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Small Business Grants - October 2025
Fall is here, and it’s the perfect time to set your business up for a strong finish to the year. This October, small business grants across the U.S. are providing funding to support entrepreneurs with growth, innovation, and stability.
From grants tailored to women-, veteran-, and minority-owned businesses to programs focused on sustainability and local impact, there are opportunities for businesses in every stage. Check out the active grants below, note the deadlines, and apply early to keep your business moving forward.
Stephen L. Tadlock Veteran Business Grant
Grant Overview: Provides funding to U.S. veteran entrepreneurs to support small business growth. Awards are designed to help veteran-owned companies expand operations, hire, or fund specific business needs.
Eligibility Requirements:
Must be a U.S. military veteran.
Business must have 2–100 employees.
Less than $5 million in annual revenue.
At least one year of business operations.
How to Apply:
Visit the program page here.
Complete the online application form with details about your business.
Submit before the application deadline.
Application Deadline: October 7, 2025
Walmart Spark Good Local Grants
Grant Overview: Offers grants between $250 and $5,000 to support local nonprofit organizations and community initiatives. Designed to strengthen communities where Walmart operates.
Eligibility Requirements:
Must be a U.S.-based nonprofit or local organization with a valid Spark Good account.
Project must serve the community in an impactful way.
How to Apply:
Visit the program page here.
Create or log in with your Spark Good account.
Complete the grant application and submit online.
Application Deadline: October 15, 2025
Forrest E. Mars, Jr. Chocolate History Grant
Grant Overview: Funds research, educational programming, and scholarship projects on chocolate history, cocoa science, and cultural heritage.
Eligibility Requirements:
Individuals, schools, nonprofits, or institutions.
Must propose projects related to chocolate history, chocolate-making, or cocoa science.
How to Apply:
Visit the grant application page here.
Complete the application with project description, budget, and educational impact.
Submit by the deadline.
Application Deadline: October 26, 2025
Rauschenberg Medical Emergency Grants
Grant Overview: Provides one-time emergency grants (up to $5,000) to artists to cover unexpected medical, dental, or mental health emergencies.
Eligibility Requirements:
U.S. artists (visual arts, film/video/electronic/digital arts, choreography) in financial need.
Average adjusted gross income over the past two years must not exceed $80,000 (or $160,000 joint).
How to Apply:
Visit the grant program page here.
Submit your application with documentation of the medical emergency and costs.
Follow the cycle’s timeline for submission.
Application Deadline: Opening: October 7 – November 4, 2025
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.
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
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
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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