Small Business Grants - February 2025

Starting a small business is no easy feat, and finding the right funding can make all the difference in achieving your goals. Whether you’re looking to scale your operations, fund a new project, or explore innovative solutions, grants are a valuable resource for entrepreneurs. This February, there are several exciting grant opportunities available for small business owners across the U.S.
From programs supporting women-owned businesses to those driving innovation and rural development, these grants cater to a variety of industries and needs. We’ve compiled a list of active grants open for application this month, complete with details on eligibility, application processes, and deadlines. Explore these opportunities, apply early, and take a step closer to turning your business goals into reality!
1. Amber Grant for Women
Grant Overview: The Amber Grant awards $10,000 every month to women entrepreneurs, with a chance to win an additional $25,000 annual grant.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must identify as a woman.
- Must own at least 50% of the business.
- Business must be based in the U.S. or Canada.
How to Apply:
- Complete the online application form.
- Pay the $15 application fee.
- Share your business story and describe how the grant funds will be used.
- Apply online here.
Application Deadline: February 29, 2025.
2. Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program
Grant Overview: The Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program provides funding to help rural areas develop essential facilities that support community services. Eligible applicants include public bodies, community-based nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes, with projects focused on rural areas with populations under 20,000.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be a public body, community-based nonprofit, or federally recognized tribe.
- Projects must be in rural areas with populations under 20,000.
How to Apply:
- Visit the Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program page.
- Review the application guide and gather required documentation.
- Submit the application through the appropriate USDA Rural Development state office.
Application Deadline: Applications open on February 3, 2025.
3. Rural Business Development Grants
Grant Overview: The Rural Business Development Grant program is designed to support the development or expansion of small and emerging private businesses in rural areas. Funds can be used for a variety of purposes, including training, technical assistance, and acquisition or development of land.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be a rural public entity or a nonprofit corporation.
- Projects must benefit small and emerging businesses in rural areas with populations under 50,000.
How to Apply:
- Visit the Rural Business Development Grants page.
- Contact your local USDA Rural Development office to discuss the project.
- Submit a complete application by the deadline.
Application Deadline: February 28, 2025
4. Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program
Grant Overview: The STTR program funds collaborative research partnerships between small businesses and research institutions, aiming to commercialize innovative technologies.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be a for-profit small business.
- Employ fewer than 500 employees.
- Collaborate with a U.S.-based research institution.
How to Apply:
- Visit the STTR website here.
- Review the topics of interest for participating federal agencies.
- Submit a proposal through their portal.
Application Deadline: February 15, 2025.
5. Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant Program
Grant Overview: Eileen Fisher awards grants totaling $100,000 annually to women-owned businesses that promote environmental and social change.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Business must be at least 51% woman-owned.
- Have been in operation for at least three years.
- Revenue not exceeding $1 million annually.
- Demonstrate a commitment to social and environmental change.
How to Apply:
- Visit the Eileen Fisher grant page here.
- Complete the online application form.
- Provide detailed information about your business and its impact.
Application Deadline: February 28, 2025.
6. Visa Everywhere Initiative
Grant Overview: The Visa Everywhere Initiative is a global innovation program that tasks start-ups to solve payment and commerce challenges, with the opportunity to win up to $50,000.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be a legal entity in the U.S.
- Offer a product or solution that aligns with Visa’s business.
- Have a functional prototype.
How to Apply:
- Visit the Visa Everywhere Initiative page here.
- Register and submit your application online.
- Include a pitch deck and business plan.
Application Deadline: February 20, 2025.
7. Nav’s Small Business Grant
Grant Overview: Nav awards a $10,000 grant to help small businesses solve a business problem or take their business to the next level.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be a U.S.-based small business.
- Operate for at least six months.
- Have an existing Nav account (free to sign up).
How to Apply:
- Sign up for a Nav account here.
- Complete the application form.
- Submit a short video explaining how the grant would help your business.
Application Deadline: February 25, 2025.