Non-Government Funding
Non-government funding comes from private companies, foundations, pitch competitions, and challenges. These groups offer money to help startups and small businesses grow, create jobs, and support economic growth in the United States. This funding does not come from the government.
In this database:
- 🏆 $288,823,046 Available Grant Dollars
- 📊 1,077 Open Grants
- 🕓 24 Closing Soon
| Name of Funder | Title | About | Eligibility | Amount | Due Date | Key Contact | Contact Method | Insights/Notes | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NC IDEA | NC IDEA MICRO | NC IDEA MICRO provides $10,000 project-based grants to young, innovative North Carolina companies working to validate and advance a scalable business concept. The program pairs funding with business support through NC IDEA's network. | Applicants must be headquartered in North Carolina or have a majority of operations in the state and maintain a North Carolina presence for at least 12 months after the grant period. The company should be developing an innovative, scalable business and using the grant for customer discovery, prototyping, or market validation; at least one founder must live in North Carolina and be full-time or become full-time within 6 to 12 months. | $10,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | 919-941-5600 | Applicants must maintain their North Carolina headquarters or majority of operations for at least 12 months after the grant period. Food and beverage companies must have generated at least $5,000 in revenue, and recipients may receive only one NC IDEA grant. | Link to Funder |
| NC IDEA | NC IDEA SEED | NC IDEA SEED provides $50,000 project-based grants to innovative North Carolina startups with a demonstrated proof of concept and a path to scale. Awardees also receive business support through NC IDEA's network. | Applicants must be headquartered in North Carolina or have a majority of operations in the state and maintain that presence for at least 12 months after the grant period. The venture should have a proof of concept, minimum viable product, or meaningful market traction; at least one founder must live in North Carolina and work full-time on the company. | $50,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | 919-941-5600 | Applicants must maintain their North Carolina headquarters or majority of operations for at least 12 months after the grant period. Food and beverage companies must have generated at least $75,000 in revenue, and recipients may receive only one NC IDEA grant. | Link to Funder |
| D-Prize | D-Prize | D-Prize awards up to $20,000 to aspiring entrepreneurs launching new organizations that distribute proven, evidence-based poverty interventions. Funding supports an approximately three-month pilot focused on testing a scalable distribution model rather than inventing or manufacturing a new product. The current global competition accepts the December 6, 2026 extension deadline only for applicants who register in advance. | Individuals or teams age 18 or older from any country. Applicants may use a for-profit, nonprofit, or hybrid model, and the organization does not need to be legally formed. D-Prize primarily supports new organizations and generally does not support organizations with more than 18 months of full-time operations or more than $30,000 in outside funding. Applicants must distribute a proven poverty intervention and plan to live and work in the implementation country during and after the pilot. | $20,000 | 12/06/2026 | General Inquiries | help@d-prize.org | This deadline is available only to applicants who register for an extension in advance. D-Prize is highly competitive, with the top 1% receiving awards, so the concept note should focus on distributing a proven intervention rather than inventing a new product. Applicants should show a credible three-month pilot, a clear implementation-country commitment, and a path to scale. The award is up to $20,000 and may support a for-profit, nonprofit, or hybrid organization. | Link to Funder |
| Ocean Exchange | Neptune Awards | The Neptune Awards provide $100,000 non-dilutive awards for scalable solutions that advance the blue economy and improve ocean or coastal resilience. Finalists present their innovations to a global audience of delegates and experts. | Applicants may be based anywhere in the world and should have a working prototype or other demonstrable solution with a credible path to scale. The solution must address an ocean, coastal, or blue-economy problem and show measurable environmental, economic, or social impact. | $100,000 | TBA | Susan Zellers | susan.zellers@oceanexchange.org / 267-844-2269 | Applicants need a working prototype or demonstrable solution and must show scalability and measurable impact. Ocean Exchange uses region-specific application deadlines, and selected finalists present at the annual event before award decisions are made. | Link to Funder |
| The Skoll Foundation | Skoll Awards | The organization or initiative targets transformational, system-level impact, from disrupting unjust power dynamics and systems, changing attitudes and behaviors, and mobilizing movements, to improving services, policies, and practices. The organization works above the community level (at a sub-national, national, regional/multi-country, or global geographic scope), and has a compelling plan for achieving long-term growth and sustainability. | Social entrepreneurs, including nonprofits, for-profits, as well as hybrid structures | $2,000,000 | General Inquiries | 650-331-1031 | Skoll considers legally incorporated nonprofits, for-profits, and hybrid organizations, but it does not accept open applications. Candidates are identified through direct engagement, referrals, and partner-network nominations in a multi-year sourcing process. New or concept-stage plans are ineligible. Each awardee receives $2 million in unrestricted funding. | Link to Funder | |
| The Fred Morgan Kirby Foundation and CASE at Duke University | F. M. Kirby Prize for Scaling Impact | The F. M. Kirby Prize for Scaling Impact is an annual global prize of USD $150,000 in unrestricted funds that amplifies and accelerates the work of an enterprise working to scale its impact on social or environmental problems around the world. Note that while we provide flexible funding, we look for applicants who will apply the funds to a strategy to achieve impact at scale (as opposed to filling a budget gap or pursuing “business as usual”). | All impact enterprises (nonprofit, for-profit, or hybrid), working anywhere in the world, that have: Strong evidence of impact over at least 3 years; minimum operation budget of at least $250,000; Robust, formal non-discrimination policy that protects against discrimination on the basis of marginalized identities | $150,000 | 12/02/2026 | General Inquiries | case@fuqua.duke.edu | One social enterprise will be selected to receive a USD $150,000 unrestricted award.Those organizations making it to the finalist round will receive a USD$1,000 award in recognition of their time and effort participating in the full application process. | Link to Funder |
| Texas Woman's University | StartHER Grant | The grants provide financial support for various business needs, including purchasing equipment, technology, inventory, and property improvements. The grants do not cover wages, salaries or sales tax. Awardees must submit a business plan, spend three hours with a business advisor, and complete a virtual, small-business training course that covers essential topics such as business plan development, marketing, legal matters, and financial management | Texas new or to be formed 51% or more women-owned businesses with 5 or less employees. The owner must identify as female, be 18 or older, live in Texas, and be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident. | $5,000 | 09/26/2027 | Contact Us | cwegrants@twu.edu | 10% owner-investment ($500) must be committed to the project. This can be in cash, start-up costs/licensing, supplies or equipment for the project. | Link to Funder |
| Pfizer Global Medical Grants | Real-World Data Generation with Elranatamab in Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma | Projects eligible for Pfizer support under this RFP should reflect the real-world use of elranatamab in multiple myeloma in the United States. The aim is to generate clinical insights on the current treatment methodologies, including elranatamab use in difficult-to-treat populations, adverse event management, and dosing. | PIs can be from US institutions. • Academic health care centers. • Community health care centers. • Health care professional organizations and other organizations related to health care improvement. • Health technology companies if partnered with a health care delivery organization who must serve as lead applicant. Collaboration between Institutions is strongly encouraged to foster interactive sharing of knowledge and expertise, and to utilize the combined clinical strengths of both Institutions. • Proposal submissions from junior faculty are encouraged. • Trainees may participate as a sub-investigator under appropriate mentorship from a PI. | $200,000 | Rolling | Don Rodriguez | Don.Rodriguez@pfizer.com | Link to Funder | |
| Princeton University - Lead Institution of Northeast Hub | Princeton I-Corps Program | Offers up to $3,000 in seed funding for research teams and customer discovery support. Teams can be recommended for the national program. | Open to faculty, students, and researchers affiliated with the University | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | entrepreneurship@princeton.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| Temple University | Temple I-Corps Program | Offers up to $3,000 in seed funding for research teams and customer discovery support. Teams can be recommended for the national program. | Open to faculty, students, and researchers affiliated with the University | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | entrepreneurship@temple.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate - Teams must have two participants and a tech-related project. The project can be anything from an untested idea all the way to a product on the market. | Link to Funder |
| Black Girl Ventures | Pull Up and Pitch | Black Girl Ventures, in partnership with the NBA Foundation and powered by the Washington Mystics + Chesapeake Employers Insurance Company, is bringing Pull Up & Pitch to DC on Saturday, September 20th at the University of Maryland, and YOU need to be in the room. | Applicants willing to pitch at the live event | $30,000 | 03/28/2027 | General Inquiries | events@blackgirlventures.org | Link to Funder | |
| Black Girl Ventures | BGV LA Pitch Competition | Black Girl Ventures (BGV) funds early-stage, revenue-generating businesses with under $1 million in revenue. We ignite civic engagement and strengthen local infrastructure across the U.S. by offering business support services, leadership development, supplier diversity, and both social and financial capital. While we typically support ventures from any industry, specific funding partnerships may require us to focus on certain sectors. | Candidates that have personal values that are in alignment with BGV’s mission and purpose.Candidates that exhibit good decision making skills and conduct themselves in an ethical manner that reflects BGV Core Values. | $15,000 | 11/08/2026 | General Inquiries | events@blackgirlventures.org | Link to Funder | |
| Drexel University | Drexel I-Corps Program | Offers up to $3,000 in seed funding for research teams and customer discovery support. Teams can be recommended for the national program. | Open to faculty, students, and researchers affiliated with the University - Drexel University is a member of the NSF I-Corps Hub for the Northeast Region. I-Corps helps researchers explore how to transition discoveries into benefits for society. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | icorps@drexel.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate - Drexel University is a member of the NSF I-Corps Hub for the Northeast Region. I-Corps helps researchers explore how to transition discoveries into benefits for society. | Link to Funder |
| New Mexico State University | NMSU I-Corps Program | Offers up to $3,000 in seed funding for research teams and customer discovery support. Teams can be recommended for the national program. | Open to NMSU faculty, students, and postdocs conducting STEM-related research. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | icorps@nmsu.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| Oklahoma State University | OSU I-Corps Program | Offers up to $3,000 in seed funding for research teams and customer discovery support. Teams can be recommended for the national program. | Open to OSU-affiliated faculty, students, and research staff. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | icorps@okstate.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| New Mexico State University | Bold Idea Challengge | Welcome to the Bold Idea Challenge, an exciting platform for NMSU students and community members across the Borderplex region to bring their ideas to life. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or simply eager to test your skills and enjoy the experience, this competition offers a unique opportunity to pitch innovative concepts across UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) categories, with an emphasis on Technology/Fintech. Join us in this challenge to explore your creativity, develop new solutions, and connect with like-minded individuals in a supportive and inspiring environment. | Teams must include at least one Borderplex Region college/university student (graduate or undergraduate). Please see the eligibility guidelines for details. | Varies | Rolling | Carlos Cuesta | carlosica@nmsu.edu | Must have one team member University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| The University of Texas at Austin (Southwest Region Hub Lead Institution) | UT Austin I-Corps Program | Offers up to $3,000 in seed funding for research teams and customer discovery support. Teams can be recommended for the national program. | Open to UT Austin faculty, students, postdocs, and research staff. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | icorps@utexas.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee | UWM I-Corps Program | Supports STEM-related entrepreneurial research with mentorship and grant funding for customer validation. | Open to UWM faculty, postdocs, and students, with some consideration for external collaborators. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | icorps@uwm.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| Georgia Tech (Southeast Region I-Corps Hub Lead Institution) | Georgia Tech I-Corps Program | Offers up to $3,000 in seed funding for research teams and customer discovery support. Teams can be recommended for the national program. | Open to Georgia Tech faculty, students, postdocs, and research staff. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | icorps@venturelab.gatech.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| SustainVC | SustainVC | SustainVC is the manager of a series of early-stage impact investing venture capital funds that makes market-rate equity investments into early-stage companies creating meaningful social and/or environmental impact. | Innovative entrepreneurs that share a vision of a sustainable, more equitable, and healthier world. | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@SustainVC.com | Link to Funder | |
| Unshackled Ventures | Unshackled Ventures | Big markets follow big problems. We look for bold ideas, not incremental improvements to the status quo. We understand this is a long journey and many things will change so there must be something foundationally new in the idea, approach, or technology. | Visionary immigrant founders | Varies | Rolling | Manan Mehta | info@unshackledvc.com | Investor-based funding | Link to Funder |
| The George Washington University | GWU I-Corps Program | Supports STEM-related entrepreneurial research with mentorship and grant funding for customer validation. | Open to GWU faculty, graduate students, and postdocs. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | innovation@gwu.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| University of Miami | University of Miami I-Corps Program | Offers up to $3,000 in seed funding for research teams and customer discovery support. Teams can be recommended for the national program. | Open to University of Miami faculty, students, and research staff. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | innovation@miami.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| University of Montana | University of Montana I-Corps Program | Offers initial funding for customer discovery and support for research-based ventures, with potential progression to national-level funding. | Open to faculty, postdocs, graduate students, and undergraduates engaged in STEM research. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | innovation@umontana.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| Johnson & Johnson | Leveraging Technology to Drive Representative Clinical Trials - QuickFire Challenge | To ensure global access to innovative therapies, We're launching the Leveraging Technology to Drive Representative Clinical Trials QuickFire Challenge. Innovators worldwide are invited to submit tools, platforms, technologies, or methods to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion in trials, aiming to boost patient representation for immune-mediated diseases. Areas of Interest include: Redesigning inclusion/exclusion protocols using AI/ML: Innovative approaches for establishing benchmarks and metrics for diversity, equity, and inclusion in clinical trials; Mathematical models and simulations to predict efficacy of therapeutics for certain patient populations; Strategies for integrating patient perspectives and experiences into clinical trial design; Imaging technologies to visualize immune-related processes; Approaches that further investigate genomic libraries or previously identified biomarkers and their effectiveness as drug targets for immune-related disorders; Strategies for establishing patient insights databases | Researchers and innovators from anywhere in the world, with solutions that will help remove barriers and increase representation and diversity in clinical trials for immune-related conditions | $250,000 | 09/01/2027 | General Inquiries | jlabsapplication@its.jnj.com | IBS, Lupus, RA, Sjogrens, dermatology diseases, maternal-fetal autoantibody diseases. Winners will share in a total prize pool of $350,000. | Link to Funder |
| HTDC | Manufacturing Assistance Program (MAP) | A reimbursement program for Hawaii manufacturing companies. Applicants must have fully paid invoices for the items they are seeking for reimbursement for. | Hawaii manufacturing companies | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | mfggrant@htdc.org | Link to Funder | |
| Clemson University | Clemson I-Corps Program | Offers up to $3,000 in seed funding for research teams and customer discovery support. Teams can be recommended for the national program. | Open to Clemson-affiliated faculty, students, and research teams. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | research@clemson.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| Colorado School of Mines | Colorado School of Mines I-Corps Program | Offers up to $3,000 in seed funding for research teams and customer discovery support. Teams can be recommended for the national program. | Open to Mines faculty, students, and postdocs conducting STEM-related research. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | research@mines.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| NSF I-Corps Hub Northeast | Propelus I-Corps hosted by Rowan University | Our four-session Propelus program helps researchers explore the customer perspective to inform how a discovery or innovation can become the basis of a successful startup or venture. The program provides training and grants to support team-based customer research aimed at investigating the viability and societal impact of scientific and technological discoveries. Stipends of up to $1,500 are provided to each selected team and can be used to fund expenses related to customer discovery research, including conferences and marketing tools. Follow-on opportunities: Upon completion, academic teams are eligible for the national NSF I-Corps Teams program which provides an intensive 7-week training course and a $50,000 grant. | Faculty, staff, students from all Rowan campuses and schools, and Rowan alumni with technology-based innovations are encouraged to apply for this four-session program. Important Note: Innovators from across the Northeast Region are welcome to join Hub programs. Affiliation with a Hub member university is not required to participate. Programs, whether virtual or in person, are open to the entire Hub community. | $3,000 | 01/30/2027 | General Inquiries | dominik@rowan.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate. Sessions: February 6, 12:00 pm-5:00 pm (In-person)February 13, 2:00 pm-5:00 pm (Virtual)February 27, 2:00 pm-5:00 pm (Virtual)March 6, 2:00 pm-5:00 pm (Virtual) | Link to Funder |
| BeyGOOD x Cécred | Salon Business Grant Program | Running your own business is difficult, no matter if you rent a booth, operate a salon, or work out of your home. Each year, twenty-five $10,000 grants will be awarded to qualifying salon business owners in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, and New Jersey so they can continue their transformative impact in the community. | Operate within one of the five focus markets:AtlantaChicagoHoustonLos AngelesNew JerseyDemonstrated need due to hardship.Licensed cosmetologist for a minimum of 2 years.Lease agreement for floating salon station or lease agreement for salon or proof of ownership.Compelling impact statement: personal statement/life impact story.In business for a minimum of 1 year. | $10,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | support@cecred.com | Link to Funder | |
| The Project Potluck Grants | Madeline Haydon Award for Entrepreneurship | Businesses that receive early funding are significantly more likely to scale, yet entrepreneurs of color are consistently underfunded and overlooked. Our grants fuel founders who can turn a strategic infusion of capital into real, game-changing growth and are committed to our mission of advancing representation and inclusion in Consumer Packaged Goods. The Project Potluck Grants are awarded from a pool of funds to promising entrepreneurs in the CPG industry who can demonstrate that a catalytic infusion of capital will have a meaningful, transformative impact on their business. | Founders of U.S.-based CPG brands currently in market (DTC, retail, or foodservice); business must be active and have demonstrated traction (e.g., sales, partnerships, retail placement). Project Potluck Grant Program is open to all eligible entrepreneurs, regardless of background, and aims to support a diverse range of founders and business models. | $10,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | team@potluckcpg.org | Link to Funder | |
| The Project Potluck Grants | Once Upon a Farm Brand Builder Grant | Businesses that receive early funding are significantly more likely to scale, yet entrepreneurs of color are consistently underfunded and overlooked. Our grants fuel founders who can turn a strategic infusion of capital into real, game-changing growth and are committed to our mission of advancing representation and inclusion in Consumer Packaged Goods. The Project Potluck Grants are awarded from a pool of funds to promising entrepreneurs in the CPG industry who can demonstrate that a catalytic infusion of capital will have a meaningful, transformative impact on their business. | Founders of U.S.-based CPG brands currently in market (DTC, retail, or foodservice); business must be active and have demonstrated traction (e.g., sales, partnerships, retail placement). Project Potluck Grant Program is open to all eligible entrepreneurs, regardless of background, and aims to support a diverse range of founders and business models. | $10,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | team@potluckcpg.org | Link to Funder | |
| The Project Potluck Grants | Baked Goods Innovation Award | Businesses that receive early funding are significantly more likely to scale, yet entrepreneurs of color are consistently underfunded and overlooked. Our grants fuel founders who can turn a strategic infusion of capital into real, game-changing growth and are committed to our mission of advancing representation and inclusion in Consumer Packaged Goods. The Project Potluck Grants are awarded from a pool of funds to promising entrepreneurs in the CPG industry who can demonstrate that a catalytic infusion of capital will have a meaningful, transformative impact on their business. | Founders of U.S.-based CPG brands currently in market (DTC, retail, or foodservice); business must be active and have demonstrated traction (e.g., sales, partnerships, retail placement). Project Potluck Grant Program is open to all eligible entrepreneurs, regardless of background, and aims to support a diverse range of founders and business models. | $5,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | team@potluckcpg.org | Link to Funder | |
| University at Buffalo | Center for Advanced Technology in Big Data and Health Sciences (UB CAT) | UB CAT matching funds are limited to a ratio $1.50 (company cash):$1.00 (CAT funds) for small companies (100 employees). Companies may choose to contribute a greater cash match to increase the overall budget. When using a subcontracted SBIR, STTR federal award as match, the minimum match is $2.00 federal award:$1.00 CAT. All projects are subject to State University of New York intellectual property policies. Principal Investigator eligibility is dependent on policy guidelines at the University at Buffalo | NY small business (office in NY) with a proposed project that has potential for economic impact within NY state in big data and health sciences ( particularly related to drug development, diagnostics, medical devices, and healthcare IT); at least 1 full time employee (or equivalent); matching funds for project cost sharing*; Commitment of a University at Buffalo Principal Investigator**; Demonstrated need for support of project. | $100,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | UBCATprogram@buffalo.edu | UB CAT matching funds are limited to a ratio $1.50 (company cash):$1.00 (CAT funds) for small companies (100 employees). Companies may choose to contribute a greater cash match to increase the overall budget. When using a subcontracted SBIR, STTR federal award as match, the minimum match is $2.00 federal award:$1.00 CAT. The UB CAT may provide match | Link to Funder |
| Johns Hopkins University | JHU I-Corps Program | Supports STEM-related entrepreneurial research with mentorship and grant funding for customer validation. | Open to JHU-affiliated faculty, students, and staff conducting research in STEM fields. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | ventures@jhu.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| CTAI Wireless Foundation | Catalyst Grant | Catalyst is a competitive grants program for ambitious social entrepreneurs who have developed mobile-first solutions that enhance our lives and address pressing challenges in American communities. First place - $100,000; second place -$50,000; third place - $25,000. Up to three additional Catalyst Finalists will receive Honorable Mentions and $10,000 unrestricted grants.All winners and honorable mentions will also receive non-financial benefits and incentives, including pitch coaching, communications assets and an invitation to join the Catalyst alumni network. | CTIA Wireless Foundation supports emerging changemakers and social impact projects that will benefit greatly from infusions of capital in their early stages of development - must be based in the USA | Varies | 04/07/2027 | General Inquiries | 202-736-3200 | Link to Funder | |
| NexusLA | High Stakes Pitch Competition | To further lift up these companies, the BREW High-Stakes Pitch Competition is back to give our state’s most promising startups a chance at an investment prize to invigorate and propel their businesses to success as we all look toward the future of entrepreneurship in Louisiana. | Louisiana-based business, or willingness to relocate , less than $250k in annual revenue between 1/1/2019 and 12/31/2019, Incorporated business (LLC, S Corp, C Corp), investable business model with strong founding team | $100,000 | Rolling | Main Office Line | 225-218-1100 | Link to Funder | |
| Olympus | Investigator InitiatedTrial (IIT) Program | Olympus' Medical business uses innovative capabilities in medical technology, therapeutic intervention, and precision manufacturing to help healthcare professionals deliver diagnostic, therapeutic, and minimally invasive procedures to improve clinical outcomes, reduce overall costs, and enhance the quality of life for patients. Olympus' Medical portfolio includes endoscopes, laparoscopes, and video imaging systems, as well as surgical energy devices, system integration solutions, medical services, and a wide range of endotherapy instruments. | Olympus Corporation of the Americas (OCA) is committed to advancing medical and scientific knowledge about Olympus products and contributing to the improvement of patient care by supporting investigator sponsored original research. | Varies | Rolling | Contact Us | 800-401-1086 | Link to Funder | |
| Little Caesars | Veterans Program | Little Caesars offers honorably discharged veterans and Gold Star families financial incentives to open a Little Caesars franchise of their own. Benefits include a franchise fee discount, equipment and supply discount, financing assistance, and advertising and publicity support, among others. | Veteran owned small business | Varies | Rolling | Franchise Development Team | 1-800-7-CAESAR | Link to Funder | |
| Book Industry Charitable Foundation (BINC) | Emergency Financial Assistance | Binc helps bookstore owners, booksellers, and comic store employees and owners with unforeseen emergency financial needs. The Foundation assesses each request to determine how best to provide relief. If approved, grants are typically paid to third-party vendors. | Regular full- or part-time bookseller or comic employee/owner at a bricks-and-mortar bookstore or comic shop in the United States, Puerto Rico, The U.S. Virgin Islands, or Guam | Varies | Rolling | Kathy Barston | 1-866-733-9064 | Link to Funder | |
| MIT | THE MIT $100K Entrepreneurship Competition - PITCH | One competition - three independent contests - from October through May. Now in its 31st year, the MIT $100K Entrepreneurship Competition has brought together students and researchers from across MIT and Greater Boston to launch their talent, ideas, and technology into leading companies. The competition runs as series of distinct, increasingly intensive contests: Pitch, Accelerate, and Launch. | Students and researchers from across MIT and Greater Boston | $5,000 | Rolling | Jana Parsons | 100kd@mit.edu | Link to Funder | |
| MIT | THE MIT $100K Entrepreneurship Competition - ACCELERATE | One competition - three independent contests - from October through May. Now in its 31st year, the MIT $100K Entrepreneurship Competition has brought together students and researchers from across MIT and Greater Boston to launch their talent, ideas, and technology into leading companies. The competition runs as series of distinct, increasingly intensive contests: Pitch, Accelerate, and Launch. | Students and researchers from across MIT and Greater Boston | $20,000 | Rolling | Jana Parsons | 100kd@mit.edu | Link to Funder | |
| MIT | THE MIT $100K Entrepreneurship Competition - LAUNCH | One competition - three independent contests - from October through May. Now in its 31st year, the MIT $100K Entrepreneurship Competition has brought together students and researchers from across MIT and Greater Boston to launch their talent, ideas, and technology into leading companies. The competition runs as series of distinct, increasingly intensive contests: Pitch, Accelerate, and Launch. | Students and researchers from across MIT and Greater Boston | $100,000 | Rolling | Jana Parsons | 100kd@mit.edu | Link to Funder | |
| Becton Dickinson & Co. (BD) | BD Global External Funding Program | BD supports independent research to advance scientific and clinical knowledge related to our products, technologies, and therapies. Decisions to support ISS requests never take into account the volume, nor value of actual or potential business generated by the requestor. funds either a clinical or non-clinical study for which BD may provide monetary support, product, equipment, or in-kind service. | Organizations or institutions that align with our mission, values, therapeutic areas, and strategic objectives (no individuals) | Varies | Rolling | Alexandre Conroy | 201-847-6800 | Proposals will be considered in fields such as autoimmunity, allergy, oncology (including heme and solid tumors), transplant, neurology, cardiology, infectious disease, and others, where development of novel flow cytometry assays may yield unique insights and benefits that address unmet needs in clinical settings. Other areas of interest: Emerging Clinical Applications in Flow Cytometry; Comparative safety and performance studies of BD specimen management products (Vacutainer, PaxGene, etc.); Womens' health; Clinical microbiology; point-of-care testing in retail pharmacies (potentially home testing as well); medication delivery systems; Medication Management Solutions; Peripheral Intervention (oncology, venous, artery disease; Urology (particularly incontinence and kidney stones). | Link to Funder |
| America's Sustainable Business Network | Investor’s Circle | Each year Investors Circle catalyzes upwards of ten million dollars into pre-seed, seed, and series A companies. We invest in companies with an explicit expectation of measurable social and environmental returns. Join us as we invest to create a global economy that is regenerative, just, and prosperous for everyone. | Diverse and underrepresented entrepreneurs | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | 202-660-1455 | Link to Funder | |
| Larta | Venture Fellows program | The Venture Fellows program is a 9-month hands-on experience – we invest in diverse innovators to pilot good ideas that help communities become more resilient in response to the impacts of climate change. | Diverse climate change innovators | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | 213-694-2826 | Link to Funder | |
| Magnet | Mspire Manufacturing Innovation Pitch Competition | Mspire is Northeast Ohio's only pitch challenge exclusively for manufacturing-focused entrepreneurs. If you have a product that will help advance the manufacturing industry or a physical product (or idea) that needs to be manufactured, we want to hear from you. Each project will be evaluated for fit with MAGNET's existing services, as well as feasibility, economic impact, and potential for job creation. | Cleveland-based manufacturing startups | Varies | TBA | Brandon Cornuke | 216-543-1222 | Link to Funder | |
| Purdue University Northwest (PNW) | The Big Sell | This annual pitch competition let's founders pitch big ideas for a chance to win cash prizes. Accepted applicants create a six-minute video pitch for a chance to pitch in person as finalists. | Indiana small business | $25,000 | Rolling | Rhonda Abbott | 219-989-2400 | Link to Funder | |
| Huntsville Madison County Chamber ALabama | P.R.O.P.E.L.Small Business & Entrepreneur Summit | Hopeful entrepreneurs and investors have until Friday to apply for up to $60,000 from the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber's new PROPEL pitch competition.Why it matters: The inaugural PROPEL Small Business & Entrepreneur Summit, set for Oct. 28-29, is connecting local startups at various stages of the early process with potential investors, business owners and stakeholders. | Startup Founders & Entrepreneurs – Particularly those innovating in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, biotechnology, and cybersecurity. | $60,000 | TBA | Ashley Engles-Ross | 256-535-2043 | | Link to Funder |
| The Knight Foundation | Capital Growth Campaign Technology Grant | Our approach is to identify, explore and invest in technology approaches that have the greatest potential impact on the fields in which we work. We often support experiments in digital media, and reinvest in the most promising projects that emerge from early-stage grants. The idea must be about the arts, the project must take place in or benefit the local community, and winners must find other funding to match Knight Foundation’s support. | Technology approaches that have the greatest potential impact on the fields of journalism, communities and the arts | $250,000 | Rolling | Carolina Garcia-Navarro | 305-908-2600 | Requires Letter of Inquiry | Link to Funder |
| X-Prize | X-Prize Challenge | Without a target you'll miss every time. XPRIZE competitions have clear, objective and measurable goals and at their most powerful capture the imaginations of people all over the world inspiring everyone into action. The world needs crazy ideas. Solutions can come from anyone, anywhere on the planet; engineers, scientists, garage tinkerers, entrepreneurs, innovators, citizen scientists and high school students have embraced the spirit of competition, won millions of dollars in prize purses and helped shape a better future for all. | Science and innovation startups | $1,000,000 | Rolling | Nicole Barboza | 310-741-4880 | Domains of Interest to X-Prize include: Biodiversity and Conservation; Climate/Energy; Deep Tech/Quantum; Food/Water/Waste; Health; Learning & Society; Space Exploration. Within each topic, there are multiple challenges and competitions. | Link to Funder |
| Caleb Brown Venture Capital, LLC | Caleb Brown Urban Excellence Community Grant | Caleb Brown’s mission is to find, promote, and nurture young urban entrepreneurs with vision who understand that small business creation is one of the key components required to rebuild local blocks, neighborhoods, and communities by providing training and jobs to the next generation | Companies must serve an Urbanized Area defined by the Census Bureau as the following: A central place and adjacent territory that contain at least 50,000 people and an overall density of 1,000 per square mile. Start-up, for-profit businesses opened for less than three (3) years qualify for this opportunity; businesses in the planning stages are also welcomed to apply. Business owners must have intentions on hiring full-time, part-time, or intern staff within the funding year | $5,000 | Rolling | Dennis Howell | 312-253-7424 | Link to Funder | |
| Michigan Women Forward | WomanUp & Pitch | The top thirty finalists are connected to advisors, coaches and mentors who provide professional services and expert advice as the women create viable business plans and prepare to take the stage to pitch their idea to a panel of business experts and an audience of other entrepreneurs, small business owners, potential investors, and business and community leaders. The business plans, reviewed in advance of the pitch by each judge, account for 60% of the final score; the pitch accounts for 40%. Businesses must be at least 51% women-owned. | Any women in the state with a business idea | $15,000 | 06/28/2027 | Hannah Heebner | 313-962-1920 | Link to Funder | |
| Akron Community Foundation | Gay Community Endowment Fund | The mission of the Gay Community Endowment Fund is to advance a lived equality for all LGBTQ+ people in Greater Akron. Its grants support programs that improve the health and wellbeing of the LGBTQ+ community and Greater Akron as a whole. Areas of focus include programs that create safer environments for LGBTQ+ youth, combat phobias of the LGBTQ+ community, and support mental health and suicide prevention programs for LGBTQ+ people, among other issues. | Organization in Akron, Ohio that improve the health and well-being of the LGBTQ+ community and Greater Akron as a whole | Varies | Rolling | Community Investment Officer Cristina González Alcalá, Ph.D. | 330-436-5626 or cgonzalezalcala@akroncf.org | Link to Funder | |
| Akron Community Foundation | Vernon L. Odom Fund | The Vernon L. Odom Fund makes small grants to innovative programs that promote ethnic and racial harmony in Greater Akron and improve the quality of life within its minority communities. The fund is named for former Akron Urban League President Vernon L. Odom Sr. | Organizations in Akron, Ohio that improve the lives of minorities | Varies | Rolling | Community Investment Officer Cristina González Alcalá, Ph.D. | 330-436-5626 or cgonzalezalcala@akroncf.org | Link to Funder | |
| Nokia | Innovation Challenge | Nokia Open Innovation Challenge offers the opportunity for the bright minded companies to propose the best-in-class products and solutions within the Industrial Automation domain to international jury. | Be 21 years of age or older. Possess a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree. | $175,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | 358-104-488-000 | Link to Funder | |
| Tag Education Collaborative | TAG Invest Connect: Meet, Pitch, & Partner | Join us at the Comcast Regional Headquarters on October 23rd for this dynamic one-day event in which Georgia’s technology entrepreneurs connect with corporate buyers and investors in an unparalleled opportunity to learn, network and compete. | Seed to Series A tech entrepreneurs | $10,000 | TBA | Contact Us | 404-817-3333 | Link to Funder | |
| The Ploughshares Fund | Ploughshares Fund Grant | The Ploughshares Fund supports organizations and individuals working to build a safe, secure, nuclear weapons-free world. The Fund’s areas of interest include promoting the reduction and eventual elimination of nuclear weapons, preventing the emergence of new nuclear states, and building regional peace and security in South Asia and the Middle East. There are no geographical limits on the Fund’s grants. Organizations and individuals are eligible to apply; women and people from diverse communities are encouraged to apply. | Organizations and individuals working to build a safe, secure, nuclear weapons-free world. | $100,000 | Rolling | Emma Belcher | 415-668-2244 | Link to Funder | |
| Celo Foundation | Technical & Research Grants | The Celo Foundation (“Foundation”) Grants Program is an open program that supports projects that are committed to Celo’s mission of building a financial system that creates the conditions for prosperity for all. The Foundation believes that by working together we can collectively help the world prosper. | Anyone working on an interesting, viable product or offering for the Celo community | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | 415-942-4178 | Link to Funder | |
| Mayo Clinic Ventures | Ventures Innovation Program | Funds milestone-based technology development to enhance commercialization/translational potential with a focus on promising early-stage technologies | Mayo Clinic technologies or companies that include Mayo Clinic technology or expertise | $200,000 | Rolling | Fund Manager | 480-301-8000 | Link to Funder | |
| Mayo Clinic Ventures | 2030 Fund | Bridges the gap between discovery and clinical validation by establishing capital and human resources dedicated to advancing technologies through first-in-human studies | Mayo Clinic technologies or companies that include Mayo Clinic technology or expertise | Varies | Rolling | Fund Manager | 480-301-8000 | Link to Funder | |
| Mayo Clinic Ventures | Venture Co-investment Fund | $250M fund focused on venture capital and growth equity opportunities, offered in partnership with Mayo Clinic Treasury Services | Companies that include Mayo Clinic technology or expertise and have a leading healthcare venture capital or PE firm | Varies | Rolling | Fund Manager | 480-301-8000 | Link to Funder | |
| MacArthur Foundation | 100&Change | 100&Change, our competition for a single $100 million grant, is open to any proposed solution to any critical problem of our time. Nonprofit and qualifying for-profit organizations may apply. The competition cycle repeats every three years. | Any proposed solution to any critical problem of our time | $100,000,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | 4answers@macfound.org; 312-726-8000 | This competition operates on a 3-year cycle. | Link to Funder |
| InRoads Credit Union | InRoads Small Business Grant | The InRoads Credit Union Small Business Grant, in partnership with the Fiserv® Back 2 Business program and the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, is dedicated to supporting small businesses in their journey towards success and sustainability. With a focus on fostering innovation, driving growth, and empowering entrepreneurs, this grant program aims to make a meaningful impact on the small business community in Washington County, Oregon. | Business registered in Washington County, Oregon; annual gross revenue of less than $2 million; Maintain a minimum of one year in business tenure; Employ ten individuals or fewer | $25,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | 503-397-2376 | Link to Funder | |
| Lockheed Martin | Lockheed Martin Ventures | Lockheed Martin Ventures is the company's venture capital arm, and it invests in early-stage technology companies that are developing technologies that are relevant to Lockheed Martin's business. More than a source of capital, Lockheed Martin Ventures provides portfolio companies with access to our world-class engineering talent, state-of-the-art technologies, and research and access to the company’s international business relationships and supply chain. In support of these key investments, Lockheed Martin hosts an annual demo day each summer where its portfolio companies, startups, and government representatives engage in sessions of collaboration and learning. | Small business owners | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | 516-228-2000 | Investment-based funds. Areas include: Artificial Intelligence; Autonomy & Robotics; Cybersecurity; Human Potential; Materials & Manufacturing; NextGen Electronics; Power & Propulsion; Quantum Technologies; Sensor Technologies; Signals & Communication Tech; Space Technologies; Synthetic Biology | Link to Funder |
| Sanford Health Foundation | Sanford Lorraine Cross Award | The Sanford Lorraine Cross Award honors a breakthrough, innovation or cure that has a direct effect on global health. It’s not about theories or philosophies – it’s about finding discoveries that do something. | Scientists who are dedicated to changing health care for good. | $1,000,000 | Rolling | Sanford Health | 605-366-2432 | To find these pioneers, we needed a selection process all its own. The unprecedented rigor of this system will pinpoint areas of medical innovation along with identifying and vetting leaders in five stages to ensure nominees have the most promising potential to transform health care. | Link to Funder |
| Wisconsin Technology Council | Wisconsin Governor’s Business Plan Contest | Produced by the Wisconsin Technology Council and a growing list of partners, led by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., the Governor’s Business Plan Contest engages contestants in a five-month process that includes the opportunity to work with mentors and receive feedback from judges. It also leads to valuable public and media exposure for the top business plans and helps spur economic growth in Wisconsin. | Wisconsin-based startups | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | 608-442-7557 | Link to Funder | |
| New Profit | New Profit | Funding based on the premise that leaders who have lived experience with the systems that need to change – in education, health, economic mobility, and others – have the deepest knowledge about the assets in their communities and are creating innovative, experience-driven solutions. | Breakthrough social entrepreneurs | Varies | Rolling | Tulaine Montgomery and Vanessa Kirsch | 617-912-8800 | Investor-based funding | Link to Funder |
| huMannity Medtec | huMannity Medtec | Formerly Alfred Mann Foundation, huMannity Medtec has been a driving force for innovation within the medtech industry for nearly 40 years. We develop novel neurotechnology but more often, the best ideas come from outside. If you're an inventor, university researcher, tech transfer officer, or part of a sponsored research office with a promising med tech idea—especially in neurostimulation or bioelectronic medicine—we want to hear from you. We're seeking early-stage concepts that interact with the human nervous system and have the potential to improve outcomes in areas of significant medical need. We're especially interested in technologies related to: Neuromodulation and neural interfaces, Bioelectronic medicine, implantable or wearable stimulation devices, or Novel sensing or diagnostic systems targeting neural pathways. | Inventors, innovators, entrepreneurs in the healthcare sector with early-stage concepts that push boundaries, particularly those that may be too risky or too early for traditional funders. | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | 661-702 - 6700 | Link to Funder | |
| The Bank of Tioga REV | Small Business Pitch Competition | The Bank of Tioga will host the competition in partnership with Tioga Area Economic Development Corporation offering entrepreneurs and business owners the chance to win up to $15,000 to "Ignite Their Business." Applications are due Tuesday, October 5 and pitches will be held on Friday, November 5, at the Tioga Theatre. Applicants will be judged on their pitch, marketing, personal investment level and exit strategy. | North Dakota small business | $15,000 | Rolling | Savanna Hendrickson | 701-664-3388 | Link to Funder | |
| Akosha | The Ashoka Fellowship | Ashoka receives nominations from staff, volunteers, partners, Ashoka Fellows, and nominators, based on the five criteria for Ashoka Fellowship: New solutions to social problems; creativity; entrepreneurial quality; social impact of the idea; ethical fiber. Fellows receive a tailored stipend for up to three years, if needed, to dedicate themselves full time to the advancement of their idea | Social entrepreneurs with groundbreaking ideas | Varies | Rolling | Joan Burton | 703-527-8300 | Link to Funder | |
| University at Buffalo | Buffalo Innovation Seed Fund - Cultivator Program | Buffalo Innovation Seed Fund is an early-stage, evergreen venture capital fund dedicated to funding and growing the next generation of outstanding businesses in Buffalo. Funds are invested over five (5) years in pre-seed and seed investments, reserving some capital to make follow-on investments in portfolio companies who show the best progress. We will partner with exceptional entrepreneurs and help them build valuable companies that grow in Buffalo. Cultivator is designed to support businesses developing products or platforms that aim to serve national or international markets, like software or new, innovative manufactured goods. | Medium- to high-growth, early-stage startups located in the following Western New York counties: Erie, Niagara, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany. No previous affiliation with UB is required, and we strongly encourage historically underrepresented founders to apply. | $500,000 | Rolling | Lisa J. Keefe | 716-645-2000 | Most companies spend about nine months in Cultivator — about three months in Phase 1 and six months in Phase 2. | Link to Funder |
| MITRE Engenuity | Technology partnerships | MITRE Engenuity partners with a number of small businesses on its research and development projects. These partnerships can provide small businesses with access to funding, as well as other resources and support. | Small business owners | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | 781-271-2000 | Link to Funder | |
| Sunflower Foundation | Food is Medicine | Nutrition plays a critical role in preventing, treating and managing chronic disease. Working with the state’s food banks and a cohort of Federally Qualified Health Clinics (FQHCs), the Foundation is at the crossroads of food and health, striving to help create a model of care that improves health outcomes and curbs rising health costs for Kansans suffering from chronic conditions. | Federally Qualified Health Clinics (FQHCs) | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | 785-232-3000 | Link to Funder | |
| Sunflower Foundation | Integrated Care | Sunflower Foundation, which supports improving Kansans’ access to integrated care and advancing organizations’ ability to implement and deliver services through the integrated care model, believes treating the whole person and making the mind-body connection improves patient outcomes, increases patient and provider satisfaction and reduces costs to the health care system. | Federally Qualified Health Clinics (FQHCs) | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | 785-232-3000 | Link to Funder | |
| Sunflower Foundation | Behavioral/Mental Health | Sunflower Foundation supports innovative efforts to modernize the state’s behavioral health care delivery system, bolster and train its workforce, and raise awareness of mental health issues and initiatives with a goal of increasing early intervention for Kansans struggling with mental illness and improving access to the health services they need. | Federally Qualified Health Clinics (FQHCs) | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | 785-232-3000 | Link to Funder | |
| Post Rock Community Foundation | Barbara Wolford Farming Operations Grant | The Wolford Farming Operations grant is intended to help young farmers in the Post Rock Community Foundation service area get a leg up toward their dream of growing a career in agriculture by helping them start or expand a farming operation. The Foundation broadly defines farming operations as including activities involved in the production of agricultural goods, including but not limited to growing crops, raising livestock, and processing and marketing farm products. Applications will be accepted in October and May, and applicants may receive up to $50,000. | New farmers (no more than 10 years of experience operating a farm or ranch); located in the Post Rock Community Foundation service area (Lincoln County, Kansas, and communities served by school districts 298 and 299). | $50,000 | 05/01/2027 | Natalie Wood, Grant Coordinator | 785-823-1800 | Two cycles per year: August 1-October 1 and March 1-May 1 | Link to Funder |
| Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation | Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation | The Kauffman Foundation is open to new ideas and innovative project submissions at any time throughout the year. We do not have proposal deadlines or established maximum and minimum dollar amounts. Grant amounts vary depending on the scope of the specific project and the size of the organization. We are grateful for the hard work and passion you put into your work. This foundation has a focus on Kansas City | Any organization that does not discriminate, is not a lobbying organization, endowments, political organizations, and loans. Focus on Kansas City | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | 816-932-1000 | The focus for this is businessee based in Kansas | Link to Funder |
| The Roddenberry Prize | The Roddenberry Prize | The $1M Roddenberry Prize is a call for big, bold solutions from anyone, anywhere that address the challenges of an unpredictable and fast-changing global landscape. Four game-changing and innovative solutions will each receive $250,000 for their work in one of the following fields: Education, Science, Environment, and Humanity. We invite anyone — individuals, for-profits, teams, non-profits, and B-corps — to apply. | Early stage ventures (beyond idea stage) from anywhere that have successfully raised Seed Rounds through Series A financing; with innovations that align with the organization's mission of Education, Science, Environment, and Humanity; The venture’s solution/s must be largely if not exclusively powered by AI or machine learning, with a scalable vision to solve a global challenge | $1,000,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | 818-382-7800 | Themes/focus areas may change each year | Link to Funder |
| Kinetic Business | Black Business Support Fund | Kinetic Business is proud to support black-owned businesses with the creation of the Black Business Support Fund | You must be a new or current small business customer in the state of Georgia, Charlotte, North Carolina or Lexington, Kentucky receiving broadband internet Services from Windstream; Your small business must be black-owned and have 25 or fewer employees; You must not be currently engaged in bankruptcy proceedings; Your small business must not be a: non-profit organization, Wine & spirits, check-cashing agency, gun shop, pawn shop, cannabidiol (CBD) stores or adult entertainment business; and You may not apply on behalf of multiple small businesses or receive multiple awards. | Varies | Rolling | Lorenzo Clark | 844-878-4278 | Link to Funder | |
| Capital City | Summit Grant | The Capital City Micro-Grant supports retail-ready consumer product (CPG) businesses aiming to scale beyond local success. Three finalists will be selected to pitch live during the Maker Summit Reception in Washington, D.C., delivering a 3-minute flash talk on their product, revenue model, and growth strategy. The winner will receive funding and mentorship from Capital City and its partners.This grant is tailored for underrepresented founders with scalable products seeking to expand regionally or nationally. Applicants must clearly articulate how the grant will help accelerate revenue, market reach, or business infrastructure. | retail-ready CPG brands | $5,000 | 07/31/2027 | General Inquiries | 850-402-8456 | Link to Funder | |
| Farmer Veteran Coalition | Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund | The Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund is a small grant program that provides direct assistance to veterans who are in their beginning years of farming or ranching. The Fellowship Fund does not give money directly to the veteran, but rather to third-party vendors for items the veteran has identified will make a crucial difference in the launch of their farm business. Awards range from $1,000 to $5,000. The most common grant-funded purchases are: All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV), Beekeeping equipment, Breeding livestock, Bulk feed, Fencing, Scholarships, Storage freezers, Tractor implements, Walk-behind tractors. | You must join the Farmer Veteran Coalition to qualify, and membership grants access to a community and resources that can help support your business. | $5,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | 855-382-3276 | Link to Funder | |
| Square | Square PartnershipsBlack Equity Grant Program | In alignment with the Square mission of economic empowerment, we began the Black Equity Grant Program to support the growth of Black developers after recognizing that many technologies founded by historically underrepresented communities were also under resourced, lacking the necessary funding and resources to build on Square. This program will provide Black-led platform partners with both financial support as well as increased exposure and visibility. | Founded by or have a current CEO who identifies as Black/African American; Headquartered in the U.S. and serve U.S.-based customers; partner’s platform must be publicly launched (i.e., cannot be in alpha, beta, or stealth); must have at least 5 monthly active customers of any size; partner must be willing and able to begin development of a new integration between partner and Square, to be utilized by the partner within 3 months of applying for this grant; partner must also complete the integration and launch within 9 months of grant approval. | $20,000 | Rolling | Contact Us | 855-700-6000 | Link to Funder | |
| Founders First CDC | National Pride Grant for LGBTQIA+ Small Businesses | Founders First is committed to increasing the number of diverse founder-led businesses generating over $1 million dollars in revenues. This fund will make investments to 25 LGBTQIA+ led businesses in the United States. We offer a $1,000 Micro-Grant - flexible funding you can put toward the needs that matter most — equipment, operations, staffing, or growth. Finalists also receive membership in the Passport Community and Zebra Leadership programs. | LGBTQIA+ owned business with at least 2 full time employees and in business at least 1 year | $1,000 | TBA | Contact Us | https://foundersfirstcdc.org/contact | Link to Funder | |
