Embrace your potential. You can be the difference.
Find funding for the change you’re about to create.
Below are grant opportunities available to residents of Springfield, Western Massachusetts, and beyond that we have become aware of. If you are aware of an opportunity that isn’t listed here, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
- GRANTS.GOV Grant Search Engine
An exhaustive, searchable, constantly updated list of government grants for individuals, businesses, education, research, addiction & disease treatment, housing, humanitarian services, and beyond. Available procurement contracts and opportunities for cooperative agreements are also listed. - the TRANSFORM business grant
“Designed to support entrepreneurs in systemically marginalized groups,The TRANSFORM Business Grant provides a $1,000 microgrant and a customized, year-long business strategy and development program to each grantee.”
Applications will be open September 15th-30th for review in October/November. - Feed the Soul Foundation Cohort
Funding for the Restaurant Business Development Program (RBDP) provided by external corporations with vested interest in the creation and sustainability of businesses owned and operated by marginalized individuals including, but not limited to, people who identify as Black, Indigenous, Latinx, formerly incarcerated, LGBTQIA+ and senior citizens”
Cohort applications open October 5 through January 31. - Stephen L. Tadlock Veteran Business Grant
“National Grant for Veteran-Owned Small Businesses. A total of $25,000 for 25 Vetpreneurs nationwide. The $25,000 fund will make investments to 25 Veteran business owners in the form of $1,000 micro grants.”
Pre-registration is open now. - The SBIR and STTR Programs
“The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are highly competitive programs that encourage domestic small businesses to engage in Federal Research/Research and Development (R/R&D) with the potential for commercialization. Through a competitive awards-based program, SBIR and STTR enable small businesses to explore their technological potential and provide the incentive to profit from its commercialization. By including qualified small businesses in the nation’s R&D arena, high-tech innovation is stimulated, and the United States gains entrepreneurial spirit as it meets its specific research and development needs.
Central to the STTR program is the partnership between small businesses and nonprofit research institutions. The STTR program requires the small business to formally collaborate with a research institution in Phase I and Phase II. STTR’s most important role is to bridge the gap between performance of basic science and commercialization of resulting innovations” - Human Rights Campaign Queer to Stay
“The “Queer to Stay” initiative launched in June 2020, awarding 10 LGBTQ+ small businesses across the country by addressing the financial hardships faced during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the fifth iteration of this program, “Queer to Stay” will reach over $1 million in total distributed funding, awarding over 100 businesses across the country over its lifetime.
This program is designed to support LGBTQ+ small businesses, especially those owned by and designed for LGBTQ+ people of color, women and the transgender community.”
Applications to participate this year open on May 29, 2024 and will run through August 31, 2024. - The Amber Grant
“WomensNet founded the “Amber Grant” in 1998. The grant was set up with one goal in mind: to honor the memory of a very special young woman, Amber Wigdahl, who died at just 19 years old — before realizing her business dreams. Today, WomensNet carries on that tradition, proudly giving away at least $30,000 every month in Amber Grant money. In recognition of the diversity of businesses owned by women, we’ve also expanded our grant-giving to include “Startup Grants,” “Business Category Grants,” as well as three “$25,000 Year End Grants.””
Grant winners [announced] by the 23rd of the following month. - National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) Growth Grants
“Need $4,000 To Help Your Business Grow? Apply for a business development grant from the NASE worth up to $4,000! If you’re a member, login as a NASE member then come back to this page for additional instructions below to apply for an NASE Growth Grant Today! You could receive up to $4,000 for your small business through the NASE Growth Grants program. Since 2006, the NASE has awarded nearly $1,000,000 to members just like you through the Growth Grants program by providing small business grants. Grants can be used for marketing, advertising, hiring employees, expanding facilities and other specific business needs.”Grant applications are reviewed quarterly, based on the following schedule: Completed applications received in January, February and March will be reviewed in April. Completed applications received in April, May and June will be reviewed in July. Completed applications received in July, August and September will be reviewed in October. Completed applications received in October, November and December will be reviewed in January of the following year. - Bizee Entrepreneur Grant
“The future is about to get brighter for two deserving up-and-coming entrepreneurs… and it might just be you! Your ideas, your drive and your dedication could earn you an Bizee scholarship or grant, with the funds you need to learn more and do more to achieve your dreams of business ownership and entrepreneurial success.
Young Entrepreneur Scholarship Grant:
Are you a student? This grant is for you! You’ve got big ideas, and we want to turn them into a reality. One young scholar with entrepreneurial spirit will receive $2,500 to continue their education.Fresh Start Business Grant:
Are you an aspiring entrepreneur looking to start or grow your business? This grant is for you!
Whether you’re starting over or starting from scratch, Bizee wants to be there to help your business succeed. One adult entrepreneur will receive $2,500 to put toward business startup costs and will also receive free formation services from Bizee.”Future Dates Coming Soon.
- Accion Opportunity Fund Fast Break for Small Business
“Accion Opportunity Fund, LegalZoom, the NBA, WNBA, and NBA G-League have joined forces to provide entrepreneurs across the country with grants and LegalZoom services to support their small businesses. Administered by nonprofit Accion Opportunity Fund, the program aims to assist business owners with the tools and resources they need to start and grow their businesses – the perfect play. 150 small businesses will receive $10,000 grants and a LegalZoom product of their choosing, valued up to $500. 3,000 emerging entrepreneurs who haven’t yet launched their intended business will receive a LegalZoom product of their choosing, valued at up to $500.”Applications open February 15 and close September 13, 2024 - Wish Local Empowerment Program
We recognize that as a large e-commerce company we have the responsibility to help uplift others. Black-owned small businesses have long faced hardship due to systemic racism. But small businesses like yours are integral to the makeup of America. So we are dedicating a $2M dollar fund to give roughly 4,000 Wish Local small business partners financial support. The selected recipients will receive amounts between $500 – $2000. This program will only be open to Black-owned stores, to help promote equality and diversity in American business.
