$400,000 in Grants Available to Minority- and Women-Owned Businesses

Small business grant programs come in many forms. Some local governments and organizations provide direct financing to businesses. And others may offer grant funds to support specific programs that provide training or assistance. Several programs in both categories are currently accepting applications. Read about the opportunities below.

Frederick’s Small Business Grants

Frederick, Maryland is launching a new grant program to support women-owned small businesses in the city. Grant funds are available to both start-up and established businesses, with a total of $400,000 available. To qualify, businesses must be registered, make a profit, and have no more than 25 full-time employees. Additionally, businesses should request funds for a clearly defined project, such as completing renovations or establishing new marketing campaigns. Eligible businesses can apply for up to $40,000.

York County 2024 BLOOM Grant Program

York County, Pennsylvania recently opened the application period for its 2024 BLOOM Grant program. The BLOOM Business Empowerment Center and the York County Economic Alliance will award grants of between $500 and $1,500. Businesses must request funds to be used for a specific purpose, such as making physical improvements to their premises or creating new employee training programs. August 27 is the last day to apply.

Central UP Hub Direct Grant Scheme

The Central Upper Peninsula Small Business Support Hub (known locally as “the Hub”) is launching a new grant program for small businesses in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The Hub officially launched last year using federal grant money, officially serving seven UP counties, including Alger, Baraga, Delta, Dickinson, Marquette, Menominee, and Schoolcraft. The new Hub Direct Grant program includes more than $400,000 in total funding, which will be awarded as direct grants to businesses using the Hub’s services. To qualify, businesses must have fewer than 500 employees, be located in the Hub’s service area, and go through an intake process. This program is expected to continue until 2026.

SBA Native American Business Grants

The US Small Business Administration recently announced a new grant opportunity aimed at helping Native American-owned small businesses. The organization currently offers many grants to organizations located on or near Tribal lands that support Native American businesses with development or expansion opportunities. Each organization can apply for grants of up to $240,000. The deadline for organizations to apply for funding is July 31.

TD Ready Challenge Grant program

TD Bank Group is now accepting applications for its annual TD Ready Challenge program. The program provides funding to charitable and non-profit organizations that support underserved small business owners. The bank is offering a total of ten grants to organizations across the US and Canada, focusing on those that plan to provide innovative solutions for underserved businesses, especially those in industries that are still struggling after the pandemic. The organization will accept applications now through September 5.

Hello Alice Boost Camps

The popular fintech platform Hello Alice, which hosts many grant opportunities for small businesses and partner businesses, is now expanding its small business and Boost Camp programs for 2024. Boost Camps offers both skill building programs and opportunities for small business owners across the country. US Hello Alice has already partnered with several major companies as part of this initiative, including Progressive, Etsy, Wells Fargo, and FedEx. The programs also aim to provide training and resources to help businesses accelerate their growth.