Each month, we gather the best in small business resources and grant opportunities that support entrepreneurs.
FEATURED EVENT
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Money Matters – Mastering Cash Flow and Financial TrackingJoin this free webinar on Oct. 1 from 1 – 2 p.m. CDT to gain expert insights into strengthening your business financials and banking relationships. Hosted in partnership with U.S. Bank and DreamSpring.
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Secretsos™ Small Business GrantThis grant offers $2,500 to help entrepreneurs overcome challenges and accelerate growth. Open to U.S. business owners age 21+ in eligible states (excluding Alaska, Florida, Hawaii, New York, and Rhode Island).
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SBA Introduction to Entrepreneurship WebinarJoin this free SBA webinar on Oct. 2 from 12 – 1 p.m. EDT to gain tools and strategies for business growth. Learn how to use GrowthWheel decision sheets, articles, and frameworks to strengthen operations and decision-making.
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Founder Therapy: Guerilla Marketing, or Gone Too Far?Join Hello Alice CEO Carolyn Rodz on Oct. 7 for this month’s Founder Therapy, a candid conversation about the scrappy, sometimes wild stunts entrepreneurs pull to stand out. Expect unfiltered stories, laughs, and real talk about the messy side of entrepreneurship.
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m+a Accelerator ProgramThis eight-week program offers lectures, workshops, and mentoring to help founders raise their first external funding. Priority is given to teams with female, minority, or other underrepresented founders.
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Macy’s: Powering Your Path to CapitalJoin this free webinar on Oct. 15 at 1 p.m. CDT to explore funding opportunities and capital-readiness strategies. Learn about S.P.U.R. Pathways, Momentus Capital, and practical steps to secure and manage capital effectively.
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FEATURED EVENT
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DreamCreative Maker MasterMind: The Business of Fashion with Min & MonJoin DreamSpring on Oct. 16 from 12–12:45 p.m. EDT for a conversation with Min & Mon co-founders Carolina Quintero, Andrés Quintero, and Catherine McKenzie. Based in New York City, the trio has grown Min & Mon into a boutique fashion brand known for its bold, whimsical handbags and accessories. Hear how they built a brand that celebrates individuality and joy while navigating the realities of running a small business.
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Native Youth GrantmakersNative Youth Grantmakers is designed for youth aged 18–24 who are connected to their community—whether reservation, rural, or urban—and want to grow their leadership, advocate for youth programs, and learn more about the philanthropic sector through relationship building.
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Intuit QuickBooks x Mailchimp Small Business Hero Program
This program awards $20,000 grants to U.S. small businesses whose owners demonstrate courage, perseverance, and integrity. Three winners are selected each quarter, receiving both funding and growth resources. Nominations are open to anyone who wants to recognize a small business hero.
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Hustler’s MicroGrant
Deja Vu Parker of WBLS and HerSuiteSpot present the Hustler’s MicroGrant, awarding $1,000 to support promising small businesses. Applications are accepted monthly on a rolling basis with a $15 application fee.
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Amber Grant Foundation
Founded by WomensNet in 1998, the Amber Grant Foundation aims to support women entrepreneurs by awarding a series of grants throughout the year. This includes a $10,000 monthly Amber Grant, two $25,000 annual Amber Grants, a $10,000 monthly startup grant, and 12 business category grants, each providing an additional $10,000 monthly. All eligible applications remain active until the month of their specific category.
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LinkedIn Premium and Learning for Military Spouses
Eligible U.S. military spouses can access a free year of LinkedIn Premium and LinkedIn Learning to boost their career growth, expand their network, and gain access to more than 20,000 courses on in-demand skills.
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T-Mobile Hometown GrantsT-Mobile is investing $25 million in 500 rural towns over five years to help bring community project ideas to life. Grants of up to $50,000 are available for nonprofit organizations (501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6)) and local government entities in towns with populations under 50,000. Eligible projects include technology upgrades, outdoor spaces, arts initiatives, and community centers. Applicants must submit a shovel-ready project plan, budget, timeline, letters of support, and details on permits or additional funding. Create an account with Main Street America to submit your proposal.
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North Carolina: The Innovation Funding JourneyThis full-day event, held 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. EDT on Oct. 1, helps innovators and entrepreneurs navigate funding options. Explore federal R&D grants, state-supported programs, loans, equity investment, and more, with expert insights and real-world lessons from successful recipients. Held in person in Durham as well as virtually.
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Florida: Marketing Connections Key West – Grow Your Brand & Business
This free workshop, held 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. EDT on Oct. 2 in Key West, helps entrepreneurs and small business owners strengthen their brand, attract customers, and boost growth. Learn digital marketing tools, tactics, and strategies from the Florida SBDC and U.S. SBA.
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Georgia: ForbesBLK Summit
Join Forbes and the ForbesBLK community for a three-day summit featuring inspiring ideas and engaging conversations about the future of the Black community. Connect with leading executives, entrepreneurs, creators, and changemakers for an experience that will challenge and inspire. Held in person in a to-be-announced location Atlanta ($500 registration) or virtually ($50 registration).
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Michigan: RECESS25 National Black and Brown Clean Energy SummitJoin the nation’s premier conference dedicated to expanding access and opportunities in the clean energy sector. Learn, network, and explore pathways to entrepreneurship and ownership while supporting communities of color in the energy transition. Held Oct. 13 – 15 at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center. Small business and nonprofit registration fee is $395; students are free.
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North Carolina: Starting a Business Webinar
This free virtual workshop, held 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. EDT on Oct. 16, covers business formation and registration requirements in North Carolina. Join the IRS, NCDOR, NC Secretary of State, and Business Link NC to learn about the essential steps to start your business.
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Kansas: Bank on Her Panel
Join nbkc bank on Oct. 2 from 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. CDT for a free in-person panel celebrating and empowering women entrepreneurs. This casual, engaging conversation will cover funding, launching, and growing your business. |
Kansas: Legal Issues for Start-Up Businesses
Join this workshop on Oct. 7 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CDT to learn key legal strategies for start-ups, including protecting assets, reducing liability, contract provisions, and getting paid. Held at Johnson County Community College Regnier Center, Room 145. $39 registration fee. |
Oklahoma: Business Start-Up Basics
Join the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center for a free online workshop designed for anyone looking to start a business. Learn about legal business structures, small business taxes, management best practices, marketing strategies, market research, writing a business plan, and understanding financial statements. Attendees can also connect with an SBDC Business Advisor for personalized guidance. |
Texas: Boots to Business Reboot
Join the SBA Houston District Office and UTRGV Veterans Business Outreach Center on Oct. 16 for the Boots to Business Reboot, a full-day program designed to help veterans start or grow their businesses in Fort Bend County. Gain practical education, training, and resources tailored to veteran entrepreneurs. |
Oklahoma: Financial Projections for Your Business Plan and Beyond
Join the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center on Oct. 21 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. CDT for a virtual workshop on understanding key financial statements, managing cash flow, and creating accurate financial projections to guide your business planning and growth. |
Oklahoma: Small Business Insurance Basics
Join the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center on Nov. 6 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CST for a virtual workshop covering essential small business insurance topics, including choosing the right coverage, understanding costs, and knowing when to revisit your policy. |
Colorado: West Slope Startup Week
Join West Slope Startup Week in Durango, Oct. 6 – 10, for five days of ideas, connection, and collaboration celebrating rural entrepreneurs and their communities. |
Colorado: Business Initiation Grant
The Business Initiation Grant offers up to $5,000 to qualifying new businesses to help cover startup costs. Applicants must have a fully developed business plan reviewed by the Aurora-South Small Business Development Center and maintain a physical storefront or business presence in a commercial or industrial district. Businesses opened in Englewood within the last 12 months are eligible to apply. |
New Mexico: New Business Tax Workshop
Join this free workshop on Oct. 16 from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. MDT held virtually and in Farmington to learn the essentials of business taxes, legal structures, record keeping, and other key financial and regulatory topics for new or soon-to-be business owners. |
Utah: Founder Friday – Lavanya Mahate
Join Utah Business on Nov. 15 for their monthly Founder Friday series featuring Lavanya Mahate of Saffron Valley and Rise Culinary Institute. Hear firsthand about her entrepreneurial journey, lessons learned, and future goals in an intimate setting. |
New Mexico and West Texas: Nusenda Community Rewards Giving
Nusenda Foundation partners with organizations that help New Mexicans and West Texans thrive. Community Rewards funding supports programs that demonstrate clear impact and leveraged resources. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. |
New Mexico: Technical Assistance from Los Alamos & Sandia Labs
The New Mexico Small Business Assistance (NMSBA) Program connects small businesses with scientists and engineers at Los Alamos and Sandia national laboratories to solve technical challenges at no cost. Since 2000, NMSBA has supported over 3,200 companies and helped create or retain 11,000+ jobs statewide. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. |