| Founders First CDC | Stephen l. Tadlock Veteran Owned Small Business Grant | Inspired by Founders First CEO, Kim Folsom’s brother, U.S. Navy veteran Stephen L. Tadlock, the $25,000 fund will make investments of $1000 each to 25 veterans who are running employer-based small businesses across the country. Grant money can be used in whatever way Founders need to use it. | U.S. military veterans or military spouses who are CEOs, presidents, or owners of active U.S. businesses operating for at least one year, with 2-100 employees and annual revenue no greater than $5 million. | $1,000 | TBA | Contact Us | https://foundersfirstcdc.org/contact | Each selected business receives a $1,000 grant plus one free business-support program (Passport Community or Zebra Leadership). Founders must be military veterans or military spouses and have 2-100 employees; applications close October 15, 2026. | Link to Funder |
| Boeing | Subcontracting opportunities | Boeing is the world's leading aerospace company and the largest manufacturer of commercial jetliners and military aircraft combined. Before becoming a supplier to Boeing, your company needs to become familiar with Boeing's position in the aerospace industry. | subcontractors | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | 866-473-2016 | Link to Funder | |
| The UPS Store | Veteran Entrepreneurship | Within The UPS Store network, there are 223 veteran franchisees operating 432 The UPS Store locations who have participated in the VetFran program. The VetFran program offers qualified individuals $15,000 off the franchise fee. | Veteran owned small business | $15,000 | Rolling | Franchise Development Team | 877-623-7253 | Link to Funder | |
| Bizee | Fresh Start Business Grant | Whether you're starting over or starting from scratch, Incfile 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 Incfile. | Entrepreneurs 21 or older | $2,500 | Rolling | Main Office | 888-462-3453 | Future dates to be posted soon | Link to Funder |
| Intuit QuickBooks | Intuit Quickbooks Grant Program | Intuit QuickBooks is awarding twenty (20) business owners across the U.S. with $10,000 in grant funding and 3 months of coaching to help run and grow their business. What would you do with $10,000 and business coaching? Whether you invest in marketing to reach new customers, upgrade old equipment, or hire a team, you'll have the resources you need to grow. | U.S.-based small business (fewer than 99 W-2 employees); in business at least one year | $10,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | 888-795-5760 | This is truly rolling | Link to Funder |
| Capillary Foundation | Medical Device Grants | Similar to our research grants, the grants for medical devices are available to any innovator who is actively engaged in the development of medical devices. Regardless of whether their device already has working prototypes or is being tested. In addition, our medical device grants are open to innovators working in ophthalmology, oncology, diagnostic radiology, or any other field. As long as the goal is to give patients a higher standard of care and better quality of life, we want to help you. While anyone will be considered, our focus will remain on the most disadvantaged innovators as we seek to address funding disparities that have plagued the medical research industry. As previously mentioned, we fund research or devices regardless of the field. | Any researcher, scientist or innovator within the United States and Guam and Puerto Rico; working on innovations in ophthalmology, oncology, diagnostic radiology, or any other field that has the goal or giving patients a higher standard of care and better quality of life. | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | 941-725-8564 | We consider any medical research projects or devices for funding, and we do not discriminate based on income level, education level, or project status. As long as your device can help improve the quality of patient care, we want to hear about it. Above all, our goal is to find new and better ways to treat the life-changing diseases and injuries that patients face. | Link to Funder |
| Capillary Foundation | Medical Research Grants | Capillary Foundation is a medical nonprofit organization that provides funding to medical device innovators through our grants. We aim to enable the development of innovative devices with the potential to positively affect the lives of patients in need of new medical technologies. We are proud to be able to provide medical research grants to support projects in any healthcare field and encourage any research that could potentially enhance the care of patients, whether they are battling cancer, cardiovascular problems, or any other disease or injury. | Innovators in the United States and U.S. Territories developing medical devices | varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | 941-725-8564 | Link to Funder | |
| Wayne County Economic Development Corp. | KickStart Wayne County Adult Pitch Competition | The KickStart Wayne County Adult Pitch Competition encourages startup or growing businesses (established for less than three (3) years) to pitch their business plan for the chance to win $20,000 to launch or grow their business. Another smaller prize of $5,000 is awarded to a business needing a boost. This is a perfect opportunity to pursue your business venture. | All Wayne County, NY residents with a business in the concept stage, or those with less than three years in operation and less than $250,000 in annual revenue. | $20,000 | TBA | Katie Bronson | KRBronson@co.wayne.ny.us | Link to Funder | |
| Innovate Mississippi | Proof of Concept Grant | The Mississippi Seed Fund provides early-stage funding for high-tech and high-growth firms in Mississippi. The program is administered by Innovate Mississippi with funding decisions made by the Mississippi Seed Fund board. | Mississippi-based businesses | $10,000 | Rolling | Amber Coeur | acoeur@innovate.ms | Link to Funder | |
| Innovate Mississippi | Growth Fund | The Mississippi Seed Fund provides early-stage funding for high-tech and high-growth firms in Mississippi. The program is administered by Innovate Mississippi with funding decisions made by the Mississippi Seed Fund board. | Mississippi-based businesses | $100,000 | Rolling | Amber Coeur | acoeur@innovate.ms | Link to Funder | |
| Innovate Mississippi | R&D Fund | The Mississippi Seed Fund provides early-stage funding for high-tech and high-growth firms in Mississippi. The program is administered by Innovate Mississippi with funding decisions made by the Mississippi Seed Fund board. | Mississippi-based businesses performing R&D | $250,000 | Rolling | Amber Coeur | acoeur@innovate.ms | Link to Funder | |
| Osmosis | Osmosis Grants Program | The Osmosis Grants Program (OGP) was created to award funding to Osmosis community members for the completion of value-add tasks which may be too small to be funded through a governance proposal. | Grants will be awarded to teams and individuals who are building value-add projects, such as analytics, tooling, infrastructure, and ecosystem projects that are complementary to the core AMM. | $500,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | admin@osmurica.com | Link to Funder | |
| Adobe | Creative Residency Community Fun | We have been witnessing the unprovoked, violent attacks on Ukraine and the tragic loss of innocent lives there As we see this tragedy unfold, we believe we have a responsibility to support creators during the growing humanitarian crisis and refugee situation in the region. We are currently focusing our Community Fund efforts on providing support to creators who have been directly impacted by the unjustified invasion of Ukraine. | Professional creatives | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | adoberesidency@adobe.com | Link to Funder | |
| Africa Business Club | HBS Africa Business Club – New Venture Competition | Participants will compete for grants, strategic guidance and high-impact exposure — enabling them to refine their business model, accelerate market entry and amplify their impact across Africa’s diverse markets. Whether you are building a next-gen fintech platform, an ag-tech innovation, a climate-resilient solution or a health-tech breakthrough, the competition fosters inclusive and asset-based entrepreneurship anchored in the region’s needs and assets. You can pitch your early-stage venture for an opportunity to win up to $55K in prize money at the HBS Africa Business Conference. | Startups less than 5 years old, have raised less than $1M and have a solution serving the African market (U.S.-based service Africa, or Africa-based) No minimum revenue requirement, but must have established a prototype or MVP. Ventures should answer the question: “How will this accelerate Africa over the next decade?” | $55,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | afbc@studentclubs.hbs.edu | Link to Funder | |
| American Farm Bureau and Farm Credit | Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge | The Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge showcases U.S. startups developing innovative solutions that address challenges facing America’s farmers, ranchers and rural communities. American Farm Bureau Federation in partnership with Farm Credit, are looking to identify the top entrepreneurs who are addressing both traditional challenges farmers face on their operation, such as access to labor, optimizing yield and reducing operating costs, to entrepreneurs addressing new challenges facing farmers and rural communities. 10 semi-finalist teams will be selected and announced on 9/3; The final four teams will be awarded $10,000 each and participate in a live pitch competition in front of Farm Bureau members, investors and industry representatives at the AFBF Convention in San Antonio, Texas, to win: Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge Winner, $90,000 (total of $100,000) and Runner-up, $15,000 (total of $25,000) | U.S. Startups and entrepreneurs with solutions for farm operations, ranchers, or rural communities. Must be a Farm Bureau member to become a finalist. | $90,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | aginnovation@fb.org | Entrepreneurs must be Farm Bureau members to qualify as a top ten semi-finalist. The final four teams will be awarded $10,000 each and participate in a live pitch competition in front of Farm Bureau members, investors and industry representatives at the AFBF Convention in January 2027. | Link to Funder |
| University of Rochester | University of Rochester I-Corps Program | Supports STEM-related entrepreneurial research with mentorship and grant funding for customer validation. | Open to University of Rochester faculty, postdocs, and students. External collaborators can participate as team members. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | aincenter@rochester.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| University of Rochester | Mark Ain Business Model Competition | The Mark Ain Business Model Competition provides aspiring student entrepreneurs at the University of Rochester an opportunity to present their business idea (in any industry) and compete for $13,500 in cash prizes. The competition is preceded by a series of workshops that cover such topics as: articulation of their concept, sizing up market dynamics, development of business and operational models, and exposure to startup implementation issues. The workshops are free and open to the public and are not a prerequisite for the competition. | University of Rochester Student Startups | $135,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | AinCFE@rochester.edu | Link to Funder | |
| Ford Motor Company and Partnership for Southern Equity | The Urbanite Mobility Challenge in Atlanta | The Atlanta Challenge is a mobility innovation program to activate and fund mobility entrepreneurs to address income inequality and its impact on safety and access. We launched this initiative to transform cities by helping solve mobility problems via the inclusion of community input. Our framework zooms down to one person, one solution at a time to provide an intimate view of a city’s needs and how they may be addressed with new innovative solutions. | Projects that tackle the lack of mobility access for Atlanta residents | $50,000 | Rolling | A. Johnson | ajohnson@psequity.org | Link to Funder | |
| Amazon | Small Business Accelerator Program | The Small Business Accelerator Program allows developers that earn less than 1 million USD in total annual revenue in the previous calendar year to access additional benefits up to or equivalent to 20% of App Store revenue. If eligible, you'll receive a 10% increased royalty payment and AWS credits equivalent to 10% of your app revenue. | As long as you earn 10 USD or more in Appstore revenue in a marketplace by the end of a calendar month, you will receive AWS credits equaling 10% of that month’s revenues 15 days after the end of the month. Amazon calculates and issues AWS credits separately per marketplace. | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | amazonbusinesscs@amazon.com | This is not a typical grant but rather a royalty payment of AWS credits based on the amount of product you sell independently | Link to Funder |
| Missouri Technology Corporation | Missouri TechLaunch | The Missouri TechLaunch program was created in order to support early-stage, Missouri entrepreneurs develop technologies, build businesses and create jobs across Missouri. TechLaunch supports life science and technology startups through matching equity or convertible debt investments up to $100,000 for the purpose of technology and business development. | Must be based in Missouri, have a proprietary or protectable intellectual property, be in the pre-seed financing stage, have, at the time of closing, an actual third party dollar-for-dollar matching investment for MTC funds, and fit into at least one of MTC’s five focus areas. | $100,000 | Rolling | Amy Steinman | amy.steinman@ded.mo.gov | Link to Funder | |
| Chesapeake Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture - Future Harvest | Pick Your Own Consultant Grant | This program provides $1,000 grants for farmers to work with the consultant of their choice. The goal of this program is to provide farmers based in rural Maryland with the opportunity to strengthen their business and address challenges with the support of in-depth, free-for-the-farmer consultations with experts. Applicants are required to identify their top two priorities for working with a consultant of their choice – either from our list of consultants or from their own research. Topics farmers have previously requested range from improved marketing plans and financial record keeping systems to creating nutrient management plans and enhanced soil fertility regimes. | Farmers in rural Maryland, with preference given to: farmers with 6-10 years of experience, Future Harvest members, and historically underserved farmers as defined by the USDA as Beginning; Socially Disadvantaged; Veterans; and Limited Resource. | $1,000 | Rolling | Amy Mullan | amymullan@futureharvest.org | Link to Funder | |
| Activate.org | Activate Anywhere Fellowship | Fellows receive a yearly living stipend of $80,000 to $110,000 plus a health insurance stipend and travel allowance. This enables them to focus on their project full-time. Each project also receives $100,000 in research funding and access to at least $100,000 in additional flexible capital | Must be based in the United States | $180,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | apply@activate.org | Link to Funder | |
| InDrive | Aurora Tech Award | The Aurora Tech Award is an annual global prize for women founders of tech startups. Our mission is to discover hidden gems among startups led by women, providing the support they need to shine brightly. If you're a woman founder with a tech startup and an early version of your product, and are looking to challenge the status quo and promote equality in tech entrepreneurship, the Aurora Tech Award is for you. We're interested in your company, your journey, and the challenges you've overcome. This competition will award a $30K first prize, $20K second prize, and $10K third prize. | Women founders with an MVP/functional prototype; company less than 5 years old; received no more than $4M in funding | $30,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | apply@auroratechaward.com | Link to Funder | |
| Global Innovation Fund | Global Innovation Fund | Any type of organization may apply. GIF seeks to fund innovations that are: Focused on the poor; are novel approaches that are not commonplace; can improve upon alternative solutions; are backed by evidence of potential impact; can be widely applied in different settings; have to potential to scale; ae led by strong and dynamic teams; are ready for investment; will generate new knowledge on what works; and have a clear role for GIF. Applicants may decide what type of investment (grant, equity, loan) is most appropriate for the maturity of innovation (pilot, test, or scale). Generally, for-profit entities should apply for grant finance where the output will benefit the public in general, such as when creating a new market, working in partnership with government, or when producing resources that are intended to be of general public benefit (‘public goods’). For-profit entities can also apply for grant finance to undertake evaluation activities to understand and share the impact of their innovation on people living in poverty or that is expected to benefit the development sector as a whole. GIF is especially interested in innovations that impact people living on less than $2 per day (PPP) or vulnerable groups such as women and girls, the disabled, minority or indigenous groups, refugees or displaced communities, or other vulnerable populations. | Innovations (any sector, any country) with potential to improve the lives of millions of people living in poverty | Varies | Rolling | Alix Peterson Zwane | apply@globalinnovation.fund | Link to Funder | |
| AKC Canine Health Foundation | Early Career Investigator | The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) seeks projects for critical research to diagnose, prevent and/or treat cancer in dogs. Applications are sought from researchers from a variety of disciplines including, but not limited to, veterinary researchers, geneticists, and molecular biological scientists. Collaborative projects involving investigators from a variety of disciplines and/or institutions, including human health researchers, are encouraged to apply. Cancers of particular interest include hemangiosarcoma and osteosarcoma; other canine cancers will also be considered. Proposed research outcomes must benefit dogs. Oak grants have a minimum of $15,000 including 8% maximum indirect costs. Average award is $100,000. | Canine Research | $100,000 | Rolling | Andrea Fiumefreddo, Dir. of Programs and Operations | arf@akcchf.org | Link to Funder | |
| inDrive | Aurora Tech Award | The Aurora Tech Award is a worldwide prize for women founders of tech startups created and supported by inDrive. It provides funding for women entrepreneurs driving innovation in IT. We search for startups that aim to make a positive difference in people's lives. We invite you to participate this year and level up your product’s potential along the way. We're interested in your company and your journey as a founder. Join The Aurora Tech Award and become a role model for women in IT worldwide. Awards consist of a first place prize of $50,000; second place of $30,000; and third place of $20,000. | Startup that is founded or co-founded and led by a woman; must have a functional prototype of a product; less than 5 years old; able to provide presentation in English; fit in the investment limit of $6 million in funding, including the seed round | $50,000 | 11/12/2026 | General Inquiries | aurora@auroratechaward.com | Link to Funder | |
| AstraZeneca | Externally Sponsored Scientific Research | AstraZeneca recognises the important role that Externally Sponsored Scientific Research can play in expanding the knowledge related to a medicine and/or its associated disease area(s). This research can advance science and contribute to the development of better medicines for patients. | Interventional Clinical Research (Phase I - IV), involving authorised, unauthorised or discontinued AstraZeneca compounds no longer being developed.Observational Research (i.e. Real World Evidence) - the product of interventional or non-interventional research, utilising data collected through observation of current clinical practice and/or patient-reported experience.Non-clinical research involving compounds across all Disease Areas and phases of development. This includes in vitro, in vivo or ex vivo biomedical research across pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, animal studies, microbiologic and human biological samples (biomarkers, diagnostic assays). Requests for non-clinical research can be made via the AstraZeneca Open Innovation portal. | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | AZEVIDENCECONNECTSUPPORT@astrazeneca.com | Link to Funder | |
| Get in the Ring | Global Startup Competition | Get in the Ring is a global startup competition active in over 200 cities. We give opportunities to unconventional solutions in all corners of the world, to prove their solutions and solve 21st century challenges. Working alongside industry leading partners, we support the scale and impact that startups make across the globe. | Startups from around the world working on innovations that can help solve the world's challenges in food, health, manufacturing, energy, education, and chemicals | $100,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | battle@gitr.co | Link to Funder | |
| JobsOhio | Small Business Grants | Small Business Grant. As a business owner, you know the right investments fuel growth. JobsOhio supports small businesses with grants for equipment, training, rolling stock, software, and more—helping you get the resources needed to take the next step. | Have annual revenues between $100,000 and $25 millionOperate within one of JobsOhio’s 10 target industries with revenues primarily from B2B salesHave at least one year of operating historyPlanning an eligible investment and can demonstrate how the program’s support is instrumental in moving the project forward | $100,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | baumgartel@jobsohio.com | Link to Funder | |
| Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center | Catalyzing Regional Dairy Workforce Grant | This new grant addresses the significant need to expand dairy workforce development programming in the Northeast. It focuses on the development, expansion, and operations of existing federally registered apprenticeships, state registered apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeships, internships, or other training programs. | Ideal candidates will: Have a minimum $750,000 in annual revenue Want to grow their business and personal leadership Be open to learning from and sharing with other business owners Be willing to apply learning and complete homework outside of program activities Be able to step away from the day-to-day to work on their business during program events | $75,000 | Rolling | Ben Eldredge | ben.eldredge@vermont.gov | Link to Funder | |
| Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center | The Organic Dairy Product Promotion (ODPP) Grant | This unique opportunity is part of a national initiative to increase the consumption of organic dairy among children and young adults while supporting small and mid-sized organic dairy producers. Funded projects will address one of the following areas: Expansion of current organic dairy procurement: Existing sourcing of organic dairy products will be supplemented with additional regionally produced organic dairy products.Addition of organic dairy products: Institutions that do not currently serve organic dairy products will begin to source and serve regionally produced organic dairy.Eligible applicants include licensed dairy processors, distributors who primarily serve wholesale and/or institutional buyers, and youth institutions including K-12 schools, colleges, center-based pre-kindergarten/Head Start programs, and summer feeding programs that are currently eligible to participate in federal child nutrition programs. | Licensed dairy processors that:Transform raw fluid milk, dairy components, or dairy mix into edible dairy products for human consumption.Hold a license allowing sale across state lines.Have processing facilities in the Northeast.Source or produce milk/dairy components from the Northeast.Manufacture products within the Northeast.Distributors whose primary function is moving food or beverages from producers/processors to wholesale or institutional buyers.Food hubs are eligible if they provide distribution services.Must currently serve the Northeast region.Youth-serving institutions, including:K-12 schoolsSupervisory unionsColleges and universitiesAfterschool programsSummer feeding programsOther institutions eligible to participate in federal child nutrition programs | $500,000 | TBA | Elizabeth Lober | Elizabeth.Lober@usda.gov | Link to Funder | |
| The Flinn Foundation | Bioscience Entrepreneurship Program | Exclusive opportunities are offered to the competitively selected startups to engage with the state’s bioscience, academic, and policy leaders, including one-year memberships to Arizona’s Bioscience Roadmap Steering Committee and the Arizona Bioindustry Association. Company leaders are also invited to convenings with fellow bioscience entrepreneurs. | Eligible applicants must be:An Arizona-based bioscience companyEngaged in commercializing bioscience research or biotechnologyIncorporated as an S-Corp, LLC, or C-CorpIn the pre-revenue or early-revenue stageWorking in one of these eligible bioscience areas:Medical devices and equipmentMedical technologiesDrugs, pharmaceuticals, and diagnosticsAgricultural feedstock and chemicalsResearch, testing, and medical labs | $30,000 | Rolling | Mary O'Reilly | bioscience@flinn.org | Link to Funder | |
| Fifteen Percent Pledge | The Sephora Beauty Grant | We are back with the second annual Sephora Beauty Grant, awarding one Black business owner within the beauty industry a $100,000 grant to unlock the next level of growth and potential for your brand! We encourage you to check the eligibility requirements below and apply if your business meets these criteria. | A U.S.-based businessSelling a consumer packaged goods (CPG) productGenerating at least $100,000 in annual revenueIn business for at least 1 yearAt least 51% owned by an underrepresented founder or founding teamSelling a product in at least one eligible beauty category:BeautyHaircareMakeup / makeup toolsSkincareFragranceBath & body | $100,000 | 11/28/2026 | General Inquiries | brands@15pp.org | Link to Funder | |
| Fifteen Percent Pledge | The Fifteen Percent Pledge Achievement Award | For the third year in a row, Fifteen Percent Pledge is partnering with Shop with Google to provide $250,000 in grant funding to unlock the next horizon of growth for three Black-owned businesses. The winner of the Achievement Award will also receive mentoring and pro-bono consulting services from industry leaders. All awardees will receive complimentary tickets to our Gala. | Member of the Fifteen Percent Pledge Business Equity Community; E-commerce business with a minimum annual revenue of $100K. Black-owned: At least one self-identifying Black person with 50% or more equity in the company. Has between 2-15 employees, including the founder. Has a presence on Google Shopping | $250,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | brands@15pp.org | Link to Funder | |
| Chamber Alliance of Mason County | Momentum Competition | If you have successfully completed your business planning stage and are looking for innovative ways to fund your business idea, Momentum may be exactly what you need. This contest will award up to $15,000 to start or move an early-stage business to Mason County. The premise is simple: five ideas, five-minute presentation, $5,000 prize. Five entrepreneurs from Mason County will present their ideas in a live event. The winner will be awarded $15,000, plus $10,000 in support services. Second place will win $10,000 and $5,000 in support services. A People’s Choice Award will be awarded $5,000 cash. | Idea, seed or early growth stage business located in (or moving to) Mason County, Michigan; less than $100,000 in annual sales/revenue and won less than $10,000 in prize/contest money | $15,000 | TBA | Brandy Miller | brandyh@ludington.org | Occurs Biennially. Winner must locate or relocate business operations in Mason County, Michigan, within a year from the date of the award, and continue operations in Mason County for a minimum of three years from the date of the award. | Link to Funder |
| American Farmland Trust | Brighter Future Fund for Historically Underserved Farmers and Ranchers | AFT seeks to uplift, support, and amplify the work of a wide range of farmers through this program. Funding will be allocated to two primary categories: professional services and equipment or infrastructure costs. Grants are intended to leverage other resources (either in-kind from the farmer or other private and public funds) and make a difference for farmers to 1) improve farm viability, 2) access, transfer, or permanently protect farmland, or 3) adopt regenerative farming practices and increase resilience to climate change. | US beginning, socially disadvantaged, limited resource, women, and veteranfarmers and ranchers in any of the 6 New England states (Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut) | $10,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | brighterfuture@farmland.org | Priority given to beginning, socially disadvantaged, limited resource, women, and veteran farmers and ranchers | Link to Funder |
| Amazon | Amazon's Black Business Accelerator | Onboarding support, access to our education library, and monthly webinars with guidance to help you sell, scale, and find success in Amazon's store. Sessions cover topics ranging from hiring your first employee to strategies for securing and spending capital, customer acquisition, and more | Amazon users with a professional selling account that are certified your business as Black-owned | $25,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | business.amazon.com/en/contact-us | Link to Funder | |
| Citizens Committee for New York City | Neighborhood Business Grant | A Neighborhood Business Grant is a microgrant given out to New York small business owners by CitizensNYC. CitizensNYC awards microgrants of up to $5,000 for initiatives your small business undertakes to positively impact your community. We score applications based on a number of areas, including: Need, Relevance, Urgency, and Quality of Life Impact. Applicants who are awarded grants through the first cycle are ineligible to apply again during the second cycle. Applicants for the first cycle who did not receive an award are welcome to submit an updated application for the second cycle. | Business must be located in one of New York City’s five boroughs; in operation at least two years; 10 or fewer employees; must be profit-generating and be able to provide proof of business, such as bank statements, tax documents and POS terminal statements. | Varies | 02/01/2027 | General Inquiries | businessgrants@citizensnyc.org | Link to Funder | |
| Bausch Health | Investigator Initiated Studies and Educational Grants | Bausch Health is committed to improving the quality of life for patients by supporting the ongoing medical education of health care professionals, as well as through Investigator-Initiated Studies (IISs), which potentially could lead to improvements in treatment, patient outcomes, and the quality of healthcare. Areas of professional medical educational and research support interest include Aesthetics, Dentistry, Dermatology, Gastroenterology, and Neurology. | Researchers in ocular health | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | caring@bausch.com; 800-553-5340 | Link to Funder | |
| Cornell Tech’s Jacobs Technion-Cornell Institute | Runway Startup Postdoc Program | Startup Postdocs arrive with ideas for unproven products and markets that require time and specialized guidance to develop. These startups demand more than a few months to launch. They need a bit of a “runway.” That’s why our program lasts 12–24 months and incorporates academic and business mentorship. Runway provides an impressive package valued at $175,000 in the first year and $102,000 in the second year, which includes a salary, research budget, housing allowance, space and more. Extensions are available for startups needing to gain additional customer traction. | Recent PhDs/Postdocs from anywhere with innovations, with a newly formed startups or in the process of forming a startup | $175,000 | Rolling | Carley Hart | carleyhart@cornell.edu | Link to Funder | |
| Duke University | Case Launchpad Award | Each annual winner receives a $10,000 grant and coaching from CASE’s staff and global network of impact enterprise leaders and investors. The Launch Pad Award recognizes solutions at any venture stage, including:Investigation Stage: You do not have an idea for a venture yet, but you have a passion for a certain domain that you want to further explore and believe could evolve into a venture.Idea Stage: You have an idea for a venture that you have not yet begun operating, although you have done initial research, may have developed business plans, etc.Operating Stage: You have a venture now that you are looking to scale. The award may be used at the winner’s discretion, to fund learning, founding team time, operational expenses, etc. Current Duke MBA students should look for application information to be announced in the spring of each academic year. | Duke MBA student or team working on an idea or venture to address a social challenge | $10,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | caseatduke@duke.edu | Link to Funder | |
| University of Connecticut | Accelerate UCONN I-Corps | Accelerate UConn is UConn’s National Science Foundation Innovation Corps (I-Corps) Program. Each cohort provides hands-on training in the fundamental components of new venture creation. Participants receive personalized coaching and feedback which will help them construct an evidence-based business model and market entry strategy. Participating teams will receive a $1,500 customer discovery stipend from the NSF upon successful completion of the program. Teams that complete the program are eligible for the National NSF I-Corps program, which provides an intensive 7-week training course and a $50,000 grant. | University of Connecticut Students, Faculty, Researchers, Staff, Alumni, Community Members. Each team must have: Entrepreneurial Lead (EL) — often a postdoctoral researcher, graduate student, or undergraduate student; and a Technical Lead (TL) — usually a faculty member. | $1,500 | Rolling | General Inquiries | ccei@uconn.edu | Link to Funder | |
| University of Michigan (Lead Institution of Great Lakes Region I-Corps Hub) | University of Michigan I-Corps Program | The University of Michigan, as the lead hub, offers early-stage funding of up to $3,000 for customer discovery and supports participants in advancing to the National I-Corps Teams program with potential $50,000 funding. | Open to faculty, students, and researchers from the University of Michigan and affiliated partners in the hub. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | cfe-info@umich.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| BASF | Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge | We're looking for creative ideas, projects, and business solutions to the problems that matter most to you and your community. We are open to ideas, projects, and business solutions of all kinds. You can be in the process of developing a completely new idea, testing a concept that you have been working on for a while, or you might already have had some success in implementing the solution.We welcome ideas at any stage and from anywhere in the world. Cash awards of up $10,000 will be awarded to the best ideas in each category and a FREE digital incubator program will be available to all eligible applicants, worldwide. Special challenge topics change annually and may include Refugees, Water, Climate, Education, and others. | Innovators and entrepreneurs (18-30 years old) from anywhere in the world with ideas at any stage, that tackle the social or environmental issues and contribute to at least one of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals | $10,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | challenge@socialshifters.co | Applications typically open in June with a due date in August and finals/judging in November. | Link to Funder |
| National Safety Council and TechConnect | Safety Innovation Challenge: Workplace Fatigue | The National Safety Council’s latest Safety Innovation Challenge aims to bring the best of 21st century technologies to measure, mitigate, or reduce fatigue in the workplace, all with a goal of driving down rates of fatigue-related injuries and fatalities. All proposed technologies for this Challenge must either: Measure, detect, or predict fatigue; Mitigate the consequences of fatigue; or Directly or indirectly reduce fatigue. These may include, but are not limited to, hardware, software, wearable, robotic, instructional or management solutions. Up to ten (10) semifinalists will showcase at the NSC Spring Safety Conference and Expo on May 7-8, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland; all semifinalists may apply for grants to fund pilot-scale implementations with third-party companies. Grant recipients can use up to $20,000 each to demonstrate the effectiveness of these proposed solutions in a workplace setting. | Startups at all stages, corporations, small-to-medium enterprises, and technologies spun out of university laboratories (that are not purely academic pursuits); may be located anywhere | $20,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | challenges@techconnect.org | TechConnect will reimburse semifinalists $4,500 to offset costs associated with attending the conference. | Link to Funder |
| RestorHER x Worth Pursuing Inc. | Micro-Grant Initiative | The RestorHER x Worth Pursuing Inc. Micro-Grant Initiative is a collaborative effort designed to empower women entrepreneurs by providing financial support, business development resources, and holistic well-being tools to foster sustainable success. This grant program is rooted in the belief that women should not have to choose between thriving professionally and maintaining their well-being. Grant funds may be used to help women-owned businesses overcome challenges, achieve sustainable growth, or pivot during critical times, all while maintaining their well being. | Business must be owned by a woman who is a U.S. resident and at least 21 years old; must have 10 or fewer employees; must be revenue-generating for at least one year; applicant must be the CEO or founder within the company. | $500 | 10/31/2026 | General Inquiries | cheya@cheyathousand.com | Applications are due three times per year: 4/30, 7/31, and 10/31. | Link to Funder |
| Rice Business | Veterans Business Battle | The Veterans Business Battle began with a goal of inspiring and encouraging our nation’s military heroes to become successful entrepreneurs. Each year, the two-day event gives military veterans an opportunity to pitch business ideas for a chance to raise capital from investors and lenders. During the competition, finalists pitch investors, receive feedback from industry professionals, network with potential investors, and learn from other entrepreneurial success stories. | Veteran owned business (honorably discharged veteran or active duty founder and equity holder who is actively running the venture). All types of businesses (retail, tech, manufacturing, etc.) are encouraged. | $5,000 | TBA | Chris Frank, Co-Chair | Chris.Frank@rice.edu | Applications generally due in January with competition taking place in April. | Link to Funder |
| 2Gether-International | 2GI $10K Pitch Competition | 2GI Has Partnered with the National Disability Institute to create a pitch competition to fund entrepreneurs with disabilities. | Entrepreneurs with disabilities | $10,000 | Rolling | Courtney Eason | coko@2gether-international.org | Link to Funder | |
| Nest | Makers Future Fund | The Nest Makers Future Fund is a transformative financial readiness and capital access program designed to connect maker-entrepreneurs and small business leaders with the coaching, funding, and peer support they need to achieve their financial goals and grow their craft businesses. Selected makers will participate in intensive coaching and financial readiness training and receive a $5,000 'business boost' grant. | US-based craft businesses, at least $15,000 in annual revenue in the last year | $5,000 | 12/03/2026 | General Inquiries | communications@buildanest.org | Link to Funder | |
| John Templeton Foundation | Templeton Foundation Grants | The Foundation offers grants in support of research and public engagement in our major Funding Areas. We invest in bold ideas from contrarian thinkers — ideas that cross disciplinary boundaries and challenge conventional assumptions. And we fund innovative programs that engage the public with these ideas, in an effort to open minds, deepen understanding, and inspire curiosity. | Funds for-profit companies doing charitable work that is consistent with the foundation's funding areas: Life sciences, physical sciences, character and virtue development, culture and global perspectives, human sciences, public engagement | varies | TBA | Rana Adhikari, Lee McCuller | communications@templeton.org | Link to Funder | |
| Woodstack | "Made for Hard Work" Small Business Grant | today we're excited to launch the Made by Hard Work Grant, Powered by adidas. This grant is inspired by some of the hardest working people in NYC, brick-and-mortar business owners. From bodega owners to beauty supply stores and restaurants, this city runs on their hard work.So, if you own a brick-and-mortar in NYC or are in the process of opening one, we want to hear your story and honor your hard work and contributions to the fabric of NYC with a $5,000 grant. | Emerging brick-and-mortar business owners in NYC. | $5,000 | 12/08/2026 | General Inquiries | community@woodstack.com | Link to Funder | |
| University of Washington | UW I-Corps Program | Offers up to $3,000 in seed funding for research teams and customer discovery support. Teams can be recommended for the national program. | Open to UW faculty, students, postdocs, and research collaborators. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | comotion@uw.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| Information Technology Senior Management Forum (ITSMF) | The Bridging Innovation Pitch Competition | Semi Finalists will receive a round trip flight to ITSMF S1-24 Symposium in Atlanta to pitch live; 2-night stay in Symposium host hotel; Access to ITSMF network of Black senior executives in technology; Mentorship; and will be eligible to win up to $10,000 of seed money. The first place winner will receive a meeting with the pitch competition judges, private coaching from a seasoned entrepreneur, and the $10,000 Grand Prize. | Revenue-generating, minority-owned businesses within the technology industry that have been in business for 2-3 years and are operating in the United States | $10,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | connect@itsmfleaders.org; 404-514-4845 | Link to Funder | |
| National Corn Growers Association | Consider Corn Challenge | The National Corn Growers Association invites proposals for new uses of field corn as a feedstock for producing sustainable chemicals and products with quantifiable market demand. Specific application areas include: Biobased materials from novel mixes of corn-derived plastics; Compostable plastics with high tensile strength, such as netting or packaging materials; Heavy duty fuels or drop in chemicals (e.g., sustainable aviation fuel; biodiesel derived from corn glucose, bunker fuel, etc) ; Carbon fiber; Other high-value molecules . A total prize pool of US $300,000 will be split equally between 1 to 6 winners, based on the strength of competing submissions. Additionally, NCGA, or its state or other partners, may explore funding or other support of an Entry for further development and/or commercialization, even if the Entry is not a prize winner. | Anyone who owns the IP and is not a previous winner | $300,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | considercorn@ncga.com | This contest occurs biannually | Link to Funder |
| ChicoSTART and California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce | ETP SEED Grant Opportunity | This program provides underserved and rural entrepreneurs with pathways to self-sufficiency through entrepreneurial training, technical assistance, and $5,000 micro-grants. Together, ChicoSTART and CAHCC is conducting outreach across 18 specific North State counties to educate, train, and empower individuals who may face barriers to employment with the opportunity to apply for a $5,000 grant. The grant may be used for 1) Education and technical assistance to start or manage your business; 2) To formalize your business, purchase inventory, etc. | Founders in the following California Counties: Alpine, Butte, Del Norte, Glenn, Humboldt, Lake, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Tehama, Trinity, Yolo, Yuba. Must complete the workshop series and schedule a session with a Chamber business consultant. | $5,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | consulta@cahcc.com; 916-444-2221 | Link to Funder | |
| AIM-HI Accelerator Fund and Asian Fund for Cancer Research | BRACE (Bridging Research from Academia to Cancer Entrepreneurship) Award Venture Competition | The BRACE Award aims to provide vital support to early-stage biotechs, enabling them to accelerate their innovative therapeutics, diagnostics and cancer prevention products into the clinic, with the ultimate goal of improving outcomes for patients affected by cancer globally. The winning company will receive up to US$600,000 in investment funding from AFCR and co-investors, subject to due diligence and negotiation, which will serve as early seed money for proof of concept and proof of value on the path to clinical trials and, eventually, to new effective cancer technologies that could save patients’ lives. | Early stage oncology companies worldwide, addressing cancers prevalent in Asian populations, and seeking pre-seed, seed, and Series A investments | $600,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | contact@afcr.org | Link to Funder | |
| Awesome Foundation | Awesome Grant | Have a crazy brilliant idea that needs funding? We award $1,000 grants every month. It couldn't be simpler! Your idea is yours alone. We don't want a stake in it. We just want to help you make it happen! | Anyone is eligible for a grant — individuals, groups, and organizations alike. If you can fill out the application form, you can apply. | $1,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | contact@awesomefoundation.org | Link to Funder | |
| The Awesome Foundation | Awesome Foundation Monthly Grant | The Awesome Foundation is an ever-growing worldwide community devoted to forwarding the interest of awesome in the universe. The Foundation distributes $1,000 grants, no strings attached, to projects and their creators. | Any founder | $1,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | contact@awesomefoundation.org. | Link to Funder | |
| Breva (formerly Cadence Cash) | Thrive Grant | Breva has narrowed the focus of its thrive grant to businesses in the construction industry. The Program provides a grant and business support to U. S. construction businesses that create a measurable benefit in their communities. It is offering a $5,000 cash grant every quarter that may be used toward equipment, technology, marketing, staffing, or working capital. Recipients will also receive a year of Breva ($6,000 value) with no obligation to become a customer, and financial tools and support built for growing contractors. | Small businesses that do construction work in the United States: general contracting, trade or specialty work, residential building or remodeling, or supplying materials and equipment to construction projects; operating at least one year, or newer firms with real traction. | $5,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | contact@breva.ai | Applications received continually and reviewed quarterly. The Recipient will give Breva brief progress updates on reasonable request and keep records of how it used the cash grant for three years. | Link to Funder |
| Hello Tomorrow | Hello Tomorrow Challenge | The Hello Tomorrow Challenge is a renowned international startup competition that gives deep tech and science-based entrepreneurs around the globe a platform for their projects, providing opportunities for equity-free funding, global visibility and connections with key players in the deep tech ecosystem. 60 finalists (6 finalists per track) will be selected to pitch in front of a select audience of 400 people to compete for equity-free prize money: €200K ($227,766 USD) for the Grand Winner. The 10 Track Winners will also receive in-kind prizes in the form of customized coaching sessions provided by our experts and personal introductions with relevant investors and potential partners and clients. | Startups in the early stages of development (scale-up phase, up to and including Series B); based on a new technology, a scientific discovery or a complex engineering process; Have a scientific validation, a proof of concept, a prototype, or are in the process of producing one; Team of at least 2 people.; not a subsidiary or spin-off of an existing company; Foresee an economically viable application on the market within 15 years; potential to have a strong impact on the target industry, and on society or the environment in general. | $227,766 | 11/30/2026 | General Inquiries | contact@hello-tomorrow.org | Tracks: Next-Gen Computing & Cybersecurity; Aerospace & New Space; Future of Automotive, Maritime & Rail; Climate Tech & Resource Efficiency; Digital Health & MedTech; Novel Energy; AgriTech & FoodTech; Industrial AI & Novel Robotics; Industrial Biotech; New Materials & Green Chemistry; Medical Biotech & Pharma Innovation; Semiconductors & Advanced Electronics | Link to Funder |
| Generating Income for Tomorrow | Kansas City G.I.F.T. | We now award TWO exceptional grants every quarter, with amounts reaching up to $25,000. This is your opportunity to soar, make a profound community influence, and secure a prosperous future for your business. Our mission is to foster growth, create employment opportunities, and instigate transformative change in Kansas City. Partner with us to turn this vision into a reality. | Black-owned business located in Kansas City, MO (9th st. to Bannister, from Troost to Hardesty and serving: South Kansas City, Raytown, and Grandview); revenue-generating for at least three months; ready for scaling and expanding your enterprise; demonstrating potential or current positive community influence; must commit to job creation and bolstering the local economy. | $100,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | contact@kansascitygift.org | Link to Funder | |
| Orlando Magic, in partnership with the DeVos family and LEAD Venture Corporation. | Orlando Magic Venture Challenge | The Orlando Magic Venture Challenge, powered by LEAD, is a premier platform for startups aiming to revolutionize the sports and health tech industries. This exclusive pitch event offers selected startups the opportunity to secure investment, build strategic partnerships, and gain unparalleled industry exposure | Global startups in the late pre-seed to seed stage with post-product solutions in the sports or health sectors. This includes innovations in fan experience, player performance, operational efficiency, marketing, and consumer health | $200,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | contact@lead.vc | Link to Funder | |
| Mina Foundation | Core Grants | The project's mission is to empower and support innovation within the Mina ecosystem. Core grants are allocated on a rolling basis and are specific in scope. They focus on supporting high-priority development areas, including, among other things, token standards, zkOracles, Data Availability layers, new development features, and more. | Anyone, both solo developers and teams, working on a project that will enhance the Mina ecosystem | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | contact@minafoundation.com | Link to Funder | |
| Mina Foundation | Navigator Grants | The project's mission is to empower and support innovation within the Mina ecosystem. Through hackathons, curriculum, and learn-to-earn technical challenges, Navigators accelerate their understanding of ZK tech and Mina and are rewarded for their participation with monthly grants. At the end of the program, Navigators have a chance to showcase their contributions and win grand prize grants. | Anyone, both solo developers and teams, working on a project that will enhance the Mina ecosystem | $100,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | contact@minafoundation.com | Link to Funder | |
| Mina Foundation | Ignite Grants | The project's mission is to empower and support innovation within the Mina ecosystem.. The program is designed to support developers with key resources and grants to turn their ideas and passion projects into full-fledged businesses. The allocation of funding is determined by a team of electors from the Mina community. | Anyone, both solo developers and teams, working on a project that will enhance the Mina ecosystem | $100,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | contact@minafoundation.com | Prizes dispersed in MINA not US Dollars | Link to Funder |
| Choi’s Kimchi and Portland Farmers Market | The Matthew Choi Farmers Market Vendor Grant | The Matthew Choi Farmers Market Vendor Grant will be open to all food and farm business owners looking to launch or expand at any Portland area farmers market. The grant aims to reduce financial barriers for new farmers market vendors. Awarded funds may cover expenses directly related to selling at a farmers market, such as equipment for market set up & display, stall costs, vehicle rental fees and more. | All food and farm business owners looking to launch or expand at any Portland area farmers market. | $1,500 | Rolling | General Inquiries | contact@portlandfarmersmarket.org | Link to Funder | |
| Westley Foundation | Westly Prize | This opportunity awards cash prizes to Westly Prize finalists once a year to early-stage, young social innovators in California with novel solutions to community challenges. Prizes totaling up to $145,000 will be awarded to winning changemakers and social innovators. | Early-stage, young social innovators in California with novel solutions to community challenges (under 28) | $40,000 | TBA | Jessica García-Kohl | contact@westly.org | Link to Funder | |
| The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven | NHE3 Small Business Grant Program | The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven ($7.2 million) funds will be used over the next five years to build a more equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem and a more resilient small business landscape in Greater New Haven. Through its mission investment subsidiary, the organization will work with local entrepreneurial support organizations (ESOs) and small business owners to support a full continuum of grants, business consulting and technical services in Greater New Haven. | Business registered in New Haven County, Connecticut; operating at least one year; records of sales; in good standing with the CT Department of Revenue Services; business must have an established business checking account and utilize formal digital bookkeeping/financial (e.g., QuickBooks, Sage, FreshBooks, Wave Accounting). | $10,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | contactus@cfgnh.org | Link to Funder | |
| Case Western Reserve University | The Sears think[box] Faculty Fellowship (TFF) | The Sears think[box] Faculty Fellowship (TFF) grants are designed to promote engagement of CWRU faculty with Sears think[box]. The program provides opportunities for CWRU teaching faculty to explore ways to integrate think[box] resources and experiences into curriculum offerings. The grants will fund content development for curricular applications. Each PI is expected to engage a think[box] staff member early in the development of the idea and to serve as co-PI. | Open to all faculty at Case Western Reserve University. | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | corporate@case.edu | Link to Funder | |
| Pepperdine Graziadio Business School | Most Fundable Companies Competition | Most Fundable Companies is the annual startup competition run by Pepperdine University's Graziadio Business School. Founders of U.S. based companies that make the Most Fundable Companies List will be invited to our gala showcase event in Malibu and your startup will receive significant national recognition. You do not need to be affiliated with Pepperdine to participate. All companies that advance to the second round of the competition will receive a free detailed feedback report on how they can make their company more attractive to investors. | Eligible companies are based in the United States and have less than $10 million in revenue (No affiliation with Pepperdine required). | Varies | Rolling | Craig Everett | craig.everett@pepperdine.edu | Link to Funder | |
| Unity for Humanity | Unity for Humanity | Each year Unity for Humanity gives a grant to creators developing projects in the field of social healthcare, science, education, humanitarian and environmental issues | Real-time 3D content that is social impact-driven | $49,000 | Rolling | Lee Wood | CreativeIdeas@U4Hcore.com | Link to Funder | |
| Crossroads | Crossroads Pitch Competition | The Mill announced Tuesday that applications are open for the fifth annual Crossroads Pitch Competition, sponsored by Velocities. Entrepreneurs from across the state of Indiana will pitch their business ideas to a panel of expert judges to compete | Indiana-based startups | $10,000 | Rolling | Program Coordinator | crossroads@dimensionmill.org | Link to Funder | |
| Catapult Lakeland | Launch Micro-Grant | The purpose of this grant is to help Lakeland-based business owners purchase an asset that will directly lead to a growth in their business. The grant money must be used to scale business beyond solely increasing revenue (hiring employees, expanding space etc.). | Business must be in Lakeland, FL and be a formed legal entity and a “new to Lakeland” concept (meaning that you provide something that is unique and not just another Starbucks or hair salon etc.); in operation between 6 months and 5 years; must have sales and proof of concept; less than $1,000,000 in sales the previous year; Applicants must not be eligible for traditional bank lending. | $10,000 | Rolling | Christian Strawbridge | cstrawbridge@catapultlakeland.com | Link to Funder | |
| The University of Rochester (UR) | SBIR/STTR Grant Writing Support | The University of Rochester (UR) provides an opportunity for grant writing/consulting assistance to UR researchers that are planning to work with a University startup to develop and submit a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) proposal. | University students seeking SBIR/STTR funding | Varies | Rolling | Curtis Broadbent | curtis_broadbent@urmc.rochester.edu | Link to Funder | |
| Urban Land Institute Americas | ULI Prize for Visionaries in Urban Development | Nominees are not limited to a specific discipline and may include developers, public officials, educators, authors, journalists, researchers, artists, urban planners, technologists, activists, architects, or landscape architects, among others. The prize cannot be awarded posthumously. Nominees do not need to be a ULI member. | A leader of an organization that is considered visionary | Varies | Rolling | Mary Beth Corrigan | customerservice@uli.org | Link to Funder | |
