Small Business Grants I’m Applying For (And Grants You Should Apply For Too)

A growing list of funding opportunities for women and minority entrepreneurs

If you're a small business owner, you already know that access to funding can be one of the biggest barriers to growth. As the founder of My Beautiful Fluff, I spend a lot of time researching and applying for grants that support entrepreneurs—especially women, minority-owned, and disability-owned businesses.

One thing I’ve learned along the way is that grants exist—but many business owners simply don’t know where to find them.

So I decided to start sharing the grants I apply for in one place.

This list will include:

• Grants I’ve personally applied for

• Grants that are open to small businesses

• Grants specifically for women entrepreneurs

• Grants for minority-owned businesses

• Recurring grants you can apply for each year

💡 Bookmark this page. I’ll continue updating it with new opportunities as I find them.

Why Small Business Grants Matter

Running a business takes capital. For many entrepreneurs—especially women and minority founders—traditional funding options like loans and venture capital are harder to access.

According to recent reports, women entrepreneurs receive less than 3% of venture capital funding.

Grants can help bridge that gap by providing funding that does not have to be repaid.

For many founders, grants can help with:

• Hiring your first employee

• Expanding your product line

• Purchasing equipment

• Marketing and brand growth

• Community events and outreach

For my business, My Beautiful Fluff, grants have helped fund:

• Product development

• Our body-positive coloring book

• Community events focused on self-love and empowerment

• Expanding our reach to more women who need encouragement and representation

Grants I’ve Applied For

Below are some of the grants I have personally applied for or am currently applying for.

Freed Fellowship Grant

A recurring monthly grant program that awards funding and mentorship to small businesses.

Grant Amount:
$500 – $2,500 monthly grants plus a $2,500 annual grant.

Why I Applied:
The program supports entrepreneurs who are building businesses that create real impact in their communities.

Coramino Fund Grant

This fund supports small businesses in underserved communities and focuses on entrepreneurs who are creating economic opportunities.

Grant Amount:
Up to $10,000

Why I Applied:
Funding like this could help My Beautiful Fluff hire our first employee and expand our operations.

Pilot Small Business Growth Fund

A grant created in partnership with Hello Alice and Pilot to support growing businesses.

Grant Amount:
$10,000 – $50,000

Bonus:
Recipients also receive one year of bookkeeping support.

Entreprenista Foundation Grant

A quarterly grant that supports women entrepreneurs with funding and mentorship.

Grant Amount:
$5,000

Why I Applied:
Programs like this support women founders who are scaling businesses and building communities.

Recurring Small Business Grants You Can Apply For

These grants open multiple times throughout the year, so even if you miss a deadline you can apply again.

Amber Grant for Women

One of the most well-known grants for women entrepreneurs.

Grant Amount:
$10,000 monthly
$25,000 annual grant

Apply here:
https://ambergrantsforwomen.com

Hello Alice Small Business Grants

Hello Alice regularly partners with major brands to provide grant funding.

Past partners include:

• Progressive

• Verizon

• DoorDash

• Visa

Grants range from $5,000 to $25,000.

Apply here:
https://helloalice.com

National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) Growth Grants

Available for NASE members.

Grant Amount:
Up to $4,000

IFundWomen Grants

Offers both grants and crowdfunding opportunities specifically for women entrepreneurs.

Apply here:
https://ifundwomen.com

Comcast RISE Grant

A program designed to support small businesses with marketing services, technology, and cash grants.

Grant Amount:
Up to $5,000 plus business services.

Tips for Applying for Small Business Grants

Over time I’ve learned that applying for grants becomes easier when you keep your information organized.

Some of the documents I keep ready include:

• EIN letter

• Business registration documents

• NAICS code (you can look it up at https://www.naics.com)

• Business mission and vision

• Social media links

• Website links

• Customer reviews

• Photos of products or services

• Short pitch videos (30-second and 60-second)

Having this information saved in one place makes it much easier to apply quickly when a new grant opens.

My Advice to Entrepreneurs Applying for Grants

If you’re applying for funding, remember:

• Apply anyway. Even if you’re unsure.

• Don’t self-reject. Let the grant committee decide.

• Keep applying. Many entrepreneurs win after multiple attempts.

I’ve applied for many grants over the years and every application helps me refine my story, strengthen my business plan, and clarify my impact.

I’ll Keep Updating This List

This blog post will continue to grow as I discover and apply for more grants.

If you're an entrepreneur looking for funding, I hope this list helps you find opportunities to support your business dreams.

And if you know of a grant I should add to this list, feel free to share it with me.

Together we can help more entrepreneurs access the funding they deserve.

✨ Follow My Beautiful Fluff for more resources for entrepreneurs and women building businesses.