Small Business Grants - August 2025

As summer wraps up, it’s a great time to refocus and find funding to support your next move. This August, small business grants across the U.S. are offering no-strings-attached capital for entrepreneurs—whether you’re launching, growing, or staying resilient.

From industry-specific programs to grants for women, veterans, and minority-owned businesses, we’ve rounded up key opportunities open now. Check out the list, review the deadlines, and apply early to give your business a boost.

1. Alibaba CoCreate Pitch (Startups)

Grant Overview: Entrepreneur-product startups can compete for up to $200,000 in funding, plus access to global manufacturing and investor networks—ideal for innovative product launches and scaling.

Eligibility Requirements:

Must be a U.S.-based product-driven startup.
Must submit a short pitch video via TikTok or Instagram, or an online application.

How to Apply:

Visit the program page here.
Submit your pitch video or complete the online application.
Submit by the specified deadline.

Application Deadline: August 15, 2025

2. Secretsos™ Small Business Grant

Grant Overview: Provides $2,500 funding to eligible entrepreneurs (business owners 21+, in most U.S. states), to help overcome challenges and support growth.

Eligibility Requirements:

U.S.-based business owner, aged 21+.
Operating in eligible states (excludes AK, FL, HI, NY, RI).

How to Apply:

Visit the program information page here.
Fill out the application and share how funds will support your business.
Submit by deadline.

Application Deadline:  September 30, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. CST, with current cycle open through end of August

3. Awesome Foundation Micro‑Grants

Grant Overview: Offers $1,000 micro‑grants monthly to individuals or small businesses proposing creative, community‑focused projects.

Eligibility Requirements:

Must be a U.S.-based individual entrepreneur or small business.
Project must be creative and have community impact.

How to Apply:

Visit your local Awesome Foundation chapter page here.
Submit a brief grant application outlining your project.
Rolling acceptances—current cycle open through end of August 2025.

Application Deadline: Rolling, with next full cycle through August 2025

4. Women Founders Grant

Grant Overview: Awards $5,000 to high‑potential, underfunded women entrepreneurs—a quick and accessible opportunity.

Eligibility Requirements:

Must be a woman entrepreneur in the U.S.
Demonstrates high business potential.

How to Apply:

Visit program page here
Complete application form.
Submit by the deadline.

Application Deadline: August 31, 2025

5. The Faire Small Business Grant

Grant Overview: The Faire Small Business Grant supports independent retailers with funding to help them grow, restock, or expand their storefronts. The program offers grants ranging from $1,000 to $20,000 to help with inventory, marketing, or operational upgrades.

Eligibility Requirements:

Must be an independent retailer located in the U.S. or Canada.
Must have an active Faire account.
Demonstrate need and plans for how the grant will support business growth.

How to Apply:

Visit the program page here.
Fill out the application form with details about your business and intended use of the funds.
Submit before the stated deadline.

Application Deadline: August 31, 2025

6. National Pride Grant for LGBTQIA+ Small Businesses

Grant Overview: The LGBTQIA+ National Grant provides eligible small businesses the chance to receive one of 25 grant packages totaling $25,000.

Eligibility Requirements:

LGBTQIA+ owned small businesses operating within the United States.
Minimum of 1 year in business

How to Apply:

Visit the grant details page here.

Application Opening: April 22, 2025

7. 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

8. Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Grants

Grant Overview: Provides grants and loan guarantees to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or energy efficiency improvements.

Eligibility Requirements:

Must be an agricultural producer or a rural small business.
Project must focus on renewable energy or energy efficiency improvements.

How to Apply:

Visit the program page here.
Review the application instructions and prepare the required documentation.
Submit the application before the deadline.

Application Deadline: September 30, 2025.

9. StreetShares Foundation Veteran Small Business Award

Grant Overview: Provides grants to veteran-owned small businesses to support business expansion and innovation.

Eligibility Requirements:

Business must be veteran-owned.
Business must be based in the U.S.

How to Apply:

Visit the program page here.
Submit the application along with a brief business plan.
Complete all necessary documentation before the deadline.

Application Deadline: October 2025.

10. 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

11. 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.

12. 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.