| CSL Behring | North America Investigator-Initiated Studies | Investigator-initiated studies (IIS) advance medical and scientific knowledge of CSL products and the diseases they are designed to treat. CSL also supports innovative clinical and basic science studies that address important medical and scientific questions related to our therapeutic areas of focus. Currently available in the US and Canada. | Researchers | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | customersupport@cslbehring.com | Link to Funder | |
| CSL Behring | North America Publication Grants | Publication Grants are limited grants provided to investigators to support publishing retrospective data that advances scientific and medical knowledge across CSL's areas of focus in the form of manuscripts, abstracts, and related posters or oral presentations. Currently available in the US and Canada. | Investigators | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | customersupport@cslbehring.com | Link to Funder | |
| CSL Behring | US Material Transfer Requests | Material Transfers provide limited quantities of approved products for pre-clinical, laboratory, and benchtop research. This includes in vivo animal, ex vivo, and in vitro studies by licensed healthcare professionals, researchers at licensed laboratories, and government agencies. Currently available in the US. | pre-clinical, laboratory, and benchtop research | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | customersupport@cslbehring.com | Link to Funder | |
| Texas Woman's University | Veteran Woman Grant | If you are a female veteran in Texas who is starting or currently owns an existing business, you may qualify for the CWE's Veteran Woman Entrepreneur Grant program. Grants may be used for: Purchase of machinery, equipment, or technology; Addition or acquisition of new inventory or raw materials; Purchase and installation of fixtures or display units; Property improvements that will result in additional business; Marketing or advertising campaigns. | Women veterans in Texas who own their own businesses or are interested in launching one | $5,000 | Rolling | Contact Us | CWE@twu.edu | Link to Funder | |
| Cornell Dairy Innovation and New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets | Northeastern Dairy Product Innovation Competition | In this competition, up to 10 innovators will receive $20K in participant support, as well as business incubation services such as product prototyping and optimization, food safety and compliance training, and help developing a business plan for bringing products to market. Of these 10 innovators, up to three will be selected to receive an additional $55K and given a presence at the Dairy Innovation Showcase at the Grow-NY Summit. All finalists will receive mentoring and support from both CALS Food Science and the SC Johnson College of Business, and time and services in Cornell’s Food Processing and Development Lab (FPDL), a licensed New York State dairy plant equipped with a wide selection of pilot-scale equipment with capabilities including drying, evaporating, HTST and Vat pasteurization, separating, cheesemaking, fermentation tanks, yogurt processing, and packaging. | Early-stage startups from any U.S. state; developing value-added dairy products using milk and/or dairy ingredients produced in the Northeast; that have a viable product and scalable business model, and are ready to commit to scaling their products | $55,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | dairyinnovation@cornell.edu | For the purposes of this competition, the Northeast region includes the following states: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont | Link to Funder |
| The University of Chicago Data Science Institute | AI + Science Research Funding Opportunity | Funding to support research, workshops, visiting scholars, graduate and postdoctoral travel, reimbursement for publication fees, and support for graduate and undergraduate students. The program is one-time funding sources targeted only at eligible students, postdoctoral scholars, other academic appointees or faculty who utilize AI or Machine Learning to advance their scientific research. | Students, postdoctoral scholars, other academic appointees and faculty at the University of Chicago. | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | datascience.uchicago.edu/about/contact | Link to Funder | |
| Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation | The Seed Fund | MIF’s Seed Fund supports start-up stage businesses that need capital, business expertise, and networking opportunities. This fund helps companies perform research and analysis, patent opinions and filings, and product testing and analysis. | The Seed Fund supports businesses that innovate, particularly ventures that develop high-tech products and services. Funding will be provided on a one-time-only basis. | $25,000 | Rolling | Diane Lewis | dianel@smifoundation.org | Link to Funder | |
| Verizon | Small Businesses Digital Ready | The Verizon Small Business Digital Ready online resource is designed to give small businesses the tools they need to thrive in today’s digital economy. Small businesses can access, for free, personalized learning through over 40 courses, mentorship, peer networking, 1:1 expert coaching and incentives such as grant funding.This program provides funding that could be used to help power marketing, purchase equipment, grow team, and more. | Owner of a small business. Must register on on Verizon Small Business Digital Ready and complete any combination of courses or virtual events. | Varies | 12/07/2026 | General Inquiries | digitalready@verizon.com | Register and complete any combination of two eligible courses or events anytime in 2026 to unlock the grant application. Once unlocked you may apply at any time until 12/7. Applications will be reviewed as received. | Link to Funder |
| Global Epicenter of Mobility | GEM Mobility Acceleration and Innovation | One of six initiatives of the Global Epicenter of Mobility (GEM), the Mobility Accelerator Innovation Network (MAIN) will create partner alignment and capacity to support more fundable, accessible and successful mobility companies. TechTown Detroit serves as the lead for MAIN in collaboration with seven partner organizations. | Companies addressing Mobility in Detroit, Michigan | Varies | Rolling | Danielle Manley, Director of Strategic Partnerships | dmanley@wayne.edu | Link to Funder | |
| Accion | Fast Break for Small Business | In the area of investing, Accion provides equity, quasi-equity, and loan guarantees to help grow companies sustainably and support a financial ecosystem that will radically enhance the efficiency, reach, and scope of financial services at the base of the economic pyramid. | Technology and services companies that promote financial inclusion for the two billion people around the world who lack access to savings accounts, checking, insurance, credit, and other basic financial services. | $10,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | donate@accion.org | Link to Funder | |
| Smith College | Draper Competition | The annual Draper Competition for Collegiate Women Entrepreneurs is designed to hone the skills that undergraduate women need to advance from idea to venture creation. Through multiple rounds of competition, students demonstrate an understanding of a problem, why the problem requires a new venture to address it, and how their idea presents the best solution to the problem. | Collegiate women innovators and founders with less than $100,000 in gross revenue and less than $25,000 in funding | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | draper@smith.edu | Link to Funder | |
| The U.S. Bank Foundation and Evergreen Climate Innovations | Cleantech Award | Cleantech Award is a grant program designed to support talented entrepreneurs building innovative companies that aim to drive economic development, create jobs, and benefit the environment. Through this program, we strive to identify and nurture the most promising talent and ideas in the cleantech sector wherever they may be found, removing barriers to resources that drive innovation and economic progress. The two recipients of the Cleantech Award receive a non-recourse grant of $30,000, 12-months of business mentorship from U.S. Bank and Evergreen Climate Innovations, and heightened exposure to both investors and potential customers. | Legally incorporated company; 2-12 FT employees; raised less than $3M from external investors; must own or have a valid license to relevant IP; preferred companies with a market-ready product or service and product/service with positive social impact. Product must mitigate harmful emissions, reduces carbon emitted into or already in the atmosphere, or otherwise positively impact the environment. | $30,000 | Rolling | Dylan O'Reilly | dylan@evergreeninno.org | Eligible sectors include renewable energy, energy efficiency, smart buildings/cities, energy storage, mobility/advanced transportation, sustainable food & agriculture, resiliency services, carbon mitigation, environmental product/ service innovation, sustainable wastewater management, sustainable management of living and natural resources & land use | Link to Funder |
| Hospitality, Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) | Entrepreneur 20X (E20X) Innovation Pitch Contest | Produced by HFTP, E20X features ambitious start-ups presenting their innovative hospitality technology concepts to a room full of HITEC attendees and a panel of expert judges including hospitality CIOs, angel investors, serial entrepreneurs and industry insiders. Each startup will have four minutes to pitch to a packed session room, showcasing their ideas (pitch decks allowed, but no props). Following the pitch, a four-minute Q&A session with the judges will provide an opportunity for in-depth exploration. | Newly established startups with innovative products that can benefit any aspect of the hospitality sector | $5,000 | 03/31/2027 | General Inquiries | e20X@hftp.org; 512-549-5333 | Conference/pitch contest takes place each June, location changes each year | Link to Funder |
| The Launch Place | Annual IdeaFest Competition | IdeaFest is an exciting, fast-paced business pitch competition where 20 finalists pitch an original business idea to a panel of expert judges and a live audience and compete for $10,000 in prize money. The top three competitors will be awarded $5,000 for first place, $3,000 for second place and $2,000 for third place. Competitors have 3 minutes to present their idea followed by 3 minutes of Q&A with the judges’ panel. The Launch Place’s services and funds to start-up companies that are ready to establish or seeking early-stage capital. The Launch Place could potentially invest in the company from its Seed and Pre-Seed Funds. | North Carolina small businesses in qualifying industries | $5,000 | TBA | Eva Doss | edoss@thelaunchplace.org | Link to Funder | |
| Maine Center for Entrepreneurs | Top Gun | Mentorship: Work closely with experienced mentors who provide personalized guidance, answer critical questions, and connect you with influential industry leaders.Workshops & Peer Learning: Engage directly with proven entrepreneurs and workshop intensively alongside peers to develop actionable strategies for growth.Pitch Development: Refine your pitch with expert feedback, then present to over 300 potential investors and business leaders at the Maine Entrepreneurs Summit for a chance to win a prize. | Any coachable entrepreneur with an innovative, scalable business in Maine and ready to commit to an intensive, hands-on growth experience. | $250,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | eenglish@mced.biz | Link to Funder | |
| Eisai | Investigator Initiated Studies (IIS) | Eisai's Investigator Initiated Studies (IIS) Program provides funding and/or clinical supplies to eligible applicants to help address legitimate medical or scientific questions affecting the use of Eisai marketed products or investigational compounds. Areas of Interest: Epilepsy, Insomnia, Oncology. | Researchers | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | eisai_iisgrants@eisai.com | Link to Funder | |
| Derby Entrepreneurship Center at Tufts, | Tufts $100k New Ventures Competition | This annual competition draws entries from alumni, faculty, staff, undergraduate students, and graduate students from all ten schools across the university. Teams compete for prizes and in-kind services totaling more than $100,000 in three tracks, General Technology Track, Social Impact Track, and Medical Devices & Life Science Track. | Alumni, faculty, staff, undergraduate students, and graduate students from all ten schools across the university | $100,000 | Rolling | Elaine Chen | Elaine.Chen@tufts.edu | Link to Funder | |
| Life Science Washington Institute | Washington Competes Grant Programs. | These programs are intended to expand the pipeline of diverse and early-stage companies located throughout Washington. | Washington-based businesses applying for SBIR/STTR | $25,000 | Rolling | Elizabeth | elizabeth@lswinstitute.org | Link to Funder | |
| Lineage Foundation for Good | Food Chain Innovation Challenge | Lineage is inviting forward-thinking students and startups from across the world to help address the complexities of the food supply chain, explore new perspectives, and propose innovative solutions that can reshape how we feed the world. The teams who present the best ideas at each regional event will receive a cash prize. Additionally, one overall winner will be selected to participate in an incubator program organized by Lineage to further scale or develop the proposed solution. Themes of the competition are: Reducing food waste, innovative food preservation techniques, access to nutritious foods, data-driven insights and analytics. | Entrepreneurs of any age, gender, background or industry; from anywhere in the world; startups and early stage teams of 1-5 members | varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | emea.events@onlineage.com | Regional events in London, Amsterdam, and San Francisco, with virtual Finals. | Link to Funder |
| Mercatus Center - George Mason University | Emergent Ventures Grant | Grants are awarded to thinkers and doers around the world, with dedicated support available for projects with a focus on India, Africa and the Caribbean, or Ukraine. Applicants with a specific geographic focus should select the appropriate region from a drop-down menu on the application form. | To be eligible for an EV grant, all applicants must be 13 years of age or older | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | emergentventures@mercatus.gmu.edu. | Link to Funder | |
| SPIE Startup Challenge | SPIE Startup Challenge at Photonics West | Each year more than 22,000 people attend the premier event for the photonics and laser communities. They come to hear cutting-edge research, find the latest products and services, and network with thousands of other like-minded individuals. The Startup Challenge is more than a simple pitch competition, but an entry point into the community of high tech business development. Numerous mentors volunteer their time in support of new business ventures. | Entrepreneurs with an optics or photonics technology or application; Must either be pre-revenue for the pre-seed stage below $500k in revenue from product sales for seed stage | $10,000 | TBA | Emily Bottemiller | emilyb@spie.org | Link to Funder | |
| Smart Cities Connect | Smart Cities Startup Challenge 2026 | Join the nation's largest city-focused startup pitch program, showcasing hundreds of cutting-edge innovations addressing top urban challenges. Don't miss this opportunity to pitch your solutions to leading city decision makers, investors, industry & military tech scouts, and government funding offices. Topics: Urban/Municipal Operations; Urban/Municipal Infrastructure; Smart Air/Land/Water Mobility; Smart Energy & Grid; Digital Transformation; Community Engagement; Urban/National Security Solutions; Other Urban Resilience Solution | Startups with cutting-edge technologies addressing any aspect of smart cities and urban environments | Varies | TBA | Emma Mooney, Outreach Manager | emma.mooney@techconnect.org | Link to Funder | |
| Smart Cities Connect Spring Conference and Expo | Smart Cities Startup Challenge | The RISE Consortium accelerates key technologies and communities supporting the nation's infrastructure, energy, mobility, resilience, and security initiatives. Share your technology with experts in government, military and industry. You will have 5 minutes to highlight one of your company's technologies. This will be followed by valuable feedback, questions, and concerns from the experts you want to hear from to take your company to the next level | Startup at the seed, start-up, or early-growth stage | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | emma.mooney@techconnect.org | Link to Funder | |
| Black and Brown Founders | Empower Growth Micro-Grant | The Empower Growth Micro-Grant aims to provide a financial boost to two underrepresented entrepreneurs who have already demonstrated business success by generating annual revenue in the last 12 months. This grant is designed to help scale, stabilize, or systematize their business growth. | Applicants must:Identify as an small businessesOperate a legally registered business in the United StatesHave generated in revenue in the past 12 monthsBe in business for at least 18 monthsSubmit a clear plan for how the $5,000 will be used for business growth or system development | $5,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | empower@bbfounders.com | Link to Funder | |
| National Grid | National Grid New York Agri-business grants | National Grid wants to help agribusinesses become as productive and energy-efficient as possible. Whether you're looking to tighten your operating costs, produce more profit or expand your operations, we can help. National Grid offers grants and incentives for: Interior/exterior LED lights, chillers, ventilation fans, milk or water transfer pumps, heat recovery units, processing equipment for fruit, vegetable and dairy operations, scroll refrigeration compressors, and plate coolers. | New York farms or agricultural business (grower, greenhouse, producer, processor, etc) that is a National Grid customer | varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | energysavings@nationalgrid.com; 855-236-7052 | Grant amounts vary based on equipment, but grants have averaged from $50,000 to $60,000 | Link to Funder |
| Deloitte and AWS | GRAVITY Challenge | The GRAVITY Challenge brings end-users, data & technology enablers and innovators together to solve some of the most pressing economic, social and environmental problems we're facing on earth today. From improving response times to natural disasters, to establishing more sustainable agriculture practices, to minimising vessel strikes on marine wildlife, the applications of space technology are limitless. Winners will work with their Challenge Provider and Data & Technology Enablers to form a commercial arrangement with the intent to roll out a pilot of their solution. | Startups, scale-ups, high-growth businesses in teams of three or more people with at least one residing in U.S., U.K., Australia, Austria, France, Canada, Japan, Germany, Hungary, Luxembourg, Romania, Poland or Czech Republic. | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | enquiries@gravitychallenge.space | Link to Funder | |
| Appalachian State University Transportation Insight Center for Entrepreneurship | Big Idea Pitch Competition | The Big Idea Pitch is a competition that showcases students' amazing ideas for new ventures. An external panel of judges picks the most innovative 10 ideas based upon creativity, viability and scalability, and then we host a Big Idea Pitch Competition where each finalist makes a three-minute pitch to a panel of entrepreneur judges who provide feedback and vote on the most promising ideas. | Students at Appalachian State University | Varies | Rolling | Transportation Insight Center for Entrepreneurship, Walker College of Business | entrepreneurship@appstate.edu | Link to Funder | |
| Arizona State University (Lead of Desert and Pacific Region I-Corps Hub) | Arizona State I-Corps Hub | Participants can receive up to $3,000 in initial support for customer discovery and potential follow-up funding of $50,000 if selected for the National I-Corps program. | Open to ASU faculty, researchers, students, and staff. Also open to members of regional institutions in the Hub. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | entrepreneurship@asu.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| The George R. Johnson Center for Entrepreneurship And Innovation at Cleveland State Community College | Community Pitch Competition | Modeled after the popular television show, Shark Tank, the winners of the competition will receive seed money to invest in their established business provided by the Lynn Jones Foundation. First place will receive $7,500; second place will receive $4,000, and third place will receive $1,500. The two-day event is open to the public and sponsored by the George R. Johnson Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, the Lynn Jones Foundation, the Cleveland Bradley Business Incubator and the Small Business Development Center. | The competition is open to any new business in Bradley, McMinn, Meigs, Monroe or Polk counties, Tennessee, that has been in operation for at least six months but no longer than two years. | $7,500 | Rolling | General Inquiries | entrepreneurship@clevelandstatecc.edu. | Link to Funder | |
| Dartmouth College | Dartmouth Engineering - I-Corps Program | Supports STEM-related entrepreneurial research with mentorship and grant funding for customer validation. | Open to Dartmouth faculty, students, and staff involved in STEM-related research. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | entrepreneurship@dartmouth.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| New York University | NYU I-Corps Program | Offers up to $3,000 in seed funding for research teams and customer discovery support. Teams can be recommended for the national program. | Open to NYU faculty, students, and research staff. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | entrepreneurship@nyu.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| Purdue University | Purdue I-Corps Program | Offers I-Corps grants of $3,000 to support early-stage projects, with coaching to help teams qualify for the National I-Corps program. | Open to Purdue-affiliated faculty, staff, and students. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | entrepreneurship@purdue.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| NSF I-Corps Hub Northeast | Propelus I-Corp hosted by Rutgers University | Our four-session Propelus program helps researchers explore the customer perspective to inform how a discovery or innovation can become the basis of a successful startup or venture. This program will take place online and in person and online hosted by the Rutgers University, and is open to qualified applicants from throughout the region. University affiliation is not required. Through the program, we provide training and grants to support team-based customer research aimed at investigating the viability and societal impact of scientific and technological discoveries. Stipends of up to $1,500 are provided to each selected team and can be used to fund expenses related to customer discovery research, including conferences and marketing tools. | Team of at least two people involved with the scientific or technological discovery. The team must include: An entrepreneurial lead (often a postdoctoral researcher, graduate student or undergraduate); A technical lead (usually a faculty member). University affiliation is NOT required. | $1,500 | 01/30/2027 | General Inquiries | entrepreneurship@rutgers.edu | 2026 sessions: March 6, 10:00 am-1:00 pm (In-Person)March 13, 10:00 am-1:00 pm (Virtual)April 3, 10:00 am-1:00 pm (Virtual)April 10, 10:00 am-1:00 pm (In-Person) | Link to Funder |
| Tufts University | Tufts I-Corps Program | Offers up to $3,000 in seed funding for research teams and customer discovery support. Teams can be recommended for the national program. | Open to Tufts faculty, postdocs, and graduate students. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | entrepreneurship@tufts.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| UC Santa Cruz | UC Santa Cruz I-Corps Program | Offers up to $3,000 in seed funding for research teams and customer discovery support. Teams can be recommended for the national program. | Open to UCSC faculty, students, and research staff. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | entrepreneurship@ucsc.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| TEDCO | Equitech Growth Fund | The Equitech Growth Fund (EGF), managed by TEDCO, provides grants for infrastructure and workforce development initiatives that support Maryland’s economic competitiveness, foster economic opportunity for all and accelerate growth of emerging and advanced industries in the State. nfrastructure Awards: Up to $1M - Project Duration: 12 – 36 months, depending on the project scope and readiness. Workforce Awards: Up to $250K - Project Duration: 12 – 24 months, depending on the project scope and readiness. | Maryland public, Nonprofit or Private entities; Public-private partnership; Higher Education institutions; Priority to organizations in Entrepreneurship Development, STEM Education, Advanced Manufacturing, Cybersecurity and IT Industry Workforce Development, Advanced Technology, Advanced Laboratory Space. Additional areas of consideration include, but are not limited to: Environmental and Energy Technology, Aerospace and Defense, Smart Agriculture and Food Technology, Healthcare, Life Sciences, and Bioinformatics. | $1,000,000 | 08/06/2027 | General Inquiries | equitechgrowth@tedcomd.com | Link to Funder | |
| Mission Economic Development Agency (MEDA) in collaboration with the Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD) | San Francisco Women's Entrepreneurship Fund | The Fund provides mini-grants of up to $5,000 to San Francisco women-owned small businesses for projects and upgrades that will have a transformative impact on the businesses’ ability to grow. The Fund is established to improve the small business environment for women entrepreneurs in San Francisco and encourage collaboration between women entrepreneurs and local technical assistance providers. | Women owned business in San Francisco | $5,000 | Rolling | Edwin Rodriguez, Business Development Manager | erodriguez@medasf.org; 415-282-3334 | Link to Funder | |
| MEDA in collaboration with the Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD) of the Mayor’s office. | The San Francisco Women’s Entrepreneurship Fund | The Fund provides mini-grants of up to $5,000 to San Francisco women-owned small businesses for projects and upgrades that will have a transformative impact on the business’ ability to grow. The Fund is established to improve the small business environment for women entrepreneurs in San Francisco and encourage collaboration between women entrepreneurs and local technical assistance providers. | Women owned, San Francisco Business | $5,000 | Rolling | Edwin Rodriguez, Business Manager | erodriguez@medasf.org. | Link to Funder | |
| Medtronic | External Research Program | Medtronic is committed to the External Research Program (ERP) and evaluates each ERP submission for, among other factors, scientific merit, strategic interest, and degree of new scientific and clinical evidence. Medtronic receives many requests for support of ERP proposals and as a result, not all submissions can be supported. Studies that are not specifically focused on Medtronic products may be considered for support depending on the nature of the proposal and its importance to Medtronic. | To support medical research | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | erp@medtronic.com | Link to Funder | |
| Entrepreneurship at Cornell | SBIR/STTR Assistance Program | The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are federal programs that provide non-dilutive seed funding to startup companies for early-stage product development. Both programs have three phases, with funding available to startups in Phases I and II. | University students seeking SBIR/STTR funding | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | eship@cornell.edu | Link to Funder | |
| New York Women's Chamber of Commerce | Small Business Grants | We have partnered with Verizon to launch our Small Business Grants, with the opportunity for 5 Small Business Owners to be awarded $2,000 Each. Win up to $2k with the New York Women's Chamber of Commerce Small Business Grant and be entered to win the Verizon grand prize of $10,000. By just completing at least TWO free courses through the Small Business Digital Ready Program your business can qualify. Once you've done these steps, you'll be entered to win our $2,000 Grant and also qualify for the Verizon $10,000 Grant. | New York women-owned businesses of all industries, ethnicities, sizes and at all stages. | $2,000 | 11/21/2026 | General Inquiries | esosa@nywcc.org | Link to Funder | |
| New York Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), Wells Fargo, and the Clean Fight | Empire Technology Prize | The Empire Technology Prize is a competition to encourage the development and demonstration of minimally disruptive retrofit solutions to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of tall commercial and residential buildings (7+ stories) in New York State. Up to seven finalists will be selected for the program and will receive up to $1 million each – The Prize’s focus on centralized, high-temperature heat pumps and distribution solutions to enable the use of lower temperature heat pumps seeks to create new pathways to decarbonization through building retrofits. | Any incorporated organization, anywhere in the world, with two or more employees; or a partnership of two or more organizations, with a heat pump/heat distribution solution to decarbonize tall buildings in New York State. | $1,000,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | ETP@thecleanfight.com | $250,000 when selected for the program and an additional milestone award of up to $750,000. A Demonstration Fund of $2 million – up to $500,000 per demonstration project – is available to help offset the cost of pilots and demonstrations in target buildings in New York. The Overall Winner will receive an additional $1 million | Link to Funder |
| The University of Toledo | Tech419 Pitch Program and Competition | Tech419 is a pitch program and competition that teaches five finalists how to improve public speaking skills and craft compelling stories that will engage audiences and potential investors. If you're an early-stage tech founder looking to elevate your pitch, sharpen your message, and gain exposure in Northwest Ohio’s startup ecosystem, we want to hear from you.During the final showcase, contestants will display their skills and present their best 5-minute pitch to a judging panel of experienced investors and business leaders. The judges then evaluate the pitches and award $8,500 in project funding that will be used for ongoing concept development. | Businesses in Ohio willing to pitch | $5,000 | TBA | Eva English | Eva.English@UToledo.edu | Link to Funder | |
| Exelon Foundation | Climate Change Investment Initiative (2c2i) | The Climate Change Investment Initiative (2c2i) is a 10-year, $20 million, joint commitment between Exelon Corporation and its philanthropic arm, Exelon Foundation, to invest in and cultivate innovative start-ups focused on advancing climate change mitigation, adaptation and resilience efforts, while also promoting social equality and economic prosperity, in Exelon’s service territories. 2c2i start-ups realize a number of benefits to accelerate their ventures, including: A minimum of $100,000 equity investment; In-kind services from Exelon Corporation, which may include but may not be limited to: Brokering of relationships between the start-ups and key organizations/ stakeholders in Exelon territories; Subject matter expertise-based guidance and advice; Business plan review and guidance; Networking opportunities with other 2c2i ventures and alumni; Exposure to external sources of follow-on capital; Regulatory and financial feedback; commitment to work with each selected start-up on an Impact Project. | Climate tech startups with innovations that can advance climate change mitigation and benefit residents of at least one of the following: Chicago, IL; Philadelphia, PA; Baltimore, MD; Washington D.C.; Atlantic City, NJ orWilmington, DE. | $500,000 | Rolling | Steve Solomon | exelonfoundation@exeloncorp.com | Startups may be located anywhere but work must benefit residents of the stated cities. Areas of Investment: Environmental: Advancing GHG emissions mitigation and climate change resiliency, under the following functional areas: water, food, energy, waste, transport, built environment, nature. New applications each Summer. | Link to Funder |
| North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) Veterinary Meeting and Expo (VMX) | VMX Startup Circle & Pet Pitch Competition | Don't miss the Annual Pet Pitch Competition happening inside the Expo Hall where five startup companies compete and pitch their ideas to the veterinary Shark Tank experts. If selected in the Startup Circle, all companies will be eligible to participate in the Pet Pitch Competition. The winner receives a cash prize (no strings attached) and/or non-monetary prize. The prizes vary each year depending on the sponsors but generally range from $5,000-$15,000, plus additional brand exposure and recognition. | Early stage startups in the pet care industry | $15,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | expo@NAVC.com | Criteria: Long-term impact on the veterinary profession (30%)Long-term stability of the product or service (20%)Ease of implementation and use (20%)Uniqueness of the offering (20%)Quality of the pitch/live presentation (10%) | Link to Funder |
| Baxter | Investigator Initiated Research and Continuing Education Grants | An IIR, or Investigator Initiated Research, is a research grant opportunity where investigators can submit their protocol for Baxter’s review and consideration. An important distinction is that the Investigator and their Institution have complete control over their protocol, they own the data, and the Institution acts as the Sponsor of the study. Baxter will provide funding and/or product support, as well as potential specialized services. Baxter's areas of interest include advanced surgery, nutrition, medication delivery, pharmaceuticals, acute therapies, and renal care. | Clinicians and scientists who are focused on innovative research, and continuing education for healthcare professionals. | Varies | Rolling | Baxter External Funding | External_funding@baxter.com | Link to Funder | |
| Regeneron | Investigator Initiated Studies (IIS) | Investigator Initiated Studies (IIS) are designed and operationalized by an external third-party, not Regeneron. Support in the form of funding and/or product may be provided by Regeneron. The third-party serves as the sponsor and accountable party for all regulatory and legal requirements. Areas of Interest: Immunology and Inflammation; Dermatology; Respiratory; Gastrointestinal; Allergy; Cardiometabolic; Infectious Disease; Neurology and Pain; Ophthalmology; Oncology; Hematology. | Researchers | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | ExternalResearchRequests@regeneron.com | Link to Funder | |
| AIM-HI Accelerator fund | Womens Venture Competition | The AIM-HI Women’s Venture Competition is a first-of-its-kind program that provides extensive coaching, networking and financial opportunities to accelerate women-led oncology innovations onto the path to clinical trials and, eventually, new effective therapeutics, diagnostics and digital health solutions that could save patients’ lives. Applicants should have a track record of milestone achievement including, but not limited to: government or foundation grants, patents, successful clinical trial phases, prior commercial exits, etc. | Women-led, early stage oncology-related startups | $1,000,000 | Rolling | Ella Ye, Program Manager | eye@AIM-HIaccelerator.org | Link to Funder | |
| AIM-HI Accelerator fund | Womens Venture Competition | The AIM-HI Women’s Venture Competition is a first-of-its-kind program that provides extensive coaching, networking and financial opportunities to accelerate women-led oncology innovations onto the path to clinical trials and, eventually, new effective therapeutics, diagnostics and digital health solutions that could save patients’ lives. Applicants should have a track record of milestone achievement including, but not limited to: government or foundation grants, patents, successful clinical trial phases, prior commercial exits, etc. | Women-led, early stage oncology-related startups | Varies | Rolling | Ella Ye, Program Manager | eye@AIM-HIaccelerator.org | Link to Funder | |
| French American Entrepreneurship Award | French American Entrepreneurship Award | The French American Entrepreneurship Award (FAEA) is an annual startup competition. The Award was launched as an initiative of Club600; its goal is to help young French American entrepreneurs launch their business ventures in the US and to provide guidance from experienced business leaders. | Fluent in both French and English, early stage projects (three years or fewer in business), the product or service that is commercially viable with a demonstrated ability to generate revenues, the project must be operated in and for the US market. | $15,000 | Rolling | Annik Klein | faea@kxassociates.com | Link to Funder | |
| Mozilla | Tech and Society Fellowship | Fellows and host organizations for the Tech + Society cohort will be selected based on a matching process following the review of fellowship applications, interviews with short-listed candidates, and a matching process to pair fellows with host organizations. Those involved in selection may include a combination of Mozilla staff, organizational partners (including Ford Foundation staff and that of potential host organizations), and other experts in the field, potentially including fellowship alumni. | Experienced technologists, with a minimum of 3-5 years experience working in a technology-related capacity; Reside in or have work authorization in the country or region of the host organization; Understand relevant cultural nuance and context of the host country. Note that organizations may have language-specific parameters; Strategically-minded and collaboration-oriented, with experience in identifying problems and solutions at the intersection of technology and social justice issues; Able to carry out fellowship work to an extent generally consistent with full-time engagement (length of the fellowship is a minimum of 1.5 years and a maximum of 2 years);Working fluency in English. | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | fellowships@mozillafoundation.org. | Link to Funder | |
| New York Fashion Innovation Center | Pilot Grant Awards | This grant opportunity supports startups, small businesses, farmers, researchers, and individuals working on the development of textile fiber-related products and technologies. The FIC plans to make grants that stimulate innovation in four areas: Agricultural Production and Processing; New Materials and Manufacturing; Manufacturing and Textile Technology Innovation, Improvement and Expansion; and Fashion Use of Sustainable Materials. Possible projects include, but are not limited to: new fashion or home décor products made with New York raised wool, hemp, or flax; addressing related supply chain and manufacturing issues; and or the development of a New York grown or made feedstocks for bio manufactured textile fibers. In addition to funding, grant awardees will become part of a cohort that will receive mentoring from experts in their industries, and have access to equipment, facilities, and other resources to advance their projects. | Startups, small businesses, farmers, university-based researchers, sole proprietors, and individuals with projects that have the potential to support local economies across New York State | $10,000 | Rolling | Contact Us | ficgrants@rpi.edu b | This opportunity is part of a bi-annual grant program | Link to Funder |
| Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) | Seeding the Future Global Food System Challenge - Growth Grants | Growth grants will be awarded to applicants (both nonprofit and for-profit) that have demonstrated their innovation is doable and have projected both economic feasibility at scale and high impact potential to transform the food system.A successful applicant must : 1. Have conducted experiments or activities demonstrating scalability of the innovation; 2. Have generated robust data enabling projection of economic feasibility at scale; 3. Take a multi-disciplinary approach and incorporate the perspectives of multiple disciplines; and 4. Have demonstrated benefits to at least two of the following domains while not having a negative impact on the remaining domain: Safe and nutritious food for a healthy diet, Sustainable, regenerative practices, Empower conscious consumer choices. Finalists from both Seed Grants and Growth Grants will be eligible for the panel's grand prize of $250,000. | Food technology and innovations | $25,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | foodsystemchallenge@ift.org; 312-782-8424 | Link to Funder | |
| Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) | Seeding the Future Global Food System Challenge - Seed Grants | Entities (both nonprofit and for-profit) that are planting and nurturing high-potential, innovative ideas and have developed a prototype and/or initial proof of concept demonstrating feasibility may apply. Applicants must demonstrate that the innovation or idea is truly multidisciplinary in nature and has either team members or significant input from multiple disciplines such as: Health and Nutrition, Life Sciences, Food or Ag Science and Engineering, Environmental Science, Food Policy, Economics, and Consumer Behavior. Seed Grant awardees may also be able to advance to higher award levels in subsequent years upon successful completion of the required criteria for those levels. Finalists from both Seed Grants and Growth Grants will be eligible for the panel's grand prize of $250,000. | Food technology and innovations | $100,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | foodsystemchallenge@ift.org; 312-782-8424 | Link to Funder | |
| Daiichi Sankyo | Investigator-Initiated Studies | Daiichi Sankyo offers the opportunity for external researchers who are interested in conducting their own research related to Daiichi Sankyo therapeutic areas of interest to submit an independent research concept that is subsequently reviewed by an internal review committee. Daiichi Sankyo may provide funding and other forms of support, such as clinical trial material, to support studies initiated and sponsored by external researchers. | research to address unmet medical needs of patients around the world. | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | For Oncology inquiries: OncologyESR@dsi.com For Non-Oncology inquiries: NonOncologyESR@dsi.com | Link to Funder | |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Care Network of Michigan | Investigator Initiated Research Program | The BCBSM Foundation is interested in evidence-based and community-inspired solutions that improve the health of Michigan residents. We provide grants for projects focusing on the following important health areas: Behavioral health and substance use disorders; Health literacy and numeracy; Health promotion and chronic disease prevention; Improving access and quality of health care; Maternal and child health; Non-medical drivers of health; Nutrition and food access; Senior health and caregiver support. | Primary investigators with medical or doctoral-level credentials interested in finding ways to improve health and health care in Michigan. Applicants must be based in Michigan and their organizations must be nonprofit. | $75,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | foundation@bcbsm.com | Concept paper deadlines in February, May and October. | Link to Funder |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Care Network of Michigan | Physician Investigator Research Award Program | The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation is interested in innovative and evidence-based research grants that address urgent health issues, health inequities, social determinants of health and health care access, quality and cost. This grant program provides seed money to Michigan physicians who want to explore the merits of a particular, evidence-based research idea through pilot studies, feasibility studies or small research projects. | Michigan physicians working on basic research pilot or feasibility projects designed to improve the quality, cost and accessibility of health care. | $10,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | foundation@bcbsm.com | Concept paper deadlines in February, May and October. | Link to Funder |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Care Network of Michigan | Request for Proposal Program | The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation doesn't just wait for grant applications. By gathering data through listening and learning sessions with community leaders, the Foundation has been able to develop a request for proposal that is population-led and community-inspired. Each year, our sessions and data gathering culminate in multiple initiatives that support organizations throughout Michigan to address community-identified needs. The amount of this award will vary. | The Foundation identifies critical health topics to be addressed by potential grantees. Depending on the topic, proposals are solicited from Michigan health care researchers or community nonprofit organizations. | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | foundation@bcbsm.com | Link to Funder | |
| Long Island Association (LIA), Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce | Lifting Our Community Businesses Across Long Island (LOCAL) Small Business Grants | This grant will directly fund 50 Long Island businesses (25 in Nassau County and 25 in Suffolk County) with funding to help them expand and contribute to the prosperity in the community where they operate. Funds may be used for expenses such as new signage, marketing plans, landscaping, or consultants (i.e. accountants, marketing, etc.) to help the business expand and suceeed on Long Island. | Small business (10 employees or fewer) with a brick and mortar location in Nassau County or Suffolk County, New York, that can demonstrate that the grant will support expansion and growth of the company | Varies | 04/03/2027 | General Inquiries | foundation@longislandassociation.org | Link to Funder | |
| MIT Sloan Club of New York | MIT Female Founders Pitch Competition | This Annual MIT Female Founder Pitch Competition will is our yearly, flagship event for the Club, bringing together Founders, Investors, Industry Experts, and Sponsors while driving awareness of -- and addressing -- the gender discrepancies in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. We aim to address gender disparities in the entrepreneurial ecosystem by providing a platform for female MIT-affiliated founders to pitch their ventures. $10,000 Grand Prize, $10,000 in Social Impact Grants, $2,000 Runner Up Prize. | At least one founder or equity-holding C-Suite member must be a female MIT student, graduate, professor, or postdoc from a degree program (online degrees and certificate holders are not eligible). Companies should have less than $1M in Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) and less than $10M in equity funding. | $10,000 | 03/04/2027 | General Inquiries | founder@MITfemalefounders.com | Link to Funder | |
| The Venture Center | Pitch and Pint | This year’s Pitch N Pint competition is a collaboration between The Venture Center, Venture Noire, and ASBTDC that pits entrepreneurs in a real-time Shark Tank-style pitch competition where winners leave with cash and connections | Women, BIPOC, and veterans whose Arkansas-based businesses have been negatively impacted by Covid-19 and whose ARR or annual sales is less than $100,000. | $5,000 | Rolling | Mimi San Pedro | founders@venturecenter.co | Link to Funder | |
| LISCLA | Fueling Entrepreneurs Grant LA | Fueling Emerging Entrepreneurs (FEE) is a grant initiative and virtual pitch competition developed by LISC LA’s economic development leadership in partnership with BMO, designed to support the growth, resilience, and sustainability of small businesses across Los Angeles County. The program focuses on entrepreneurs located in low-to-moderate income communities—especially those who have historically faced barriers to accessing capital—and aims to increase their ability to grow, compete, and contribute to local economic ecosystems. | Los Angeles County small businesses — including startups & micro-businesses with growth potential and entrepreneurs who have historically struggled to access capital; annual revenue up to $250,000. Priority to applicants based in the following venue cities: Los Angeles, Long Beach, Inglewood, Santa Monica, Pasadena, Carson, Venice Beach, El Monte, Pomona, and Arcadia | Varies | 07/31/2027 | General Inquiries | fuelingentreprenuers@lisc.org | Link to Funder | |
| CSL (Becton, Dickinson and Company) | CSL's Awards, Grants & Initiatives | CSL’s Research Acceleration Initiative aims to fast-track discovery of innovative biotherapies through partnerships between CSL and global research organisations. | Research organizations from anywhere in the world | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | FundingRequest@bd.com | Link to Funder | |
| Deerfield Management Company and Cure | XSeed Award | The XSeed Award provides critical funding to bridge the gap from promising preclinical drug development research to the marketplace. The awards will grant up to $250,000 each to two New York City-based minority- and women-led life science and healthcare startups focusing on novel drug development projects. | Minority- or women-led life science and healthcare startups based in New York City, working on novel drug development projects. | $250,000 | 02/28/2027 | General Inquiries | gdiana@advanciumhealth.org | Link to Funder | |
| The GRIT Conference | The Startup Stage | GRIT brings together the Coast's brightest and boldest entrepreneurs, technologists, makers, creatives, leaders, and change agents. During this 2-day event, innovative designers, technologists, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders from Savannah and beyond will deliver sessions that showcase the coast's achievements in business, tech and the arts, embrace our toughest challenges, and discuss emerging trends. | Startups in the coastal region of Georgia, South Carolina or Northern Florida, in Digital Media, Gaming Industry, Climate Tech, FinTech, Agri Fintech, HealthTech, Logistics Tech; located in North America (preferably the South East); idea, prototype, users or paying users stage | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | geekend@thecreativecoast.com | Link to Funder | |
| BrightStar Wisconsin Foundation | BrightStar Wisconsin Foundation | BrightStar Wisconsin Foundation provides funding to small businesses. BrightStar Wisconsin Foundation is a nonprofit venture capital firm that is committed to getting capital to Wisconsin entrepreneurs. The foundation uses a "venture philanthropy" model to solicit donations and deploy them into early-stage startup companies that could create jobs in Wisconsin. Developing an idea or concept, then driving an early-stage company to success is an intense and difficult undertaking, and so we thank our Wisconsin Entrepreneurs for taking on the risk and the challenge. If you are one of them, we are here to assist you financially in your endeavor. | Early stage Wisconsin companies | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | GeneralInfo@brightstarwi.org; 414-224-6000 | Link to Funder | |
| Galaxy of Stars | Galaxy Grant | The Hidden Star nonprofit's Galaxy Grant is a free-entry $2,500 business prize for women and minority entrepreneurs at idea, startup, and established stages. An online application creates a free Galaxy Starter account, and existing Galaxy Plus+ members are automatically entered. | Minority and women entrepreneurs living in the United States | $2,500 | 10/31/2026 | Gloria Sanderson | gethelp@galaxyofstars.org | The current Galaxy Grant is $2,500 and free to apply. The short online entry creates a free Galaxy Starter account; existing Galaxy Plus+ members are automatically entered. Referrals can increase the chance of a paired award if the referred applicant wins. | Link to Funder |
| Innovate Mississippi | SmartTech MS Advanced Manufacturing Prize Competition | The SmartTech MS Advanced Manufacturing Prize Competition invites Mississippi innovators to showcase their innovative applications of advanced manufacturing technologies for a chance to win cash prizes and gain statewide recognition. A top prize of $25,000 will be awarded to the Mississippi Advanced Manufacturing Champion. Even if your current project isn't strictly focused on manufacturing, its potential to optimize processes, improve efficiency, or solve related challenges could make it a strong contender. | Mississippi companies with Digital technologies in production or technology that supports manufacturing activities, or innovations creating new products or optimizing existing processes. | $25,000 | Rolling | Gabrielle Holliday | gholliday@innovate.ms | Link to Funder | |
| MindCET | Global EdTech Startups Awards (GESAwards) | GESAwards provides the opportunity to Startups from any corner of the world to showcase their products to a global audience, connect and build significant partnerships, facilitate business opportunities as well as compete towards being crowned the best Edtech startup of the year. In addition to promoting the best Edtech Startups, GESAwards helps build local EdTech ecosystems as well as facilitates the flow of EdTech investments to alternative markets. | Startups in the education industry from anywhere in the world. Special consideration to applicants with a product already in market. | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | mindcet@globaledtechawards@cet.ac.il | Link to Funder | |
| Pfizer Global Medical Grants | Investigator Sponsored Research | Pfizer supports the global healthcare community’s independent initiatives to improve patient outcomes in areas of unmet medical need that are aligned with Pfizer’s medical and/or scientific strategies. To that end, Pfizer supports general research projects focused on the development or refinement of specific and defined medical knowledge unrelated to a Pfizer asset. This grant type is used to support research that does not include the study of a Pfizer asset, including health services research unrelated to a Pfizer asset, registry development and/or queries unrelated to a Pfizer asset, and outcomes research unrelated to a Pfizer asset. This includes observational studies, such as epidemiology studies and certain outcomes research studies where the primary focus is the scientific understanding of disease as well as other types of independent research on disease states. | General Medical Research | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | GMG@pfizer.com | Link to Funder | |
| Pfizer Global Medical Grants | Quality Improvement Grant Request for ProposalsBridging the Inflammatory Dermatosis Care Divide withTeledermatology Grant Program | The intent of this RFP is to encourage organizations to submit a quality improvement project thataims to achieve quality improvement for Healthcare Practitioners (HCPs) that treat medicaldermatology conditions. Programs to help HCPs meet the needs of patients with medicaldermatologic conditions through telemedicine best practices and long-term managementstrategy of their disease in tandem with quality dermatologic care will be considered. | The following may apply: Organizations with expertise in the care and treatment of patientswith inflammatory skin conditions, including medical, nursing, allied health, and/orpharmacy professional schools; healthcare institutions (both large and small); professionalassociations and medical societies; medical education companies; and other entities with amission related to healthcare professional education and/or healthcare improvement. | $250,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | GMG@pfizer.com | Link to Funder | |
| Pfizer and Estella | Unmet Need and Emerging Data in Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer (MIBC) | Pfizer and Astellas are collaborating to offer a new grant opportunityseeking proposals for independent medical education initiatives that bringawareness and knowledge to healthcare professionals regarding thecurrent gaps in the rapidly evolving MIBC treatment landscape and howemerging data could be practice changing for those who treat patients withbladder cancer. | Medical Research, Cancer, Oncology, Bladder | $220,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | GMG@pfizer.com | Link to Funder | |
| Pfizer Global Medical Grants | Enhancing Patient-Centered Outcomes in Emergency Department Migraine Management | Pfizer and the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) are collaborating to offer a new grant opportunity seeking proposals for quality improvement initiatives that will promote the safe management of patients diagnosed with migraine in the emergency department setting. We seek to support projects focused on clinical program development that overcome barriers to safe, evidence-based management, disposition, and follow up of this patient population. Funded projects will describe the proposed clinical initiative’s efficacy with outcome measures that demonstrate improved management of migraine patients, patient safety, physician satisfaction, and/or patient satisfaction. | Medical, dental, nursing, allied health, and/or pharmacy professional schools; healthcare institutions (both large and small); professional organizations; government agencies; and other entities with a mission related to healthcare improvement. Collaborations within institutions (e.g., between departments and/or inter-professional), as well as between different institutions / organizations / associations, are encouraged. All partners must have a relevant role in the project. The Project Lead/PI must be an employee or contractor of the requesting organization. | $200,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | GMG@pfizer.com | Link to Funder | |
| MØRNING | The MØRNING People Fund | If you're someone who believes that creativity is a powerful vehicle for good and you see the sunny side of the digital hellscape we all call home, then you too are a MØRNING person. We're pretty open to who can win the MPF: anyone who needs help bringing a brilliant creative idea to life, If that’s community driven - exhibition, podcast, tech experiment, community meetup or a zine about your secret obsession - that’s cool too! | Artists, creatives, dreamers and innovators, designed to fuel boundary-pushing work. | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | good@morning.fyi | Link to Funder | |
| Morris Animal Foundation | Equine Behavior | The Morris Animal Foundation Research Grant Program supports some of the world's most innovative researchers advancing the health of more species than any other organization. The Foundation encourages scientists from around the world and at any stage of their careers to submit a proposal. Grant types include Pilot Studies, which are designed to provide funding for innovative ideas to accelerate discovery and advance Morris Animal Foundation’s mission. | animal health research | $200,000 | Rolling | Sarah Svitak | grantapplications@morrisanimalfoundation.org | Link to Funder | |
| Morris Animal Foundation | Canine Health | The Morris Animal Foundation Research Grant Program supports some of the world's most innovative researchers advancing the health of more species than any other organization. The Foundation encourages scientists from around the world and at any stage of their careers to submit a proposal. Grant types include Pilot Studies, which are designed to provide funding for innovative ideas to accelerate discovery and advance Morris Animal Foundation’s mission. | Animal health researchers with demonstrated qualified expertise (peer-reviewed publications, history of research, completed a PhD, DVSc, DVM, or equivalent degree andhave a permanent position in a university, accredited zoo, conservation organization, or anon-academic equivalent, etc. | $100,000 | Rolling | Sarah Svitak | grantapplications@morrisanimalfoundation.org | Link to Funder | |
