When you’re running a small business, it’s important to keep on top of your finances. Starting out can be difficult, and you might find that you need a little extra support. The good news is there are many grants for small businesses and start-ups. There’s plenty of competition for grants for small businesses, so the key is to make your application stand out from the rest. Take your time to put forward a creative application, ensure that you express what a difference the grant will make to your business.
Each year, FedEx offers small business grants for companies across various industries. In previous years FedEx has given away a grant of $25,000. In 2021 the prize has increased to $50,000. To apply for a FedEx grant, you’ll need to have been in business for 6 months at least. To enter the contest, you will need to write a short profile about your business, you should include why you started your company, and what makes you different from your competitors. Your entry should also detail how you would use the money, and any social causes that you value as a company.
Patagonia is a clothing company, with eco-friendly values and practices. They offer a Corporate Grants Program, designed to support ‘small, grassroots activist organizations.’ Patagonia has stated that ‘We are most interested in making these grants to organizations that identify and work on the root causes of problems and approach issues with a commitment to long-term change.’ The program gives away grants for small businesses of $10,000 to $20,000. Patagonia will be accepting 2021 entries from the Spring, to check out the eligibility requirements, see the website.
The Amber Grant is awarded to female entrepreneurs specifically, the organization gives away $10,000 per month and a $25,000 grant at the end of the year. The Amber Grant was founded by WomensNet in 1998. The application process is really simple, all you have to do is fill in a short online form, talking about you and ‘your business dream.’ As well as awarding grants, The Amber Foundation works as an entrepreneurial community, offering content and advice, to help female business owners. Be sure to check out the site, for more details on how to apply.
Nav operates as a financing marketplace for businesses, the organization offers one grant of $10,000, every quarter. Smaller grants are awarded to the runners-up. It’s easy to apply, all you need to do is get a Nav account, and then write a social media post, explaining what your business would do with the grant. Any type of business or startup can apply for a Nav Grant, there are no strict eligibility requirements. The organization particularly likes creative applications, including video content.
The Minority Business Development Agency provides grants to American minorities specifically. To be eligible for a grant, you’ll need to be willing to run one of the MBDA Business Centers. As part of this, you’ll provide consulting services, and support the MBDA to gain financial investments. Given the conditions of the grant, business owners will need to demonstrate that they have the right experience.
The Cartier Women’s Initiative Award is a prestigious grant in the business world. A total of twenty-one finalists are selected, and all of these receive networking opportunities, media exposure, training, and coaching. Grants are awarded to all finalists, the top seven receive a grant of $100,000, while the remaining fourteen are awarded a grant of $30,000.
The Cartier Women’s Initiative is a program that was created to empower female entrepreneurs across the world. The organization particularly favors businesses that value sustainability causes, and aim to have a positive effect on the environment. If you’re looking for some entrepreneurial tips and tricks, be sure to check the website.
The Idea Cafe is an organization that offers online content and resources, for small businesses and entrepreneurs. The Idea Cafe gives away grants of $1,000, and the great thing about these grants is that you don’t even need to be an established business to enter. As long as you’ve got a great idea and want to start your own business, you can apply. Starting your own business is an exciting process, but there are lots to learn. For more information and tips take a look at stepstostartingabusiness.com.
The Small Business Technology Transfer Program is a competitive scheme, which encourages businesses to participate in Federal Research. With an awards-based scheme, businesses in the technology sector can engage in exciting research, and gain the financial support they need to grow.
An integral part of the STTR program is the partnership between research organizations, nonprofits, and small businesses. The idea is to ‘ bridge the gap between the performance of basic science and commercialization of resulting innovations.’
The Backing Historic Restaurants Program gives grants to independently owned restaurants, choosing restaurants that are culturally and historically important. The program is for restaurants that have been financially affected by COVID-19. The chosen restaurants get $40,000 for upgrades and an additional $5,000 to support their digital transformation strategies. According to the website, ‘The program has a preference for restaurants owned by underrepresented groups, including People of Color and women, disproportionately impacted by the pandemic." With the help of this option, you can support your business during the pandemic.
It’s well worth applying for any grants for small businesses you are eligible for, with the right application and business idea, you could get the support that you need. Take your time with the application process, you’ll want to get across how unique your business is, and how you’ll use the money productively. Remember, there’s lots of competition for grants, so it’s vital that your entry stands out.
