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Small Business Grants - May 2025
Access to the right funding can make all the difference when you’re working to grow your business, launch a new idea, or simply keep things running strong. This May, small business owners across the U.S. have access to a new batch of grant opportunities designed to support a wide range of industries and entrepreneurial goals.
From grants focused on innovation and economic recovery to programs created for women, veterans, and underserved communities, there’s something for every kind of business builder. Whether you’re investing in marketing, upgrading tech, or expanding your team, these grants offer the kind of support that doesn’t come with a repayment plan.
Below, we’ve gathered a list of open grant opportunities along with details on who’s eligible, how to apply, and when to get your application in. Don’t wait—take a look and get ahead before the deadlines hit!
1. U.S. Department of Education Grants
Grant Overview: These programs provide funding opportunities for small businesses in the education sector to develop innovative educational tools and services.
Eligibility Requirements:
Must be a small business operating in the education sector.
Specific eligibility criteria vary by grant program.
How to Apply:
Check out all available grants by visiting the page here.
Identify relevant grant opportunities and review their specific requirements.
Submit applications through the designated channels.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary; some grants close by May 13, 2025.
2. Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (NOF) – City of Chicago
Grant Overview: Offers grants to support commercial projects that strengthen neighborhood retail corridors on Chicago’s South, West, and Southwest Sides.
Eligibility Requirements:
Projects must be located in eligible commercial corridors.
Funds can be used for building acquisition, renovation, and other eligible expenses.
How to Apply:
Visit the program page here.
Review the eligibility map and guidelines.
Submit the application with required supporting materials.
Application Deadline: May 16, 2025.
3. 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.
4. Illinois SBIR/STTR Match Program
Grant Overview: Provides matching funds to Illinois-based small businesses that have received federal SBIR or STTR grants, supporting research and development activities.
Eligibility Requirements:
Must be an Illinois-based small business.
Recipient of a federal SBIR or STTR Phase I or II award.
How to Apply:
Visit the program page here.
Review the application guidelines and prepare necessary documentation.
Submit the application by the deadline.
Application Deadline: June 30, 2025.
5. 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
6. 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
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. 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.
9. 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.
10. Walmart Spark Good Local Grants
Grant Overview: Offers grants ranging from $250 to $5,000 to support local nonprofit organizations and small businesses.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Business or nonprofit must be based in the U.S.
- Must operate near a Walmart store.
How to Apply:
- Visit the program page here.
- Submit an online application with the required business details.
- Ensure all information is correct before submission.
Application Deadline: Quarterly: May 1– July 15, 2025
11. 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.
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