| Morris Animal Foundation | Feline Health | The Morris Animal Foundation Research Grant Program supports some of the world's most innovative researchers advancing the health of more species than any other organization. The Foundation encourages scientists from around the world and at any stage of their careers to submit a proposal. Grant types include Pilot Studies, which are designed to provide funding for innovative ideas to accelerate discovery and advance Morris Animal Foundation’s mission. | Companion animal health research | $50,000 | Rolling | Sarah Svitak | grantapplications@morrisanimalfoundation.org | Link to Funder | |
| Morris Animal Foundation | Wildlife Health | The Morris Animal Foundation Research Grant Program supports some of the world's most innovative researchers advancing the health of more species than any other organization. The Foundation encourages scientists from around the world and at any stage of their careers to submit a proposal. Grant types include Pilot Studies, which are designed to provide funding for innovative ideas to accelerate discovery and advance Morris Animal Foundation’s mission. Wildlife health covers reptiles/amphibians with special focus/funds available for chytrid research. | Animal health researchers with demonstrated qualified expertise (peer-reviewed publications, history of research, completed a PhD, DVSc, DVM, or equivalent degree and have a permanent position in a university, accredited zoo, conservation organization, or anon-academic equivalent, etc. | $50,000 | Rolling | Sarah Svitak | grantapplications@morrisanimalfoundation.org | Link to Funder | |
| Morris Animal Foundation | Canine Hemangiosarcoma | The Morris Animal Foundation Research Grant Program supports some of the world's most innovative researchers advancing the health of more species than any other organization. The Foundation encourages scientists from around the world and at any stage of their careers to submit a proposal. Grant types include Pilot Studies, which are designed to provide funding for innovative ideas to accelerate discovery and advance Morris Animal Foundation’s mission. | Companion animal health research | $50,000 | Rolling | Sarah Svitak | grantapplications@morrisanimalfoundation.org | Link to Funder | |
| Morris Animal Foundation | Animal Welfare Study Grant | The Morris Animal Foundation Research Grant Program supports some of the world's most innovative researchers advancing the health of more species than any other organization. The Foundation encourages scientists from around the world and at any stage of their careers to submit a proposal. Grant types include Pilot Studies, which are designed to provide funding for innovative ideas to accelerate discovery and advance Morris Animal Foundation’s mission. | Companion animal health research | $50,000 | 01/14/2027 | Sarah Svitak | grantapplications@morrisanimalfoundation.org | Link to Funder | |
| Department of Health and Human Services | KidneyX Sustainability Prize | The KidneyX Sustainability Prize will award up to $7.25 million for innovations to reduce water or power used during dialysis. HHS calls for solutions that reduce those resources used in dialysis. HHS may select up to seven winners to each receive an equal share of up to $7.25 million. | Individual, team (group of individuals competing together, but not on behalf of an established organization, institution, or corporation), or entity (group on behalf of a legally established U.S. organization, institution, or corporation); that are US citizens or permanent residents | $1,000,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | GrantPolicyReq@hhs.gov | The prize invites proposals from a diverse community of innovators — including patients, healthcare providers, engineers, and entrepreneurs. Solutions may involve technological or process approaches, and all disciplines and sectors are encouraged to develop KidneyX solutions that reduce water or power usage during dialysis and promote equitable access to care. | Link to Funder |
| Hevolution Foundation | Hevolution Foundation Neuroscience Research Opportunities (HF-GRO) | HF-GRO will provide up to $25M in 2023 (the total budget planned over 5 years: $115M USD) to fund projects in Aging Biology or Geroscience (no Clinical Trials). Hevolution envisions funding approximately 40-60 projects per year. Projects will be for 4 to 5 years in length, and with a budget range of $300-500k direct costs/year. Preference, both in length and funding level, will be given to projects that advance basic biology knowledge into translation (geroscience). Research must be conducted at a non-profit institution. | Doctoral students who will complete their doctorate (PhD or MD/PhD) before the award start date,or be recent PhD or MD/PhD graduates (earliest graduation date: May 2024, as stated on the certificate of doctorate) transitioning into postdoctoral training positions in the US, Canada, UK, or Europe. | $500,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | grants@afar.org | Link to Funder | |
| Black Realities | Creative Fund | The Grant awards a monthly cash prize to media projects that explore the varied conditions, experiences, feelings, and range of humanity of the Black global community. All formats, genres, and categories of screen-based projects will be considered including films, TV, games, apps, VR/AR experiences, photojournalism, and more. | Black artists or creators in any screen-based genre | Varies | Rolling | Loren Hammonds | grants@artizen.fund | Link to Funder | |
| The Avalanche Foundation | The Avalanche Grant Program | This grant offers up to USD 290M focused on speeding up the adoption and growth of its first ”subnet” functionality, which allows a richer ecosystem of scalable application-specific blockchains. The focus is to build your own blockchain, but not limited, DeFi, Not and other types of applications are welcome for applications. | Anyone | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | grants@avax.network | Link to Funder | |
| Filecoin | Filecoin Open Grants | Filecoin Foundation is seeking proposals for developer and data tooling, integrations, research and protocols, storage, retrieval, and the Filecoin Virtual Machine (FVM) Open grants are intended to support novel ideas that advance the Filecoin ecosystem, bring significant new usage, or directly advance the Filecoin mission statement. Open Grants applications for funding up to $50,000 are welcome in the following categories: Integrations, Developer and Data Tooling, Research and Protocols, Storage, Retrieval, FVM. | Filecoin builders and researchers; All projects must be open-sourced; All projects must be dual-licensed under MIT and APACHE2 licenses; All teams must be self-managed. | $50,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | grants@fil.org | Applications are reviewed every 3 months. | Link to Funder |
| Filecoin | FIL Builder Next Steps Microgrants | Grants between $5K and $10K are available to support builders who are taking their filecoin projects to the next level. Categories include Integrations, Developer and Data Tooling, Technical Content Creation, Storage, Retrieval, Something fun with FVM. | Filecoin builders and researchers building an on-chain project on Filecoin, using the Filecoin Virtual Machine, that have a Proof of Concept and/or a strong track record in web3 development. | $10,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | grants@fil.org | Applications are reviewed every 3 months. | Link to Funder |
| Heinz | Black Kitchen Initiative Awards | BKI Grants have helped address the economic impact of the pandemic, funded business improvements, and preserved important culinary traditions. Additional efforts, including educational webinars, collaborative events, and emergency relief, have strengthened grantee capacity and visibility, ensuring these businesses can sustain and grow their presence in the industry. Grants are for $20,000. | Food and service based, bakeries, restaurants, cafes, pop-ups, farmer's markets, and catering businesses. Must have current business license and state sales tax ID#. Must provide a personal statement that describes how your business contributes to the legacy of Black voices in the American culinary landscape (200 words or less) | $20,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | grants@heinz.org | Link to Funder | |
| Doordash x Hello Alice | The Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund, | Restaurants across the country hit by a natural disaster can apply for $10,000 grants courtesy of DoorDash. The Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund, a partnership between DoorDash, Hello Alice and the Global Entrepreneurship Network, is open to restaurants in state or federally declared natural-disaster areas. The program's grant window opens on a rolling basis, with four a year. | To be eligible, restaurants must have a brick-and-mortar location, fewer than 50 employees per location, be open at least six months and have less than $3 million in revenue per location. | $10,000 | 01/05/2027 | General Inquiries | grants@helloalice.com | Link to Funder | |
| The Merchant's Fund | Emergency SNAP Grants | The Merchant’s Fund currently has two open grant opportunities, to markets with physical storefronts that SNAP cuts have impacted in Philadelphia | You must be able to show the financial impact of the SNAP pause on your business and have less than $2M in revenue | $10,000 | 12/31/2026 | General Inquiries | grants@merchantsfund.org | Must be in Philadelphia | Link to Funder |
| The Merchant's Fund | Emergency Grants | Grant support to businesses facing hardship due to qualifying events such as fire, natural disaster, extreme acts of physical vandalism, utility failure, or a highly disruptive public works projects. | Independently owned & operated business with storefront/physical location (food trucks & kiosks are eligible) in Philadelphia; current with all relevant taxes; Has the required federal, state and local licenses/permits to operate legally; Annual revenue of $1.5M or less. Must be able to demonstrate financial need for a grant. Ineligible businesses include, but are not limited to, those that provide professional services (e.g. medical/therapeutic/counseling, legal, insurance), graphic design, architecture, real estate, child/elder care providers, and non-profit organizations. | $20,000 | 12/31/2026 | General Inquiries | grants@merchantsfund.org | Link to Funder | |
| Pancreatic Cancer Action Network | Pancreatic Cancer Research Grant | This grant is designed to provide bridge funding for pancreatic cancer projects during the current uncertainties and disruptions in U.S. federal research funding. This award is available to Principal Investigators on a federal award that has demonstrated exceptional merit through national scientific peer review but has recently experienced unanticipated termination or has not received anticipated funding because of federal agency delays. | Applicants must have a doctoral degree (including PhD, MD, DO, DC, ND, DDS, DVM, ScD, DNS, PharmD or equivalent) in biomedical science or in a field applicable to health science research; Applicant must be performing the work at an academic, medical or research institution within the United States; there are no citizenship requirements. | $125,000 | 01/09/2027 | General Inquiries | grants@pancan.org | Link to Funder | |
| The Solana Foundation | The Solana Foundation Grants Program | The Solana Foundation Grants Program provides milestone-based funding to support initiatives aimed at decentralizing, growing, and securing the Solana network | Individuals, independent teams, governments, nonprofits, companies, universities, and academics working in the fields of Censorship Resistance, DAO Tooling, Developer Tooling, Education, Payments / Solana Pay, Financial Inclusion, Climate Change, Academic Research | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | grants@solana.org | Link to Funder | |
| ZenBusiness | ZenBusiness Grant Program | Grantees will receive $5,000 to help grow their business, along with access to eligible ZenBusiness products and services available at the time of the grant disbursement. If you meet our eligibility requirements, you can apply to become one of our monthly grantees. Take the opportunity to get the support you need to elevate your business. Join us in our mission to empower small business owners like you and apply today! | To be eligible, you must be a current customer, at least 18 years old, and have used ZenBusiness formation services within the last 3 to 6 months. | $5,000 | 12/31/2026 | General Inquiries | grants@zenbusiness.com | Link to Funder | |
| NDN Collective Community | Community Self-Determination Grant | The NDN Collective provides grants to small businesses run by Indigenous leaders in North America. Projects should focus on one of the following areas:Protecting environmental resources; Sustainable economic development and climate change solutions; Supporting Indigenous cultural or ceremonial practices, language and education. | Indigenous owned businesses in the US, US territories, Canada or Mexico | $200,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | grantsinfo@ndncollective.org | Link to Funder | |
| Goldman Sachs | Black in Business | The program is designed specifically for Black women sole proprietors with a minimum of $25,000 in revenue over the past twelve months and who have been operating within the US for at least one year. Winner receive a stipend to attend programming | Black women entrepreneurs | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | gs-investor-relations@gs.com | Link to Funder | |
| Georgia Tech | Georgia Research Alliance | GRA is a nonprofit organization that works with the University System of Georgia and the Georgia Department of Economic Development. GRA has a commercialization grant program dedicated to spinouts based on research from Georgia universities. The $50k Phase 1 and $100k Phase 2 grants, awarded to the university, are intended to help researchers reduce market and technical risk as they work towards commercialization of the technology. GRA also offers a Phase 3 loan of up to $250,000 that is made directly to the spinout company once it has launched. Projects receiving GRA grant funding are also eligible for the GRA Venture Fund, which makes equity investments in GRA-funded companies after extensive due diligence. | GA Tech researchers | $100,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | gtf.gatech.edu/contact | Link to Funder | |
| Stanford University Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence | Seed Research Grants | The seed research grants are designed to support new, ambitious, and speculative ideas with the objective of getting initial results. In keeping with the multidisciplinary mission of HAI, we welcome proposals from the whole array of humanistic, social scientific, natural scientific, biomedical, and engineering approaches, including critical, historical, ethnographic, clinical, experimental, and inventive work. We fund a wide variety of projects, from discrete studies to book-length research to speaker series to system building and evaluation. Funds may be used for salary and tuition support of faculty, graduate students, and other research staff, operating supplies, minor equipment items, prototyping expenses, imaging time, and travel directly associated with the research activity. Funds will not support general staff or administrative support | Students and faculty members from all seven Stanford schools | $75,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | hai-grants@lists.stanford.edu | Link to Funder | |
| Stanford University Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence | HAI & Wu Tsai Neuro Partnership Grant | Stanford HAI and the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute jointly seek proposals that transform our understanding of the human brain using AI and advance the development of intelligent technology. We especially aim to fund proposals that can make a persuasive case that initial results will catalyze further support from internal and external stakeholders. | Students and faculty members from all seven Stanford schools | $125,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | hai-grants@lists.stanford.edu | Link to Funder | |
| Stanford University Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence | Hoffman-Yee Research Grants | The Hoffman-Yee Research Grants are designed to address significant scientific, technical, or societal challenges requiring an interdisciplinary team and a bold approach. The research spans HAI’s key areas of focus: understanding the human and societal impact of AI, augmenting human capabilities, and developing AI technologies inspired by human intelligence. Each of the winning teams receive up to $500,000 in year-one with the opportunity to receive up to $2,000,000 more over the following two years. These grants are made possible by a gift from philanthropists Reid Hoffman and Michelle Yee. | Students and faculty members from all seven Stanford schools | $2,000,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | hai-grants@lists.stanford.edu | Link to Funder | |
| Stanford University Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence | AIMI-HAI Partnership Grant | The AIMI-HAI Partnership Grant is designed to fund new and ambitious ideas that reimagine artificial intelligence in healthcare, using real clinical data sets, with near term clinical applications. Visit the Call for Proposals page for criteria and eligibility. | Students and faculty members from all seven Stanford schools | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | hai-grants@lists.stanford.edu | Link to Funder | |
| USAA and Bunker Labs Pitch Competition | USAA and Bunker Labs Pitch Competition | Last year, Bunker Labs and USAA teamed up to celebrate USAA’s 100th anniversary and history as a great military founded and led innovative company. This year, USAA and Bunker Labs are teaming up again to continue identifying and supporting the most innovative military connected entrepreneurs and change makers. Bunker Labs and USAA will host one pitch competition to find the nation’s top growth stage companies aligned with USAA’s strategic investment priorities. | Active, retired, and separated veterans with a discharge type of “Honorable” from the U.S. military and their eligible family members (spouses, widows and widowers, and children of active, retired and separated veterans); $1 million+ in annual revenue reported in 2023 and projected in 2024 must be available to present in person at the pitch event; Aligned with one of USAA’s core strategic investment priorities including Security, Data, and AI; Fintech; Insurtech; or Enterprise Infrastructure | $50,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | haley.chapman@bunkerlabs.org | Link to Funder | |
| Startup Day | sTARTUp PITCHING | We're looking for the brightest early-stage startups looking to get a kick-start in their fundraising goals. With three investments, equity-free cash, legal help and cloud services up for grabs, this is your chance to take the stage and shine in front of over 3000 attendees from all over the world: potential investors, clients, partners, and international media. Finalists will compete for a range of investments and equity-free grants. | Early-stage to scale-up startups with a strong mission and a scalable business model. Your startup should have a functioning product with traction/feedback, a strong team, and be ready for an investment. | $200,000 | 12/17/2026 | General Inquiries | hannaliis.remmelg@startupday.ee | Prizes range from 10,000 to 200,0000 euros. Competition takes place in Tartu, Estonia each January. | Link to Funder |
| Comerica Hatch Detroit by TechTown | Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest | The Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest by TechTown is a retail competition that gives savvy entrepreneurs the chance to win a cash grant and package of in-kind services to open up their brick-and-mortar storefront in Detroit, Hamtramck or Highland Park. The storefront is key! We're looking to support businesses that will revitalize commercial retail corridors, activate vacant spaces and spur further investment into the community. | Detroit entrepreneurs | $100,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | hatchdetroit@techtowndetroit.org | Link to Funder | |
| HearstLab | Pitch HearstLab New York | For our next pitch event, HearstLab is coming to the West Coast. Pitch HearstLab is our pitch competition series where we aim to find and fund the best high-growth, women-led startups in the US. Our mission is to close the gap in venture capital funding for women by helping founders build healthy, sustainable and highly scalable businesses. Winners will receive a $100,000 investment from HearstLab, plus three months of hands-on support to help your company reach its goals in building the business, product and team. | Woman-led startup with a tech solution; live product or demonstrated validation, and connectivity to a Hearst business or sector, including enterprise technology, data/analytics, fintech, healthcare, transportation or media | $100,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | hearstlab@hearst.com | Link to Funder | |
| AIN Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation | Charles and Janet Forbes Entrepreneurial Competition | The Forbes Entrepreneurial Award, which encourages current, full-time undergraduate engineering students to consider the commercial potential of topics or processes they are studying. Students, individually or in teams, compete by submitting a business proposal for a manufacturing or technical business . Submissions must be received via the online application. Finalists will be invited to pitch at the competition event in late April or early May.Prize money between $1,000 and $5,000 is awarded for outstanding projects. | Student at University of Rochester, At least half of a team’s members must have declared majors within the Hajim School. | $5,000 | Rolling | Senior Program Manager | heidi.mergenthaler@rochester.edu | Link to Funder | |
| Hello Alice | The Creative Business Boost Grant | The Creative Business Boost Initiative is designed to help empower entrepreneurs who contribute to the creative economy. By providing grants, educational resources, and access to a community of business owners, the program strives to bolster the cultural vibrancy of communities through the entrepreneurial endeavors of creative individuals. | A creative entrepreneur with a business that has been around for at least 12 months | $5,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | hello@alice.com | Link to Funder | |
| BBG Ventures | BBG Ventures | We seek out companies making large-scale behavior change possible by improving access, enhancing affordability, or reducing friction in the consumer experience. We look for companies that drive systems change, build 10X better consumer solutions, or address new buying behaviors across some of the biggest categories of consumer spending that are ripe for reinvention: Health and Wellbeing, Future of Education and Work, Climate Friendly Products and Platforms, Overlooked and Emerging customers. | Companies with at least one female founder | Varies | Rolling | Nisha Dua | hello@bbgventures.com | Link to Funder | |
| Bold Beginnings | Bold Beginnings Grant | Bold Beginnings exists so women with big ideas are empowered to know that they are infinitely capable of creating immense impact in the world and equipped with the golden nuggets of knowledge to bring their visions to life. You don't have to have a fully incorporated company or be finished building/creating your product, but you'll need to show that you've taken action towards bringing to life your clear vision. The “winner” of the share your vision portion of Bold Beginnings will receive $25,000. We do not take equity in your company. | Anyone who identifies as a woman under 30 that currently resides across North America. | $25,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | hello@boldbeginnings.com | North America - If you are chosen and do not reside in Vancouver BC where Bold Beginnings takes place, flights and accommodation will be taken care of. | Link to Funder |
| Dubsado | Dubsado New Business Grant | 3 grant recipients will receive a comprehensive package designed to give their business a financial boost, the right tools to succeed, and confidence-building support from our community | Who’s eligible to apply:Your business was legally registered within the last 12 monthsYou are a service-based business, including but not limited to photographers, designers, coaches, etc.)You are 18 years or olderYou are a legal U.S. or Canada residentYou do not need to be a Dubsado customer (both users and non-users are eligible) | $2,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | hello@dubsado.com | Link to Funder | |
| Emerge Global Ventures Ltd. | Emerge Challenge | Online pitching competition for startups that raised from 0 till €500k in funding and have a global product. The winner will receive €10,000 cash prize. | early-stage and growth startups that are solving a global problem and are originally from across CEE, the Balkans, Turkey, MENA & Central Asia. | $10,000 | Rolling | Anna Lebedeva | hello@emergeconf.io | Link to Funder | |
| Endowments Investment Challenge | Endowments Investment Challenge | The EIC brings together a group of values-led charitable foundations to select an investment service provider (ISP) to manage a collective mandate that prioritises positive impact for future generations. This process offers a unique opportunity to compete for a substantial investment mandate, gain visibility at a high-profile event, and help shape the future of responsible investing in the UK. | The geographic scope is global, and ISPs may propose portfolios that invest and create impact anywhere in the world. Positive impact in the UK will be well received, given the UK charitable foundations leading the initiative. However, proposals are expected to cover a global mandate and explain the benefit to future generations globally. | $50,000,000 | 12/19/2026 | General Inquiries | hello@endowmentsinvestingchallenge.com | Link to Funder | |
| NYC Department of Environmental Protection and Partnership Fund for NYC | Environmental Tech Lab Challenge | This new program will provide an opportunity for early- and growth-stage tech companies to collaborate with the nation’s largest water and wastewater network on tech-powered solutions to current and future agency needs. The early- and growth-stage tech companies that are accepted into the program following a competitive application process will have the opportunity to participate in an eight-week "proof of concept" where DEP will conduct a minimally viable test to understand selected products’ capabilities and their value proposition. Upon successful completion, select companies will be invited to deploy their solutions on a larger scale during a yearlong pilot. Companies selected for a pilot may receive a grant or investment. | Growth stage companies with innovative solutions to one of the stated challenge areas in water/wastewater; must have at least a beta working version and at least one commercial deployment; core team that can participate in in-person presentations, demo day, and pilot. | varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | hello@envirotechlab.nyc | Link to Funder | |
| HealthTech Investors | Pitch Competition | We select the top 20 via our screening criteria and the Due Diligence Team. The top 20 prepare 5 minute pitch videos and investors vote to choose the top 3. We perform deep due diligence on the top 3. All HealthTech Investors vote and decide the winner. Finals are virtual over Zoom. | Startups with health solutions | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | hello@healthtechinvestors.com | Link to Funder | |
| Skip | Skip $1k Grants | Skip has awarded over $200,000 in grants to small business owners and entrepreneurs. You can enter the Skip grants for free in a matter of seconds. | Small businesses | $1,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | hello@helloskip.com | Link to Funder | |
| Skip | Skip Small Business Growth Grant | Grant and business plan platform Skip is accepting applications for a $10,000 cash grant winner, along with five $500 grant winners | Small businesses | $10,000 | 11/18/2026 | General Inquiries | hello@helloskip.com | Link to Funder | |
| Skip | Year End Skip Grant | Skip has awarded over $200,000 in grants to small business owners and entrepreneurs. You can enter the Skip grants for free in a matter of seconds. | All U.S.-based entrepreneurs and small business owners 18+ are invited to apply. | $10,000 | Rolling | Gabrielle Holliday | hello@helloskip.com | Link to Funder | |
| Hult Prize | Open Application | Our year-long, global competition challenges young people to solve the world’s most pressing issues by creating innovative social ventures. | Must register for the oncampus program. Student Competition | $1,000,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | hello@hultprize.org | Link to Funder | |
| InnoVenture Iowa and BioScience Iowa | InnoVenture Challenge | The InnoVenture Challenge is an annual pitch competition produced by InnoVenture Iowa and BioConnect Iowa. This event features the region’s only $100,000 prize, awarded to one early-stage Iowa startup company building in the industries of bioscience, advanced manufacturing or information technology. Each year, three (3) finalists are chosen from hundreds of hopeful applicants to compete on-stage for the cash prize. T | Early-stage Iowa startup company in bioscience, advanced manufacturing or information technology | $100,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | hello@innoventureiowa.com; 515-657-7318 | Link to Funder | |
| Ladies Who Launch | Launch Program | The Launch Program is open to women- and non-binary-owned consumer packaged goods businesses—selling items like food and beverages, household goods, apparel, and more—with an annual gross revenue between $100,000 and $499,000. Joining the Launch Program means joining a diverse and supportive community of founders. | Women and non-binary small business owners selling consumer packaged goods | $10,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | hello@ladieswholaunch.org | Link to Funder | |
| Pitch Latino Los Angeles | Pitch Latino Los Angeles | What if your passion could fuel more than just your business — but the growth of an entire community? That’s the power of Pitch Latino™ Los Angeles. A stage where culture meets creativity. Where entrepreneurs showcase their vision. Where businesses grow, and opportunities expand. | Latino founders | Varies | 09/12/2027 | General Inquiries | hello@latinxmba.org | Link to Funder | |
| Meet the Drapers | Meet the Drapers Season 7 | Meet The Drapers is a groundbreaking reality show in Silicon Valley where the viewers get to decide the next big idea in tech. The legendary Draper family meets the world's hottest new entrepreneurs, on the hunt for the next billion dollar idea. 27 selected founders get up close and personal with three generations of the Draper's and celebrity guest judges to fight for a spot in the grand finale. | Applicants must have a valuation cap less than $15M, be building a tech or non-tech-enabled business, be an early, mid or late stage company, based in the USA, seeing notable traction and excited about raising money from the Drapers, your users and TV fans. | $100,000 | Rolling | Tim Draper | hello@meetthedrapers.com | Link to Funder | |
| Accelerate Venture Partners | Accelerate Venture Partners | Our members will invest in the seed or Series A financing rounds of companies based in Wichita or the Midwest that are in dynamic growth markets, have strong value propositions, a sound business plan, and a strong management team with deep market knowledge. We only seek companies that have the potential to scale and that have a clear path to exit. Typical criteria include: Disruptive or new-market innovation, compelling, well-articulated strategy for capturing and defending a significant market share, and proprietary technology or other strong barrier to entry. | High-growth seed and early-stage technology companies in the Midwest | Varies | Rolling | Josh Oeding | hello@nxtus.io | Link to Funder | |
| Nestlé Purina & Active Capital | 2027 Pet Care Innovation Prize | The PCI Prize is awarded to early-stage companies that are defining the future of pet care through novel products or services that provide meaningful solutions. | Early-stage US pet care startups with novel products/services | $25,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | hello@PetCareInnovation.net | Link to Funder | |
| Pow Wow Pitch | Pitch to Win Competition | Pow Wow Pitch is a pitch competition for Indigenous entrepreneurs across Turtle Island to shine the spotlight on pow wow vendors, artists, business builders and innovators from all backgrounds and industries, whether just starting or looking to grow to the next level. Cash prizes range from $500 to $25,000 CAD. You may also become eligible for the Pow Wow Pitch Box Program, where we buy and distribute up to 350 units of your products or services. | Indigenous people living anywhere on Turtle Island (Canada or the United States) of any age or gender with an idea or business at any stage and in any industry | $100,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | hello@powwowpitch.org | Link to Funder | |
| Renewal Funds | Renewal Funds | Renewal Funds provides an opportunity for investors to participate in the development of business at the forefront of social and environmental innovation. Renewal Funds invests in change by supporting businesses at the forefront of social and environmental innovation. | Business at the forefront of social and environmental innovation. | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | hello@renewalfunds.com | Link to Funder | |
| See Me | See Me Fund | See Me Fund is a social impact fund increasing access to capital for female entrepreneurs, promoting equity and opportunity in their community. We implement innovative and aggressive solutions and prioritize our mission over profit. | Female entrepreneurs | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | hello@seemefund.org | Link to Funder | |
| Supply Change Capital | Female Founders in Food Tech | Supply Change Capital, in partnership with Ajinomoto Co., Inc., 301 INC by General Mills, Annenberg Foundation and Foodbytes by Rabobank is hosting a Female Founders in Food (F^3) Tech pitch showcase and providing the winner $25k in equity-free financing and a platinum SXSW badge among other perks! | Female food tech founders that have raised less than $1 million | $25,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | hello@supplychangefund.com | Five companies will be selected for the finals and must be available on demo day | Link to Funder |
| The Well Work and Just Thrive Interest | Just Thrive Program | Just Thrive provides one of two credits: $6,000 or $2,000, depending on when your business was formed to assist with Justworks’ PEO administrative fees and help assist with running payroll, HR tasks, compliance and more! | Justworks PEO customers with a minimum of at least two W2s that are either at least 50% owned by someone who is a member of an underrepresented group, or is a 501(c)3 nonprofit focused on eradicating racism | $6,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | hello@thewellwork.co | Link to Funder | |
| America's Healthy Food Financing Initiative | HFFI Planning Grant Program | The program will support early stage planning and development of projects aiming to strengthen, expand, and innovate within the food retail supply chain. Grant uses could include (but are not limited to): Business, feasibility, and operations planning/development: Information gathering and decision-making activities such as market research or personnel that will support outreach activities, feasibility studies, financial analysis, business/strategic planning, development of proformas and business financials, staff training, financial or development consultants, project management, marketing & advertisement (including online and print), etc; Construction pre-development activities, capital campaign planning, or development of technology (i.e. build out of a website) that will operationalize the next phase of the project. | For -profit business enterprises and public benefit corporations involved in the selling, processing, or distribution of food products | $125,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | help@investinginfood.com | Grants may not be used for brick and mortar facility development (soft costs only) | Link to Funder |
| America's Healthy Food Financing Initiative | Food Access and Retail Expansion Fund | Competitive grants and technical assistance will be available for eligible food retail and food retail supply chain projects in the predevelopment and implementation stages. Grant awards will be up to $250,000 for implementation and up to $100,000 for early-stage planning, predevelopment, and technical assistance. Loans to eligible projects may range between $500,000-$5,000,000. Loans may be paired with technical assistance or a grant to strengthen the viability of the project. Funding is designed to support catalytic projects that aren't able to access traditional financing and may be used for predevelopment activities, equipment, construction hard costs, acquisition of land or buildings, and other one-time soft costs such as community engagement and environmental assessment. | Eligible applicant entities include for-profit business enterprises (including a corporation, limited liability company, sole proprietor, public benefit corporation); cooperatively-owned businesses; tax-exempt nonprofit corporations; institutions of higher education; state and local governments and governmental agencies, authorities, commissions and food policy councils; tribal governments and tribal governmental agencies, authorities, and food policy councils. | $250,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | help@investinginfood.com | Link to Funder | |
| Women|Future Conference | Women-Owned Business Pitch Competition | Hundreds of ambitious women business leaders, entrepreneurs, and executives from around the world gather virtually at the annual Women|Future Conference in November. The Women|Future Conference is a professional and personal development, learning, networking, and mentorship conference hosted by the Stevie® Awards. | Women-owned companies founded in November 2019 or later | Varies | Rolling | Help | help+conference@stevieawards.com | Link to Funder | |
| The DejaVu Show and HerSuiteSpot | The Hustler's Microgrant | Are you a passionate entrepreneur with big dreams and a small business in need of support? Deja Vu Parker of WBLS, in collaboration with HerSuiteSpot, proudly presents the Hustler’s MicroGrant – a remarkable opportunity for small business owners like you to receive the boost you deserve. With applications open each month, the process is straightforward and dynamic. | Small business owners in the U.S. | $500,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | hersuitespot.com/contact-us | Applications reviewed and awarded monthly | Link to Funder |
| Siete Foods | Siete Juntos Fund grant | At the Siete Juntos Fund, we strive to empower and support Latino communities to build a more equitable and prosperous future for all. This year, we are awarding a total of $300,000 to Latino-owned food and beverage establishments across the country. One recipient will be awarded $75,000; one recipient will be awarded $50,000; and one recipient will be awarded $25,000. The remaining $150,000 will be distributed to up to recipients, with no prize less than $10,000 per business. Funds may be used for any business purpose. | At least 50% Latino/Latina owned food/beverage business (includes restaurants, food trucks, shop, bakery, coffee shop, ice cream/smoothie/paleta shop, food stand or popup, caterers); with annual revenue between $50K and $2M | $75,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | hola@sietefoods.com | Link to Funder | |
| The Balsa Foundation | Balsa Grant | The BALSA Grant is designed for first-time St. Louis entrepreneurs wanting to start or grow their early stage business in St. Louis. Applications are welcomed from all business sectors, and from non-profit as well as for-profit organizations. Applications are accepted twice per year in January and July. | St Louis, Missouri-based entrepreneurs | $10,000 | Rolling | Contact Us | http://www.balsafoundation.org/contact | Link to Funder | |
| Fifteen Percent Pledge | Pitch 15 Award | The purpose of this grant is to provide emerging businesses with no-strings-attached access to capital. We hope to give underrepresented, female entrepreneurs the opportunity to grow their business, and continue our mission of building an ecosystem where more businesses can thrive. Business must only use grant dollars towards marketing, manufacturing and R&D. | Must be a member of our Business Equity Community; annual revenue between $100K and $1M; between 2-10 employees, including the founder;at least 51% female ownership; must sell a product or good - a CPG product that is NOT in the Beauty Category (skincare, makeup, hair care, body care, nail care, fragrance, wellness products such as supplements, ingestibles, and nutritional powders); business must foster inclusivity and showcase community impact by pushing against systemic infrastructures that have not prioritized unique consumer needs | $200,000 | Rolling | Contact Us | https://15percentpledge.org/contact | Applicants must first create, update, or complete their business profile in our Business Equity Community in order to access award application questions. The application will be open for four weeks. A review committee will select semi-finalists, and the winner will be selected through public voting. Before you get started on the application, we recommend reviewing a resource document we created for you to submit your strongest application: Application tips and resources. | Link to Funder |
| Fifteen Percent Pledge, in partnership with a16z Cultural Leadership Fund (CLF) and Hartbeat Ventures | AI Illumination Grant | Fifteen Percent Pledge is thrilled to launch the AI Illumination Grant, in partnership with the a16z Cultural Leadership Fund (CLF) and Hartbeat Ventures. The AI Illumination Grant is a program designed to educate Black-owned businesses on how AI can be a game-changing tool for growth and innovation. We know AI can seem intimidating, but these dynamic webinars will break it down and empower you to embrace this powerful technology with confidence. Following the educational programming, attendees will be invited to apply for a first-of-its-kind grant. Two applicants will win a share of a $35,000 total grant pool to supercharge their businesses. Don’t miss this opportunity to transform the unknown into fuel for success! | Member of the Fifteen Percent Pledge's Business Equity Community E-commerce business in any category selling a unique physical product; Black-owned: At least one self-identifying Black person with 50% or more equity in the company; Between 1-15 employees, including the founder; Attend a minimum of 1 of 2 webinars. There is no minimum revenue requirement for this grant. | $20,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | https://15percentpledge.org/contact | Link to Funder | |
| 1871 | BLKtech Pitch Competition | Get the funding and support you need to drive your business forward by pitching your startup in our 3-round pitching competition. Top 5 finalists will pitch for the chance to receive investments and services from some of the leading venture firms and corporations in the nation. | Black early stage tech founders; must have some customer traction; must not have closed a series A funding round | Varies | Rolling | Contact Us | https://1871.com/event/blktech-pitch-competition/ | Link to Funder | |
| AgeTech Collaborative and AARP | AgeTech Pitch Competition | The AgeTech Collaborative is seeking tech solutions that support aging in place for a home environment, including but not limited to: Remote care, Social connection, Sleep management, Chronic care management, Monitoring, Mobility, and more. You'll have up to 5 minutes to pitch your startup in front of a live panel of industry experts, followed by 3 minutes Q&A. Startups selected to pitch may be invited to join the AgeTech Collaborative accelerator program, where they can expect hands-on mentorship by a team with years of experience building and creating solutions for the 50+ audience. This is a virtual competition. | Early stage startups with a solution that enables people to age in place with confidence; preferably a product in market | Varies | Rolling | Contact Us | https://agetechcollaborative.org/contact-us/ | Link to Funder | |
| AARP | AgeTech Collaborative™ | Does your solution: enable mobility; support financial resilience, promote social connections, foster emotional wellness, empower those caring for a loved one, promote physical health? Eight winners will receive a cash prize of $10,000. Startups selected to pitch may be invited to join the AgeTech Collaborative accelerator program, where they can expect hands-on mentorship by a team with years of experience building and creating solutions for the 50+ audience. Pitch will take place on 6/11/24 at Fairmont San Francisco. | Early stage startups with a product catering to and aging population and encouraging health and wellness, preferably with a product in market | $10,000 | Rolling | Contact Us | https://agetechcollaborative.org/contact-us/ | Link to Funder | |
| AgeTech Collaborative from AARP | AgeTech Open Mic Challenge | You'll have up to 3 minutes to pitch your startup in front of a live panel of industry experts. The panel will have 5 minutes to ask you questions. Startups may be invited to join the AgeTech Collaborative accelerator and receive hands-on mentorship by a team with years of experience building and creating solutions for the 50+ audience. Innovation should be solving a problem in the AgeTech market, such as financial resiliency, healthcare, accessibility, caregiving and other areas in the longevity space. | Startups headquartered in the United States; MVP; less than $1 million in annual revenue; raised less than $15 million in investments | $25,000 | Rolling | Contact Us | https://agetechcollaborative.org/contact-us/ | AgeTech Collaborative hosts a Pitch Event or Open Mic Challenge nearly every month of the year. | Link to Funder |
| AI for Good Foundation | AI + Innovative Healthcare | Our AI & Innovative Health program falls within the Intelligent Cities Project. Our team works with municipalities globally to assess and implement the sustainable use of AI. In addition to our Intelligent City Assessments, we speak internationally and convene seminars on timely issues affecting AI and innovative healthcare. Topics include: accessibility, bias, private-public partnerships, and feasible roll-out of AI applications. | a researcher or fellow non-profit working on the UN’s health-related SDGs | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | https://ai4good.org/contact/ | Link to Funder | |
| Ascender | Latine Mini-Grant | Ascender is providing mini-grants, ranging from $500 – $5,000, to Latine-owned startups and small businesses in Allegheny County, PA. We are also awarding (1) mini-grant of $500 to an aspiring Latine youth entrepreneur. To qualify, local business owners must complete a quick form and submit a 2-minute video for a chance to win a mini-grant to use toward a future growth goal. | Must be based and headquartered in Allegheny County Pennsylvania; for-profit business actively operating and majority-owned (51%) by a Latine entrepreneur; Revenue-generating company that raised/earned between $0–$400K (funding or revenue) in 2023; Tech or Non-Tech; between 1 – 10 employees (including part-time and contract staff) | $5,000 | Rolling | General Enquiries | https://ascenderpgh.com/contact/ | Confirm that your business is eligible. Review the video guidelines and record your best 2-minute video (in English or Spanish). Hit the “Submit Video Button” to complete a quick form and share a link to your video. | Link to Funder |
| University of Connecticut | UConn I-Corps Program | Offers up to $3,000 in seed funding for research teams and customer discovery support. Teams can be recommended for the national program. | Open to faculty, students, and researchers affiliated with the University | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | https://ccei.uconn.edu/programs/accelerate-uconn/ | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| NASA Tech Briefs Magazine | Create the Future Design Contest | The Create the Future Design Contest was launched by the publishers of NASA Tech Briefs magazine to help stimulate and reward engineering innovation. The annual event has attracted more than 12,000 product design ideas from engineers, entrepreneurs, and students worldwide. Winning entries will be selected an independent panel of judges on the basis of three criteria: innovation, feasibility/manufacturability, and marketability. The selection of the grand prize and category winners is solely based on the scores of an independent industry panel, however, there will be additional prizes for the People's Choice (based on popular vote). You do not need a prototype to enter. | Entrepreneurs, scientists, engineers or students (individuals or teams) from anywhere with tech innovations that can make a difference in in the world | $25,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | https://contest.techbriefs.com/faqs#contactus | Topics: Aerospace/defense; automotive/transportation; electronics; manufacturing and materials; medical (devices and systems); robotics and automation; sustainable technology (environmentally friendly) | Link to Funder |
| Transform | The Transform Business Grant | TRANSFORM is actively anti capitalist and anti racist, continually working to identify and dismantle oppressive systems of power. Funding should not be the reason you sacrifice your business idea or your professional development. We offer growth-focused wealth redistribution grants of $1,000 to anticapitalist businesses led by social impact focused individuals. In addition to funding, grantees participate in a customized year-long growth-based mentorship program, which includes access to pro bono services from a roster of experts in branding, coaching, skill-based learning, marketing, and more. The TRANSFORM Business Grant is designed to support individuals in systematically marginalized groups who are making social impact and demonstrate financial need. This includes, but is not limited to, BIPOC individuals, individuals who have a disability, formerly incarcerated individuals, and queer, trans, and nonbinary folks. | Individuals and teams/groups located in the United States, regardless of citizenship or immigration status, are welcome to apply; preference given to individuals who demonstrate financial need, which we define as not being able to get the things you need with the resources that you have. | $1,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | https://corporate.charter.com/form/contact | Please note: Recipients of The TRANSFORM Business Grant will receive a 1099-MISC for the grant. TRANSFORM does not have the capacity or expertise to consult or advise in medicinal or clinical practices. Business activities focused in these areas cannot be considered for the grant at this time. | Link to Funder |
| Spectrum | Pay it Forward | Since launching Pay It Forward, Spectrum Reach has invested more than $50 million in advertising and resources, and has helped over 2,200 underserved business owners in 36 states. Businesses range from local coffee shops and restaurants to daycare facilities and law firms—all getting critical support to help their business thrive, including free advertising and creative services, mentoring, and educational resources. The program awards grant packages to local businesses nationwide. These grants include: Complimentary traditional TV and streaming ad campaigns, Creative services, Educational resources, Business-building mentoring and insights. | For-profit business operating in a Spectrum designated market area; legally registered and in operation at least one year; must not have advertised with Spectrum Reach in past 13 months; The participating DMAs include Albany, Alpena, Austin, Bolivar, Buffalo, Central NY, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Dayton, Dyer, Evansville, Flint, Greensboro, Greenville, Ashville, Honolulu, Huntsville, Kansas City, Lexington, Los Angeles, Louisville, Marquette, Myrtle Beach, Milwaukee, Montgomery, New York City, Orlando, Paducah, Raleigh, Rochester, St. Louis, Southwest Ohio, Tampa, Tuscaloosa, and Terre Haute. | $15,000 | 12/31/2026 | General Inquiries | https://corporate.charter.com/form/contact | Link to Funder | |
| Dow | Dow Venture Capital | Dow pursues strategic investments in attractive startups around the world that enable Dow's business growth and value in specialty chemicals, advanced materials and plastics. Dow Venture Capital invests across multiple business segments and markets encompassing materials science, catalysis, silicone and polymer science, process and high-throughput technologies, analytical science and toxicology. | Startups from anywhere working in chemical or material science | varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | https://corporate.dow.com/en-us/collaborations/venture-capital/contact.html | Submissions should not disclose any proprietary or confidential information. Dow does not accept any obligation of confidentiality with regard to information submitted during the initial screening process. | Link to Funder |
| Tory Burch Foundation | Sports Fellowship | One woman founder in the sports industry will receive access to the flagship Tory Burch Fellows program, which includes a $5,000 grant along with educational and networking opportunities | Woman founder - company must be: For profit, from any industry; Majority (51% or more) owned and controlled by women; Generating minimum of $75,000 annually. There is no maximum revenue requirement. Formed under United States law and operating in the United States | $5,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | https://fellows.toryburchfoundation.org/helpdesk/ | Link to Funder | |
| Foresight Institute | Foresight Institute's AI Safety Grant | We seek to fund work that enables rigorous defense—including AI-automated red-teaming and vulnerability discovery, formal verification of critical infrastructure, and scalable cryptographic technologies that distribute trust, decentralized control, and ensure accountability. We are seeking project proposals within four underexplored areas: Security technologies for AI-relevant systems; Neurotechnology to integrate with or compete against AGI; Safe multi-agent scenarios; Automating research and forecasting.We especially welcome proposals that: Focus on practical implementation and efficiency gains to get to performance at AI scale. Create a decentralized infrastructure that distributes trust and prevents unhealthy concentration of control. Leverage AI to automate the defense pipeline and keep up to speed with increasingly AI-supported offense. Take inspiration from disciplines across security engineering and cryptography, to develop new, innovative AI governance and cooperation solutions. | Individuals, teams, and organizations working on projects aligned with one or more of our focus areas. We accept grants from for-profits, but for-profits should be prepared to explain why they need grant funding. | Varies | 12/31/2026 | General Inquiries | https://foresight.org/contact/ | Applications are accepted year round, but the cut-off dates for quarterly review are March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31. Grants typically range from $10,000 to over $300,000, but we do not set fixed minimums or maximums. Applicants should request the amount they believe is appropriate, supported by a clear budget and scope. | Link to Funder |
| Foresight Institute | Foresight Institute's AI Safety Grant | We seek to fund work that enables rigorous defense—including AI-automated red-teaming and vulnerability discovery, formal verification of critical infrastructure, and scalable cryptographic technologies that distribute trust, decentralized control, and ensure accountability. We are seeking project proposals within four underexplored areas: Security technologies for AI-relevant systems; Neurotechnology to integrate with or compete against AGI; Safe multi-agent scenarios; Automating research and forecasting.We especially welcome proposals that: Focus on practical implementation and efficiency gains to get to performance at AI scale. Create a decentralized infrastructure that distributes trust and prevents unhealthy concentration of control. Leverage AI to automate the defense pipeline and keep up to speed with increasingly AI-supported offense. Take inspiration from disciplines across security engineering and cryptography, to develop new, innovative AI governance and cooperation solutions. | Individuals, teams, and organizations working on projects aligned with one or more of our focus areas. We accept grants from for-profits, but for-profits should be prepared to explain why they need grant funding. | Varies | 10/31/2026 | General Inquiries | https://foresight.org/contact/ | Applications are accepted year round, but the cut-off dates for quarterly review are March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31. Grants typically range from $10,000 to over $300,000, but we do not set fixed minimums or maximums. Applicants should request the amount they believe is appropriate, supported by a clear budget and scope. | Link to Funder |
| Fort Worth Food and Wine Foundation | Kirkpatrick Visionary Award | The award includes individual grants to support bold projects that elevate both the person applying as well as the North Texas culinary ecosystem as a whole. This program is designed to fund trailblazing and inventive ideas, not just startups — including product lines, strategic pivots, community programming, or expansions within existing businesses — all rooted in creativity, feasibility, and community impact. | Culinary professional, artisan, producer, or food/beverage business serving the Fort Worth area; residing or operating in Tarrant, Parker, Hood, Somervell, Johnson, Palo Pinto, Denton, Wise, or Dallas; Have operated for at least 3 years prior to application, or be launching a new initiative within an existing business; Must not have received FWFWF grant funding within the past 2 years. | $5,000 | 12/31/2026 | General Inquiries | https://fwfwf.org/contact/ | Two rounds per year | Link to Funder |
| Google for Startups Black Founders Fund | In addition to non-dilutive capital, recipients of the fund receive wrap-around support from both Goodie Nation and Google For Startups in the form of network connections, high-value content, Google Ad/Cloud credits, and marketing opportunities to help them advance their companies. | Member of a group underrepresented in tech with a scalable startup and less than $3M in revenue or funding | $100,000 | Rolling | Contact Us | https://goodienation.org/contact/ | Link to Funder | ||
| Fuel on Fire | Pitch Competition | Fuel on Fire is a live pitch competition designed to empower Black-owned, for-profit businesses in Kent County with capital, expert support, and visibility. It is a high-energy showcase where seven standout founders pitch their growth plans to a panel of Black business leaders, investors, and industry pros—plus a live audience that helps crown our crowd favorite. | Majority Black-owned, for-profit businesses (51% ownership interest) that: Has operated 2+ years; has average $30,000+ annual revenue (verify via financials/P&L); is registered in Michigan and in Good Standing; located in Kent County; can clearly communication how funds + services will fuel business for continued traction; must be in the early-mid stages and generating revenue (less than $1 million). | $5,000 | 11/11/2026 | General Inquiries | https://grabblocal.com/fuelonfire/ | Link to Funder | |
