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South Carolina: 10 Strategies to Start a Business Interactive Roundtable10 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.
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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.
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Pennsylvania: Ben Franklin Technology Partners Challenge GrantBusinesses 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.
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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. |
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. |
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. |
FEATURED EVENT
Texas: Kickstart Success StrategiesKickstart Success Strategies is a dynamic event designed to connect entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources, relationships, and insights needed to turn ideas into lasting success. This event brings together trusted business partners and financial experts from Develop Richmond, the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Prosperity Bank, First State Bank, Stellar Bank, and DreamSpring. Attendees will gain valuable guidance on funding options, growth strategies, and business support services to help move their businesses forward with confidence. Held in person on Feb. 25 from 10 a.m. – noon at the Fort Bend County SBDC in Richmond. |
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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.
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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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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). |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |