Each month, we gather the best in small business resources and grant opportunities that support entrepreneurs.
NATIONAL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
|
|
Skip $10,000 Fall GrantsSkip awards two $10,000 grants each cycle to U.S.-based entrepreneurs and small business owners. Applications are reviewed by a combination of AI scoring and human reviewers based on completeness, clarity, and potential impact. To apply, you'll need a business website, business plan, and AI business agent — Skip provides free tools to create all three if you don't have them yet.
|
|
|
Women Owned in Retail: Macy's Inc. — Avoiding the Tactics TrapPresented by the Women's Business Enterprise National Council, the Women Owned in Retail series continues with a Macy's Inc. session on building a sustainable growth strategy for your consumer product business, moving beyond short-term tactics to long-term positioning. Free and open to all women-owned businesses with consumer products; WBENC certification is not required.
|
|
|
Women Owned in Retail: Qualified & Viable for TargetLearn what it takes to become a qualified and viable supplier for Target in this Women's Business Enterprise National Council Women Owned in Retail webinar. Free and open to all women-owned businesses with consumer products; WBENC certification is not required.
|
|
|
Entreprenista Evolve GrantPresented by Entreprenista Media in partnership with IT Cosmetics, this $5,000 grant supports U.S.-based women-owned or women-led businesses generating $100K+ annually and operating for at least one year. One winner is selected by random drawing from all eligible entries received during the promotion period. Free to enter.
|
|
|
Shophand Small Business Boost GrantShophand awards $5,000 twice a year to U.S.-based small business owners facing operational, tech, or marketing challenges — split as $2,500 in cash and $2,500 in Shophand technical support covering AI tools, automation, creative and media work, marketing, software setup, and operations. Open to for-profit businesses with fewer than 50 employees and under $5M in annual revenue. Applications are free; preference is given to applicants who have used a Shophand service during the current cycle, though all eligible businesses are welcome to apply.
|
|
|
Freed Fellowship GrantThe Freed Fellowship selects one U.S. small business owner each month to receive a $500 no-strings-attached grant, a 60-minute strategy session with the Freed founding team, a one-year membership in the Freed Studio online community, and eligibility for a $2,500 year-end grant. Every applicant — selected or not — receives a scored review of their business based on the Freed 5C Framework, covering market context, core narrative, community, product-market fit, and business model. Applications are accepted on a rolling monthly basis. $19 application fee.
|
|
|
Plan. Prepare. Prevail.The Kansas City Fed's disaster preparedness resource helps small businesses get their financial records in order before catastrophe strikes. The site includes quick checklists in English and Spanish for identifying and organizing key financial records, personal and business financial inventory forms, and additional resources you can share with employees and customers.
|
|
|
SBA America's Seed FundThe U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs award non-dilutive federal funding to small businesses developing technology solutions — no equity or IP ownership is taken by the government. Phase I awards range from $50,000 to $275,000 for proof of concept; Phase II awards range from $750,000 to $1.8 million for technology development. Open to U.S. small businesses with fewer than 500 employees whose technology could support government missions across any of 11 participating federal agencies. Approximately 4,000 companies are funded per year. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through participating agency solicitations.
|
|
|
SBA State Trade Expansion ProgramThe SBA's State Trade Expansion Program helps established U.S. small businesses enter and expand into international markets by providing grants through state-level partners. Eligible activities include participating in foreign trade missions and export trade shows, designing international marketing campaigns, website globalization and e-commerce, translation fees, and subscriptions to U.S. Department of Commerce services. Funding is distributed at the state level — contact your state's STEP representative directly to learn how to apply and what activities are currently funded.
|
|
|
NASE Growth GrantsThe National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) awards up to $4,000 each quarter to self-employed business owners for growth-oriented investments — hiring and training, marketing, equipment, software, and more. Four winners are selected per quarter. Applicants must be NASE members in good standing; annual members may apply immediately, while monthly members must wait 90 days after joining. NASE membership starts at $49/year and includes access to business resources, expert advice, and health benefits in addition to grant eligibility.
|
EASTERN U.S. BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
|
New York: Main Street Rising TourHello Alice and Google bring their national small business tour to Google NYC for a free full day of hands-on AI tools workshops, peer learning, and a live pitch competition in New York City. No prior AI experience required — sessions are designed around tools small businesses can put to work immediately. Attendees also join a six-week virtual accelerator after the event. Registration closes Oct. 2.
|
|
New York: Small Business ExpoThe Small Business Expo brings together small business owners, entrepreneurs, startups, and industry experts for a free day of workshops, seminars, speed networking, and a trade show floor. Held at Javits Convention Center in New York City.
|
|
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 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.
|
|
North Carolina: Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small BusinessesGoldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses is expanding its free 12-week business training program to rural communities across North Carolina. The program covers growth strategy, financial statements, marketing, operations, leadership, and access to capital — culminating in a personalized Growth Plan. Open to business owners in rural North Carolina communities with revenues over $75,000, at least two years in operation, and two or more employees including the owner. Program runs Feb. 24 – May 14, 2027.
|
|
North Carolina: 10K Funding and Wealth SummitOutta Excuses hosts its annual funding summit from 6 – 10 p.m. at Nine Eighteen Nine Studio Gallery in Charlotte, bringing together small business owners, corporate partners, and investors for an evening of keynote sessions, a live $10,000 grant pitch competition, branding masterclasses, and a vendor marketplace.
|
CENTRAL U.S. BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
FEATURED EVENT
|
|
Texas: The Architecture of Acceleration — Building Borrowing Readiness & Scaling Your BusinessThe second session in Capital One Café and DreamSpring's two-part series for small business owners, founders, and CEOs. This session covers what lenders look for — clean financial statements, strong reserves — and how to strategically utilize business checking, credit cards, and lines of credit to scale. Light refreshments provided; connect 1-on-1 with Capital One Ambassadors and Small Business Bankers after the panel at the Uptown Dallas Capital One Café from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Register for the free Oct. 21 event. |
|
FEATURED EVENT
|
|
Texas: Financing Your Small Business — Loans, Microloans & Alternative CapitalJoin DreamSpring at the SBA Houston District Office's virtual workshop on financing options for small businesses — including microloans and alternative capital for businesses not yet ready for traditional bank financing. Lenders will discuss loan products, eligibility, application requirements, and how lenders evaluate requests, as well as answer your questions. Register for the free Oct. 22 virtual workshop. |
|
|
Texas: Small Business Expo — AustinThe Small Business Expo brings together small business owners, entrepreneurs, startups, and industry experts for a free day of workshops, seminars, speed networking, and a trade show floor. Held at Palmer Events Center in Austin. |
FEATURED EVENT
|
|
Texas: Frost Business Foundation — Building Stronger Businesses TogetherFrost Bank hosts an afternoon bringing business owners together to hear from experienced entrepreneurs, have roundtable conversations with fellow owners and Frost bankers, and walk away with practical ideas they can use immediately. Business owners can apply directly — no nomination required. DreamSpring will be there, too! Held at Maggiano's Little Italy at NorthPark from 1 – 4 p.m. Apply for the Nov. 5 event in Dallas. |
|
|
Texas: Small Business Expo — DallasThe Small Business Expo brings together small business owners, entrepreneurs, startups, and industry experts for a free day of workshops, seminars, speed networking, and a trade show floor. Held at Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas. |
|
Texas: Main Street Rising Tour — HoustonHello Alice and Google bring their national small business tour to The Ion in Houston for a free full day of hands-on AI tools workshops, peer learning, and a live pitch competition. No prior AI experience required — sessions are designed around tools small businesses can put to work immediately. Attendees also join a six-week virtual accelerator after the event. |
|
|
Illinois: Preserve Route 66 Legacy Business Grant FundThe National Trust for Historic Preservation awards grants to small businesses along the Route 66 corridor in Illinois to preserve historic places and spur economic development. Funds cover capital improvements, planning, and marketing and outreach — including restoration of historic assets, signage, accessibility improvements, and storytelling projects that illuminate Route 66's hidden histories. Businesses do not need to be located directly on Route 66, but must demonstrate a connection to it. National franchises are not eligible. |
 |
Kansas: Preserve Route 66 Legacy Business Grant FundThe National Trust for Historic Preservation awards grants to small businesses along the Route 66 corridor in Kansas to preserve historic places and spur economic development. Funds cover capital improvements, planning, and marketing and outreach — including restoration of historic assets, signage, accessibility improvements, and storytelling projects that illuminate Route 66's hidden histories. Businesses do not need to be located directly on Route 66, but must demonstrate a connection to it. National franchises are not eligible. |
|
Missouri: Preserve Route 66 Legacy Business Grant FundThe National Trust for Historic Preservation awards grants to small businesses along the Route 66 corridor in Missouri to preserve historic places and spur economic development. Funds cover capital improvements, planning, and marketing and outreach — including restoration of historic assets, signage, accessibility improvements, and storytelling projects that illuminate Route 66's hidden histories. Businesses do not need to be located directly on Route 66, but must demonstrate a connection to it. National franchises are not eligible. |
|
Oklahoma: Preserve Route 66 Legacy Business Grant FundThe National Trust for Historic Preservation awards grants to small businesses along the Route 66 corridor in Oklahoma to preserve historic places and spur economic development. Funds cover capital improvements, planning, and marketing and outreach — including restoration of historic assets, signage, accessibility improvements, and storytelling projects that illuminate Route 66's hidden histories. Businesses do not need to be located directly on Route 66, but must demonstrate a connection to it. National franchises are not eligible. |
|
Texas: Preserve Route 66 Legacy Business Grant FundThe National Trust for Historic Preservation awards grants to small businesses along the Route 66 corridor in Texas to preserve historic places and spur economic development. Funds cover capital improvements, planning, and marketing and outreach — including restoration of historic assets, signage, accessibility improvements, and storytelling projects that illuminate Route 66's hidden histories. Businesses do not need to be located directly on Route 66, but must demonstrate a connection to it. National franchises are not eligible. |
 |
Texas: Business Banking & Breakfast Presented by Vista BankJoin Vista Bank for a networking event for local business owners, entrepreneurs, professionals, and industry experts, in partnership with the South Dallas Fair Park Innovation Center and the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce. Held at Vista Bank & Financial Literacy Center in Dallas. |
WESTERN U.S. BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
 |
Arizona: Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small BusinessesGoldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses is expanding its free 12-week business training program to rural communities across Arizona. The program covers growth strategy, financial statements, marketing, operations, leadership, and access to capital — culminating in a personalized Growth Plan. Open to business owners in rural Arizona communities with revenues over $75,000, at least two years in operation, and two or more employees including the owner. Program runs Jan. 20 – April 9, 2027. |
|
Washington: DoorDash Local Business Disaster Relief FundDoorDash and Hello Alice are awarding $5,000 grants to small businesses damaged by the Spokane Fires. Funds can cover urgent operational expenses, time-sensitive repairs, immediate inventory needs, payroll during recovery, and other out-of-pocket costs not covered by insurance. Open to for-profit businesses only. Recipients announced in November 2026. |
 |
Colorado: West Slope Startup WeekWest Slope Startup Week returns to Durango for five free days of workshops, panels, and networking for entrepreneurs, small business owners, makers, and creatives from across western Colorado. Sessions are community-submitted and cover tracks including money, communications, marketing, and more. Powered by Startup Colorado, a Techstars program. |
 |
New Mexico: Santa Fe Small Business Navigator Finance FairThe City of Santa Fe Economic Development Division hosts this facilitated 1:1 meeting event connecting Santa Fe business owners directly with local financial organizations and resource partners. Bring your questions about financing options — loans, grants, alternative capital — and get straight answers from the people who provide them. Open to all Santa Fe business owners and regional resource partners. Held at the Santa Fe Business Incubator. |
 |
New Mexico: Preserve Route 66 Legacy Business Grant FundThe National Trust for Historic Preservation awards grants to small businesses along the Route 66 corridor in New Mexico to preserve historic places and spur economic development. Funds cover capital improvements, planning, and marketing and outreach — including restoration of historic assets, signage, accessibility improvements, and storytelling projects that illuminate Route 66's hidden histories. Businesses do not need to be located directly on Route 66, but must demonstrate a connection to it. National franchises are not eligible. |
 |
New Mexico: TIO Innovation Growth GrantsNew Mexico's Technology Innovation Office (TIO) has launched two new grant programs from the state's $150 million Research, Development & Deployment Fund. The Targeted Federal Match Grant and the Capital Leverage Matching Grant give advanced technology companies receiving federal or other outside funding a path to expand their impact in New Mexico. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. |
 |
Arizona: Small Business ExpoThe Small Business Expo brings together small business owners, entrepreneurs, startups, and industry experts for a free day of workshops, seminars, speed networking, and a trade show floor. Held at the Phoenix Convention Center, South Building. |
|
Arizona: Preserve Route 66 Legacy Business Grant FundThe National Trust for Historic Preservation awards grants to small businesses along the Route 66 corridor in Arizona to preserve historic places and spur economic development. Funds cover capital improvements, planning, and marketing and outreach — including restoration of historic assets, signage, accessibility improvements, and storytelling projects that illuminate Route 66's hidden histories. Businesses do not need to be located directly on Route 66, but must demonstrate a connection to it. National franchises are not eligible. |
 |
Arizona: State Forty Eight FoundationFounded by the Arizona lifestyle brand State Forty Eight, this Chandler-based foundation has awarded nearly $187,500 to 54 Arizona small businesses since 2020. The annual Entrepreneur Grants Program funds small businesses across Arizona, with grant eligibility tied to participation in the foundation's free Entrepreneur Speaker Series each fall. The foundation also hosts quarterly Beyond Business networking events and a robust speaker series featuring Arizona founders and industry experts. Subscribe to their mailing list to stay informed about the next grant cycle and upcoming events. |
|
California: Preserve Route 66 Legacy Business Grant FundThe National Trust for Historic Preservation awards grants to small businesses along the Route 66 corridor in California to preserve historic places and spur economic development. Funds cover capital improvements, planning, and marketing and outreach — including restoration of historic assets, signage, accessibility improvements, and storytelling projects that illuminate Route 66's hidden histories. Businesses do not need to be located directly on Route 66, but must demonstrate a connection to it. National franchises are not eligible. |