| Gusto | Gusto Impact Awards | The Gusto Impact Awards celebrate and support small businesses and the communities they serve. Tell us how your small business makes an impact and you could be our next winner. Entries will be judged on mission of business, strength of story, community impact, impact of grant on business and employees. | Small businesses in Atlanta GA; Austin TX or Orlando FL; 75 employees or fewer; less than $7M in revenue | $10,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | https://gusto.com/impact-award-contest | Link to Funder | |
| eBay | eBay Up & Running Grant | eBay is giving back to the small businesses powering America. In partnership with Hello Alice, eBay is awarding more than $500,000 in grants and education resources to help small businesses stay up and running. The eBay Up & Running Grant program will award 50 eBay business sellers with grant packages of $10,000, including cash, eBay education, and a $500 stipend sellers can use to equip themselves with essential office technology from eBay Refurbished. | eBay sellers | $10,000 | Rolling | Contact Us | https://helloalice.com/about/contact/ | Link to Funder | |
| Venmo | Venmo Small Business Grant | Tell us your story, and you could get $20k to fund your future. We started the Venmo Small Business Grant to help small business owners make big things happen—especially those who may face additional barriers to economic growth. To help level the playing field, we're giving 10 businesses the money and mentorship they need to reach the next level of success. Special consideration will be given to business owners from historically underrepresented communities. | U.S.-based small business that is (i) is active and has sold at least $500 worth of goods or services within the 3 months prior to this program; and (ii) employs 10 employees or less with less than $50k in annual sales. | $20,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | https://help.venmo.com/hc/en-us/requests/new?ticket_form_id=624807&tf_21125278682899=formNavFooter | Link to Funder | |
| Her Agenda | Breakthrough Grant Volume IV | Her Agenda's fourth Breakthrough Grant awards $5,000 to a woman entrepreneur operating a business and pursuing a meaningful growth milestone. The community-funded opportunity is open for applications through January 19, 2027, and a newsletter subscription is required. | Woman entrepreneur with a currently operating business, in any industry or growth stage, subscribed to the Her Agenda newsletter. See official rules for geographical requirements. | $5,000 | 01/19/2027 | General Inquiries | https://heragenda.com/p/become-a-contributor-for-her-agenda/ | Volume IV applications close January 19, 2027; the general application fee is $25, or $12.50 for INSIDER members, and a Her Agenda newsletter subscription is mandatory. The public announcement does not specify an equity stake or IP assignment. | Link to Funder |
| Comcast | Comcast Rise | The Comcast RISE grant supports small businesses owned by women and people of color through marketing consultations, media campaigns, and technology upgrades. The program offers services like TV advertising, creative production, and financial grants to help businesses grow and thrive. The initiative aims to provide long-term support to foster equitable access to resources for small businesses. | Underrepresented founders in the service area | $5,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | https://innovationfund.comcast.com/ | Link to Funder | |
| The Irresistible Application Workshop | High Five Grant | This year, the High Five Grant is awarding more than $30,000 in cash and services to eight hardworking mom entrepreneurs. Give yourself a shot at our $10,000 grand prize by reserving your spot at this Thursday's free workshop and applying for our grant. | Mom entrepreneurs that register for the workshop | $10,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | https://irresistibleworkshop.com/contact | Link to Funder | |
| Johnson and Johnson | Mental Health Innovation QuickFire Challenge | Johnson & Johnson Innovation and Impact Ventures by J&J Foundation invites innovators to submit novel precision neuroscience and digital health approaches that both aim to advance health equity and transform mental healthcare in the United States and beyond (with particular interest in Brazil, India, and Kenya) through the Amplifying Access to Mental Health Innovation QuickFire Challenge. The innovator(s) with the best potential solutions will receive grant funding from a total of up to $300K, virtual access to the global Johnson & Johnson Innovation - JLABS network, and mentorship from experts across Johnson & Johnson for one year. Specific disease areas of interest include: Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia. | Companies from anywhere globally with a technology or platform that will advance health equity; may be any stage but must be validated through data and proof of concept; company must be incorporated or have plans to incorporate | $300,000 | Rolling | Contact Us | https://jnjinnovation.com/connect-with-us#faq | Link to Funder | |
| Johnson and Johnson | Pitching ADC Advancements QuickFire Challenge | Challenge. Innovators from across the globe are invited to submit preclinical or clinical stage novel, differentiated ADCs targeting bladder cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer and/or hematologic malignancies. The innovators with the best ideas will have the opportunity to showcase their science to Johnson & Johnson’s Innovative Medicine Oncology R&D leaders in a series of closed-door virtual pitch sessions. | Preclinical or clinical stage novel, differentiated ADCs with superior safety and efficacy against validated and novel targets in bladder cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer and/or hematologic malignancies. Specific technologies of interest include:- Novel and tumor-specific antigen binders- Novel bioconjugation processes- Novel linker and payloads | Varies | Rolling | Contact Us | https://jnjinnovation.com/connect-with-us#faq | Link to Funder | |
| Technology Association of Georgia | Fintech South Innovation Challenge | The Fintech South Innovation Award is an annual prize orchestrated by the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) that recognizes innovative U.S. fintech startups located in Georgia.Startups are selected from the eligible applicants to participate in a four week Education and Mentoring program and compete as part of a “pitch night” with three finalists selected to present their innovation at Fintech South. The winner of the Fintech South Innovation Challenge receives: $25,000 cash award; Admission into the ATDC Accelerate program for one year free of charge. | Fintech companies headquartered in or founders located in Georgia; raised no more than $1.5 million in funding (equity and/or debt); preference for applicants to have a functional prototype of innovation concept | $25,000 | Rolling | Contact Us | https://members.tagonline.org/contact | Applications typically due in July | Link to Funder |
| Milken Institute and Motsepe Foundation | Milken-Motsepe Prize in FinTech | The purpose of the Milken-Motsepe Prize in FinTech is to award companies that demonstrate the use of cutting-edge technologies to expand access to capital and financial services for small businesses in emerging markets. This innovation award offers $2 million in total prizes, this includes a $1 million Grand Prize. An independent panel of judges will select 10 companies to progress as semi finalists. Each semifinalist will receive $100,000 to develop their fintech solution further. Three will progress as finalists to compete for $1M. Participating companies will also gain access to networking and pitching opportunities. | FinTech innovators operating in Africa's manufacturing sector | $1,000,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | https://milkenmotsepeprize.org/contact-us/ | Link to Funder | |
| MNSBIR, Inc. | MN Cup Pitch Competition | MN Cup is the largest statewide startup competition in the country. This completely FREE program supports Minnesota entrepreneurs by offering critical feedback from industry experts, mentorship from experienced community members, opportunities for networking, and a chance at $400,000 in seed funding. Divisions: Education & Training, Energy/Cleantech/Water, Food/And/Beverage, General, High Tech, Life Science/Health IT, Impact Ventures, Student, Youth. | Any Minnesota-based startup with less than $1 million in annual revenue is eligible to apply | Varies | 04/03/2027 | Contact Us | https://minnesotasbir.org/contact/ | Link to Funder | |
| Microsoft, Neighborhood Nip Foundation & Earn Your Leisure | Nipsey Hussle Business Grant: $100,000 Invest Fest Pitch Competition | Invest Fest returns with a bang! This year, brace yourselves for our inaugural Nipsey Hussle Business Grant: $100,000 Invest Fest Pitch Competition. Along our journey, we've encountered remarkable entrepreneurs charting their course with unwavering purpose and commitment to excellence. Now, through our partnership with Microsoft and The Marathon were primed to award $125,000 to one outstanding entrepreneur to fuel their business ambitions. Open Pitch will take place live at Invest Fest in Atlanta from August 7th – 9th, 2026. The winning startup receives a $125,000 investment in exchange for 7% equity in the company. 6% via a YCombinator style SAFE and 1% equity grant to Earn Your Leisure. | Early-stage tech founders at any point in the building process. Whether you've launched a product, built an MVP, or are just starting to show traction, we want to hear from you ; Must be an Invest Fest ticket holder; Must create an Instagram video explaining your business and how the award can help | $125,000.00 | TBA | General Inquiries | https://investfest.com/contact/ | Requires 7% equity | Link to Funder |
| Reality Capture Network (RCN) | RCN Ignite Pitch Contest | Reality Capture Network proudly invites visionary startups to apply for RCN Ignite– a pioneering pitch competition showcasing the most disruptive technologies in reality capture (architecture, engineering, construction, surveying, and mapping technologies). Finalists will pitch live at the R-CON Conference in Boise, Idaho to a panel of industry experts and investors. This main stage event provides finalists unparalleled exposure and opportunities to connect with potential clients, partners, and investors. Participants will compete for $50,000 in prize value, including at least $25,000 in cash. | Early-stage startups with disruptive technologies in the Reality Capture sector (architecture, engineering, construction, surveying, mapping); less than $1M in revenue; selling or intending to sell their product or service in the United States | $50,000 | Rolling | Contact Us | https://realitycapturenetwork.com/contact/ | Link to Funder | |
| The Road Ahead Partnership | Route 66 Extraordinary Women Micro-Grant Program | The Route 66 Extraordinary Women Micro-Grant program is part of the Road Ahead Partnership efforts to celebrate the upcoming Route 66 Centennial by helping the millions of people who live, work, and travel the Mother Road. Goals of the Route 66 Extraordinary Women Micro-Grant program include: Keeping women owned or operated Route 66 businesses and attractions in operation; Helping women owned or operated Route 66 businesses and attractions reopen; Preserving, restoring, and/or expanding women owned or operated Route 66 businesses and attractions, per Secretary of the Interior's Standards; Helping open new, women owned or operated Route 66 businesses and attractions. | Wholly or majority (at least 51%) women-owned or women-operated, physically located on a Route 66 alignment (i.e., a “brick-and-mortar” location) and/or operate in a Route 66 neighborhood or community, employ fewer than 20 full-time employees (including the company owners), have 5 locations or less. | Varies | Rolling | Contact Us | https://roadahead.route66centennial.org/index.php/contact | Link to Funder | |
| Rural Innovation Alliance | Delta Innovator Search | The Delta Innovator Search launched in May 2023 with funding from the NSF's Regional Innovation Engines program to develop new businesses, innovative technologies, creative workforce development programs and inclusive wealth creation in the Delta. Finalists could receive awards of $20,000, $10,000, and $5,000 to support their initiative, in addition to gaining access to networking support and additional funding opportunities. semifinalists will be invited to participate in a virtual incubator experience in August; finalists will present to the Rural Innovation Alliance and its partners at a showcase and awards banquet. | Small businesses, entrepreneurs, students, faculty, or teams from Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana or Tennessee OR that demonstrate authentic partnership with an organization from the area, with ideas that could improve health outcomes and grow the economy of the Delta | $20,000 | Rolling | Contact Us | https://ruralinnovationalliance.org/contact/ | Link to Funder | |
| She Makes We | She Makes We Pitch Competition | This virtual pitch competition will provide a platform for business owners to showcase their businesses and compete for a chance to secure a $25,000 grant. Join this incredible opportunity to showcase your groundbreaking ideas and win $25,000 to boost your business growth. | Women business owners | $25,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | https://shemakeswe.com/contact/ | Link to Funder | |
| Shockwave Medical | Investigator-Sponsored Research | Research applications are submitted through our research portal and evaluated after confirming that the required information is provided. Our goal is to provide feedback to high-level but complete study proposals before significant time is invested. An internal committee will review new applications monthly and communicate their decision via the portal. | Innovators, researchers | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | https://shockwavemedical.com/en-eu/about/contact/ | Link to Funder | |
| Springboard | Round Three | Round 3 of Springboard Now Open: Springboard awards cash prizes up to $25K to organizations that help grow the entrepreneurial landscape in Buffalo, Rochester, and the Southern Tier of New York State. If you have a product, service, initiative, or program that helps companies or entrepreneurs, you're probably eligible! A total of $600,000 will be awarded, with dozens of organizations receiving prizes. | Innovative small businesses with less than $2,000,000 in gross revenue in the Buffalo, New York area | $25,000 | Rolling | Contact Us | https://springboardny.org/about/#contact | Link to Funder | |
| DFinity | Developer Grants Program | The Developer Grants Program aims to catalyze the growth of the Internet Computer ecosystem and make the Internet Computer accessible and approachable to more developers around the world by providing support to promising developers and teams. | Anyone | Varies | Rolling | Help Desk | https://support.dfinity.org/hc/en-us/requests/new | We are currently offering three funding tiers, and ask you to craft your application and scope of work accordingly: $5,000, $25,000, $100,000 (NOTE: These are generally available as a follow-on to a smaller grant.) | Link to Funder |
| Google for Startups | Google for Startups Founders Funds | The Google for Startups Founders Funds provide cash awards — without giving up equity in return — and hands-on support to help Black and Latino entrepreneurs build and grow their businesses. | Diverse companies with at least one underrepresented founder on their founding team; Between Pre-seed and Series A; Scalable product or service with a significant total addressable market and defensible growth model | Varies | Rolling | Contact Us | https://support.google.com/ | Link to Funder | |
| Olga Loizon Memorial Foundation | Olga Loizon Memorial Foundation Grant | Our mission is to provide assistance to aspiring women entrepreneurs who exemplify the same passion, ambition and vision as Olga Loizon, pioneer and founder of Olga's Kitchen. Applicants will be required to complete an application on the Olga’s website. Incomplete applications will not be processed. Following the submission deadline, our foundation team will review each application for eligibility. Grants are available for up to $10,000. | women entrepreneurs in the food industry | $10,000 | Rolling | Contact Us | https://teamschostak.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6EevqvxGvUo7b8O | Link to Funder | |
| Service First Foundation (TFX Capital) | Veteran Startup Showcase Pitch Competition | The Service First Foundation (SFF) is the non-profit arm of TFX Capital with a mission to support service-driven entrepreneurs through programs and events, grants, and network connectivity. The Service First Veteran Startup Showcase is an annual competition featuring pre-vetted, early-stage SaaS startups founded by servant-driven Veteran & Intelligence Community leaders. Since its inception, the Showcase has featured 40 early-stage startups and dispersed over $437,500 in non-dilutive cash grants. All finalists receive 1:1 mentorship, coaching, and introductions to potential investors and customers. First prize is $75,000, second prize is $12,500. | Startups founded by veterans of the military or the National Security/intelligence community | $75,000 | TBA | Contact Us | https://tfxcap.com/contact/ | Link to Funder | |
| The Graph | The Graph grants program | The Graph grants program is a gateway for contributing to web3. Grants are awarded for protocol, tooling, subgraph and dapp development, and growth initiatives. Check out past efforts funded by the community treasury. | Anyone | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | https://thegraph.typeform.com/applynow | Link to Funder | |
| The Mama Ladder International | High Five for Moms Grant | Since 2018, The Mama Ladder has helped mom business owners build confidence, clarity, and community through the #HighFiveGrant program. We're giving $38,500 in grants to 24 deserving mom business owners. | Woman Owned Small Business | $38,500 | 09/30/2027 | General Inquiries | https://themamaladder.com/contact | Link to Funder | |
| Watson Institute | BMO Fellowship | The BMO Fellowship is a fully-funded venture and leadership program designed to provide comprehensive support to highly promising, diverse sustainability entrepreneurs and leaders. It offers award-winning training in entrepreneurship, sustainability, and leadership to help advance their sustainability-focused ventures and actively contribute to solving their communities’ most pressing challenges. This Fellowship is specifically intended for individuals from historically underserved communities within BMO’s reach who possess lived experience with the challenges they are determined to address | BIPOC, woman, or Native American/Indigenous entrepreneur; with a sustainability-focused social impact venture; Ideally in the space of environmental sustainability; ideally in the Problem-Solution Fit or Product-Market Fit phases, with engaged customers or beneficiaries, and demonstrated outcomes in both impact and revenue; located in Midwest U.S. | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | https://watson.is/contact-watson-institute/ | Link to Funder | |
| 49th State Angel Fund (49SAF) | 49SAF’s Co-Investment Fund | 49SAF will match investment into qualifying Alaska-based companies, taking an “index fund” approach to Alaska firms receiving equity funding. | Alaska-based businesses receiving equity funding | $400,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | https://www.49saf.com/contact-us | Link to Funder | |
| Alaska Center for Excellence in Journalism | Alaska Center for Excellence in Journalism | We invest in Alaska’s media landscape by funding independent journalists and collaborative reporting efforts. Our grants support both individual projects and larger media collaborations. Additionally, we strengthen the future of journalism in the state by funding training programs through the Alaska Press Club and the University of Alaska Anchorage Department of Journalism and Public Communications. | Journalists in Alaska | $25,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | https://www.akjournalism.org/contact-us | Link to Funder | |
| ATT | She's Connected Grant | She’s Connected by AT&T is marking a 3-year milestone of showcasing inspiring women who are paving the way for the next generation and to celebrate, we want to hear your small business story. One grand prize winner will receive $20,000 to go towards their small business and one full year of AT&T service with a brand new device. | Women-owned businesses, 50 employees or fewer | $20,000 | TBA | Contact Us | https://www.att.com/support/contact-us/ | Link to Funder | |
| Bristol Myers Squibb | Science and Technology Areas of Interest | We provide support across all phases of development spanning both interventional and non-interventional research. Independent research may be defined within the industry as Investigator Sponsored Research (ISR), Investigator Initiated Research (IIR), Investigator Sponsored Trials (IST) or Investigator Initiated Trials (IIT). Proposals must align with BMS's research areas like oncology, hematology, cardiovascular, immunology, neuroscience, cell therapy, translational medicine, digital innovation, and research technologies and must demonstrate significant scientific innovation and potential impact on patient care. | Open to academic institutions, research organizations, and biotechnology companies. Focus: Preference for collaborations that can advance scientific discoveries and translational research. | Varies | Rolling | Contact us | https://www.bms.com/about-us/contact-us.html | Link to Funder | |
| Braze | Tech for an Equitable Future | Tech for an Equitable Future aims to remove barriers for underrepresented founders by providing their companies 12 months of free access to the Braze platform and supporting services. Previously known as Tech for Black Founders, this initiative was created to address the statistic that only 1% of venture capital funds in the US went to Black founders | Underrepresented-founded companies, including those with Black and women founders in APAC, EMEA, and North America; bootstrapped business or less than $30M in venture funding; under 100 employees; and compatible SDK and appropriate engineering and marketing resources | Varies | 01/15/2027 | General Inquiries | https://www.braze.com/company/contact | This is not a typical grant but rather a a free Core package for 12 months with: Unlimited Push Notifications, and In-App/In-Browser messaging for up to 250,000 Monthly Active Users, 10M emails and two IP addresses, 1 Currents Connector - Messaging Events integration, and access to our SDKs and APIs; Onboarding services and over 25 hours of educational content to get you up and running; A dedicated Customer Success Manager and free Braze certifications; Access to a private digital community space to network with and learn from fellow founders in the program; An opportunity to renew at discounted rates pending business qualifications at time of renewal. | Link to Funder |
| Builders + Backers | Builders + Backers | From pre-seed funding to seed and growth stage investments, we take highly promising ideas to their full global potential. We start with $5,000 in non-dilutive Pebble Funds to thousands of idea-stage Builders. They run low-fidelity experiments through a distributed venture studio model. For the most promising ideas, we make seed investments between $25—$100K to help with growth and scale, and we continue to fund the ventures that demonstrate breakout success. | Washington DC based seed series companies | $100,000 | Rolling | Contact Us | https://www.buildersandbackers.com/contact | Link to Funder | |
| Build in Tulsa | Product Pitch Night | Build in Tulsa invites you to our most inventive pitch competition yet. Ready to take your startup to the next level? Join us for Build in Tulsa's Product Pitch Night! Join us as emerging product-based founders from Tulsa take the stage to showcase their solutions, their startups. | Startup must be based in Tulsa, OKTech or tech-enabled product-based companyIn the idea or early stage (less than 5 years old) | $20,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | https://www.buildintulsa.com/marketing/build-in-tulsa-contact-form | Link to Funder | |
| CASPER | The Casper Accelerate Grant Program | This fund will provide grant support for innovation in areas affecting the Casper ecosystem infrastructure, as well as decentralized applications (dApps), DeFi, and Gaming & NFT projects which solely focus on the Casper Network and Casper-specific crypto research. | The Casper Accelerate Grant Program has been created to exclusively support projects and developers building on the Casper Public Mainnet to grow and secure the Casper Network. | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | https://www.casper.network/contact | Link to Funder | |
| Cemex Ventures and Black & Veatch | Construction Startup Competition | We are looking for the best solutions related to: Sustainability (decarbonization, circular business models, waste/recycling, alternative fuels and energy, sustainable materials, water conservation, environmental damage mitigation); Construction supply chain( logistics, fleet management, last mile, dispatching, inventory handling); Enhanced Productivity (project design/management/ bidding, compliance, risk management, finance and credit); Future of Construction (3D printing & additive manufacturing, automated processes, robotics & machine assisted applications, Optimization of materials manufacturing, smart cities and buildings). | Startups in the construction industry | Varies | TBA | Contact Us | https://www.cemexventures.com/contact-us/ | Typically opens in opens in May with a due date in late June and a pitch in November | Link to Funder |
| National Institute of Health | HHS Innovation Challenge to Prevent Human Trafficking Among Women and Girls - Phase II | The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH), Office on Women’s Health (OWH) is seeking innovative and life-changing approaches to address human trafficking prevention (e.g., at the primary, secondary, and/or tertiary levels) among women and girls in the United States through the HHS Innovation Challenge to Prevent Human Trafficking Among Women and Girls. | Anyone | Varies | Rolling | Contact Us | https://www.challenge.gov/?challenge=hhs-innovation-to-prevent-human-trafficking&tab=contact | Link to Funder | |
| Central Florida Tech Grove and Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division | Acquisition Process Improvement Using Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Capabilities | The Central Florida Tech Grove, in partnership with Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (NAWCTSD) is executing a prize challenge to identify solutions that accelerate the acquisition process of Modeling, Simulation, and Training technologies by leveraging Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning-based capabilities within government pre-award processes. The specific objective of this challenge is to identify feasible Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) solutions that may help accelerate the technical evaluation of a proposal for a sole source solicitation and result in a consistent quality of evaluations. | Individual, team (group of individuals competing together, but not on behalf of an established organization, institution, or corporation), or entity (group on behalf of a legally established organization, institution, or corporation); that are US citizens or permanent residents | $50,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | https://www.challenge.gov/?challenge=improve-acquisition-process-with-artificial-intelligence-machine-learning-capabilities&tab=contact | Participants selected as semi-finalists will pitch and demonstrate their solutions (or roadmaps, frameworks, etc) during a live event hosted by the Central Florida Tech Grove in Orlando, Florida. The pitch will include 10 minutes for a public (to all registered attendees) presentation and 20 minutes for a question and answer session with the judging panel. Judges will determine three finalists who will be asked to participate in final demos at the Tech Grove booth on the I/ITSEC floor. Finalists selected to participate in final demonstration day will be evaluated and one (1) First Place winner will be selected to receive $50,000 in prize money with second and third place winners receiving $30,000 and $20,000 respectively. | Link to Funder |
| LISC and Uber Eats | The Black Restaurant Fund | The Black Restaurant Fund provides growth capital to restaurants in underserved communities. Growth Capital is an innovative financing product that gives business owners the time they need to invest in and stabilize their companies. Unlike loan products, growth capital does not have fixed repayment terms; instead it is designed as a long-term investment where businesses repay only when they are successful in growing their revenue. | Restaurants in underserved communities; annual revenues above $250,000 and below $3,000,000; In operation for at least two years; ability to deploy capital toward business improvement and growth; active Ubereats partner (verified by Uber) | $250,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/progs/grants.html | Link to Funder | |
| Citizens Bank | Small Business Community Champion Award | Citizens created the Small Business Community Champion Award program as part of its ongoing commitment to strengthen local economies and communities. To date, the program has awarded more than $1.2 million, helping 112 small businesses to further expand their operations, offer valuable products and services to customers and support community growth. | Women, Minority, or Veteran-owned small businesses operating in Citizens’ footprint of 14 states | $10,000 | 02/10/2027 | Contact Us | https://www.citizensbank.com/customer-service/contact-us.aspx? | Link to Funder | |
| Coreum | Development Grants | Coreum supports open-source projects that bring value to the community and scalability of the blockchain with 10% of the total token supply designated for development grants. To incentivize ecosystem growth, the Coreum Development Foundation has deployed a grant program to fund and accelerate the construction of a sustainable and community-owned blockchain. This is a call for all development teams and companies passionate about the protocol and network. Let’s build the future of DeFi, together. | Anyone with strong knowledge in the blockchain field; a successful track record with at least 1-2 projects (not necessarily live); an existing community base behind the team is a plus | Varies | Rolling | Contact Us | https://www.coreum.com/contact | Link to Funder | |
| Credibly | Small Business Award | Our mission is to support small businesses and the people who own them. We created the Credibly Small Business Award to help business owners achieve their goals and to further support and grow their business. There will be one $50,000 winner, one $20,000 winner, and three $10,000 winners. | Business headquartered in and based in U.S. (including subsidiary and its parent company); in operation at least 6 months; Active and current on all required licenses and registrations in the state in which it operates | $50,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | https://www.credibly.com/contact/ | Link to Funder | |
| eBay | eBay Circular Fashion Fund | It’s official—the eBay Circular Fashion Fund is going global! In partnership with The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), We're spotlighting businesses that are changing the way people shop and think through customer experience, circular inventory, and social commerce. We're looking for businesses who push the boundaries of technology and services to drive circular fashion forward. Businesses will have the chance to secure up to $50K in funding and advance to pitch their business model to eBay's global leadership team. This is an opportunity to be awarded ‘eBay Circular Fashion Innovator of the Year’ and receive an additional investment of up to $300K. | Innovative businesses that use technology and services to change customer behavior within the fashion industry. We are looking for forward-thinking solutions that develop the way we think about fashion’s circular economy. | $50,000 | TBA | Contact Us form | https://www.ebay.com/help/home | Link to Funder | |
| Endo | Research Grants | Endo may provide support in the form of study drug and/or funding in response to an unsolicited, independent research that meet our standards of quality and compliance. All proposals must be unsolicited, original research, which complements, and does not duplicate or conflict with Endo’s ongoing research and development plan. Areas of Interest: Endocrinology (precocious puberty), Orthopedics (Dupuytren’s Contracture), and Urology and Men's Health. | U.S. physicians and researchers | Varies | Rolling | Contact Us | https://www.endo.com/contact | Link to Funder | |
| Enthuse Foundation & Cross Private Insurance | Healthcare Grant | Health insurance might be an issue for entrepreneurs especially if they are not covered by a partner, parent, past employer, or the government. The cost might drive individuals away from pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams and steer them towards the benefits provided by a private employer. Thanks to the support of Cross Agency the Enthuse Foundation Healthcare Grant will provide a woman entrepreneur with funds towards health insurance or health-related costs so they can be the best version of themselves. One woman entrepreneur will receive $2,500 for basic health insurance and medical expenses. | Woman entrepreneur (US citizen) with an established business that is entrepreneur's full time job | $2,500 | Rolling | General Inquiries | https://www.enthusefoundation.org/get-in-touch | Link to Funder | |
| Enthuse Foundation & Enthuse Marketing | Enthuse Foundation Digital Marketing Grant | Overview: What does a business need to really take off? Customers and revenue. Getting the word out about a new venture can be challenging and expensive. From setting up an inviting website to strategizing about the right social media spends, it takes money to make money. Thanks to the support of Enthuse Marketing, the Enthuse Foundation Digital Marketing Grant will provide women entrepreneurs with funding to promote their companies.One woman entrepreneur will receive $2,500 for digital marketing related expenses. | Woman entrepreneur (US citizen) with an established business that is entrepreneur's full time job | $2,500 | Rolling | General Inquiries | https://www.enthusefoundation.org/get-in-touch | Link to Funder | |
| Enthuse Foundation & Inspiro Tequila | Enthuse Foundation Community Building Grant | Overview: According to a study conducted by WE NYC, almost 75 percent of women-owned business owners said they lack access to business networks. With more women embarking on the entrepreneurial journey, resources, organizations, communities, and associations have been created to support women business owners but when faced with so many financial obligations these organizations often aren't affordable. Mara Smith, the founder of Inspiro Tequila, is a firm believer that building a supportive and collaborative community is how more women founders will succeed. Therefore, Inspiro Tequila is funding the Enthuse Foundation Community Building Grant to provide an opportunity for another women entrepreneur to join networks to support her business growth. In addition, the grant winner will receive six months of mentoring from Mara Smith. One woman entrepreneur will receive $2,500 to join professional membership organizations. | Woman entrepreneur (US citizen) with an established business that is entrepreneur's full time job | $2,500 | Rolling | General Inquiries | https://www.enthusefoundation.org/get-in-touch | Link to Funder | |
| Enthuse Foundation and Alliant Retirement Funding | Enthuse Foundation Retirement Grant | Overview: Did you know that 34% of entrepreneurs have no retirement savings plan for themselves? According to SCORE, small business owners cited the following reasons for not having a retirement savings plan: don't make enough profit, used money to start their business, plan to sell their business for retirement fund, don't see a need to save or don't plan on retiring. With uncertainty around social security, a possible recession, and improved access to healthcare, it is more important than ever to save for retirement. Thanks to the support of Alliant the Enthuse Foundation Retirement Grant will provide a woman entrepreneur with 2,500 in funding specifically for her retirement savings. | Woman entrepreneur (US citizen) with an established business that is entrepreneur's full time job | $2,500 | Rolling | General Inquiries | https://www.enthusefoundation.org/get-in-touch | Link to Funder | |
| Epic Games | Epic Mega Grants | Epic Games has committed $100 million to support game developers, enterprise professionals, media and entertainment creators, students, educators, and tool developers doing amazing things with Unreal Engine or enhancing open-source capabilities for the 3D graphics community. Show us your projects and you could earn a financial grant to help fuel your success! | Epic awards grants to creative, noteworthy, and innovative projects built in and around Unreal Engine OR projects that enhance the open-source 3D graphics ecosystem. Epic is looking to support anyone doing amazing things with the 3D graphics ecosystem. Projects may cover a variety of endeavors from game development, architecture projects, and film production to academic uses and software tool development, in many industries including architecture, automotive, manufacturing, simulation, product design, advertising, VR/AR, and more. | $500,000 | Rolling | Tim Sweeney | https://www.epicgames.com/help/en-US/contact-us ; 919-854-0070 | Link to Funder | |
| Eyecelerator | The Winning Pitch Challenge | The Winning Pitch Challenge offers ophthalmologists who are addressing unmet needs in eye care a chance to shine in this Shark Tank–style competition. | Opthamologists | $25,000 | 08/10/2027 | General Inquiries | https://www.eyecelerator.com/ | Link to Funder | |
| Farm Credit East | Farmers’ Market Grants | Farmers’ Market Grants may be used to support participating farmers, market enhancements, marketing efforts and/or programs to support disadvantaged communities or improve access to fresh, local food. Note that these grants are intended for public markets where multiple farms sell products, not for individual farm markets. | Farmers' markets must be within Farm Credit East’s eight-state territory: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont. | $1,000 | Rolling | Contact Us | https://www.farmcrediteast.com/en/ContactUs | Link to Funder | |
| Footwear Innovation Foundation | Footwear Launchpad | Hosted by The Footwear Innovation Foundation - It’s a gateway to pitch your big idea in front of some of the biggest names in footwear like Steve Madden, Reebok, Rack Room Shoes, RG Barry and more | Footwear innovators | $10,000 | 08/01/2027 | General Inquiries | https://www.footwearinnovation.com/contact | Link to Funder | |
| Founders Edge | VC Investment | FoundersEdge is a data-driven pre-seed fund investing in exceptional founders using technology to change the world. We've developed a first-party data set we call “The Founder Index” that uses founder psychology and AI to predict and score founder aptitude to identify exceptional founders. Founded by two exited founders, we bring a hands-on approach through our post-investment support to amplify the trajectory of our diverse, experienced founders. | pre-seed stage tech companies | $200,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | https://www.foundersedge.com/contact-us | Link to Funder | |
| Game7 | GAME7 GRANTS | Join our mission to promote open-source technology necessary for a thriving blockchain gaming ecosystem. | Anyone | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | https://www.game7industries.com/contact | Link to Funder | |
| Global Entrepreneurship Network | Entrepreneurship World Cup | EWC is all about the entire experience – training, resources, connections, mentorship and more. But on top of that, we've got a great number of impactful prizes – USD $1 million in cash and/or investment total for the global winners plus in-kind support for the top 100 global finalists, not to mention investment opportunities and awesome resources and perks from our leading partners. | Any entrepreneur | $10,000 | 05/31/2027 | Contact Us | https://www.genglobal.org/ | Startups must be less than 10 years old at the date of the Global Finals. This is your chance to get ahead of the curve.We’re now accepting early applications for Entrepreneurship World Cup 2026.You're already one step ahead. Join thousands of founders across 190+ countriescompeting for funding, mentorship, and a global stage. | Link to Funder |
| Grifols | Investigator-Sponsored Research (ISR) Programs | Focused on promoting and supporting research that broadens scientific knowledge of plasma proteins. | Researchers | Varies | Rolling | Contact Us | https://www.grifols.com/en/contact | Link to Funder | |
| The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation | 2027 Heroes Small Business Grant Program | Hiring Our Heroes, a U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation initiative, awards four $10,000 cash grants and one $25,000 grand prize to qualifying veteran- or military spouse-owned U.S. small businesses. | Eligible applicants are U.S. residents (50 states) who own at least 51% of an operating for-profit business owned by an honorably discharged veteran or military spouse. The business must have 3 to 20 workers including owners, employees, and 1099 contractors; annual revenue below $5 million; and be located in an economically vulnerable community or show qualifying hardship-related financial need. Territories are not included in the official residency rules. | $25,000 | 12/15/2026 | General Inquiries | Four businesses receive $10,000 cash grants and one receives a $25,000 grand prize, not the combined program funding total. Businesses must substantiate veteran or military spouse ownership and provide tax information; awardees are responsible for taxes and may be asked to attend a spring 2027 recognition event. No application fee, equity, or SAFE condition is specified in the published rules. | Link to Funder | |
| The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and Showtime | Queer to Stay Grant | The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and Showtime co-sponsor the Queer to Stay Grant for LGBTQ+ business owners. Winners receive a $10,000 grant for businesses that serve the LGBTQ+ community and provide a safe space, particularly for LGBTQ+ people of color, women and the transgender community. | LGBTQ+ business owners | $250,000 | Rolling | Contact Us | https://www.hrc.org/about/contact-us | Link to Funder | |
| IBM | IBM Partner Plus | Getting Started! IBM Global Entrepreneur for Cloud Startups provides eligible startups up to $120,000 USD in cloud credits and provides access to IBM Cloud Services | privately-held, early-stage tech startup that's less than five years old | $120,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | https://www.ibm.com/contact?lnk=flg-cont-usen | Link to Funder | |
| iFundWomen | BOTOX® Cosmetic Grant Program | For the second year, BOTOX® Cosmetic, in partnership with IFundWomen®, will help close the Confidence Gap by providing 20 groundbreaking women entrepreneurs, each with $25k grants, coaching, and mentorship. Honorees will also become a part of the award-winning IFundWomen® Method Crowdfunding Accelerator, designed to fuel ambitions, increase confidence, and drive long-term impact for future women founders. | Female Founders | $25,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | https://www.ifundwomen.com/contact | Link to Funder | |
| I Fund Women (IFW) / Honeycomb Credit | Power Play $100k Poker Power Grant | Poker Power is partnering with IFW to launch the largest grant in IFW's history. Ten finalists will head to NYC to compete for the $100K grant, 6 months of IFW coaching, 4 Poker Power mentorship sessions, and a 4-week poker course. If you're ready to level up your business, then apply now. Enter to win a $100,000 monetary grant, Six (6) months of IFW Coaching (valued at $2,400), Four (4) Mentorship Sessions with Poker Power founder Jenny Just and her trusted network ($10,000 value), and a 4-week poker class ($70 value). | Female founders | $100,000 | TBA | Contact Us | https://www.ifundwomen.com/contact | Link to Funder | |
| InsurTech NY | Global InsurTech Startup Competition | InsurTech startups rely extensively on a supportive ecosystem to survive and thrive. Unlike consumer-driven industries like fitness or eCommerce, InsurTech startups must meet many hurdles to get to a proven minimum viable product (MVP). We created the Global InsurTech Startup Competition to bring visibility to talented founders of early-stage InsurTech startups to gain access to the resources and recognition they need to gain traction. | Insurtech startups that meet the following requirements can apply: less than $250,000 USD in annual revenue in 2023; uses technology to a) sell insurance policies or b) serve a (re)insurance carrier, an insurance broker, or risk management organization. | Varies | Rolling | Contact Us | https://www.insurtechny.com/contact/ | Link to Funder | |
| Klarna | AI for Climate Resilience Program | The program will back projects that help local communities adapt to a changing climate and build long-term resilience. This includes for example strengthening food security, enhancing health systems, and building coastal resilience in regions that are particularly vulnerable to climate impacts. | Klarna’s AI for Climate Resilience Program aims to catalyze practical, locally-led AI initiatives that strengthen climate adaptation capacities in underserved, climate-vulnerable regions. We're inviting proposals from organizations working to reduce vulnerability of local communities to climate-related risks in low- and middle-income countries. Whether you're using AI to support smallholder farmers, build early warning systems, or translate complex risk data into community action plans—we want to hear from you. Projects must demonstrate a clear use case for AI, a pathway to local ownership, and a commitment to responsible, collaborative innovation. Early-stage ideas are welcome too, especially from teams needing support to refine technical details or implementation plans. | $300,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | https://www.klarna.com/us/about-us/contact/ | Link to Funder | |
| James Beard Foundation | THE BLACK KITCHEN INITIATIVE | he Black Kitchen Initiative provides grants to independently owned businesses that uplift the legacy of Black cuisine and foodways in the United States. Since 2021, the program has awarded over $4 million to over 240 businesses - supporting startups, established restaurants, and legacy establishments with targeted funding.These grants have helped address the economic impact of the pandemic, funded business improvements, and preserved important culinary traditions. Additional efforts, including educational webinars, collaborative events, and emergency relief, have strengthened grantee capacity and visibility, ensuring these businesses can sustain and grow their presence in the industry. | Eligibility RequirementsBefore applying, please ensure:● You are an operating restaurant, bakery, food truck, caterer, pop up, or other food service business advancing and preserving the legacy of Black food.● You have at least 1 year of sales records.● You have a valid EIN and state sales tax number.● You have not received a Black Kitchen Initiative grant in the past. | $20,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | https://www.leeinitiative.org/get-involved | Link to Funder | |
| The Lemelson Foundation | Invention Entrepreneurship | The Foundation focuses on nurturing invention-based businesses that are developing unique, physical products to address global and community challenges and are destined for high growth. | Inventors creating scalable and sustainable technologies | Varies | Rolling | Contact Us | https://www.lemelson.org/contact/ | Link to Funder | |
| MedTech Color | MedTech Color Pitch 365 Competition | The MedTech Color pitch competition is a foundational start for medical technology early-stage, diverse companies. We are seeking innovations in medical and/or wearable devices, diagnostics, digital health, health security, and more. Preferably, applicants will have prototypes and/or, at minimum, some proof of concept evidence and development. | Black and Hispanic founders with medical technology innovations that have raised no more than $3M in grants, VC, angel investments, or outside funding with no more than $1M in dilutive capital. Preferably will have a prototype or at least some proof of concept. | $75,000 | Rolling | Contact Us | https://www.medtechcolor.org/contact | Link to Funder | |
| Moonshot Arizona | Moonshot Rural Arizona Pitch Competition | Do you have a “moonshot” idea or an existing business you’d like to expand, or a product or business idea scribbled down on a napkin or notebook, but that's as far as you've gotten? If you answered YES to either question above, join us for Moonshot's 5th Annual Rural Arizona Pitch Competition for entrepreneurs and business owners. This year, we'll be taking the tour to 16 different cities/counties throughout rural Arizona. In August, each tour stop winner will travel to beautiful Cottonwood, Arizona to compete for the state title and $10,000 in cash or $5,000 in cash for "Crowd Favorite," voted on by audience members. | Rural Arizona small business | $10,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | https://www.moonshotaz.com/contact-us.html | There will be pitch competitions in 20 different cities/counties throughout rural Arizona. The finals will take place in October in Prescott. | Link to Funder |
| National Association for the Self Employed | NASE Growth Grants | NASE has awarded nearly $1,000,000 to members just like you through the Growth Grants program by providing small business grants. | NASE members | $4,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | https://www.nase.org/about-us/contact-us | Must be a NASE member (paid membership) | Link to Funder |
| New Profit | Venture Philanthropy | New Profit is a venture philanthropy organization that backs breakthrough social entrepreneurs who are advancing equity and opportunity in America. Through our Catalyze Investments, we provide $50K-$100K unrestricted grants, strategic advice, and a peer learning community over one to two years to catalyze the innovations of organizations with leaders and focus areas that have been historically underinvested in by philanthropy. Through our Build Investments, we provide grantee-partners a $1M+ multi-year, unrestricted grant and deep advisory support. | Social entrepreneurs | $100,000 | Rolling | Contact Us | https://www.newprofit.org/contact/ | Link to Funder | |
| NYC Boss Up | NYC Boss UP Veterans | Aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners don't miss this chance. You could win up to $20,000 in the NYC Boss Up NYCHA Business Pitch Competition. This initiative aims to address inequities in social and financial capital access. The selected winners will receive a grant of $20,000 paid in 2 installments: $5,000 upon selection; $15,000 upon completion of a training program. | Entrepreneur that is: Living in NYCHA or Section 8 public housing; Listed on lease and current on rent payments; At least 18 years of age or older as of June 1, 2025. | $20,000 | 04/18/2027 | Contact Us | https://www.nycbossup.org/contact | Link to Funder | |
| PepsiCo | PepsiCo Juntos Crecemos Grant Program | In partnership with Hello Alice, PepsiCo’s Juntos Crecemos program is a component of PepsiCo’s broader $50 million comprehensive support for small businesses in the food and beverage industry over five years. Through PepsiCo’s Juntos Crecemos Grant Program, twenty (20) grants of $10,000 each will be awarded to small business owners in the food and beverage industry. | A legal resident of one of the fifty United States, the District of Columbia, or Puerto RicoEighteen (18) years of age or older (19 in AL and NE)Other eligibility criteria includes: Be a for-profit business located and registered in one of the fifty United States, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico. Be a woman-owned restaurant, bodega, carnicería, catering service or food truck in the food and beverage industry. Have a demonstrated need for funds. Be willing to participate in a virtual Coaching Program | $10,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | https://www.pepsico.com/contact | Link to Funder | |
| Reach Capital | Reach Capital | Reach Capital invests in educational startups that strengthen communities. Their portfolio is made up of more than companies. Itʼs made up of people bold enough to build something for the betterment of others, the ideas big enough to change the way we learn, and the imagination, commitment and audacity to challenge the status quo. | Educational startups that strengthen communities | Varies | Rolling | Contact Us | https://www.reachcapital.com/team/ | Link to Funder | |
| RevUp Capital | RevUp Fund | RevUp invests in B2B and B2C companies that are revenue-driven and ready to double down on growth. Typical investments include $150K-250K in non-dilutive cash, a science-driven process to accelerate growth, and the human resources to get it done. | Companies with $500K-$3M in revenue | $250,000 | Rolling | Bill Cesare | https://www.revupfund.com/#contact-us | Link to Funder | |
| Sanofi | Idea-Tech Awards North America | Sanofi is committed to collaborating with partners to advance cutting-edge discoveries. The Sanofi Innovations in Data Exploration and Analytics (iDEA) Awards program provides seed funding to innovators at research centers and early start-ups across North America to transform breakthrough digital, data science tools and new technologies into solutions that accelerate the R&D pipeline and improve people’s lives. These awards provide: Seed funding of $150.000 USD for a 1 year project duration; a dedicated Sanofi Project Champion and resources (subject matter experts); and a stepping stone to further collaboration. | Universities, Clinical Research Centers, Early Startups/Biotech, Bioclusters, Patient Foundations and other public and private organizations. | $150,000 | 12/11/2026 | General Inquiries | https://www.sanofi.com/en/contact | Link to Funder | |
| Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Optimum Business | Lifting Up Small Business Grant Program | Grants supporting growth and long-term success for eligible brick-and-mortar small businesses in the Georgetown, Texas area. | For-profit Texas corporations, LLCs, partnerships, or sole proprietorships with a brick-and-mortar location in ZIP code 78626, 78628, 78633, 78641, 78642, or 78660; 25 or fewer employees; open at least one year; and an eligible adult owner as primary contact. | $5,000 | 11/03/2026 | General Inquiries | 512-930-3535 | No application fee is required; funds cannot pay existing debt and may be used only for business expansion and growth. Applicants must agree to a background check and promotional participation, and prior recipients are ineligible. Entry grants the administrator unlimited, perpetual, worldwide, irrevocable rights to use applicant photos, recordings, image, voice, likeness, and video footage; no equity or investment terms are stated. | Link to Funder |
| Serena Ventures | Serena Ventures | We invest in founders who solve everyday problems through unconventional thinking and diverse points of view. Writing the check is only the start. As pre-seed through Series A investors, we are true accomplices. Our unparalleled network of partners across distribution, marketing, and sales is why founders continue to choose us. | Underrepresented founders | Varies | Rolling | Contact Us Form | https://www.serenaventures.com/contact-sv | Investment-based funding | Link to Funder |
| She Has a Deal | She Has a Deal | The Competition facilitates the process for acquiring or developing a hotel and securing capital for the deal. Participants identify a viable project and pitch the deal to potential investors who serve as judges for the Competition. With the objectives of inspiring, educating, mentoring and channeling the power of collaboration, the experience begins prior to the Competition event. | Female early careerists who have an interest in developing and/or owning hotels. Students currently enrolled in a degree program for hospitality management, real estate and related fields, as well as recent graduates, within two years post-graduation are eligible to compete. Each team may include 1-3 members. | $50,000 | Rolling | Krissy Gathright | https://www.shehasadeal.com/contact | Link to Funder | |
| South Park Commons | SPC Founder Fellowship 2026 Application | The Founder Fellowship helps entrepreneurs start a high growth, venture-backable startup with targeted support in the -1 to 0 idea phase.Fellowship teams receive $400k for 7% on a SAFE, along with $600k guaranteed in your next venture round. . Fellows become members of the SPC community, go through a proprietary program refined to help you validate ideas, and receive 1:1 mentorship from SPC partners in a small cohort. You do not need an idea to apply. We do not restrict applications to a particular market or industry. We take a boutique approach with our founders. Our cohort sizes are small, with one partner for every two companies. We do not have a demo day or fixed timelines. We offer $400,000 to generate and pursue an idea in exchange for 7% equity via a SAFE. We also guarantee $600,000 in your next outside-led venture round. | Anyone who is in the midst of a professional and/or personal life transition and looking for a community of like-minded intentional builders. We expect members to be full-time at SPC. | $400,000 | 02/01/2027 | General Inquiries | https://www.southparkcommons.com/founder-fellowship | All fellows are expected to work out of our San Francisco or New York City spaces for at least the duration of the 8 week curriculum. We will consider applications for teams based in Bangalore but strongly encourage them to relocate to the US for the duration of the Fall cohort to get the most from the program. | Link to Funder |
| Crowe, LLP and Startup Grind | Midwest House | Led by Crowe, LLP and together with Startup Grind, Midwest House will be bringing some of the freshest startups in the region to SXSW for an early stage pitch competition with the distinct flavor of March. 8 Midwest startups will be invited to compete on stage during SXSW. Midwest Madness will include a $10,000 cash prize for the winner and travel stipends for the "elite 8"! | Midwest based startups | $10,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | https://www.startupgrind.com/contact/ | Link to Funder | |
| South by Southwest Conference (SXSW) and the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) | Mayors’ Matchup Civic Tech Pitch Competition at South by Southwest (SXSW) | The United States Conference of Mayors (USCM), in partnership with South by Southwest (SXSW) and the City of Austin, have organized the Civic I/O Mayors’ Summit at SXSW. Each year at SXSW, the USCM helps organize a competition with entrepreneurs and innovators promoting new ideas and technologies to address major city challenges. The Summit brings together city leaders, creatives, entrepreneurs. SXSW provides those mayors and companies a place to uncover and design solutions together. The goal is to find products and services that are a win-win for both cities and startups. Participants can pitch their ideas to a panel of the country’s foremost mayors and industry experts for a chance to win prize money and gain exposure to 20+ mayors from across the country while being an integral part of addressing civic challenges. The winner will also have the opportunity to pitch at an upcoming United States Conference of Mayors Annual Meeting, where over 200 mayors will be present. | Entrepreneurs with tech solutions for cities; product and/or service must have been launched no earlier than January 1, 2023; must not have raised over $10M in funding from combined funding sources. Must fit into one of the SXSW categories (see notes). | $15,000 | 03/13/2027 | General Inquiries | https://www.sxsw.com/about/contact-us/ ; 512-467-7979 | The 2026 SXSW event takes place on March 13-14, 2026 in Austin, TX. 2026 Categories: Enterprise & Future of Work; Entertainment, Media, Sports & Creator Content; Healthcare, AssistiveTech & BioTech; Innovative World Tech; Intelligent Systems, Robotics & Multisensory Technology; Smart Cities, Transportation, Manufacturing & Logistics; Smart Data, Security & FinTech; Student Startups; Sustainability, AgTech & Food. | Link to Funder |
