Small Business Grants - December 2025
As the year comes to a close, December offers one last round of funding opportunities for small businesses across the U.S. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your year-end operations or set a solid foundation for the new year, these grants can provide valuable support without adding debt.
From programs geared toward women-, veteran-, and minority-owned businesses to grants focused on innovation, community impact, and small business growth, there are options for a wide range of entrepreneurs. Browse the active opportunities below, check the deadlines, and apply early to end the year on a strong note.
Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Grant Program
Grant Overview: Provides grants of $10,000 to small businesses that complete required digital-skills courses through the Verizon Digital Ready platform.
Eligibility Requirements:
Must be a U.S.-based small business owner.
Must complete two eligible Digital Ready courses or events before applying.
How to Apply:
Register on the Verizon Digital Ready platform.
Complete two eligible courses/events, then submit the grant application.
Submit before the application deadline.
Application Deadline: December 10, 2025 (11:59 PM PST)
Hiring Our Heroes Small Business Grant Program
Grant Overview: Offers one-time grants (up to $25,000) to small businesses owned by veterans or military spouses to support growth and stability.
Eligibility Requirements:
Must be a U.S.-based small business owned (≥ 51%) by a veteran or military spouse.
Business must have 3–20 employees (including owner/part-time/contractors).
Annual revenue must not exceed $5 million.
How to Apply:
Visit the grant program page and complete the application form.
Provide required business documentation and proof of eligibility.
Submit before the application deadline.
Application Deadline: December 15, 2025 (11:59 PM EDT)
Illinois Grocery Initiative – Equipment Upgrade Grant (Round 2)
Grant Overview: The Illinois Grocery Initiative Equipment Upgrades Program, authorized by Public Act 103-0561, will provide grants for new energy-efficient equipment upgrades for existing independently-owned for-profit grocery stores, cooperative grocery stores, or not-for-profit grocery stores.
Eligibility Requirements:
Must be an independently owned grocery store (for-profit, nonprofit or cooperative) in Illinois.
Store can be in a food-desert area or otherwise meet the program’s community/economic-need criteria.
How to Apply:
Fill out the application and include information on current equipment and proposed upgrades.
Submit by the application deadline.
Application Deadline: December 15, 2025
Secretsos™ Small Business Grant (2025 Round)
Grant Overview: Offers a $2,500 grant to U.S.-based small business owners to help with growth, operations, or business needs.
Eligibility Requirements:
Must be a U.S.-based business owner, at least 21 years old.
Business must be in an eligible U.S. state (as specified).
How to Apply:
Visit the program page (through the relevant listing on the end-of-year grant list). Complete the application form with business details and funding needs.
Submit before the deadline.
Application Deadline: December 31, 2025 (11:59 p.m. CST)
Amber Grant for Women
Grant Overview: Awards $10,000 each month to a woman entrepreneur, with an additional $25,000 awarded annually to one of the monthly winners.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be a woman entrepreneur.
- Business must be based in the U.S.
How to Apply:
- Visit the program page here.
- Complete the online application form and pay the $15 application fee.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
Application Deadline: Ongoing Monthly Deadline
Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Business Center Grants
Grant Overview: Provides grants to minority-owned businesses to support growth and competitiveness.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Business must be minority-owned.
- Business must be based in the U.S.
How to Apply:
- Visit the program page here.
- Complete the application and provide necessary documentation.
- Submit before the deadline.
Application Deadline: Ongoing
Start.Pivot.Grow. Micro Grant
Grant Overview: Provides $2,500 microgrants to help small businesses cover essential expenses and invest in growth opportunities.
Eligibility Requirements:
Must have been in business for at least two years.
Have 1–2 employees (including the owner).
Annual revenues of $50,000 or more.
How to Apply:
Visit the program page here.
Complete the application form with required business information.
Submit the application; rolling deadlines apply.
Application Deadline: Rolling; applications accepted year-round.
Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) – City of Chicago
Grant Overview: Provides funding for permanent building improvements and repairs for small businesses located in designated Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts within Chicago.
Eligibility Requirements:
Must be a small business operating in a designated TIF district in Chicago.
Eligible properties include commercial and industrial facilities.
How to Apply:
Visit the program page here.
Check if your business is located within an eligible TIF district.
Complete the application form and submit all required documentation.
Application Timeline: The program rolls out on the 1st of each month across different TIF districts in Chicago and remains open until the 30th. Eligibility rotates by district—check the rollout calendar to see when your area qualifies.
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