- HerRise MicroGrant
“The HerRise Micro-Grant provides financial assistance, with the help of our corporate sponsors and donors, to women of color creating innovative solutions that impact their community and that are often unable to secure funding for their small business.
Apply for the HerRise MicroGrant by sharing your business pitch and plan in the application. Applications close on the last day of the month, and the winners will be announced at the HerSuiteSpot First Friday Mixer in the following month.
Who Should Apply: Businesses 51% owned by women of color and currently registered in the US (non-profits, franchise, direct seller, authorized reseller or independent consultant not eligible).” - Corporate Counsel Women of Color (CCWC) Women of Color Entrepreneur Grant
“1. The business must operate in the United States.
2. The business must be established as of January 1, 2020 with an EIN number.
3. The business is a legal for-profit business.
4. The business has generated over $25,000 in revenue since January 1, 2020.
5. The applicant must be at least 18 years of age at the time of submitting this application.
6. The CCWC review committee will review submissions on a rolling basis, and grants will be awarded to winners and finalists in January 2024 and January 2025.” - Siete Juntos Fund
“At the Siete Juntos Fund, we strive to empower and support Latino communities, in line with our family’s motto of “Juntos es Mejor.” We have committed 2 million dollars towards creating positive change through collaboration and inclusivity. Our goal is to build a more equitable and prosperous future for all by providing the necessary resources and support for underserved communities to thrive.This year, we are awarding a total of $300,000 to Latino-owned food and beverage establishments across the country. Applications are open to the first 400 eligible applicants or until July 1st.”
- AAPISTRONG Restaurant Fund
“The AAPISTRONG Restaurant Fund, made possible by the Grubhub Community Fund, is designed to benefit Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander-owned restaurants across the country. With the industry facing ongoing economic challenges, the AAPISTRONG Restaurant Fund is available to help under-resourced restaurants respond to supply chain disruptions, increased inventory costs, workforce development, and safety for their employees. Funding will allow AAPI restaurateurs to take their business to the next level through development ideas such as infrastructure improvements, e-commerce and technology, employee benefits, and operations streamlining. Ultimately, this will help AAPI entrepreneurs to scale their businesses, secure their futures, and give back to the life of their neighborhoods by fostering safe and enjoyable places to gather. With over $5 million in funding awarded to 351 AAPI businesses over the past 3 years, the AAPISTRONG Restaurant Fund and the Grubhub Community Fund continue to uplift the hard work and dedication of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander restaurant owners.”
Applications close June 22 - Military Entrepreneur Challenge (MEC)
“The Military Entrepreneur Challenge (MEC) is a three-part event led by the Second Service Foundation with support from our partners: the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Community Navigator Pilot Program, the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families, Holland & Knight LLP, and the Brewing the American Dream Program by Sam Adams. The event includes a speed coaching session, private pitch session to a judging panel, and finally an opportunity to pitch business ideas to a live audience for a chance to win a small business grant.”
- CO—100
“The CO—100 is an exclusive list of the 100 best and brightest small and mid-sized businesses in America. These are businesses to watch — driving innovation, growth, and ingenuity in their communities and around the world. Our awards program celebrates more than just your business’s bottom line; we care about your ideas, challenges, community, company culture, customers, and overall growth. Enter today to share your story and get recognized. Ten businesses will receive $2,000 and America’s Top Small Business of the Year will be awarded $25,000.”
- Brown Girl Jane
“$10,000 – $25,000 grants
Eligibility: Black and woman-owned beauty or wellness business, registered and based in the U.S., in operation for at least one year.
Brown Girl Jane, a plant-based wellness and beauty brand, has partnered with us since 2020 to provide over $400,000 in grants to amplify Black female entrepreneurs within the beauty and wellness industries.
Applications open Fall 2024.” - Galaxy Grant
“$3,750 Galaxy Grant Giveaway – FREE to Enter! Enter for a chance to win our new $3,750 Galaxy Grant, brought to you by Hidden Star, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with an 8-year track record. Galaxy grants only takes 30 seconds to enter! Deadline to enter is June 30th, 2024 and the winner(s) will be announced the following week!”
- Black Girl Ventures BGV Pitch
The BGV Pitch Program flips the traditional pitch experience on its head: we coach entrepreneurs, host a live crowdfunded pitch competition, then connect them to community and professionals to support them on their journey. We democratize funding by allowing the audience to vote with their dollars using the Raisify platform for the founders whose pitch they favor. Each founder has 3 minutes to pitch and a 3 minute Q&A from the audience. The person with the most votes wins (not the most money raised). The live-crowdfunding event is a high-energy, fun, focused, and supportive environment that includes community in being a part of the entrepreneurial journey.”
- Freed Fellowship Grant
“The Freed Fellowship helps small business owners get the resources, mentorship, and community they need to build successful companies that make an impact. Every month, we give one $500 grant to business owner in the US to invest in their existing business. No strings attached. No equity required.”