| Texas Food and Wine Alliance | Culinary Grant Program | The Texas Food & Wine Alliance awards grants to selected organizations/individuals exhibiting culinary innovation that contributes to the Texas community in Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and other Texas communities at-large. TFWA will award grants in varying amounts, up to $50,000, based on what the review panel feels you can accomplish with the funds. | Food and beverage artisan producers, chefs/culinary professionals, farmers, wine-, beer- and spirit-makers, culinary businesses serving the Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio or other Texas communities at-large; Must be located in Texas. | $50,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | https://www.texasfoodandwinealliance.org/contact-us | Grantees are required to submit two progress reports at six months and one year after receiving the grant. | Link to Funder |
| UBS Global Wealth Management | UBS Female Founder Award | All finalists will be given the opportunity to join 'Project Female Founder 2026', a year-long, global investor readiness, networking and mentorship program, that arms early-stage female founders with fundamentals to support their access to aligned capital. With partners Fortuna, Coralus, and Live True, the program consists of an investor readiness and pitch program, followed by access to the Coralus network to help build an ecosystem of support. | female founders in fintech and enterprise tech ready to scale their impact. | $10,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | https://www.ubs.com/global/en/wealthmanagement/connect-with-us.html | Link to Funder | |
| UNICEF | UNICEF Venture Fund | The UNICEF Innovation (Venture) Fund (‘Fund’) is a pooled funding vehicle that makes up to $100K equity-free investments, providing early stage (seed) finance to for-profit technology start-ups that benefit humanity. | Innovators with new technology solutions that can help improve children's' lives; registered in UNICEF programme country; must have existing prototype of the Open Source solution with promising results from initial pilots; must generate publicly exposed real-time data that is measurable. | $100,000.00 | Rolling | Contact Us form | https://www.unicef.org/innovation/contact-us | Link to Funder | |
| Phillips | Philips Ventures | Philips Ventures has the industry insight, connections and resources that our start-up partners need to turn their ideas into a scalable reality. Partnerships are based upon Philips businesses’ current priority areas, where joint innovation can make the biggest impact: Prevention and consumer health, acute care and care delivery, ambulatory clinical monitoring, Remote patient management, Digital therapeutics. Sleep and respiratory care, Cardiology, Maternal and infant care, Oncology, and Minimally invasive therapies. | Health innovators with a clearly defined and validated solution, Regulatory pathway completed or in progress, and in line with Philips' focus areas, with a preference toward digital propositions through software, analytics and tech-enabled services. | Varies | Rolling | Contact Us | https://www.usa.philips.com/healthcare/innovation/philips-ventures/focus-areas#_form | Link to Funder | |
| The Western New York Incubator Network | SBIR / STTR Assistance | WIN's SBIR / STTR assistance program links quality SBIR / STTR applicants with outside experts to submit timely, high-quality proposals to relevant federal agencies. | Current incubator clients, graduates, and ventures meeting the WIN virtual incubation criteria are eligible for WIN the cover the full cost of engaging an experienced consultant for a well qualified proposal. Phase I and Phase II applications are both eligible. | $5,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | https://www.wnyincubators.com/request-info | Must be associated with WIN currently or as a graduate of its programming | Link to Funder |
| Yummie Extensions | Women in Business Grant | In partnership with our founder, Yummie O., we are proud to celebrate, support, and uplift women this month and beyond. We are pleased to begin the application process for our annual women in business grants. As part of our commitment to eliminating the financial limitations and barriers faced by women in business, we're awarding up to $50,000 to ten beauty businesses and entrepreneurs. | Female-owned business, registered in United States, offering a beauty product or service; with an annual revenue of $40,000 or more. | $50,000 | Rolling | Contact Us | https://yummyextensions.com/pages/contact | Link to Funder | |
| Alabama Futures Fund | Alabama Futures Fund | The fund seeks to be the first significant investment in an early-stage venture that can reach attainable milestones leading to series A financing within 12-24 months. Focus is on companies that have adaptable and coachable founding teams who have identified a significant customer problem and are working towards product market fit. This includes companies at the minimum viable product, pre-revenue and early revenue stages. Because of the risks involved in investing this early, our preference is to stage capital relative to milestones achieved. T | Small business | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | iac@alabamacounties.org | Venture philanthropy for economic development and entrepreneurial activity | Link to Funder |
| University of Alaska Fairbanks | UAF I-Corps Program | Offers up to $3,000 in seed funding for research teams and customer discovery support. Teams can be recommended for the national program. | Open to UAF faculty, students, and research collaborators. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | icorps@alaska.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| University at Albany | University at Albany I-Corps Program | Offers up to $3,000 in seed funding for research teams and customer discovery support. Teams can be recommended for the national program. | Open to faculty, students, and researchers affiliated with the University at Albany. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | icorps@albany.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| University of Arizona (UofA) | UofA I-Corps Program | Offers an initial funding of $3,000 for customer discovery and team building, with pathways to national funding up to $50,000. | Open to University of Arizona faculty, postdocs, graduate and undergraduate students, and research collaborators. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | icorps@arizona.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| UC Berkeley | UC Berkeley I-Corps Program | Offers up to $3,000 in seed funding for research teams and customer discovery support. Teams can be recommended for the national program. | Open to UC Berkeley faculty, students, and research staff. External collaborators may join as mentors. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | icorps@berkeley.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) | CMU I-Corps Program | Supports STEM-related entrepreneurial research with mentorship and grant funding for customer validation. | Open to CMU-affiliated faculty, students, and research staff. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | icorps@cmu.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| Colorado State University | CSU I-Corps Program | Offers up to $3,000 in seed funding for research teams and customer discovery support. Teams can be recommended for the national program. | Open to CSU faculty, students, and research collaborators. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | icorps@colostate.edu | Link to Funder | |
| Cornell University (Lead Institution - Interior Northeast Region I-Corps Hub) | Interior Northeast I-Corps Hub at Cornell | Supports STEM-related entrepreneurial research with mentorship and grant funding for customer validation. | Open to Cornell faculty, students, and research staff, as well as external collaborators partnered with the university. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | icorps@cornell.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| Iowa State University | Iowa State I-Corps Program | Offers entrepreneurial training and $3,000 in funding for team-based customer discovery projects. | Open to faculty, postdocs, graduate students, and research staff at Iowa State | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | icorps@iastate.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| Lehigh University | Lehigh I-Corps Program | Offers up to $3,000 in seed funding for research teams and customer discovery support. Teams can be recommended for the national program. | Open to faculty, students, and researchers affiliated with the University | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | icorps@lehigh.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| Louisiana State University (LSU) | LSU I-Corps Program | Offers up to $3,000 in seed funding for research teams and customer discovery support. Teams can be recommended for the national program. | Open to LSU-affiliated faculty, students, and research teams. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | icorps@lsu.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| West Virginia University | West Virginia University I-Corps Program | Supports STEM-related entrepreneurial research with mentorship and grant funding for customer validation. | Open to WVU faculty, students, and staff conducting research in STEM fields. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | icorps@mail.wvu.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) — New England Hub Lead Institution | MIT I-Corps Program | Offers up to $3,000 in seed funding for research teams and customer discovery support. Teams can be recommended for the national program. | Open to MIT faculty, students, postdocs, and research staff. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | icorps@mit.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| Mississippi State University | MSU I-Corps Program | Offers up to $3,000 in seed funding for research teams and customer discovery support. Teams can be recommended for the national program. | Open to MSU faculty, postdocs, students, and research staff. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | icorps@msstate.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| Northeastern University | Northeastern I-Corps Program | Offers up to $3,000 in seed funding for research teams and customer discovery support. Teams can be recommended for the national program. | Open to Northeastern faculty, students, and research staff. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | icorps@northeastern.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| University of Florida | UF I-Corps Program | Offers up to $3,000 in seed funding for research teams and customer discovery support. Teams can be recommended for the national program. | Open to UF faculty, postdocs, graduate students, and research collaborators. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | icorps@research.ufl.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| Rice University | Rice I-Corps Program | Offers up to $3,000 in seed funding for research teams and customer discovery support. Teams can be recommended for the national program. | Open to Rice University faculty, students, and postdocs. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | icorps@rice.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) | RPI I-Corps Program | Offers up to $3,000 in seed funding for research teams and customer discovery support. Teams can be recommended for the national program. | Open to RPI faculty, students, and research teams. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | icorps@rpi.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| South Dakota School of Mines & Technology (SDSM&T) | SDSM&T I-Corps Program | Supports STEM-related entrepreneurial research with mentorship and grant funding for customer validation. | Open to DSU faculty, graduate students, and research staff. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | icorps@sdsmt.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| Stevens Institute of Technology | Stevens I-Corps Program | Offers up to $3,000 in seed funding for research teams and customer discovery support. Teams can be recommended for the national program. | Open to Stevens faculty, students, and research staff. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | icorps@stevens.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| Stony Brook University | Stony Brook I-Corps Program | Offers up to $3,000 in seed funding for research teams and customer discovery support. Teams can be recommended for the national program. | Open to Stony Brook faculty, students, and postdocs conducting STEM-related research. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | icorps@stonybrook.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| Texas A&M University | Texas A&M I-Corps Program | Offers up to $3,000 in seed funding for research teams and customer discovery support. Teams can be recommended for the national program. | Open to Texas A&M faculty, students, and postdocs. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | icorps@tamu.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| UCLA | UCLA I-Corps Program | Offers up to $3,000 in seed funding for research teams and customer discovery support. Teams can be recommended for the national program. | Open to UCLA faculty, postdocs, graduate students, and research staff. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | icorps@tdg.ucla.edu | Link to Funder | |
| University of Alabama | University of Alabama I-Corps Program | Offers up to $3,000 in seed funding for research teams and customer discovery support. Teams can be recommended for the national program. | Open to UA faculty, students, and postdocs. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | icorps@ua.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| University of Akron | University of Akron I-Corps Program | Provides funding and mentorship to support research-based entrepreneurial ventures. | Open to faculty, graduate students, and postdocs at the University of Akron. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | icorps@uakron.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| UC Riverside | UC Riverside I-Corps Program | Offers up to $3,000 in seed funding for research teams and customer discovery support. Teams can be recommended for the national program. | Open to UCR faculty, students, and research staff. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | icorps@ucr.edu | Link to Funder | |
| University of California San Diego (UCSD) | UCSD I-Corps Program | UCSD provides entrepreneurial training and funding support for customer discovery projects in STEM disciplines. National-level opportunities include follow-on funding of $50,000. | Open to UCSD faculty, students, and staff members. Collaborators from other institutions may also join with approval. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | icorps@ucsd.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| UC San Francisco | UCSF I-Corps Program | Offers up to $3,000 in seed funding for research teams and customer discovery support. Teams can be recommended for the national program. | Open to UCSF faculty, researchers, and students focused on life sciences and biomedical research. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | icorps@ucsf.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| University of Delaware | UD I-Corps Program | Offers up to $3,000 in seed funding for research teams and customer discovery support. Teams can be recommended for the national program. | Open to faculty, students, and researchers affiliated with the University | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | icorps@udel.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| The University of Iowa | University of Iowa I-Corps Program | Supports university-affiliated teams in customer discovery and market validation with small grants and mentorship. | Open to University of Iowa faculty, staff, and students. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | icorps@uiowa.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| University of North Dakota | UND I-Corps Program | Supports STEM-related entrepreneurial research with mentorship and grant funding for customer validation. | Open to UND faculty, research staff, and students. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | icorps@und.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| University of New Hampshire | UNH I-Corps Program | Offers up to $3,000 in seed funding for research teams and customer discovery support. Teams can be recommended for the national program. | Open to UNH faculty, postdocs, graduate students, and research collaborators. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | icorps@unh.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) | UNLV I-Corps Program | Provides seed funding of $3,000 for research teams and access to entrepreneurship training and national funding opportunities. | Open to UNLV faculty, postdocs, graduate and undergraduate students, and collaborators from external organizations. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | icorps@unlv.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| The University of New Mexico | UNM I-Corps Program | Offers up to $3,000 in seed funding for research teams and customer discovery support. Teams can be recommended for the national program. | Open to UNM faculty, postdocs, and students. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | icorps@unm.edu | Link to Funder | |
| University of Nebraska Omaha | UNO I-Corps Program | Supports STEM-related entrepreneurial research with mentorship and grant funding for customer validation. | Open to UNO faculty, students, and staff involved in STEM-related projects. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | icorps@unomaha.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| University of South Florida | USF I-Corps Program | Offers up to $3,000 in seed funding for research teams and customer discovery support. Teams can be recommended for the national program. | Open to USF faculty, students, and research collaborators. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | icorps@usf.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| The University of Texas at El Paso | UTEP I-Corps Program | Offers up to $3,000 in seed funding for research teams and customer discovery support. Teams can be recommended for the national program. | Open to UTEP faculty, students, and research collaborators. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | icorps@utep.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) | UTK I-Corps Program | Offers funding for customer discovery and entrepreneurial training. Teams can apply for national-level grants of $50,000. | Open to UTK faculty, postdocs, graduate students, and staff. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | icorps@utk.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| The University of Toledo | University of Toledo I-Corps Program | Offers early-stage funding and training for commercialization efforts. | Open to university-affiliated faculty, students, and research staff. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | icorps@utoledo.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| The University of Texas at San Antonio | UTSA I-Corps Program | Offers up to $3,000 in seed funding for research teams and customer discovery support. Teams can be recommended for the national program. | Open to UTSA faculty, postdocs, students, and research staff. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | icorps@utsa.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| University of Wyoming | UW I-Corps Program | Supports STEM-related entrepreneurial research with mentorship and grant funding for customer validation. | Open to faculty, postdocs, and graduate students at UW. External mentors may join teams. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | icorps@uwyo.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| University of Wisconsin–Madison | UW-Madison I-Corps Program | Offers early-stage grant support of $3,000 for customer discovery and market exploration. | Open to university faculty, postdocs, and graduate students. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | icorps@wisc.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union (TVFCU) | Idea Leap Grant | TVFCU has hosted the Idea Leap Grant competition to help local small businesses grow and enhance their services, stimulate local economies and create fulfilling jobs within our service area. There will be five (5) Winners: one (1) Grand Prize will receive a U.S. $50,000.00 Grant; one (1) First Prize will receive a U.S. $20,000.00 Grant ; three (3) runner up will receive a U.S. $10,000.00 Grant; Winners will be required to meet with a Technical Assistance provider at least once to qualify. Technical Assistance providers are; BrightBridge, The Company Lab, Launch Chattanooga, Tennessee Small Business Development Center (Chattanooga or Cleveland), SCORE, The Urban League and UTC’s Veteran Entrepreneurship Program. | Small businesses in the TVFCU’s 13-county community; between 2 and 25 employees (including the owner, co-owners, seasonal and part-time employees, contract workers, 1099, W-2, etc.); annual revenue less than $2.5M | $30,000 | 02/14/2027 | General Inquiries | Idea.Leap@tvfcu.com | Link to Funder | |
| Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity | Build it Arizona | By supporting registered apprenticeship programs, BuildItAZ is not only meeting industry hiring needs but also creating lasting career opportunities for Arizonans. Apprentices earn while they learn, gain nationally recognized credentials, and secure competitive wages without the burden of student debt, ensuring long-term success. | Registered Apprenticeship is a flexible training model that can be customized to meet the needs of businesses across multiple industries. • Advanced Manufacturing • Agriculture • Care Economy • Construction • Cybersecurity • Clean Energy • Financial Services • Healthcare • Hospitality • Information Technology • Public Service • Semiconductors • Transportation | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | ids-info@oeo.az.gov | Link to Funder | |
| Shionogi | Investigator Initiated Research | Investigator Initiated Research (IIR) is an exploratory research study conducted in either an open-label or blinded fashion in which a qualified investigator assumes the responsibilities of a Sponsor-Investigator in accordance with Local Health Authority guidelines. IIRs are unsolicited by Shionogi and derived from the academic research interests or clinical experience of independent investigator(s). Hepatology/Gastroenterology; Pain; Infectious Disease. | Researchers | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | iir_support@shionogi.co.jp | Link to Funder | |
| Iminent (Translated.com) | Language Innovation Grants | Imminent was founded to help innovators who share the goal of making it easier for everyone living in our multilingual world to understand and be understood by everyone else. Each year, Imminent allocates $100,000 to fund five original research projects that explore the most advanced frontiers in the world of language services, providing grants of $20,000 each. Iminent will fund one application from each of the 5 topics: Language economics, Language data, Machine learning algorithms for translation, Human-computer interaction, and Neuroscience of language. | Startups, researchers, innovators, authors, university labs, organizations, and companies from anywhere in the world | $20,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | imminent@translated.com | This grant has several cycles per year. Applicants may be required to participate in a short remote interview. | Link to Funder |
| Samsung | Samsung Mobile Advance | Selected applicants will be invited to Pitch Day to propose the project for a panel of Samsung experts. Samsung will provide up to $50k USD in grant funding as well as limited technical and project support for a period of six months to enable the winning project ideas to be developed. After the six month program, the developed Proof of Concept projects will be evaluated and considered by Samsung for further partnership opportunities. | Startups in: United States, Europe, Canada, Israel, China, Japan and India working on groundbreaking innovations that can add value to mobile technology | $50,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | incubation@samsung.com | Broad themes of interest include (but are not limited to): Camera, Power, Audio, Health, AI, AR/VR, ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance), Foldable, Wearable, Sensors, Advanced Materials, Connectivity. | Link to Funder |
| Unreal Engine | Epic Mega Grants | Epic Games has committed $100,000,000 to provide financial grants to creative, noteworthy, and innovative projects built in and around Unreal Engine or projects that enhance the open-source 3D graphics ecosystem. | Anyone doing amazing things with Unreal Engine or enhancing open-source capabilities for the 3D graphics community. | $500,000 | Rolling | Mark Rein | indies@unrealengine.com | Link to Funder | |
| 1863 Ventures | 3R's Grant Program | The thesis is that entrepreneurship is becoming an increasingly viable pathway for the New Majority to build wealth. The goal of 1863 Ventures is to facilitate this trend by reducing barriers and risk for these founders across the nation. | Black and brown entrepreneurs | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@1863ventures.com | Link to Funder | |
| 1871 | WMNtech Pitch Competition | 1871 is hosting a three-round pitch competition, in which early stage women-led tech startups will pitch their company for a chance to win a cash prize and equity opportunities from our notable VC partners. Our WMNtech initiative supports women-identifying entrepreneurs and leaders with regular programming, tailored resources, mentorship, & community designed to help them embrace their unique strengths and break down the barriers they face. | Woman identifying tech entrepreneurs | $50,000 | Rolling | info@1871.com | info@1871.com | Link to Funder | |
| American Association of Birth Centers Foundation | Research Grants | The American Association of Birth Centers Foundation raises funds to advance the AABC midwifery-led birth center model as a standard to achieve high-value, evidence-based wellness care that is equitable, safe, and respectful. The organization invites applications for research grants related to the birth center model of care. | Open to individuals or organizationsNon-profit status not requiredResearch project related to the birth center model of careA demonstrated capacity and a plan to complete the research in accordance with the project’s timeline. | $5,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | info@aabcfoundation.org | Link to Funder | |
| AgeTech Atlanta | AgeTech Challenge Innovation Showcase | The purpose of the On Aging conference and Innovation Showcase is to drive innovation and social impact to improve the lives of older adults. Ten selected finalists will compete for $10,000 in non-dilutive funds at the On Aging Conference in San Francisco in March. | Entrepreneurs with innovative solutions that meet the needs of the increasingly older population | $10,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@agetechatlanta.com | Link to Funder | |
| Alaska Community Foundation | Competitive Grants | The Alaska Community Foundation runs competitive grant cycles throughout the year that are open to eligible local nonprofits and other organizations serving the public good. | Any entity serving public good in Alaska | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@alaskacf.org | Link to Funder | |
| Alaska Venture Fund | Alaska Venture Fund | At Alaska Venture Fund, we pursue bold ideas and innovative partnerships to empower local talent and drive transformative change. By embracing Indigenous principles, choosing sustainable strategies, and investing in new economies, we believe Alaska can become the blueprint for a more just and prosperous future. | Any entity strengthening Alaskan communities, the environment, and the economy, together. | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@alaskaventure.org | Link to Funder | |
| Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky | Impact Investments | Applications for impact investments are on an invite-only basis. Our investments support accelerating promising sectors and economic opportunity in the region including funding for: affordable and energy efficient housing, entrepreneurship, rural childcare, arts and culture, local food and sustainable agriculture, and downtown revitalization. | community-led organizations, social enterprises, and projects that accelerate economic opportunity and support building community capacity. | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@appalachianky.org | Link to Funder | |
| Arch Grants | Arch Grants Global Startup Competition | We're on a worldwide search for innovative, diverse early-stage startups looking to take their business to the next level. The Arch Grants Startup Competition awards innovative, scalable, and job-creating startups with $50,000 non-dilutive grants and access to an ecosystem of resources in exchange for headquartering their business in St. Louis for at least one year. Competition applications are evaluated by over 400 investors and industry experts from the St. Louis community and around the country. | Companies willing to relocate to MO | $75,000 | 03/31/2027 | Talia Goldfarb | info@archgrants.org | Link to Funder | |
| Ascender | MINI-BECAS, ACELERA TU NEGOCIO CON ASCENDER | In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Ascender is providing mini-grants, ranging from $500 – $5,000, to Latine-owned startups and small businesses in Allegheny County. We also awarding (1) mini-grant of $500 to an aspiring Latine youth entrepreneur! To qualify, local business owners must complete a quick form and submit a 2-minute video for a chance to win a mini-grant to use toward a future growth goal. | For-profit business actively operating; Majority-owned (51%) by a Latine entrepreneur; generating revenue and raised/earned between $0–$400K (funding or revenue) in 2023; Tech or Non-Tech; Headquartered in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania; between 1 – 10 employees (including part-time and contract staff); Must be able to provide a completed W9 form with an EIN, SS or other accepted Tax ID number | $5,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@ascenderpgh.com | Link to Funder | |
| Foundation for the Carolinas | Beyond Open CLT Small Business Grant Program | Beyond Open grants are designed to build economic mobility by providing access to capital for Charlotte, North Carolina diverse (minority, woman, veteran, LGBTQ+, persons with a disability) small business owners without adding debt. Grants can be used to acquire equipment, technology, real estate or inventory (may not be used for payroll, debt payment, utilities, or advertising). Minimum and maximum grant amounts are calculated based on address, balance sheet and other metrics, but range from $10,000 t0 $150,000. | Diverse-owned small businesses, with majority (at least 51% ) minority, woman, veteran, LGBTQ+ or persons with disabilities ownership, and a physical location within one of the six Corridors of Opportunity as identified by the City of Charlotte, North Carolina. Minimum annual revenue of $30k and a maximum annual revenue of $5M; fewer than 200 employees. | $150,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@beyondopenclt.com | Link to Funder | |
| Big Gig | Big Gig Pitch Off | All applicants then pitch their idea to our Steering Committee at our Little Gig one week before the Big Gig event. At the end of Little Gig, the Steering Committee chooses the top 3 pitchers to move onto the Big Gig event the following week. | Maine-based entrepreneurs | $5,000 | Rolling | Renee Kelly | info@biggig.org | Link to Funder | |
| Biodesign Challenge | Biodesign Sprint | In collaboration with Google, Biodesign Challenge is organizing an innovation challenge from October 7 to November 4. Teams of 1-6 people are encouraged to create projects that explore how biotechnology can create a more sustainable consumer electronics industry. Teams will pitch their ideas to Google at the Sprint Semifinals and Finals on November 3 & 4. Winning teams can win $5k in prizes and have the potential opportunity to collaborate with the Google Hardware Design Studio. | Students, professionals, hobbyists, and enthusiasts from across the globe to envision and create products that function in symbiotic harmony with the environment. | $5,000 | Rolling | Veena Vijayakumar | info@biodesignchallenge.org | Link to Funder | |
| Black Farmer Fund | Rapid Response Fund Grants | The BFF Rapid Response Fund has deployed over $120k across the Northeast to farming and food businesses experiencing emergencies. The goal of this fund is to address acute emergencies to provide immediate restoration of your operation ( not capacity building costs, nor recurring or general operating expenses). The fund prioritizes emergencies occurring within the last 6 months that impact your operations, including (but not limited to) equipment breakdown, weather, loss of crops or animals, medical expenses, stolen or damaged supplies, etc. Applications are reviewed quarterly with 2-3 funded per quarter. | Black farmers and food business (growing, processing, preparing, distributing owners in the Northeast US (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Jersey, and New York, Pennsylvania) that have experienced an acute emergency impacting operations | $10,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@blackfarmerfund.com | Applications reviewed quarterly in March, June, September and December. | Link to Funder |
| Beemok Capital | Datalyst by Beemok Pitch | Beemok is investing in entrepreneurs and emerging companies based in Charleston’s Tri-County region. Catalyst by Beemok is more than just a pitch competition—it’s a platform for founders to gain exposure, connect with investors, and accelerate their growth. It's a million-dollar opportunity and an chance to further position Charleston as a destination where high-potential businesses can start and scale.Pitch will take place at Union Pier Terminal, Charleston, South Carolina. | Early stage for-profit companies owned by residents of Berkeley, Charleston, or Dorchester County, South Carolina | $500,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | info@catalystbybeemok.com | Catalyst provides equity investments, not grants. The specific deal terms will depend on the stage and needs of each company, but we use a straightforward approach designed to be founder-friendly and aligned with early-stage best practices. | Link to Funder |
| Catalyze | Preclinical Program Expression of Interest | The Catalyze Program initiatives support product development, including product definition small molecules, biologics, devices, diagnostics and enabling technologies and transformative platforms through five grant funding opportunities. Catalyze preclinical services support preclinical development activities from end-stage proof-of-concept, through preclinical development and US regulatory approval. Applicants request specific services to advance their technology. Applications are sent to external reviewers for evaluation and if a project is selected for support, the level of support and services is negotiated between the PI and NHLBI. | Researchers | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@catalyze.com | Link to Funder | |
| Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham | Small Business Impact Grant | Flexible capital and targeted technical assistance to accelerate the growth of small, underserved businesses. | Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and community-based lenders that provide capital and technical assistance to small businesses, particularly Black-owned businesses. | $250,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@cfbham.org | Link to Funder | |
| Chainlink | Developer grants | Developer grants seek to extend smart contract developer tooling, build reference projects that showcase use of multiple technologies, and education initiatives for developers and aspiring developers. Its goal is to build key pillars to accelerate the development of connected smart contracts and oracle node networks. | Developers | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@chain.link | Link to Funder | |
| ChicoSTART GrowTECH FEST 2026 | Startup Stories Challenge | Pitch competition to taker place at the 2026 GrowTECH fest presented by ChicoSTART. Join us October 8th and 9th 2026 in Chico for the seventh annual GrowTECH FEST, the largest entrepreneurial conference north of Sacramento. In the Startup Story Challenge, North State innovators take the stage and compete for the startup idea. This year the audience gets to cast a vote for their favorite. | Startups located in the North State (north of Sacramento). Founders must be age 21 or over. | Varies | TBA | General Inquiries | info@chicostart.com | Link to Funder | |
| Ben Franklin Technology Partners | BIG IDEA grant contest | As a finalist, you’ll dive into an exciting competition vying for not just a $2500 People’s Choice Award but also the chance to win up to $50,000 in prize money. Picture yourself on the stage, pitching your BIG idea at the finale, surrounded by your cheering supporters—family and friends who can cast their votes to support your vision. | Entrepreneurs in Cameron, Clinton, Lycoming, Potter, and Tioga Counties, PA | $50,000 | Rolling | info@cnp.benfranklin.org | info@cnp.benfranklin.org | Link to Funder | |
| Connecticut Innovations | Pre-Seed Fund | CI seeks technology-based companies based in Connecticut or willing to move here. We look for innovators in our core areas of expertise: bioscience, IT, clean tech, photonics and advanced materials. While We're flexible when evaluating a potential partner, we also look for: company history, Companies in operation for less than seven years, Non-recurring revenue from non-grant sources of less than $2 million; At least 50 percent of employees in Connecticut; Companies that can meet a 50 percent match requirement. | Based in, or willing to relocate to CT | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@ctinnovations.com | Link to Funder | |
| Connecticut Restaurant Association | CONNECTICUT HOSPITALITY EMPLOYEE RELIEF FUND | All of us at the Connecticut Restaurant Association and our non-profit, the Connecticut Hospitality Educational Foundation, are committed to helping the hospitality industry through this crisis. We are beyond concerned about our 8,500 restaurants and their 160,000 food service employees facing uncertain futures. The Connecticut Restaurant Association, through its 501(c)(3) foundation, the Connecticut Hospitality Educational Foundation, has formed the CT Hospitality Employee Relief Fund to provide immediate emergency funds to hospitality workers. CHEF, funded by private, community and individual donations, will distribute the funds donated to the Employee Relief Fund as grants to hospitality employees during these uncertain times of mandated business shutdowns. | CT hospitality employees | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@ctrestaurant.org | Link to Funder | |
| Women's Business Development Council (WBDC) | Ignite Grant Program | The Ignite Grant Program is designed to help women-owned businesses grow. Grants between $2,500 and $10,000 will be awarded for clearly defined projects that will have a measurable impact on the business, its growth and profitability. | Eligibility Criteria: 51% or more woman-owned business; Headquartered in Connecticut; At least two years in business; annual sales of $25,000 to $2,000,000 | $10,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@ctwbdc.org | Link to Funder | |
| Michael and Susan Dell Foundation | Michael & Susan Dell Foundation Funding Application | We fund social enterprises that directly serve or impact children or youth from urban low-income communities in the areas of education, health, and family economic stability (including livelihoods and financial inclusion). These social enterprises may be structured as for-profit or nonprofit entities. We use a range of financial tools and structures to support mission-driven companies driving social progress. These include equity, convertible instruments, debt, impact bonds, and guarantees. | Social enterprises that directly serve or impact urban low-income communities in the areas of education, health, and family economic stability (including livelihoods and financial inclusion). | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@dell.org | Applications need to focus on the Foundation's narrow areas of interest and the societal benefits | Link to Funder |
| Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation | DRK Foundation Funding | The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation seeks to dramatically improve the lives of people and the world around us through innovative strategies, systems changing approaches, and disrupting technologies. Typically funds programs, products or services that are already in the market or in the field, with some early indication that your model is having its intended impact. Borrowed from our venture capital legacy we find exceptional entrepreneurs, provide them with 3 years of unrestricted capital (totaling $300,000) and provide rigorous ongoing support by joining their board of directors for the 3 years and partnering with the leader to help them to build capacity in their organization and scale their impact. For for-profit organizations, we typically make program-related investments with an initial investment of $150,000 and we'll do a subsequent investment of another $150,000 depending on the achievement of certain organizational metrics and milestones. | Social entrepreneurs with dynamic ideas. Mission-driven for-profit entities, including US 501(c)3 and its non-US equivalents, C corporations, B corporations, and hybrid organizations that are Post-pilot, pre-scale organizations. | $300,000 | Rolling | Kruit Bharucha | info@drkfoundation.org | The Foundation receives more than 3,000 applications per year and prioritizes those that focus on supporting a vulnerable, marginalized, or otherwise underserved community. DRK Foundation accepts applications for funding year round. Organizations may re-apply up to twice, no sooner than one year after a decline notification from DRK regarding any previous applications. | Link to Funder |
| E for All | Pitch Contests | EforAll’s Pitch Contests are lively two hour events that offer entrepreneurs the opportunity to share their business ideas with a friendly audience. A pre-selected group of Entrepreneurs get the opportunity to pitch their idea to the audience including a group of judges and also set up a table to showcase their product/service. A pitch must be no longer than 2.5 minutes. After the pitches, the judges will award three of the four cash prizes while the audience will vote on who will win the fourth cash prize. | EforAll Pitch Contests are open to all individuals in or near an EforAll community at no cost. Contests are open to people who are in the business idea stage, people who are looking to take a hobby to the next level, or those looking to pivot and grow an existing business. Business ideas across a wide range of industries are encouraged. | $1,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@eforall.org | Link to Funder | |
| Elevate Ventures | High Potential Startup Grant | It can take just one hurdle coming down to propel a business forward. To help entrepreneurs overcome hurdles to attain a particular measurable outcome or milestone, Elevate Ventures developed High Potential Startup Grants. This pre-seed program encourages entrepreneurism in specific communities by awarding between $5,000 and $25,000 to high-potential startups in regions where communities have invested in entrepreneurism. | Indiana-based startup in Agriculture, Life Sciences, Information Technology, Advanced Manufacturing or Medical Devices | $25,000 | Rolling | Julia French | info@elevateventures.com | Link to Funder | |
| Mercy Corps - Energy 4 Impact | Enterprise Support | Mercy Corps helps companies to secure grants to test products and business models, or to underpin the economics of a project to attract private capital. These grants may come directly from Mercy Corps, or from other providers, depending on the circumstances. Grant funding will nearly always be combined with advisory services, as well as monitoring on the use of the grant. A few examples include: grant funding for energy companies, developers of small hydro projects and solar product suppliers; grant awards to innovative renewable energy projects and financing R&D for early-stage businesses targeting climate mitigation or adaptation technologies. | Africa-based energy companies, developers of small hydro projects and solar product suppliers; grant awards to innovative renewable energy projects and financing R&D for early-stage businesses targeting climate mitigation or adaptation technologies. | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@energy4impact.org | Link to Funder | |
| Energy Capital | Energy Capital Start-Up Challenge | The Energy Capital Economic Development and the FUEL Business Incubator seek to identify the most promising of new business ideas and work alongside founders to bring their new ventures to life. New entrepreneurial activity is a significant element of economic development, and the Challenge identifies and develops successful entrepreneurs that will become solid contributors to our area’s economy. | New, innovative businesses in residents of Campbell, Crook, Weston, Sheridan & Johnson, Wyoming that can sell a product or service outside of the northeast Wyoming area. Must fall into one of the following categories: Pre-Venture Stage (have an idea and pursuing feasibility); Startup/Pre-Revenue Stage (want to acquire customers and generate revenue); Early Operation Stage (revenue stream (<= $150,000 of revenue in the last 12 months) but want to pursue ideas that would significantly accelerate sales and rapidly grow the company (at least 4-5X within three years) | $15,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | info@energycapitaled.com | Link to Funder | |
| Enthuse Foundation | Grant Program | The Enthuse Foundation is a non-profit organization investing in a new generation of women entrepreneurs and cultivating the next generation of business leaders. Here’s your opportunity to participate and celebrate the women who are making their mark on the food, beverage, and CPG industries. Apply for the chance to pitch and be eligible to compete for $30K in cash and prizes. | Women in food, beverage, and CPG industries | $30,000 | Rolling | Main Contact | info@enthusefoundation.org | Link to Funder | |
| Ethereum Foundation | Small Grants | Small grants, capped at $30,000, have a streamlined application and evaluation process to deliver a decision around two weeks after submission. | Anyone | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@ethereum.org | Link to Funder | |
| Ethereum Foundation | Project Grants | Project grants have no specific funding cap, and undergo a more intensive process of review and potentially rescoping. Timelines vary widely depending on scope and complexity. | Anyone | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@ethereum.org | Link to Funder | |
| Extreme Tech Challenge (XTC) | Extreme Tech Challenge | The Extreme Tech Challenge (XTC) global start-up competition discovers and supports new technologies and innovations to solve the world's most extreme problems. Drawing from the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals, XTC partners will encourage the world’s most promising entrepreneurs to develop solutions to the greatest challenges facing humankind. | Startups from anywhere, legally registered in their country of origin, with a new technology or an innovative application of an existing technology that addresses one of the Challenge's topic areas | $1,000,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@extremetechchallenge.org | Link to Funder | |
| Founders First Capital Partners | Small Certified Supplier Innovative Finance Program | Targeted to small certified suppliers in California, Georgia, Kansas, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas and Washington, the Small Certified Supplier Innovative Finance Program is designed to engage diverse suppliers in educational funding readiness training and funder matching to support capacity building. Participants will access a wide-range of capital funders through our founder matchmaking sessions based on their business needs and receive a $5,000 grant. | Business headquartered in CA, GA, KS, IL, MI, MN, NY, NC, OH, TN, TX or WA; one or more of the following certifications: Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Women Business Enterprise (WBENC), Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE), Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB) or Certified LGBTBE; between $250,000 and $10M in annual revenue; B2B or B2G business model | $5,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@f1stcp.com | In addition to location - Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Women Business Enterprise (WBENC), Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE), Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB) or Certified LGBTBE | Link to Funder |
| Feed the Soul | Restaurant Business Development Program | We're devoted to dismantling the long history of food injustice in providing resources, training services, and bridging communities together. Feed the Soul Foundation has established a fund valued at $15,000, used for any culinary development support for your business. | Culinary Business (Restaurant, Food Truck, Bakery, Bar/Lounge, Pop-up Food Stand, or Ghost/Cloud Kitchen) at least 51% owned by a person (or persons) who identify as marginalized | $15,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@feedthesoulfou.org | Link to Funder | |
| Global InsurTech Competition 2024 | Global InsurTech Competition 2024 | Contestants will gain access to a prize pool of $200,000 in value, exposure to 10+ early-stage investors and insurance leaders, and have the chance to present in front of 400+ InsurTech influencers live in New York. | Fintech/Insurtech startups | $200,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@fintech.global | Link to Funder | |
| Seed Round Capital | Seed Round Capital Funding | We focus on tech and tech-enabled businesses, and avoid highly regulated industries that have a long sales cycle or are capital intensive. (We target startups that are doing real engineering and are capital efficient. No MedTech or BioTech.) Investment: $25,000 – $50,000 in a SAFE or convertible note, in exchange for 5% – 7% equity. You also get fundraising support, management guidance and access to their investors, mentors and experts community. Note that there is a $5k monthly fee to participate in the program. | Tech companies that serve an urgent and timely need and have a product in the market, with current traction, at least 3 paying customers, at least $5k in monthly recurring revenue, less than $750k in prior outside investment, at least one full time founder on the team | $50,000 | Rolling | Evan Mula | info@firstround.com | Link to Funder | |
| Flinn Foundation | Entrepreneurship Program | Each year, the Flinn Foundation Bioscience Entrepreneurship Program offers funding, professional support, connections, and networking opportunities to Arizona early-stage bioscience companies. | Arizona bioindustry startups | $100,000 | 12/16/2026 | General Inquiries | info@flinn.org | Link to Funder | |
| Founders First | Job Creators Grant | The Job Creators Grant provides a total of $30,000 in grants to local companies led by underrepresented entrepreneurs. Ten grants will be awarded to companies with 2-20 employees generating annual revenues between $100,000 to $3 million. To encourage premium wage job growth, the grants will benefit diverse founders that can add 1-2 new premium wage jobs over the next 12 months. Diverse founders are Black, Indigenous, a Person of Color, LGBTQIA+, Veteran, Female, or located in a low to moderate income area. | Must be located in the Chicagoland area (counties include: Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake,McHenry, Will)Must have a current staff of 2-20 employeesWill have the ability to add 1-2+ net new premium wage jobs in the next 12 monthsMust be a Service Based Business, light manufacturing, B2B or have a service componentFounder must be Black, Indigenous, Persons of Color ( BIPOC) ,LGBTQIA+, Veteran, Women, located in an LMI areaHave an Annual Revenue of at least $100K and not to exceed $3 million | $3,000 | Rolling | Robin Levison | info@foundersfirstcdc.org | Must be located in the Chicagoland area (counties include: Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake,McHenry, Will) | Link to Funder |
| Epson and Foundry 415 Innovation Group | Epson Innovation Challenge | Held in San Francisco, San Jose and remotely from July 12-20, the event challenges innovators to develop a working MVP (minimum viable product) concept using Epson Connect™ and an Epson printer or scanner. Applications are open now through July 5. | Tech innovators from across the U.S. | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@foundry415.com | Link to Funder | |
| From the Heart Productions | The Roy W. Dean Film Grant | We fund compelling stories about little known subjects, historical films, and films that touch hearts. We like films that expose, and bring, important information to light; as well as films about little known people when there is a good story. | Short films, documentaries, and independent features, and web series that are budgeted under $500,000. They must be films that are unique and make a contribution to society. | Varies | 10/31/2026 | General Inquiries | info@fromtheheartproductions.com | Link to Funder | |
| The Fruitguys Community Fund | Small Farm Grants for Sustainability | Small farmers may apply for up to $5,000 to help their farm operate more sustainably and strengthen their community. Projects may include, but are not limited to: Water Conservation (e.g. drip irrigation & rainwater catchment), Natural Pest Control (such as owl or bat boxes), Pollination (beehives, pollinator hedgerows), Soil Health (cover crops, minimizing tillage), Energy Efficiency (solar, geothermal,wind), Heirlooms (eliminating GMO seed, saving heirloom seeds, using heritage varieties, etc), Increase Low-Income Consumers’ Access to food (expanding free or low-cost CSA shares), and similar activities. | U.S-based small (250 acres or less) farmer owners or operators (may lease land); in operation at least 2 years | $5,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@fruitguyscommunityfund.org | Does not include: Non soil-based farming operations (i.e. hydroponic/aquaponic growing systems), land acquisition, labor costs, consultants, marketing costs. | Link to Funder |
| Full Cycle | Full Cycle | Climate Change mitigation is a race against time. Full Cycle built an acceleration ecosystem to scale commercially ready technology-solutions to the climate crisis. We invest in growth stage companies with developed climate-critical infrastructure technology. Our focus is on technologies that abate short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs), which have a disproportionate warming effect in their first twenty years of emission (GWP 20). We accelerate commercialization and asset deployment as a capital and operational partner. Our focus is on sectors of the economy that are the largest contributors of SLCPs. | Technologies that address the greenhouse gases with the highest warming potential in the first 20 years of emission (GWP20). | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@fullcycle.com | May take equity | Link to Funder |
| Future Planet Capital | Future Planet Capital | Future Planet Capital focuses on Seed to Series B stage tech and life science companies from the world’s top universities and research ecosystems, where impact and innovation go hand in. | Growth companies from the world’s top universities and research ecosystems. | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@futureplanetcapital.com | Link to Funder | |
| Germinate by HIplan | Germinating Innovation with Gen AI Pitch Event | Enter to win cash for your innovative solution concept in sustainable tropical food, agriculture and aquaculture tech solution. We are calling on technologists, entrepreneurs, researchers, and dreamers. Your knowledge in STEM, your passion for innovation, and your drive for sustainability are the keys to unlocking the solutions we need. We strongly encourage use of your favorite Generative AI platforms to assist you in researching, ideating, and developing your concepts, deck and pitch script. The finals will take place at the University of Hawaii at Manoa RISE Center. | Hawaii-based agrifood entrepreneurs | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@GerminateHawaii.com | Link to Funder | |
| Sanofi Regeneron Pathways | Grant Initiative | The Pathways Global Innovation Grant will empower independent researchers working to understand the pathways of type 2 inflammation and foster collaboration across the scientific community. | Independent Researchers | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@globalt2grant.com | Link to Funder | |
| Guam Unique Merchandise and Art (GUMA) | I Bisinun Mami Micro Grant Program | I Bisinun Mami is catered specifically for home-based businesses. GUMA works with the Mayors Council of Guam to assist home-based businesses in growing as well as creating a Village Resource Directory to better expose these businesses to more customers. I Bisinun Mami graduates may apply for up to $3,000.00 in Micro Grant funds, which may be used for startup costs such as materials, supplies, inventory, marketing, subscriptions, and other business expenses. | Owners and prospective owners of small and/or home-based businesses in Guam, who have completed one or both of the GUMA entrepreneurship training programs | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@gumaguam.com | Link to Funder | |
| Harvard University | Harvard I-Corps Program | Offers up to $3,000 in seed funding for research teams and customer discovery support. Teams can be recommended for the national program. | Open to Harvard faculty, students, and research teams. External collaborators may participate as team mentors. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@harvardinnovationlabs.com | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| Hatch Bloomington | Hatch Bloomington Pitch Competition | One major benefit of the contest is exposure – if your proposal advances to the Top 10 pitch round, there will be significant public exposure and earned media, with your product or service in front of thousands of potential customers. In addition, those who advance to the Top 10 pitch round are automatically invited to join the Hatch Bloomington Alumni Network – a community of entrepreneurs that will continue to grow each year and who will have access to technical support, industry mentoring, a robust professional network to tap into. We will be inviting Hatch Bloomington alumni to remain engaged with the program throughout the calendar year, whether that’s to serve as a judge in future competitions or attend business development events. | Ideal applicants will be aspiring entrepreneurs or veteran small business owners that are looking to launch or grow an independent brick-and-mortar retail businesses in Bloomington, with an emphasis on sustainability, racial equity, gender inclusivity, and creativity. Applicants can apply at any point on their business development timeline – from ideation to the expansion stage. Strong applications will propose a brick-and-mortar store front presence in the City of Bloomington. | $100,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@hatchbloomington.com | Link to Funder | |
| The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana (HCCL) and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation (HCCF) | Hispanic Owned Business Grant for Louisiana | The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana (HCCL) and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation (HCCF) in partnership with Entergy are thrilled to announce a dedicated fund to award Hispanic Owned Businesses disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters with grants that will assist them to offset the losses and move forward. | Hispanic owned businesses in Louisiana | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@hispanicchamberla.com | Link to Funder | |
| Hispanic Heritage Foundation | Vision Verde | Visión Verde is a multi-year platform sponsored by Bacardi U.S.A., Inc., designed to empower Latinx/Hispanic entrepreneurs within the beverage alcohol service, sales, and hospitality industries. In its second year, Visión Verde grant will be awarded to 10 deserving recipients across the U.S., each receiving $10,000 to fund initiatives that promote sustainability and environmental impact through education and mentorship. | Latinx/Hispanic entrepreneurs within the beverage alcohol service, sales, and hospitality industries. | $10,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@hispanicheritage.org | Link to Funder | |
| Hue Capital | The Winning Women MicroGrant | The Winning Women MicroGrant is designed to provide a financial boost to women founders building product-centric businesses. Use this grant to help fuel your journey, whether you're in the early stages of your business or ready to scale to the next level. | Product-focused women-owned business | $1,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@huecapital.co | Link to Funder | |
| Illinois Restaurant Association | IRAEF Restaurant Employee Relief Fund | The Restaurant Employee Relief Fund is a program of the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (IRAEF). We offer emergency assistance to Illinois food and beverage workers facing an unanticipated hardship within the past 90 days such as: accident, illness, injury, death of an immediate family member or natural disaster. If you are in need of assistance, please complete the application form. All grant requests will be reviewed. The IRAEF Restaurant Employee Relief Fund grants are awarded to eligible individuals based on available funds and limited to one per individual. | IL restaurant employees | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@illinoisrestaurants.org | Link to Funder | |
| Impact Funding Solutions | Impact Grant for Businesses | Each quarter, we open our grants to businesses and nonprofit organizations, welcoming their applications for IMPACT Grants through our user-friendly online portal. The Impact Grant Application For Businesses application window is open quarterly. After a diligent review process, we select one recipient from the business category and one from the nonprofit category. The eagerly awaited announcement of the grantee takes place on the 15th of the month after the quarter, and the funds are disbursed to the recipients by the month’s end. | Business owners (sole proprietors, entrepreneurs, owners of small businesses and startups) in the United States and Canada | $1,000 | 12/31/2026 | General Inquiries | info@impactfundingsolutions.com | Applications are reviewed quarterly | Link to Funder |
| The Innovation Space (with the State of Delaware, University of Delaware, and DuPont) | Early Stage Growth Grant | The Innovation Space is a public-private partnership founded with contributions from the State of Delaware, DuPont and the University of Delaware that provides startups up to 2-years of support. The Early Stage Growth Grant provides $240,000 in funding along with up to 2-years of state-of-the-art private laboratory space at The Innovation Space; Private office space ; Loaned and leveraged scientific equipment; learning seminars, and networking events; and skilled mentorship and business building expertise delivered through: (1) Spark Factory virtual mentoring program, (2) Science Inc. virtual business building accelerator program, and (3) 1-1 meetings with Entrepreneurs-in-Residence, commercialization experts, operating staff, and startup mentors. Companies must commit to building their businesses at the Innovation Space in Wilmington for at least 2 years. | Early-stage companies (less than 5 years) in Biotechnology, Chemicals and Chemical Products, Clean Technology, Industrial/Energy, or Nanotechnology; with committed funding of over $200k; committed to establishing and growing operations in Wilmington Delaware for at least 24 months | $240,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@innovationspace.org; 302-200-8600 | Link to Funder | |
| Innovation Works | Pittsburgh | Our mission is to introduce, connect, support and expand the startup & entrepreneurial ecosystem within Southwestern Pennsylvania, making our region a center for innovative startups and tech investors from around the country. | key sectors of strength in the Pittsburgh region including robotics, artificial intelligence, medical devices, retail technologies, enterprise software and others. | Varies | Rolling | Cindy Franc | info@innovationworks.org | Link to Funder | |
| The Innovation Space (with the State of Delaware, University of Delaware, and DuPont) | The First Fund | The Innovation Space is a public-private partnership founded with contributions from the State of Delaware, DuPont and the University of Delaware that provides startups up to 2-years of support. The Early Stage Growth Grant provides $240,000 in funding along with up to 2-years of state-of-the-art private laboratory space at The Innovation Space; Private office space ; Loaned and leveraged scientific equipment; learning seminars, and networking events; and skilled mentorship and business building expertise delivered through: (1) Spark Factory virtual mentoring program, (2) Science Inc. virtual business building accelerator program, and (3) 1-1 meetings with Entrepreneurs-in-Residence, commercialization experts, operating staff, and startup mentors. Companies must commit to building their businesses at the Innovation Space in Wilmington for at least 2 years. | Early-stage companies (less than 5 years) in Biotechnology, Chemicals and Chemical Products, Clean Technology, Industrial/Energy, or Nanotechnology; with committed funding of over $200k; committed to establishing and growing operations in Wilmington Delaware for at least 24 months | $30,000 | 12/15/2026 | Bill Provine | bill@innovationspace.org | Link to Funder | |
| Invest Southwest | Venture Madness Conference | Leading up to the event, finalist companies will get expert mentorship from seasoned investors, business leaders and other successful entrepreneurs in preparation for the competition. At the live event, they'll compete in head-to-head pitches in each category for a chance to win cash, and most importantly, get exposure for their company while building an invaluable network of the Southwest’s most active investors who attend Venture Madness specifically to grow their investment portfolios with the next heroes! | Eligibility Criteria:Revenue Categories: $0 - $5 Million+ in annual revenueIndustry Categories: Includes Software/SaaS, Hardware Technologies, Medical (non-software), Manufacturing, EV and Battery, Agriculture, and others | Varies | 04/09/2027 | Sandra Watson | info@investsouthwest.org; 480-788-5038 | Link to Funder | |
| Philadelphia JVS Fund For Women | JVS Grants | The goal is to assist women-led enterprises to mature and grow by providing a source of capital to women growth enterprises, leveraging the experience of established women leaders to provide consulting and advisory services, and connecting women CEOs to resources to accelerate their growth | Women-owned and led businesses in Greater Philadelphia that are positioned for their next stage of growth | $50,000 | Rolling | Contact Us | info@jvsphilafund.org | Link to Funder | |
| Launch Collective Expo | Launch Pad Pitch Competition | The Launch Collective Expo EXISTS to support today's Wealth Creators — not only through its quality EXPO, Virtual Events, Online Community, Consulting and Local Masterminds — but also by providing funding through the Launch Pad Pitch Competition. The winner is awarded a cash prize to help them accomplish something that had previously been out of financial reach. | RULES TO ENTER: 1. Purchase a ticket to the Wealth Creators Rising2. You must go live on our Facebook Page here: https://www.facebook.com/launchcollectiveexpobetween September 20th-28th and give a 3 minute introduction about yourself and your business and YOU MUST INCLUDE this line: " Please like and share this post and help me to become a finalist in the Launch Pad Pitch Completion at the Virtual Wealth Creators Rising, " 3. You must copy and paste this link in your comments: https://launchcollectiveexpo2020.app.virtualsummits.com/4. Like and share your post on your timeline and Include this line in the post: To learn more about this awesome event, click on the link in my comments. #LCEXPO2020 #WealthCreatorsRising20205. Like our social pages: | $50,000 | Rolling | Contact Us | info@LaunchCollectiveExpo.com | Link to Funder | |
| LDR Ventures | LDR Ventures | LDR Ventures is a VC firm and startup accelerator based in Los Angeles. We invest $10K to $100K at the Seed or Series A round. We're looking for exceptional entrepreneurs with great opportunities, game changing ideas and a tremendous work ethic. We make investments in companies where we have expertise and can make a difference that focus on eCommerce, Fashion, Consumer Products, Retail Innovation, Health and Beauty, Digital Media, Fitness, Food, Technology, Entertainment and Mobile. | Companies in Food & Beverage, Health & Beauty, HealthTech, FoodTech, Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), and Feminine Health | $100,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@ldrventures.com | Link to Funder | |
| Bayer | Leaps by Bayer | Leaps seeks to Stop genetic diseases before they progress could prevent chronic suffering and give each of us the chance to live a full and healthy life. This could be tied into health and lifestyle/heart health. There is no disclosure on the award amount, any due dates, or any further information. It seems to be open and ongoing to any business who reaches out to them. | paradigm-shifting advances in health – breakthroughs that could change the world for the better | Varies | Rolling | André Guillaume | info@leaps.bayer | Link to Funder | |
| The Lenfest Institute for Journalism | Beyond Print Grant Program | As part of its Beyond Print program, the Institute will provide a limited number of grants, of up to $25,000 each, to support strategic experimentation that will result in transformative change toward a print transition. | Eligibility Criteria for the Beyond Print Grant Program:Organizations: Nonprofit and for-profit news organizations.Projects: Must focus on reducing dependency on print revenue and print-centric practices.Location: Primarily serving communities in the United States.Impact: Projects should aim for long-term sustainability and significant digital transformation. | $25,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@lenfestinstitute.org | Link to Funder | |
| American Express and Main Street America | Shop Small Grants Program | To help small businesses grow, innovate, and support their local communities, American Express is teaming up with Main Street America this Small Business Saturday® to launch the Amex Shop Small Grants Program. The Program will provide an initial $5 million to fund 250 grants of $20,000 each to eligible small business owners across the U.S. | For-profit, independently owned small business operating out of a physical “brick-and-mortar” storefront; located in one of the 50 U.S. states (Businesses located in Washington, DC, or other U.S. territories are not eligible); 20 or less FTE (Full Time Equivalent) employees | $20,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | info@mainstreet.org; 312-610-5613 | Must be a brick-and-mortar business | Link to Funder |
| Michigan Economic Development Corp and Velocity | 3×3 Pitch Competition | Apply for a chance to showcase your business and share how you prospered throughout the pandemic. Seize the opportunity to share your story, gain expert advice, and win a cash prize. Participants will have three minutes each to present their journey of overcoming challenges and achieving prosperity, showcasing their resilience and success during the COVID-19 pandemic. The top three will have a chance at being awarded $5,000 for first place; $3,000 for second place or $2,000 for third place. The competition will take place from 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17 at Velocity, 6633 18 Mile Road Sterling Heights, Michigan. | Small business in Macomb County, Michigan | $5,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | info@mivelocity.com | Link to Funder | |
| National Aeronautics and Space Administration | NASA Patent Remix Challenge | The NASA Patent Remix Challenge asks participants to explore NASA's portfolio of patented technologies at the Technology Transfer Office and propose bold, novel, and commercially viable applications that transform their defined purpose, bringing these inventions to the public with new use cases.Each submission will demonstrate how a selected NASA patent, or a suite of patents, can be transformed into a new product or business concept. Winning ideas demonstrate strong potential to pursue a research or evaluation license, and serve as the foundation for new startups, products, or partnerships.By surfacing high-potential concepts and solvers, this challenge hopes to accelerate the transition of space technology into the commercial marketplace, driving economic growth, public benefit, and continued momentum for U.S. innovation leadership. | Any founder | $10,000 | 12/15/2026 | General Inquiries | info@NASAPatentRemixChallenge.org | Link to Funder | |
| Northeast ARC | The Arc Tank | The Arc Tank 5.0, a competition that seeks to fund innovative ideas that enhance the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities or autism. Individuals, nonprofit and for-profit organizations, and groups are eligible to apply. Submissions can address a variety of areas, including safety and well-being, employment, technology, housing, transportation, or socialization for individuals with disabilities. | Out of the box thinker and/or team | $200,000 | Rolling | Julie Lufkin-Purtz | info@ne-arc.org | Link to Funder | |
| NewSchools Ventures Fund | Teacher Diversity Application | NewSchools Ventures Fund is seeking organizations working on innovative approaches to advancing educator diversity, including recruiting diverse teachers and supporting teachers of color. Grants between $150K and $250K will be awarded. Watch the informational webinar recording to learn more about the opportunity. | Early-stage organizations (generally 0 to 2 years old), we also invest in new initiatives (0 to 2 years old) at existing organizations. We recognize that many leaders of color may have been working to launch a new organization for more than 2 years, but may not yet have formalized their approach. | $250,000 | 01/08/2027 | Stacey Childress | info@newschools.org | Link to Funder | |
| RIT Center for Urban Entrepreneurship(CUE) | Pull Up & ROC the Pitch | RIT Center for Urban Entrepreneurship(CUE) is hosting a micro version of its Annual ROC the Pitch Competition, “Pull Up & ROC the Pitch.” Six qualifying participants will be selected to pitch their business idea in 5 minutes for a chance to win a Grand Prize! This is an opportunity to share your idea with your community, gain exposure and secure funding. | Rochester, New York startups with Proof of Revenue and at least 1 year in business | $1,500 | TBA | General Inquiries | info@nextcorps.org | Link to Funder | |
| NXTUS | NXTSTAGE FinTech Pilot Competition | This innovation program allows FinTech startups from around the world to present their innovative technology solutions to prospective customers in Kansas that they otherwise may not have been able to access. Startups offer potential technology tools – ready to be pilot-tested or fully deployed – that can help financial institutions enhance digital offerings and improve operations | Fintech startups targeting banks as customers/pilot partners | $10,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | info@nxtus.io | Link to Funder | |
| New York Farm Viability Institute (FVI) | Farm Viability Institute (FVI) Grants | The FVA Grant seeks proposals that have clear relevance to New York’s agriculture community, demonstrated producer support, and the ability to deliver farm-level economic impact over time. Similar to past years, we are interested in projects focused on evaluating the benefits of new technologies, and are are particularly interested in proposals that accelerate practice adoption. The board is notably interested in proposals that align with NYFVI’s mission and priorities in the topics of: Antimicrobial use; Carbon sequestration; Climate change impacts; Food system resiliency; Integrated Pest Management; Soil health; and Water quality. Ideas include, but are not limited to: Demonstrating the value of new technology and tools, and increasing the use of data-based decision-making on farms. | New York farmer groups, farm businesses, or organizations, agencies and researchers that support the economic viability of New York’s farmers | $125,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@nyfvi.org; 315-453-3823 | They are seeking strong evaluation plans and projects with measurable farm-level impact for dollars spent | Link to Funder |
| One Fair Wage and City of Chicago | High Road Kitchens | One Fair Wage in partnership with the City of Chicago has launched the High Road Kitchens program, offering grants between $10,000 and $30,000 to Chicago restaurants. | Restaurant located in ChicagoAnnual revenue of under $3 millionExperienced financial loss due to COVID-19 totaling 25% of annual revenue | $30,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@onefairwage.org | Link to Funder | |
| Tin Shed Ventures | Tin Shed Ventures | Tin Shed Ventures™ is Patagonia’s corporate venture capital fund, which we use to invest in environmentally and socially responsible start-up companies. | Environmentally and socially responsible start-up companies | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | Info@PatagoniaWorks.com | Link to Funder | |
| Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) | Improving Methods for Conducting Patient-Centered Comparative Clinical Effectiveness Research -- 2024 Standing PFA - Cycle 3 2024 | PCORI has identified the following areas as programmatic priorities that address important methodological gaps and lead to improvements in the strength and quality of evidence generated by CER studies: Methods to Improve the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in Clinical Research; Methods to Improve Study Design; Methods to Support Data Research Networks; Methods Related to Ethical and Human Subjects Protections Issues in CER | Studies that address high-priority methodological gaps in patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER). | $1,500,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@pcori.org | Link to Funder | |
| Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) | Promoting Healthy Children and Youth Topical PCORI Funding Announcement -- Cycle 3 2024 | PCORI seeks to fund patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER) projects that focus on interventions that improve patient-centered outcomes in children and youth (0-24 years). Applications may propose comparative effectiveness studies of prevention, screening, diagnostic, treatment and management approaches, and pharmacologic, non-pharmacologic and/or combination therapies, as appropriate. Studies may also focus on improving system-level strategies delivered in hospitals, clinics or community settings to improve patient-centered outcomes.Areas of Emphasis: Prevention and treatment of obesity, social determinants of health, Targeted prevention of substance misuse through identified risk factors. | Entities that conduct research studies (private sector, academic, or non-profit research). This may include, among others, agencies and instrumentalities of the Federal Government, nonprofit and for-profit research organizations, and colleges and universities. | $15,000,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@pcori.org; 202-827-7700 | LOI is due on 10/1/24. | Link to Funder |
| Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) | Phased Large Awards for Comparative Effectiveness Research PCORI Funding Announcement (Feasibility) -– Cycle 2 2024 | This funding opportunity anticipates that proposed research projects will require two phases of funding. The initial phase of funding supports a distinct feasibility phase intended for purposes of study refinement, infrastructure establishment, patient and stakeholder engagement, and feasibility testing of study operations, including the ability to recruit and enroll participants successfully. Applicants may request up to $2,000,000 for feasibility phase not to exceed 18 months in duration. Using the feasibility phase to establish evidence of an intervention’s efficacy or effect size is not permitted. Approval to proceed to the second phase will be contingent on achieving specific milestones and deliverables established for the feasibility phase. | Entities that conduct research studies (private sector, academic, or non-profit research). This may include, among others, agencies and instrumentalities of the Federal Government, nonprofit and for-profit research organizations, and colleges and universities. | $2,000,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@pcori.org; 202-827-7700 | Link to Funder | |
| Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) | Phased Large Awards for Comparative Effectiveness Research PCORI Funding Announcement (Study)-– Cycle 2 2024 | Full-scale study Phase: Investigators must propose an individual-level or cluster randomized controlled trial of significant scale and scope for this PFA. The proposed trials should address critical decisional dilemmas that require important new evidence about the comparative clinical effectiveness of available interventions. Proposed studies should compare interventions that already have robust evidence of efficacy and are in current use. May request up to $20,000,000 for study up to 5 years duration. | Entities that conduct research studies (private sector, academic, or non-profit research). This may include, among others, agencies and instrumentalities of the Federal Government, nonprofit and for-profit research organizations, and colleges and universities. | $20,000,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@pcori.org; 202-827-7700 | Link to Funder | |
| Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) | Limited Competition PCORI Funding Announcement: Implementation Awards -- Cycle 3 2024 | PCORI intends to release a Limited Competition PFA on 9/4/24, to move evidence developed with PCORI-funded research toward practical use in improving health care and health outcomes. PCORI will fund projects that aim to implement patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER) results obtained from PCORI-funded research in real-world practice settings. Applicants will have the opportunity to propose: Implementation Projects (up to $2.5 million in total direct costs for up to 48 months); Dissemination Projects (up to $300,000 for up to 36 month project); Implementation Planning Projects (up to $200,000 with project durations of up to 24 months). | Recipients of PCORI-funded research awards, including Broad Pragmatic Studies PCORI awards, Pilot Projects Program awards, Targeted PCORI awards, Pragmatic Clinical Study awards and PCORI-funded demonstration projects | $2,500,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@pcori.org; 202-827-7700 | LOI is due on 10/1/24. | Link to Funder |
| Pipeline Angels (Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership) | Pitch Competition | Pipeline Angels is changing the face of angel investing and venture capital, as well as creating funding for trans women, cis women, nonbinary, two-spirit, agender, and gender-nonconforming founders. We're thrilled to announce that the Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership (IFEL) has acquired Pipeline Angels. Our signature pitch summit is an opportunity to present your for-profit social venture for a chance to secure funding from our members. | U.S.-based for-profit company with a social and/or environmental mission. Trans women, cis women, nonbinary, two-spirit, agender, and gender-nonconforming founders are encouraged to apply. | Varies | Rolling | Anisa Flowers | info@pipelineangels.com | Link to Funder | |
| PR Science Trust | The Catalyzer Research Grant | The Catalyzer Research Grant provides bridge funding to help researchers to position their R&D proposals competitively prior to the submission, or resubmission, to private or federal agencies. It also helps researchers increase their probability of success in securing federal funding. This grant focuses on the following areas: criteria: Junior faculty (within their first five years of their faculty appointment) with a competitive publication record, seeking to secure their first grants*; Principal Investigators (PI’s) with a successful track record of securing funding in their primary research topic, but now embarking in a new research topic and seeking to secure a grant* PI’s that applied for highly competitive federal funding*, that had their proposal favorably reviewed, but fell short of being funded. In this case, the PI should provide a copy of the evaluated proposal and the evaluations. | Puerto Rico based researchers: Junior faculty (5 years or less in their position). Senior researchers with a successful track record interested in changing their research focus. Researchers seeking to submit proposals to federal agencies (received a good score but not funded) | $70,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@prsciencetrust.org | Link to Funder | |
| Publish Her | Business Impact Grant | Applications are now being accepted for the Publish Her Business Impact Grant (BIG) program for women of color business owners. With support from community partner BankCherokee, Publish Her will award a $5,000 grant to a woman of color whose business is making a difference in the lives of others and the world. | Woman of color business owner who is a legal resident of the U.S and 21 years of age or older; Business is 100 percent women-owned, established in the US for one year or more and generating $50,000 or more in annual revenue. | $5,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | info@publishherpress.com | Link to Funder | |
| Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation and Red Wing Ignite | E1 Ignite Cup Pitch Competition | The Entrepreneurs First (E1) Ignite Cup was created to elevate entrepreneurs and emerging startups as a feeder to the statewide MN Cup competition. Finalists present their idea/business to a panel of judges made up of entrepreneurs, investors, business/regional leaders, and an MN Cup representative. Judges award 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place cash award winners, a SE MN Entrepreneur who will advance to the Semi-Finalist MN Cup competition, and a Student (college enrolled) from the 20 County SMIF Region. Audience awards a People's Choice winner. | Southern Minnesota entrepreneurs | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@redwingignite.org | Link to Funder | |
| Reinventure Capital | Reinventure Capital | Reinventure Capital is advancing the Third Reconstruction by investing in a more perfect multicultural, equitable, and prosperous union. | US-based companies led and controlled by BIPOC and/or female founders, at breakeven and poised to grow profitably. | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@reinventurecapital.com | Investor-based funding | Link to Funder |
| Restaurants Care | RESILIENCE FUND Grant | Restaurants Care was created as a safety-net for food and beverage workers, and that hasn't stopped! Year-round, we help the servers, cooks, and dishwashers at the heart of restaurants. | CA restaurants with 1-5 locations | $5,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@restaurantscare.org | Link to Funder | |
| She Loves Tech | 2024 She Loves Tech Competition | Our goal is to provide a platform for international tech companies, investors, entrepreneurs, startups and consumers together, to promote technology for women and technology by women. | Any entrepreneur, male or female, who is using technology to impact women positively can apply. Other criteria include: a significant proportion of potential end-users must be female, products should be specifically designed with women users in mind, the product itself must address a problem that disproportionately affects women. | $50,000 | Rolling | Rhea See | info@shelovestech.org | Link to Funder | |
| Wave and Shorty Awards | 2nd Annual Elevate Creatives Fund | Six recipients will each receive $20,000 to grow their creative business, free creative and/or business mentorship, a feature on the Shorty Awards website, social media, and podcast, and an invitation to the Shorty Impact Awards | U.S. or Canadian independent creators who produce editorial (to inform, entertain, educate, inspire, etc), fine art, and/or commercial (e.g. branded or ad-supported) content, such as social media content, podcasts, videos, short films, etc; U.S. or Canadian freelance creatives/consultants such as designers, copywriters, and producers who provide services to brands, agencies, nonprofits, etc. | $20,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@shortyawards.com | Link to Funder | |
| Sky's the Limit | Friends & Family Fund | Each month, we award a startup grant of up to $2,500 to an entrepreneur (up to £2,000 for UK grants). So far, we've provided over $200,000 in funding to help young underrepresented entrepreneurs get closer to their business dreams. | Any founder | $2,500 | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@skysthelimit.org | Must create a Sky's the Limit account (no cost) | Link to Funder |
| The Sorenson Impact Foundation | Lasting Impact Through Systems Change | The Sorenson Impact Foundation grant program will continue the theme for systems change by zeroing in on the need to push the field of impact investing beyond sustainability and towards embracing a “regenerative” paradigm. Our goal is to support the foundation of an impact investing ecosystem where financial returns are driven by outsized social and environmental impact outcomes. Our specific areas of focus are listed below, including example projects for illustration. Please note that example projects are directional examples only and provided as a guide. As a foundation that values scalable innovation, we are eager to see proposals for systems-level, game-changing solutions where our limited capital can serve as a catalyst to drive impact. SIF is seeking proposals for projects addressing the following areas, with the intention to release between 4-6 grants, totaling up to $1.5m | Early seed stage but post proof of concept; Innovative and potentially disruptive ideas that are scalable and have measurable social impact outcomes that are essential to the business model. Ideas must directly meet the needs of or solve a critical issue for an underserved population | $250,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | Info@sorensonimpactfoundation.org; 801.490.1003 | May take equity, dependent upon agreement | Link to Funder |
| Southern Smoke Emergency Relief Program | Southern Smoke Emergency Relief Program | From farmers to fry cooks, servers to sommeliers, Southern Smoke takes care of our own by putting dollars directly into the pockets of food and beverage workers when it’s needed most. | You must be currently employed in food and beverage and working a minimum of 30+ hours per week for a minimum of six months. | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@southernsmoke.org | Link to Funder | |
| SpringWell360 | Health Equity Grant | The SpringWell360 Health Equity Grant is designed to support individuals and projects committed to advancing health equity. The grant aims to foster innovation, collaboration, and community engagement in the pursuit of health equity for all. Recipients are expected to acknowledge funding from SpringWell360 in their projects. | Individuals with a passion for health equity; Grassroots organizations and community groups; Students and academic researcher; Healthcare professionals and advocates; Anyone with a project or idea aimed at reducing health disparities. | $1,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | info@springwell360.com | Link to Funder | |
| AccelerateNV | StartupNV | One of the most important services StartUpNV provides to our Nevada startup community is preparing our Nevada startup founders for early stage investment – and to pitch credibly for that investment. We review pitch readiness for any founder who asks – just submit your application and prepare to pitch. Those who meet our pitch standards and approach or exceed our requirements* are invited to pitch for admission to our accelerator. About 1 in 10 who pitch are invited to join the StartUpNV Accelerator within 2-4 weeks. Final pitches may be in Las Vegas, Reno, or virtual. We invest a minimum of $50k (matched 1:1 by SSCCI) to drive revenue and a seed round. | Nevada startups | $100,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@startupnv.org; 702-550-8950 | Link to Funder | |
| StartupNV | Pitch Day For $100K | Pitch Day is a fortnightly event on Wednesdays at 2PM. StartUpNV will hear from two Nevada based companies looking to share their ideas with the startup community. | Nevada startups | $100,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@startupnv.org; 702-550-8950 | Link to Funder | |
| Startup Runway Foundation, Inc | Startup Runway Edition 20 | Startup Runway is a pitch competition and investor introduction platform for existing businesses led by women and founders of color headquartered in the United States. Business models that qualify for our investor introduction platform include all software, all apps, games, medical devices and healthcare innovations, all software-enabled services, and all new technology, any sector. Showcases are hosted in innovation hubs across the south. Though based in Atlanta, we’ve also had events in Richmond, Savannah, Columbus, and virtually. Additional cities may be added based on founder demand and the availability of local partners. | Startups based in the U.S. South (Maryland to Texas); Have at least one underrepresented founder; past the idea stage with an MVP, early sales, customer validation, or other traction; building a scalable, high-growth business; have raised less than $250k; have not previously participated in major accelerators such as Gener8tor, Y Combinator, or Techstars | $10,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@startuprunway.co | We take applications on a rolling basis. But your best bet is to apply at least 3 weeks before the upcoming showcase. If funded, we ask that founders participate in occasional follow-up conversations, and keep us informed of major company milestones and progress. | Link to Funder |
| Techstars Startup Week Wichita | Wichita Startup Week | The startup week will feature four tracks: one for new or curious entrepreneurs; one for new businesses trying to establish themselves; one for established businesses looking to scale; and one for successful businesses and business owners who want to invest in other entrepreneurs’ ideas. | Early stage companies | $10,000 | Rolling | Program Coordinator | info@startupweekwichita.com | Link to Funder | |
| Startup World Cup | Startup World Cup LA USA 2026 | Startup World Cup will have 50+ regional events across North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. Each regional winner will compete in Silicon Valley for the final competition in December. | Startups in any domain at any stage from anywhere | Varies | Rolling | Eri Ueda | info@startupworldcup.io | Due date is based on regional event | Link to Funder |
| StitchCrew and VEST Her Ventures | Future of Women at Work Grant | Selected participants will receive a $10,000 non-dilutive grant and be invited to participate in an in-person retreat so they can meet other participants, capital allocators and industry stakeholders.Areas of Focus are as follows. Care Economy: Childcare, Eldercare, Home based care, Long-term care, Caregiver Support, Household Management. Future of Work: Flexible Workplace, Human Centered AI Solutions, Learning and Development, Talent Recruitment - Retention, Caregiver Benefits, Collaboration Tools | U.S.-based, woman-led companies building solutions in the Care Economy and Future of Work sectors; must have existing business or MVP and desire to scale | $10,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@stitchcrew.com | Link to Funder | |
| Singularity | GIC: Digital Wellbeing Challenge | The aim of the Singularity + Sync Digital Wellbeing Global Impact Challenge is to identify and support innovations and startups that have a moonshot of solving these issues. | The challenge is open to applicants worldwide. | $250,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@su.org | Link to Funder | |
| SubSummit | SubSummit Pitch Competition | SubSummit is the largest event in the subscription industry. It is an annual conference for subscription box companies to network, discover vendors, obtain exclusive data and learn best business practices. The three-day event also hosts the CUBE Awards, the industry’s first and only award ceremony. | Any small business that operates a direct-to-consumer (DTC) subscription | $50,000 | Rolling | Paul Chambers | info@subta.com | Link to Funder | |
| TechBBQ | UrbanTech pitch competition 2024 | TechBBQ is thrilled to present the UrbanTech Pitch Competition, funded by the Realdania and made in collaboration with We Build Denmark, ConTech Lab, PropTech Denmark, Bloxhub and powered by Venture Cup Denmark! | Urbantech startups | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@techbbq.org | Link to Funder | |
| P33 | TechRise | TechRise hosts weekly pitch competitions for Chicagoland’s overlooked, early-stage Entrepreneurs. Each competitor will be matched with an existing mentor or founder to help you prepare your pitch. While slides are most definitely encouraged, they are not a requirement during your presentation. Pitches will be virtual via Zoom and live streamed to YouTube. The format will be 4-minute pitches and 4-minute Q&A sections with the judges. No matter if you win or not, TechRise works to help you find additional resources to help your business grow. | Chicago area-based BIPOC founders, Underrepresented founders, Black founders, Founders that identify as Latinx, Founders that identify as female | $50,000 | Rolling | Info | info@techrise.co | Link to Funder | |
| TGC Collective | Global Citizen Collective Entrepreneur Grant | In keeping with the spirit of global citizenship each recipient's business must be a source of enrichment and support for their community. | Designed for current business owners who have been in operation for 2 years or less. | $1,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@tgccollective.org | Link to Funder | |
| The Greg Hill Foundation, Wonder, and GrubHub Community Fund | Restaurant Strong Grant | Together, Wonder, Grubhub, and The Greg Hill Foundation continue to support independent restaurants and the communities they serve. The 2026 round of grants totals $1,000,000 to support small business restaurants in key markets across the country. Grants are designed to drive revenue growth and may support a wide range of operational needs, including but not limited to: upgrading technology or equipment, marketing and public relations services, staff training programs, incentive-based wages, and maintenance or enhancement of existing infrastructure. | Independent, single-location restaurants open and operating in one of these key markets: New York, including New York City and New York State; Chicago (Chicagoland); New Jersey; The DMV (Washington, D.C., Maryland, including Baltimore, and Virginia)Massachusetts, with a focus in Boston Metro; Connecticut, New Hampshire; Rhode Island; Philadelphia; Dallas–Fort Worth metro, Houston, Austin and San Antonio; California; Atlanta | $5,000 | 11/11/2026 | Contact Us | https://www.restaurantstrong.org/contact/ | Award amounts and geographies vary each cycle. | Link to Funder |
| Toyota Ventures | Toyota Ventures | Toyota Ventures, Toyota’s Manufacturing Project Innovation Center (MPIC), and Toyota Research Institute are teaming up to fund early-stage startups developing solutions to modernize manufacturing and advance sustainable production. Toyota Ventures is investing between $500,000 and $2 million from its Frontier Fund or Climate Fund and offering a chance to collaborate with Toyota on a proof-of-concept project. Software and hardware solutions are welcome across a number of categories, including 3D simulation, AI, robotics software, improvements to energy efficiency, cybersecurity, and more. | Software and hardware solutions are welcome across a number of categories, including 3D simulation, AI, robotics software, improvements to energy efficiency, cybersecurity, and more. | $2,000,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@toyota.ventures | Link to Funder | |
| Toyota Ventures | The Climate Fund | Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Toyota Ventures is the early-stage venture capital arm of Toyota. We invest in frontier technologies such as artificial intelligence, autonomy, mobility, robotics, cloud technology, smart cities, digital health, fintech, and materials. As part of Toyota’s ongoing efforts to accelerate carbon dioxide reduction, we also invest in climate technologies offering scalable solutions for carbon neutrality. | Startups that are creating scalable solutions for carbon neutrality, as part of the Toyota Ventures Climate Fund. | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@toyota.ventures | Link to Funder | |
| Transform | The TRANSFORM Business Grant | The TRANSFORM Business Grant is designed to support individuals in systematically marginalized groups who are making social impact and demonstrate financial need. This includes, but is not limited to, BIPOC individuals, individuals who have a disability, formerly incarcerated individuals, and queer, trans, and nonbinary folks. We offer growth-focused wealth redistribution grants of $1,000 to anticapitalist businesses led by social impact focused individuals. In addition to funding, grantees participate in a customized year-long growth-based mentorship program, which includes access to pro bono services from a roster of experts in branding, coaching, skill-based learning, marketing, and more. | The TRANSFORM Business Grant is designed to support individuals in systematically oppressed groups who are making social impact and demonstrate financial need. This includes, but is not limited to, BIPOC individuals, individuals who have a disability, formerly incarcerated individuals, and queer, trans, and nonbinary folks. | $1,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | info@transformgrant.org | Link to Funder | |
| TZP Group | TZP Group | TZP invests primarily in closely held companies where owners and/or management teams want to maintain a significant stake and partner with an investor who offers complementary strategic, operating, and financial skills. | Lower-middle market technology and business services and consumer products and services companies in the United States and Canada | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@tzpgroup.com | Link to Funder | |
| Allstate | Build Bronzeville | Allstate is proud to partner with Build Bronzeville to support small businesses and nonprofits in the Bronzeville Community. A minimum of 10 small businesses and/or nonprofits will be awarded capacity building grants to grow and scale business. Grants will range in size from $5,000 to $25,000. | Small businesses on the South and West sides of Chicago; in operation at least one year; generating revenue; commitment to community | $25,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@urbanjuncture.com | Link to Funder | |
| United States African Development Foundation | USADF Call for Proposals | USADF invites applications from registered African agricultural cooperatives, producer groups, processors, and enterprises for grant financing. Grants will support solutions that extend your organizations’ own capabilities to increase your revenues, create jobs, improve farmer incomes, and achieve sustainable market-based growth. USADF is accepting applications in the following countries: Burundi, Cote d’Ivoire, DRC, Liberia, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia | Registered African agricultural cooperatives, producer groups, processors, and enterprises | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@usadf.gov | Link to Funder | |
| US Research Impact Alliance | The West Virginia State Entrepreneurship and Innovation Investment (EII) Fund - Phase I & II Matching Grants | The EII Fund is a state-funded program that provides grants to West Virginia businesses that receive federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) awards. The EII Fund represents West Virginia's commitment to fostering innovation and supporting the commercialization of cutting-edge technologies developed by local entrepreneurs. By combining federal recognition with state support, the program helps ensure that promising innovations have the resources they need to succeed. | Small business (meeting SBIR/STTR eligibility requirements) located within the state of West Virginia; successfully submitted a federal SBIR or STTR proposal. For Phase I/II matching: Have received a federal Phase I or Phase II award. For Phase 0 grants: Have submitted a Phase I proposal (award notification not required) | Varies | 07/31/2027 | General Inquiries | info@usria.org | Link to Funder | |
| US Research Impact Alliance | The West Virginia State Entrepreneurship and Innovation Investment (EII) Fund - Phase I & II Matching Grants | The EII Fund is a state-funded program that provides grants to West Virginia businesses that receive federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) awards. The EII Fund represents West Virginia's commitment to fostering innovation and supporting the commercialization of cutting-edge technologies developed by local entrepreneurs. By combining federal recognition with state support, the program helps ensure that promising innovations have the resources they need to succeed. | Small business (meeting SBIR/STTR eligibility requirements) located within the state of West Virginia; successfully submitted a federal SBIR or STTR proposal. For Phase I/II matching: Have received a federal Phase I or Phase II award. For Phase 0 grants: Have submitted a Phase I proposal (award notification not required) | Varies | 01/31/2027 | General Inquiries | info@usria.org | Link to Funder | |
| Velas | Velas $100 Million Grants Program | The general investment program is designed to fund projects covering a wide range of topics, including, but not limited to: DeFi-related and DEX-related products; NFT-related solutions; Games and gaming; Educational - games that ease entrance for those not familiar with blockchain technology or background; Innovative games uniting blockchain and cryptocurrencies with AI, VR/AR and other high-tech domains. We will support teams and developers who are more experienced in high-tech domains with their development on blockchain. Crypto gamification; Other games (strategies, collectibles, card games, etc); dApps that unite the Velas blockchain with traditional sectors - Banking, Healthcare, Manufacturing, etc. We support teams from different domains who use blockchain to solve real business problems; Adoption of dApps - solutions that aid the adoption of cryptocurrencies and blockchain on a wide scale. | Any qualified specialist/s that will bring real benefits to the Velas ecosystem. | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@velas.com | Link to Funder | |
| Veteran Shark Tank | Veteran Shark Tank | The The Veteran Shark Tank was created to promote and assist Veterans who are starting or growing their businesses. Starting out as a small regional event, it is now the premier national pitch competition for veteran entrepreneurs. 5 finalists will pitch their business idea to a panel of “sharks” . Each of the finalists gains valuable experience to professionally grow while creating a business network to help grow and expand their businesses (potential customers, referral partners, investors, and mentors. The event is held before a live audience in Philadelphia to help kick off Army/Navy Football week. | Veteran-owned businesses less than 3 years old | $50,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | info@veteransharktank.com | Link to Funder | |
| Village Capital/Sage | Sage Impact Entrepreneurship | The program focuses on fostering a community of visionary leaders who can drive systemic change through innovation and collaboration. In partnership with Sage Foundation, this year's program will support 12-13 early-stage and under-resourced startups based in the US through its Annual Core Cohort offering tailored mentoring, Sage’s product support, grants, and strategic training. An additional 14-16 US-based startups will join the Annual Community Cohort and have access to various resources, including a curated digital platform, asynchronous tools, and visibility through Village Capital’s website and social channels. All participating startups will receive two years of post-program support to strengthen their impact and scale their solutions. | Eligible startups must have: Legal incorporation as a for-profit entity, including, but not limited to, B Corp-certified companies. Headquarters or operations in the US. Market-based solutions that directly tackle the following verticals: Clean Energy Transition Biodiversity and Nature-Based Solutions Smart Mobility and Sustainable Infrastructure Sustainable Supply Chain and Manufacturing Circular Resource Solutions Climate-Resilient Health and Wellness Disaster-Resilient Housing and Community Planning Climate Finance and Insurance Innovation Environmental Justice and Social Equity Data Analytics and Climate IntelligenceGreen and Inclusive Economy and Job GrowthSustainable Agriculture and Food Systems A minimum viable product (MVP) and have raised less than USD 1.5M in equity. At least one full-time founder based in the US. Meaningful customer or business validation (not limited to revenue, but can also be successful pilot studies, number of users, and/or strategic partnerships). | $60,000 | 01/05/2027 | General Inquiries | info@vilcap.com | Link to Funder | |
| Web Summit | ALPHA Pitch Startup Competition | Our startup programme – ALPHA – shines a spotlight on early-stage startups with outstanding potential, connecting them with the world’s most influential people and companies. Our esteemed panel of guest judges will score each startup based on their 60-second application video. The video should emphasise the problem/need your company solves, your product/service offering and its benefits to consumers. | Web Summit startup attendees that have received under €3 million in funding to date and have not discernibly changed their business model in the previous three years. | Varies | Rolling | Thierry Michel | info@websummit.com | Link to Funder | |
| Consortium for Technology & Innovation in Pediatrics (CTIP) | Catalyzing Pediatric Innovation (CPI) Grant | The CPI Grant supports the advancement of innovations in pediatric technology and devices. Funds will be granted to develop pediatric innovation from ideation through commercialization. Funds are available to support the achievement of milestones on the path to development of pediatric innovation in devices and technology. Funds may be used for acquisition of supplies/equipment, animal studies, prototype development, design studies, consultant fees, student research assistants, computer/software fees, specialized hardware. project period is 1 year. | Any company, group or individual in the United States working on the development of pediatric medical devices | $100,000 | Rolling | Salima Jamal, Program Administrator | info@westcoastctip.org | Link to Funder | |
| Women 2.0 | The Pitch Sessions | Pitches will be held on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month through the summer, at 3p ET / 12p PT. Each founder will be given ~5 minutes to pitch via video to an audience of investors. There will then be 5 minutes to field questions. Post call, we’ll give each founder an opportunity to answer any outstanding questions, provide details to investors, and make active connections to interested parties in any way we can. Our goal is to get founders directly connected to as much capital as we can. | Actively raising women and underrepresented startup founders | Varies | Rolling | Kate Brodock | info@women2.com | Link to Funder | |
| Women in Cleantech and Sustainability | WCS Pitch Competition | Women from six companies are selected out of all applications to pitch their innovative cleantech or sustainable-focused business idea to a panel of industry leaders. Startups have five minutes on stage, followed by time to answer questions from the judges. Winners are announced towards the end of the conference. Startups will have 5 minutes on the virtual stage followed by 3 minutes for Q&A from the judges. Winners will be announced towards the end of the conference. | Innovative cleantech or sustainable-focused business idea from women-owned companies | Varies | Rolling | Sara Fuentes | info@womenincleantechsustainability.org | Link to Funder | |
| YippityDoo | Big Idea Grant | Each month, we give one $1000 grant to a woman, age 18 or over, in the US to invest in their business or Idea. It can be used as a start up grant, marketing grant, operational grant or whatever you need to help you to the next level with your idea or business. Along with your application, you will receive 1 month of our mindset coaching to help you take your dream or idea to the next level. | Women entrepreneurs, women small business owners, women owned businesses, ages 18 or over, within the United States; business can already be started or in idea stage. | $1,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@yippitydoo.com | Link to Funder | |
| Medical Properties Trust | Medical Properties Trust | Investing in acute care, rehabilitation, long-term acute care hospitals and other real estate facilities that generally require physician orders for admission, construction of new and/or replacement hospitals, and expansion and renovation of existing hospitals | Medical facilities | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | information@medicalpropertiestrust.com | Finances for-profit and not-for-profit hospital operators around the globe | Link to Funder |
| Singtel | Innov8 | Singtel Innov8, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Singtel Group, is a corporate venture capital fund based out of Singapore with additional offices in San Francisco and Tel Aviv. The firm invests in and partners with innovative tech start-ups that lead to quantum changes in network capabilities, next generation devices, digital content services and enablers to enhance customer experience. It seeks investment into companies in all stages of development, from seed to early growth | Innovative Technology Startups | Varies | Rolling | Edgar Hardless | innov8@singtel.com | some offers may equity | Link to Funder |
| Comcast | Comcast Innovation Fund | The Comcast Innovation Fund was created to support technology and public policy research that contributes to the betterment of the Internet, and the continued evolution of connectivity products and services. The fund provides grants to technologists, researchers, and academics to support Internet- and connectivity-focused projects within the fund’s areas of interest, which are updated annually. We've switched to a two step process. Step 1 is submitting a quick to complete Pre-Qualification form giving us a high level look at what you're proposing. We’ll review it and respond with our decision. Step 2, if we approve your pre-qualification proposal, will be to complete a full application using a link we will send you. We anticipate grants being in the $3,000-$150,000 USD range. | Technologists, researchers and academics from anywhere (U.S. and non-U.S.) | $150,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | innovation_fund@comcast.com | Low Latency Networking: Research & open source (OSS) development related to IETF standards for Low Latency, Low Loss, Scalable Throughput (L4S) and Non-Queue-Building Per Hop Behavior (NQB). That includes measuring the adoption of L4S and NQB and comparing dual queue latency to single, classic queue latency as we study Quality of Experience (QoE), Quality of Outcome (QoO), and other end user quality measures. Wi-Fi Performance: Studying ways to improve home Wi-Fi network performance, including potentially developing or improving open-source software that supports wireless networking. AI/Edge Computing/Caching: Research and open-source development related to distributed Artificial Intelligence (AI) inference/training, cloud AR/VR, targeted advertising, and video analytics. This includes cost-effective distribution of live events at the network edge. Live Video Streaming: Developing open-source tools to lower the latency-from-live streaming video – especially for live sports and studying the latency differences streaming over different access technologies. Quantum Computing-Related Cybersecurity and Privacy: Protection against quantum computing threats via developing technologies, standards, operating models, best practices, and transition strategies to protect network infrastructures and digital assets from plausible quantum computing enabled attack vectors. Quantum Network Optimization | Link to Funder |
| California Institute of Technology | Caltech I-Corps Program | Offers up to $3,000 in seed funding for research teams and customer discovery support. Teams can be recommended for the national program. | Open to Caltech faculty, students, and research staff. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | innovation@caltech.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| University of Colorado Boulder | CU Boulder I-Corps Program | Offers up to $3,000 in seed funding for research teams and customer discovery support. Teams can be recommended for the national program. | Open to CU Boulder faculty, students, and research teams. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | innovation@colorado.edu | Link to Funder | |
| Howard University | Howard University I-Corps Program | Supports STEM-related entrepreneurial research with mentorship and grant funding for customer validation. | Open to Howard faculty, students, and research staff. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | innovation@howard.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| Meharry Medical College | Meharry Medical I-Corps Program | Supports STEM-related entrepreneurial research with mentorship and grant funding for customer validation. | Open to faculty, students, and researchers affiliated with Meharry Medical College. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | innovation@mmc.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| Morehouse College | Morehouse I-Corps Program | Offers up to $3,000 in seed funding for research teams and customer discovery support. Teams can be recommended for the national program. | Open to Morehouse faculty, students, and research staff. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | innovation@morehouse.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai | Mount Sinai I-Corps Program | Offers up to $3,000 in seed funding for research teams and customer discovery support. Teams can be recommended for the national program. | Open to faculty, postdocs, and students at Mount Sinai engaged in medical research. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | innovation@mssm.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| Michigan Technological University | Michigan Tech I-Corps Program | Provides I-Corps training and early funding to support STEM research commercialization, with potential advancement to national funding of $50,000. | Open to Michigan Tech faculty, researchers, and students. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | innovation@mtu.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| Northern Arizona University (NAU) | NAU I-Corps Hub | NAU participates in the Desert and Pacific I-Corps Hub, offering early-stage grant support for entrepreneurial research projects. | Open to NAU faculty, students, and research staff. External collaborators may be considered on a case-by-case basis. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | innovation@nau.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| North Carolina State University | NCSU I-Corps Program | Supports STEM-related entrepreneurial research with mentorship and grant funding for customer validation. | Open to NCSU faculty, students, and research staff. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | innovation@ncsu.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| NSF I-Corps Hub Northeast | Propelus I-Corps hosted by the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) | Our four-session Propelus program helps researchers explore the customer perspective to inform how a discovery or innovation can become the basis of a successful startup or venture. Stipends of up to $1,500 are provided to each selected team and can be used to fund expenses related to customer discovery research, including conferences and marketing tools. Upon completion, academic teams are eligible for the national NSF I-Corps Teams program, which provides an intensive 7-week training course and a $50,000 grant. | Team of at least two people. including: An Entrepreneurial Lead (often a postdoctoral researcher, graduate student, or undergraduate); A Technical Lead (usually a faculty member or inventor of the technology); (Optional) Industry Mentor (a person outside the university who has strong ties to industry or a serial entrepreneur who has had success with commercializing a technology before). Note: Non-university teams are also eligible if they have a tech-enabled innovation, but still require at least 2 team members. | $1,500 | 02/03/2027 | General Inquiries | icorps@njit.edu | Link to Funder | |
| University of Pittsburgh | University of Pittsburgh I-Corps Program | Supports STEM-related entrepreneurial research with mentorship and grant funding for customer validation. | Open to University of Pittsburgh faculty, postdocs, graduate students, and staff. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | innovation@pitt.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| Rockefeller University | Rockefeller I-Corps Program | Offers up to $3,000 in seed funding for research teams and customer discovery support. Teams can be recommended for the national program. | Open to Rockefeller University faculty, postdocs, and students involved in life sciences research. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | innovation@rockefeller.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| Tennessee State University (TSU) | TSU I-Corps Program | Supports STEM-related entrepreneurial research with mentorship and grant funding for customer validation. | Open to TSU-affiliated faculty, students, and staff. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | innovation@tnstate.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| UC Santa Barbara | UCSB I-Corps Program | Offers up to $3,000 in seed funding for research teams and customer discovery support. Teams can be recommended for the national program. | Open to UCSB-affiliated faculty, postdocs, and graduate students. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | innovation@ucsb.edu | Link to Funder | |
| University of Kentucky | UK I-Corps Program | Supports STEM-related entrepreneurial research with mentorship and grant funding for customer validation.The I-Corps phase continues on the foundations in UAccel Quick Start and provides additional experiential entrepreneurial training. Participants must complete program requirements to graduate. | Open to University of Kentucky faculty, students, and postdocs who have successfully graduated from UAccel Quick Start and want to continue toward startup formation, SBIR applications, or National Innovation Corps applications | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | innovation@uky.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| University of Massachusetts Medical School | UMMS I-Corps Program | Offers up to $3,000 in seed funding for research teams and customer discovery support. Teams can be recommended for the national program. | Open to UMMS faculty, postdocs, and students involved in biomedical research. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | innovation@umassmed.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| University of North Carolina Chapel Hill | UNC I-Corps Program | Supports STEM-related entrepreneurial research with mentorship and grant funding for customer validation. | UNC I-Corps Program | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | innovation@unc.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| University of Pennsylvania | UPenn I-Corps Program | Supports STEM-related entrepreneurial research with mentorship and grant funding for customer validation. | Open to UPenn faculty, students, and research teams. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | innovation@upenn.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| Vanderbilt University (Lead Institution Mid South Region Hub) | Vanderbilt I-Corps Program | Provides up to $3,000 in funding for customer discovery and entrepreneurial training. Teams may advance to the national I-Corps program with $50,000 in funding. | Open to students, faculty and staff | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | innovation@vanderbilt.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| University of Virginia (UVA) | UVA I-Corps Program | Offers up to $3,000 in seed funding for research teams and customer discovery support. Teams can be recommended for the national program. | Open to UVA faculty, students, and research staff. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | innovation@virginia.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| Virginia Tech | Virginia Tech I-Corps Program | Supports STEM-related entrepreneurial research with mentorship and grant funding for customer validation. | Open to Virginia Tech faculty, students, and research staff. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | innovation@vt.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| NSF I-Corps Hub Northeast | Propelus I-Corps hosted by Yale University | Our three-session Propelus program helps researchers explore the customer perspective to inform how a discovery or innovation can become the basis of a successful startup or venture. Stipends of up to $1,500 are provided to each selected team and can be used to fund expenses related to customer discovery research, including conferences and marketing tools. Upon completion, academic teams are eligible for the national NSF I-Corps Teams program, which provides an intensive 7-week training course and a $50,000 grant. | Team of at least two people. including: An Entrepreneurial Lead (often a postdoctoral researcher, graduate student, or undergraduate); A Technical Lead (usually a faculty member or inventor of the technology); (Optional) Industry Mentor (a person outside the university who has strong ties to industry or a serial entrepreneur who has had success with commercializing a technology before). Note: Non-university teams are also eligible if they have a tech-enabled innovation, but still require at least 2 team members. | $1,500 | 02/04/2027 | General Inquiries | icorps@njit.edu | 2026 Session dates: March 4, 4:30 pm-6:00 pm (In-Person)March 18, 4:30 pm-6:00 pm (In-Person)April 1, 4:30 pm-6:00 pm (In-Person) | Link to Funder |
| Zurich | Zurich Innovation Championship | Zurich Insurance Group’s Innovation Championship offers startups the opportunity to work with the global insurer to grow their business. Zurich is looking for startups with bold ideas in a broad range of application fields including environment, fintech, proptech, health, automotive, enterprise tech, legaltech, and telecommunications. The program typically lasts around 3 months. During this period, you will:Test and refine your solution, Build connections, Co-create and showcase value, and Collaborate with us to develop a strong use case and a business proposition that highlights how your solution addresses critical industry challenges, enhances efficiency, or improves customer experiences. | Startups with fintech solutions (not necessarily insurance); product must have a compelling use case; functional prototype or a working product that is ready to be tested and validated within the framework of our innovation program; at least one paying customer; received some sort of early-stage funding | Varies | Rolling | Ivan Carballal | innovation@zurich.com | Link to Funder | |
| The Workers Lab | Innovation Fund | Bringing transformative ideas for and with workers to fruition requires investment. The ideas we invest in are collectively making the ways our country serves workers more modern and inclusive to ensure that every worker is safe, healthy, secure, and has power. Grant dollars are generally flexible, as long as they are used in support of the proposed project. We are especially interested in projects that have thoughtfully considered long-term possibilities for the project, including pathways for independent revenue generation. | U.S.-based For-profit companies; Social enterprises (public-benefit corporations - B-Corps, etc.); Individual Entrepreneurs and innovators or worker-led entities that are serving workers and addressing the challenges faced by workers. | $200,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | innovationfund@theworkerslab.com | Link to Funder | |
| Cleveland Clinic Ventures | Cleveland Clinic Ventures | Cleveland Clinic has launched over 80 startup companies and has achieved a market rate of return on exited companies. Ventures supports physician innovators and our culture through the creation of standalone, investible companies. We develop, finance and grow these spinout companies into successful businesses by working with entrepreneurs and co-investors as value added partners. We leverage the portfolio investment activity and internal/external relationship to further the mission vision and values of the Clinic. | Innovations based on intellectual property developed at the Cleveland Clinic, as well as companies that drive strategic value and address our organizational priorities including: Patient Experience, Safety and Outcomes, Caregiver Engagement, Population Health Management and the Shift to Value-Based Care, Distance Health Solutions, Precision Medicine, Digital Transformation of Care Delivery and Administration | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | innovations@ccf.org | Link to Funder | |
| Codefi | 1ST50K Startup Competition | We fund startups to help them thrive in the Rural Midwest. You want a founder-friendly startup environment? Look no further. | Entrepreneurs who are already located in southeast Missouri OR are willing to relocate business to Cape Girardeau, Missouri, | $50,000 | Rolling | Liza Buerck | institutionalsupport@codefi.com | Link to Funder | |
| bioMérieux | Investigator Initiated Research Grants | Investigator Initiated Research (IIR) is defined as research studies involving marketed bioMérieux products that result from unsolicited proposals from investigators external to bioMérieux. Investigators may request funding or in-kind support (instrument loan or reagents) for an IIR study. Proposals are reviewed monthly and assessed based on their scientific merit, feasibility, alignment with bioMérieux’s areas of focus, and the experience of the research team. | All researchers with the scientific, technical, and operational capability to conduct a study are welcome to apply. | Varies | Rolling | Grants Manager | investigations@biomerieux.com | Link to Funder | |
| TEDCO | Pre-Seed Builder Fund | The Builder Fund typically invests in amounts up to $200,000 via convertible notes. Funded companies are also provided Builder Fund resources which may include both hands-on and educational executive support, peer-to-peer mentorship/collaboration, and networking opportunities. | We welcome pre-seed technology start-ups from all industries to apply. However, to be applicable, a company must meet all of the following qualifications:Principal place of business is in MarylandAt least one full-time employeeNo less than 50% of founders demonstrate economic disadvantage | $200,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | investments@tedcomd.com | Link to Funder | |
| InvestMS | Scale-Up Pitch | Applications are now open for the InvestMS Scale-Up Pitch, Powered by Regions Foundation—with $15,000 up for grabs. Post-revenue MS startups raising $250K+ can apply to pitch in November at the Accelerate Conference before judges from across the country. | Mississippi based companies | $10,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | InvestMS@innovate.ms | Link to Funder | |
| Spruce Root Community Development | Path to Prosperity | The Path to Prosperity Business Competition is an annual development competition for businesses with a positive economic, environmental and community impact on Southeast Alaska. | Businesses based in Southeast Alaska that intend to have a positive social, ecological and economic impact on their communities. | $20,000 | Rolling | Isabella | isabella@spruceroot.org | Link to Funder | |
| Alexion Pharmaceuticals | Externally Sponsored Collaborations (ESC) | Alexion support Externally Sponsored Research (ESR) in two forms. Investigator-Sponsored Research (ISR), which is unsolicited independent research from an external sponsor-investigator who takes full responsibility for study design and execution. Externally Sponsored Collaborations (ESC), which may either be solicited by Alexion or proposed by an external sponsor-investigator, and which is conducted in collaboration with joint decision-making authority. Hypophosphatasia (HPP); Wilson Disease (WD); Lysosomal acid lipase deficiency (LAL-D); Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1); Generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG); Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder NMOSD. | All investigators who are interested in conducting sponsored research and assuming the legal and regulatory responsibilities of the study. | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | ISR@alexion.com | Link to Funder | |
| Twilio | Twilio.org Climate Tech Prize | The Twilio.org Climate Tech Prize is seeking actionable technology solutions addressing challenges of climate-induced migration and displacement. This prize is your catalyst—empowering tech-forward nonprofits and early-stage companies with equity-free funding to bolster mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery efforts in the face of climate change. Solutions should: Address climate resilience and/or human displacement; be impactful and scalable; have a value proposition that bolsters mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery efforts in the face of climate change challenges.Preference for software and digital communications technology solutions. | Entrepreneurs (for-profit or non-profit) from anywhere; at least 4 full time employees (or FTE); with climate-tech solutions that have demonstrated results in a real world application and have some degree of customer traction | $500,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | jake@greenbiz.com | Link to Funder | |
| Good Neighbor Fund | Belief Capital Micro-Grants | We award $1,000 micro-grants to selected pitches every quarter. To be considered, fill out an application and include a 60-second pitch video. We want to see a specific plans of what you can do with $1,000. Through our LPs and organizational partners, we match founders with the resources they need to succeed: key intros, program and accelerator matching, mentorship, and more. | Under-resourced Founders/entrepreneurs of all types, from underrepresented communities, at the idea stage with a problem they want to solve and that has not yet raised funds/revenue | $1,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | jason@goodneighbor.fund | Link to Funder | |
| Smart Cities Connect and Defense TechConnect | Smart Cities-Smart Bases Innovation Challenge | Urban environments are living incubators and testbeds for those rapidly developing technologies, and the US government is the world's largest user of energy and the nation's largest landlord. Together, smart cities and smart bases represent a massive opportunity for innovation. The Smart Cities - Smart Bases Innovation Challenge wants to know how YOU can deliver cutting-edge, dual-use technology to address the overlapping technical, environmental, and security challenges facing both smart cities and smart bases. Apply for a chance to present your solution on stage at the joint Defense TechConnect and Smart Cities Connect Conference this December in Austin, Texas. Ideally, proposed technologies will apply to both civilian and defense use cases. However, single use approaches are still of interest. | Companies of all sizes and maturity representing cutting-edge resilient energy or infrastructure technologies are welcome. There is added interest in non-traditional or emerging technologies with dual-use (civilian & national security) applications. | varies | Rolling | Jen Rocha | jrocha@techconnect.org | Energy & Grid Security; Energy Storage & Access; Urban Air & Land Mobility; 5G & Resilient Networks; AI & Autonomous Systems; C5ISR & Sensor Systems; Cyber & Infrastructure Security; Food, Water, Supply Chain Resilience; Emergency Response & Mitigation | Link to Funder |
| Jumpstarter | Jumpstarter Global Pitch Competition | JUMPSTARTER is a not-for-profit initiative curated by Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund that provides a platform for all entrepreneurs and young people to jump start their dreams in Hong Kong. It is also a first-of-its-kind startup event focused exclusively on showcasing quality startups and providing high-impact networking opportunities. | Startups from around the world; ideation-stage, early-stage or growth-stage; operational for less than 5 years; raised less than $20M in funding to date; willing to make Hong Kong or cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) part of their future plan | $300,000 | Rolling | Ebunoluwa Ojo | jumpstarter@ent-fund.org | HK$300,000 | Link to Funder |
| The Clay Studio | The Resident Artist Program | The Clay Studio Resident Artist Program offers individuals the opportunity to further develop their work, to establish professional contacts and standards, and to work within a community of like-minded individuals in an urban environment for up to three years. The program is designed to reflect a range of experiences and diverse aesthetic approaches, cultures and perspectives. The Clay Studio Resident Artist Program assists artists to become successful members of the Philadelphia art community, while making national and international connections. | Emerging ceramic talent | Varies | Rolling | Jennifer Zwilling | jzwilling@theclaystudio.org | Link to Funder | |
| IFundWomen and Caress | Caress Dreams to Reality Fund | Caress can help grow your dream! Whether you have a small business or are jumpstarting your side hustle, Caress wants to provide you with the education, tools, and resources to take your dreams to the next level. Through the Caress Dreams to Reality Fund, 150 diverse founders will receive $1000 grants and $1500 coaching scholarships to execute successful crowdfunding campaigns. | Women owned business | $1,500 | Rolling | Karen Cohn | karen@ifundwomen.com | Link to Funder | |
| The Water Council | Fall Tech Challenge - PFAS Detection in Drinking Water | The semi-annual Tech Challenge program connects water innovators to innovative water users through topic-specific open innovation contests. Tech Challenge finalists win the opportunity to present their innovation to company sponsors to compete for prize money, access to corporate R&D resources and the opportunity to partner on the development, marketing, licensing or sale of the technology or idea. On behalf of A.O. Smith, Badger Meter, and Watts Water, The Water Council is managing Tech Challenges seeking innovative solutions for water quality sensing of PFAS (including PFOA, PFOS and GENX) in domestic drinking water for residential and commercial systems at proposed USEPA regulatory limit levels (4 ppt for PFOA or PFOS). Solutions at Technology Readiness Level 3 or higher are sought for use in applications | Companies in: Water, Water Treatment, Water Quality, Water Management, Water Supply, Quality Monitoring, Water Grid, Novel Materials, BlueTech, and Water Efficient Products companies | $10,000 | Rolling | Karen Frost | kfrost@thewatercouncil.com | Challenges open each spring and fall with different topics | Link to Funder |
| American Farmland Trust | Western New England Regenerative Livestock Farming Grants | This grant provides funding for projects on livestock farms that improve soil health through the adoption of regenerative agricultural practices including water quality and pollinator habitat improvement. Eligible projects include: cover crop seed, irrigation infrastructure, mobile livestock shelters, fencing, composting equipment, soil amendments, and similar expenses. Does not include livestock, processing, or storage projects. | Farmers in the Western New England/Connecticut River Valley (specific counties in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont) that have been raising livestock for at least one year | $5,000 | TBA | Kirsten Irvin, Program Coordinator | kirvin@farmland.org; 413-419-0023 | Limited to farmers in select counties | Link to Funder |
| Frontera Farmer Foundation | Capital Development Grants | The Frontera Farmer Foundation is committed to promoting small, sustainable Midwestern farms serving the Chicago area, by providing them with capital development grants. The Foundation will award grants for capital improvements of up to $15,000 to small and mid-size farmers in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin that sell their food products to customers in the Chicago area at farmers markets and otherwise. | Small-midsize family farms (less than $600,000 annual gross revenue) located in IL, IN, MI or WI, that sell to the Chicago area, in business at least 3 years | $15,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | ksullivan@fronteragrill.net | Farms that have been awarded grants will be eligible every other year. | Link to Funder |
| Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute | Get Seeded Regular Grant | The Utah Entrepreneur Challenge (UEC) is a statewide, student business model competition. Teams from universities across the state compete for the best business model and a chance to win $60,000 in cash and prizes. | University of Utah students | $1,500 | Rolling | General Inquiries | lassondegetseeded@utah.edu | Link to Funder | |
| Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute | Get Seeded Microgrant | Designed to help get ideas off the ground, this two-part milestone grant funding program seeks out students with measurable goals and helps fund the entrepreneurial process. This program is managed by the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute at the University of Utah and sponsored by Chad and Kristen Anselmo and doxy.me. | University of Utah students | $1,500 | Rolling | General Inquiries | lassondegetseeded@utah.edu | Link to Funder | |
| Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute | Get Seeded Grant | Designed to help get ideas off the ground, this two-part milestone grant funding program seeks out students with measurable goals and helps fund the entrepreneurial process. This program is managed by the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute at the University of Utah and sponsored by Chad and Kristen Anselmo and doxy.me. | Any college student in Utah. The cumulative revenue, debt, grant, or third party-financing for the company has not exceeded $100,000 as of Sept. 1, 2021. The founding student must be registered for a minimum of nine (9) credit hours during the semester they are participating. | $1,500 | Rolling | General Inquiries | lassondegetseeded@utah.edu | Link to Funder | |
| Alabama Launchpad | Alabama Launchpad Pitch Competition | As Alabama’s most active early-stage seed fund, Alabama Launchpad is here to help you get your big idea off the ground. Whether your idea is still on the drawing board or a budding business ready for liftoff, our three-tack competitions (life sciences, technology, or consumer goods) give you the platform to build connections, receive guidance, and win funding that can change your big idea into Alabama’s next success story. Finalists receive $2,500 stipends, weeks of one-on-one mentorship, pitch coaching, and seminars all designed to improve their businesses. Ultimately, one Life Sciences company walks away with $1oo,000, one Tech company with $75,000 and one Consumer Goods company with $50,000 once they have completed certain milestones. | Alabama startups that: have raised less than $1 million in equity capital, and less than $2 million in revenue. | $100,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | launchpad@edpa.org | First cycle opens in January and February. Second cycle opens late July and is due late August. | Link to Funder |
| Maine Community Bank's Launchpad | $50,000 LaunchPad Grant | Maine Community Bank's LaunchPad has supported Maine ingenuity, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit by celebrating the best of our small businesses for over a decade. Whether you've just opened shop or you're looking to expand, LaunchPad has evolved to help more innovative small businesses at more stages of development than ever before. | Maine Entrepreneurs | $75,000 | 08/13/2027 | General Inquiries | launchpad@maine.bank | Link to Funder | |
| Maine Community Bank's Launchpad | Emerging Business Award | Maine Community Bank's LaunchPad has supported Maine ingenuity, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit by celebrating the best of our small businesses for over a decade. Whether you've just opened shop or you're looking to expand, LaunchPad has evolved to help more innovative small businesses at more stages of development than ever before. | Maine Entrepreneurs | $15,000 | 08/13/2027 | General Inquiries | launchpad@maine.bank | Link to Funder | |
| Syracuse University | Syracuse University I-Corps Program | Supports STEM-related entrepreneurial research with mentorship and grant funding for customer validation. | Open to Syracuse University faculty, students, and research staff. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | launchpad@syr.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| Syracuse University | CASE Research Collaboration Matching Grants | Provides cost-sharing grants to support collaborative applied research between Syracuse University faculty and New York–based companies, focused on advanced information systems, cybersecurity, data, and related technologies. | Small businesses are eligible as required industry partners, not as direct applicants. Must be a New York State for-profit company with a physical presence and employees in NYS. | $50,000 | Rolling | Jeff Fuchsberg | jrfuchsb@syr.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| University at Buffalo Innovation Hub | Aging Innovation Challenge | We're seeking innovators to develop prototypes that will assist aging New Yorkers and their caregivers in completing activities of daily living (ADLs). ADLs include taking a bath or shower, getting dressed, using the bathroom, getting up from a chair, walking across a room or eating a meal. Your innovation could make the difference to someone fighting to maintain independence in their home or to a stressed caregiver providing daily assistance to a loved one while maintaining a full-time job. | Ventures must have a current UB student as a member. Open to UB students/faculty teams. UB Alumni are not eligible to apply, unless they have a current student as a member of their team/venture. Participants will need a Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number in order to collect any prize money awarded. | $2,000 | Rolling | Hadar Borden | launchpadub@buffalo.edu | Link to Funder | |
| University at Buffalo School of Management | Henry A. Panasci Jr. Technology Entrepreneurship Competition | Hosted by UB Blackstone LaunchPad, the event brings together UB students from science, technology, business and other disciplines to maximize their potential and create viable businesses in Western New York. Five finalist teams give live pitch-style presentations in April each year, competing for a top prize of $25,000 in startup capital and in-kind services valued at $40,000. A $10,000 prize is given to the second-place team. | University at Buffalo students with innovative ideas that are at the earliest stages of development, yet embrace sound technologies and innovations | $25,000 | Rolling | Blackstone LaunchPad | launchpadub@buffalo.edu; 716-645-8111 | Link to Funder | |
| Department of Defense (DoD) - Navy and Tech Connect | Call for NAVSEA Energy Storage Solutions | The U.S. Navy seeks cutting edge, dual-use energy storage technologies addressing critical national challenges. The US Department of Defense (DOD) invites new and innovative approaches that address critical technology needs and alleviate current and future supply chain risks in military batteries. Solution ideas should be described sufficiently so that their merit can be assessed to achieve a degree of confidence that the innovation is aligned with and likely solve the U.S. Navy's critical interests areas. Apply for a chance to present your solution on stage at the Defense TechConnect Conference this December in Austin, Texas. he US Department of Defense (DOD) invites new and innovative approaches that address critical technology needs and alleviate current and future supply chain risks in military batteries. | U.S. companies of all sizes and maturity representing cutting-edge energy storage technologies are welcome. There is added interest in non-traditional or emerging technologies.Must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. | varies | Rolling | Laura Murphree | laura@techconnect.org | Pitch will take place on 12/4/24.Award will be made in the form of a contract. | Link to Funder |
| Horizon Farm Credit | JumpStart Grant Program | JumpStart is a new and beginner farmer grant program from Horizon Farm Credit. Each year we award up to 15 farmers a grant of $10,000 to help get them started on their agricultural journey. Grant funds must be used for agriculture purposes to support your farm business within two years of receiving the grant. Fund use examples include tractors, equipment, livestock and farm operating expenses. You may also use funds for startup services including business planning, legal fees or other startup costs. | New farmers (2 years experience or less, or those that have not yet started); at least age 18 as of application deadline; must live within Horizon Farm Credit's 100-county footprint (DE,PA, MD, VA, WV); do NOT need to be a Horizon Farm Credit customer | $10,000 | 03/28/2027 | Johanna Rohrer | learning@horizonfc.com; 888-339-3334 | Previous awardees are not eligible to re-apply, but unsuccessful applicants may reapply the next year | Link to Funder |
| The Lab for Ethics, Policy and Scaling of AI (LEPSAI), | AI4D Innovation Scaling Challenge | The Lab for Ethics, Policy and Scaling of AI (LEPSAI), of the African Center for Technology Studies (ACTS) invites eligible AI innovators to express their interest in participating in the AI4D Innovation scaling challenge. This project is intended to support deployed and in-use AI innovations that promise significant social impact and demonstrate readiness to scale. The innovation or solution must demonstrate readiness to scale beyond the current user base. Solutions must be beyond the proof-of-concept phase and be deployed under real-life conditions. Earlier-stage ideation-only concepts will not be considered at this time. | Eligible applicants include the following:Individual researchers and innovators.AI startups and MSMEs/SMEs.Research institutions and Universities that are engaged in AI Research and Development.Consortia comprising multiple stakeholders working collaboratively on AI solutions. | $100,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | lepsai@acts-net.org | Link to Funder | |
| Biofit | Start-up Slams | The Start-up Slams are a great opportunity for young companies (and particularly start-ups seeking to raise a seed or a Series A financing round) to showcase their project in front of potential partners and investors in the Life Sciences field. | Be a startup company or a company in creation | Varies | Rolling | Michael Chambers | letsibah@eurasante.com | Link to Funder | |
| Columbia Business School | Tamer Fund for Social Ventures | The Tamer Fund for Social Ventures (TFSV) provides seed grants. There are two deadlines for applications for the Tamer Fund for Social Ventures: the spring application deadline is March 1 at 11:59 p.m. ET and the fall application deadline is August 15 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Funding will be made available to around seven ventures each year (three to four ventures each cycle). | Nonprofit, for-profit, and hybrid early-stage Columbia University-affiliated social and environmental ventures | Varies | 08/15/2027 | Elena Piercy | lisa.andujar@gsb.columbia.edu | Link to Funder | |
| Columbia Business School | Tamer Fund for Social Ventures | The Tamer Fund for Social Ventures (TFSV) provides seed grants. There are two deadlines for applications for the Tamer Fund for Social Ventures: the spring application deadline is March 1 at 11:59 p.m. ET and the fall application deadline is August 15 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Funding will be made available to around seven ventures each year (three to four ventures each cycle). | Nonprofit, for-profit, and hybrid early-stage Columbia University-affiliated social and environmental ventures | Varies | 03/01/2027 | Lisa Andujar | lisa.andujar@gsb.columbia.edu | Link to Funder | |
| Auburn University | The Tiger Cage | If you have an idea for a new business venture and are looking for an opportunity to secure early-stage seed funding to incubate your idea, this program is designed for you. You will have the opportunity to describe your new venture idea, pitch it to a seasoned group of judges and potentially win startup capital that will help jump-start your business. | Students at Auburn University | $100,000 | Rolling | Lou Bifano | ljb0022@auburn.edu | Link to Funder | |
| Genesee Community College | Business Idea Pitch Competition | If you have a passion you would like to turn into a business, but you aren't sure if anyone else will think it’s a good idea, consider participating in GCC’s 7th Annual Business Idea Pitch Competition on Thursday, April 24 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in room T102 of the Conable Technology Building at Genesee Community College’s Batavia Campus. The competition is free and open to the public and prizes of $100 for first place and $75 for second place will be awarded to the most outstanding competitors in the “most likely to succeed” and “most creative” categories. Pitches will be judged by local business leaders. | Anyone | $100 | 04/24/2027 | General Inquiries | lmlamattina@genesee.edu | Link to Funder | |
| Proposals | Precision of Treatment Selection and Clinical | The Lilly Research Award Program (LRAP) provides Lilly scientists who are working on basic and applied research projects with an avenue to partner with global external researchers to collaboratively advance research projects. These research projects range in focus and may include development of new models, methods, or techniques, validation of disease targets and/or biomarkers, or approaches to improve existing preclinical models. | External researchers selected by Lilly scientists | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | LRAP@lilly.com | Link to Funder | |
| Eli Lilly and Company and Lilly USA, LLC (collectively Lilly) | Management for Patients with Invasive Mold Infections | Healthcare professional education (priority given to accredited programs)Patient advocacy and consumer education programsPrograms focused on education related to basic or preclinical scienceQuality Improvement (QI) initiatives that foster the translation of scientific evidence into clinical practice using QI methodology (should lead to measurable improvements in healthcare processes and patient outcomes)Select scientific fellowships or charitable contributions (limited funding) | Any organization | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | LRAP@lilly.com | Link to Funder | |
| The Richard King Mellon Foundation | Social Impact Funding | To best address the most vexing social problems facing our region, we need a wide range of solutions from our best thinkers, including those from the for-profit sector. The Richard King Mellon Foundation is looking to invest in novel products, technologies, or services from social-mission oriented for-profit companies. The Foundation uses Program RElated Investments (PRIs) to provide funding to for-profits whose Ideas align with the Foundation’s program areas in Conservation, Economic Development, Economic Mobility, Health and Wellbeing. The Foundation is industry agnostic and is open to any phase of company development, beyond the idea stage. | Established companies or entrepreneurs with business ideas that align with one or more of the foundation's main funding priorities. National companies that work in Allegheny or Westmoreland counties or those that want to start a business locally are eligible to participate if they are focused on economic development or mobility or health and well-being. Conservation-focused companies can work anywhere in the United States. | varies | Rolling | Lisa Reed | lreed@rkmf.org | Innovation must have a social impact that aligns with the Foundation's priorities. | Link to Funder |
| Pennsylvania Center for Dairy Excellence | Team Program Grants | Using a team approach to provide greater insight into your business’s decision-making process can lead to improved profitability, enhanced performance and future opportunities. It can also smooth the road for transition to the next generation or transformation into a new business model. The Center for Dairy Excellence leverages funds provided through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to provide grants to individual farms to establish either a Dairy Profit, Transition or Transformation Team. | Pennsylvania farms with at least 35 lactating dairy cows | $7,500 | 12/31/2026 | Melissa Anderson | manderson@centerfordairyexcellence.org | Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until funds are disbursed | Link to Funder |
| "South Dakota Governor's Office of Economic Development | Governor's Giant Vision Business Competition | Have you been waiting for the right time to explore a great business idea? Are you looking for a safe place to explore the idea's potential with experienced business people, pitch your idea to investors and possibly win $20,000 to help make the idea a reality? You are looking in the right place. | Must be a resident of South Dakota | $20,000 | Rolling | Mark Slade, Director | mark@growsd.com | Link to Funder | |
| Grey | UpGreyed Her | Y Combinator-backed fintech Grey has launched the second edition of its “UpGreyed Her” program, offering $9,500 in equity-free grants to women entrepreneurs, marking a 19% increase from last year’s funding pool. UpGreyed Her is a financial inclusion initiative by Grey designed to empower female entrepreneurs by providing them with the necessary capital to expand their businesses. Long-term support is necessary to achieve gender parity, and UpGreyed Her is our commitment to that.Grey is awarding a total of $9,500 in grants to four applicants. 1st Place will receive $4,000. The remaining three winners will receive $2,000, $2,000, and $1,500. | Businesses must be founded by a woman or have a female co-founder with at least 50% ownership; must have been in operation for a minimum of 3 years; founder must be between 21 and 35 years old and a citizen or resident of an eligible country within Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Europe, Latin America, the UK, or the US. (List of eligible countries here: https://support.grey.co/en/articles/5249188-how-can-i-sign-up-on-grey?_gl=1*9kjuq1*_gcl_au*ODk0NzEzNTk3LjE3NDI5MTc4NDY.) | $4,000 | 04/30/2027 | General Inquiries | marketing@grey.co | Link to Funder | |
| IMG | IMG’s Leave Your Mark Grant | IMG will be granting funds to 5 winners — 2 mission or social good organizations and 3 individuals participating in a mission, volunteer, or service trip. The 2 winning organizations will receive $3,500 each, and the 3 winning individuals will receive $1,000 each. | Mission or social good organizations | $3,500 | TBA | General Inquiries | marketing@imglobal.com | Link to Funder | |
| Verity Credit Union | Grants for Growth: Micro Business Grant | Verity’s Grants for Growth initiative leverages the credit union’s Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI)-aligned status to strengthen community wealth and expand opportunities for historically excluded entrepreneurs and grassroots organizations in Washington. The grant provides up to $10,000 in flexible funding and relationship support for small business owners, including advocacy, increased visibility, financial coaching, and access to additional Verity resources. | Small business (fewer than 10 employees) in Washington State; BIPOC-, women-, LGBTQ+-, and/or veteran-owned; in operation less than 5 years; less than $1M in annual revenue | $10,000 | 11/02/2026 | General Inquiries | marketingdept@veritycu.com; 206-440-9000 | Link to Funder | |
| Satellite Conference | Satellite Startup Space Pitch Competition | The SATELLITE Conference & Exhibition provides a platform for startups to demonstrate their ideas, forge connections with potential investors and partners, garner valuable exposure, and establish themselves as trailblazers in their respective fields. Satellite is proud to bring startup companies and investors together for the 8th Annual Startup Space. This entrepreneur pitch competition is designed to stimulate investment and growth in the industry by setting up private meetings for the grand prize winner. | Satellite, Space and Aerospace startups seeking early stage funding | Varies | TBA | Michael Cassinelli | mcassinelli@accessintel.com | Link to Funder | |
| Medical CBRN Defense Consortium | Solicitations – MCDC | JPM-MCS and other customers (DTRA/JSTO, etc.) offer funding opportunities to MCDC members through solicitations called Requests for Prototype Proposals (RPPs). The RPPs offer MCDC members the opportunity to propose prototype technologies to the technology requirements in each solicitation sub-objective area. Active and Forecasted solicitations are listed periodically, as are the status of RPPs for which submissions have been received. | JPM-MCS and other customers (DTRA/JSTO, etc.) offer funding opportunities to MCDC members through solicitations called Requests for Prototype Proposals (RPPs). The RPPs offer MCDC members the opportunity to propose prototype technologies to the technology requirements in each solicitation sub-objective area. | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | MCDC@ati.org | Link to Funder | |
| P&G Ventures | P&G Innovation Challenge | In addition to filling out the submission form, submitters will also be required to submit an original pitch deck of no more than 12 slides describing a technology that has a fast-moving consumer good that the entrant has developed that will improve the way people take care of their families, keep their homes clean, or live healthier lives. | We are looking for entrepreneurs and inventors who have groundbreaking technologies, businesses, or capabilities that contain a fast-moving, consumable product to improve the way people care for their families, clean their homes, and live healthier lives | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | mediateam.im@pg.com | Link to Funder | |
| State of Alaska Department of Health | Microenterprise Grant | Would you like to own your own business? Grants are available for people with disabilities and their families who qualify. These funds may be used to pay for the costs of starting a new business, making a current business larger, or buying an existing business. | You must qualify as a Alaska Mental Health Trust Beneficiary.Your business must meet the definition of a "microenterprise." A microenterprise is a business that needs no more than $35,000 total to operate ("total capital needs"), and which has four employees or less. | $10,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | megrant@alaskachd.org | Link to Funder | |
| NAACP | NAACP Powershift Entrepreneur Grant | All rising and established Black entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply for the Powershift Entrepreneur Grant. Businesses selected will receive a $25,000 grant along with resources as tools to propel their futures. | Black entrepreneurs | $25,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | members@naacpnet.org | Link to Funder | |
| ProLiteracy | Literacy Opportunity Fund | Apply for a grant to fund your organization’s general operating expenses, such as salaries or teacher stipends, supplies or equipment, space rental, and more. Or, apply for a Literacy Opportunity award to fund a particular project, event, or new programming development. | Literacy organizations of all types and sizes that are doing direct work with adult students | $6,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | membership@proliteracy.org | Link to Funder | |
| Parachute Home | Home for Dreams Initiative | Parachute wants to not only help launch your brand, but also offer lifelong connections to support you throughout your entrepreneurial journey. Winner will receive: Recurring 1:1s with Ariel Kaye, Parachute Founder; Recurring meetings with and access to our team members: including finance, marketing and more; a $25k grant to spend on your business; Amplification of your brand through our email and social channels. One grant will be awarded every 6 months. | U.S. based, black owned product-centric small business | $25,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | mentorship@parachutehome.com | Link to Funder | |
| Hawaii Technology Development Corporation | Hawaii Manufacturing Assistance Program Grant | HTDC’s Manufacturing Assistance Program (MAP) grant offers Hawaiʻi-based manufacturers up to a 20% reimbursement (up to $100,000) on qualified expenses to help Hawaiʻi manufacturers become globally competitive. MAP assistance may be used for: Purchase of manufacturing equipment, Training on the use of manufacturing equipment, Energy efficiency in manufacturing process, Studying or planning for a new manufacturing facility.May not be used for payroll, travel, acquisition of real property or general operating expense. | Be registered to do business in Hawaiʻi and current on all State tax liabilities.Be compliant in Hawaiʻi Compliance Express (HCE) Must have a NAICS and DUNS number | $100,000 | 02/13/2027 | General Enquiries | mfggrant@htdc.org | The Hawaiʻi manufacturing industry, albeit small, is important to our economy. These companies make the Made In Hawaiʻi brand a global commodity. Hawaiʻi food products, clothing, and other products are sought throughout the world. Our manufacturers need assistance in controlling costs, making sure employees are well trained, and securing the latest technology to grow their business. | Link to Funder |
| Forbes and Bad Bunny | Forbes Under 30 Latinx Pitch Competition | At this year’s Forbes Under 30 Summit in Cleveland, Ohio, up to five promising, young Latinx entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to pitch their businesses to some of the brightest Latinx minds of today, including Puerto Rican, Grammy-winning singer Bad Bunny. After highlighting young changemakers on the 30 Under 30 list for more than a decade, this pitch competition is the opportunity to highlight bold, innovative and promising Latinx founders. | Nominees must identify as Latinx or Hispanic and be 29 or younger as of October 9th, 2023. | $300,000 | Rolling | Maria Gracia Santillana | mgsantillana-linares@forbes.com | Link to Funder | |
| Women’s Business Development Council | Launch Pad: A WBDC Grant Program | The WBDC Launch Pad Grant Program offers newly established businesses the opportunity to receive a $2,500 grant to put toward start-up costs. The grant funds cannot be used towards payroll/to pay yourself, real estate improvements (e.g. construction costs), reimbursement for past purchases or debt repayment. | Applicant must complete one of the following WBDC courses: GPS, BCC, Business Planning for Food-preneurs or Marketing Fundamentals, attend 80% of the classes, and submit the course deliverable | $2,500 | Rolling | General Inquiries | microgrants@ctwbdc.org | Link to Funder | |
| Women’s Business Development Council | Accelerate: A WBDC Grant Program | The Accelerate Grant Program is open to women-owned businesses that received a WBDC Equity Match Grant, Ignite Grant or Municipal Grant at least 12 months ago and have demonstrated revenue growth as a direct impact of receiving WBDC grant funding. A select number of applicants will be given the opportunity to participate in a Pitch Event, where an external review committee will select the grant recipients. The grant funds cannot be used towards operating expenses (e.g. inventory, on-going marketing expenses, salaries), or for past purchases or debt repayment. | Must have received a WBDC Equity Match Grant/Ignite Grant or Municipal Grant and have had the grant funds for at least 12 months. Applicants also must prove revenue growth as a direct impact from receiving the grant money and have a record of annual sales/revenue in the last 12 months greater than $100,000 and less than $2,500,000. You must be able to produce supporting documentation proving your eligibility as part of the application. | $25,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | microgrants@ctwbdc.org | Link to Funder | |
| Women’s Business Development Council | Childcare Business Opportunity Fund | Designed to help licensed and aspiring child care businesses grow, the Opportunity Fund has grant programs targeting different stages of business, from start-ups to those ready to expand. | You must be licensed, or pending licensure, with the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC) as a family home (DCFH), group home (DCGH), or child care center (DCCC) in order to be eligible. You must also meet the eligibility of the grant program and submit a complete application to be considered. Municipally run programs, and programs operating part-time, are not eligible. | $25,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | microgrants@ctwbdc.org | Link to Funder | |
| BioAdvance Capital | BioAdvance Capital Investments | We invest exclusively in opportunities that have the potential to improve human health with an emphasis on therapeutic agents including platform technologies, research tools, medical devices, diagnostics and healthcare IT. Our investments are dedicated to advancing human health with a core focus on therapeutic innovations. We also look for opportunities in medical devices, digital health, diagnostics, and research tools that address significant unmet needs in healthcare. | Early-stage companies located in the mid-Atlantic region (NY to Washington DC) that are developing technologies to improve human health, including: Therapeutics, Medical Devices, Research Tools, Diagnostics, Health IT. Company's CEO should also be located in this region. | $1,000,000 | Rolling | Marnie McCoy | mmccoy@bioadvance.com; 610-230-0544 | Investment-based funds | Link to Funder |
| Sprocket | Next 50K | At Sprocket’s Next50K Startup Pitch Competition, healthcare tech startups just like yours vie for a chance to secure $50,000 in funding, gain invaluable mentorship, and showcase their innovations on a state-wide platform. You could be one of them! | Healthcare tech startups in or willing to relocate to Paducah, KY | $50,000 | Rolling | Monica Bilak | monica@sprocketpaducah.com | Link to Funder | |
| Chinook Fund | Chinook Fund Grant | Chinook Fund seeds community-led, systemic change by mobilizing resources for and trusting in grassroots social justice organizations across Colorado. With 36 years of social impact, Chinook Fund has distributed $5 million to over 500 organizations. Honoring our racial justice commitment, 90 percent of grantee groups were led by Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color. | must support Colorado’s progressive social change movement | $10,000 | TBA | Mateo Parsons | mparsons@chinookfund.org | Link to Funder | |
| Montana State University | MSU $100K Venture Competition | All types of ventures are welcome, including but not limited to new products, services, non-profit ventures, and social impact focus. Tracks for the competition will include the following: Social Impact, Deep Tech or University based research, and Traditional venture Note: You will self select a track in your application, but applicants may be shifted in categories by our judges during review. | Open to all Montana University System (MUS) affiliated campuses: undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and staff, and recent MUS system alumni (10 years or less). | $100,000 | 04/01/2027 | General Inquiries | MSIM@montana.edu | Link to Funder | |
| Missouri University of Science and Technology | Missouri S&T I-Corps Program | Provides training and funding to support innovation-based projects, with potential for national I-Corps program recommendations. | Open to faculty, graduate students, and research collaborators at Missouri S&T. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | mst-icorps@mst.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| TS Bank REV | Small Business Pitch Competition | TS Bank has partnered with Advance Southwest Iowa Corporation and several other local companies to host a small business pitch competition in an effort to spur economic growth and encourage business owners to continue pursuing their dreams.TS Bank and Advance Southwest Iowa partnered together to offer entrepreneurs and business owners the chance to "ignite their business. Each fall, entrepreneurs and business owners will have the opportunity to pitch to a panel of judges to win up to $10,000 to grow their business. | Iowa-based small business | $15,000 | TBA | Dave Wise | mybank@tsbank.com | Link to Funder | |
| Alliance for Pediatric Device Innovation and Additional Ventures | Pediatric Device Pitch Competition Cardiovascular Focus | The Midwest Pediatric Device Consortium and the Alliance for Pediatric Device Innovation are proud to announce our Spring 2026 Pediatric Device Pitch Competition. Abstract applications for innovative pediatric cardiovascular device projects will be accepted starting March 25 through April 15, 2026. PDC Innovation Grants help drive promising pediatric device ideas towards market availability for patient benefit. Academic, business, and startup innovators based in the United States are invited to apply. Thanks to funding from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration through the Pediatric Device Consortia Grants Program, a total of $200,000 in seed grants will be awarded. | Inventors at startups or established businesses, or academic researchers, with medical device concepts or ideas for use with pediatric patients that address unmet needs and lend themselves to commercialization. | $50,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | NCC-PDI@childrensnational.org | In cases of exceptional products, competitive renewals may be considered based on progress of the previously funded project. Investigators may request an informal review before submission of a renewal application. | Link to Funder |
| Alliance for Pediatric Device Innovation | Medical Devices to Address Youth Substance Use Disorders and Addiction | The Alliance for Pediatric Device Innovation (APDI) has opened a grant opportunity for pediatric medical devices that improve the monitoring, diagnosis or treatment of youth suffering from substance use disorder and addiction. Grants up to $50,000 each are available for pediatric-specific solutions selected by a panel of experts from submitted proposals. Up to $150,000 in grant funds are available for distribution through this program. | The Alliance for Pediatric Device Innovation (APDI) is seeking proposals from inventors in the established businesses, startup entities, and academic researchers who have medical device concepts or ideas for use with pediatric patients. Proposals should address a significant, yet unmet need within the pediatric population with a device idea that lends itself to commercialization. | $50,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | NCC-PDI@childrensnational.org | Link to Funder | |
| North Dakota State University (NDSU) — Lead Institution of Northern Plains I-Corps Hub | NDSU I-Corps Program | Supports STEM-related entrepreneurial research with mentorship and grant funding for customer validation. | Open to NDSU faculty, students, staff, and research teams. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | ndsu.research@ndsu.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| Nervos Foundation | Nervos Grants Program | The Nervos Grants Program was created to empower innovation and development and support the growth of a diverse and thriving ecosystem. The program funds infrastructure development, tools, research, education, and other initiatives that enable the growth of the Nervos Ecosystem. The long-term vision for Nervos is to be fully decentralized in all aspects and community-led. | Anyone | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | nervos.org/contact | Link to Funder | |
| BevNET | New Beverage Showdown | The New Beverage Showdown is the leading business pitch competition for the beverage industry. Designed to support and showcase new products and promising founders, it focuses on the innovators and entrepreneurs designing the products of tomorrow. The 20th edition of the competition will create a virtual platform for the hottest new beverage brands to gain awareness amongst the industry and share their plans with judges who can help take their business to the next level. | A subscription to BevNET and NOSH is required to participate. | Varies | Rolling | John Craven | news@bevnet.com | Link to Funder | |
| Baylor University | Baylor Business New Venture Competition | A business in one of two competition tracks: Internet and Consumer Technology and Non-Internet and Consumer Technology Companies. Internet and Consumer Technology companies must aim to impact one of the following industries: Internet Services, Internet Security, Info Tech, Software Cloud, Mobile Tech, Mobile Apps, Mobile Commerce, Web/e-Commerce, Social Commerce, Social Networking, Social Media, Social Gaming, Video Gaming. | Current students or recent alumni (within the last 15 months) in teams with 2-4 members. | $100,000 | Rolling | Sandeep Mazumder | newventurecomp@baylor.edu | Link to Funder | |
| Nestle Foundation | Research Grants | Sustainable improvement in human nutrition is one of the major issues in the portfolio of the Foundation. During more than 40 years basic and applied research in nutrition has been supported by the Foundation in more than 50 developing countries. In view of the past activities of the Foundation as well as the world’s situation at the turn of the millennium, it was recognized that the public health relevance of the supported research as well as aspects of sustainability, capacity building and educational issues should have a higher priority | Health Focused Research Projects | Varies | Rolling | Main Contact | nf@nestlefoundation.org | Link to Funder | |
| National Institutes of Health (NIH) | RADx® Tech ACT ENDO Challenge | The Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics Technology (RADx® Tech) Advancing Cures and Therapies and ending ENDOmetriosis diagnostic delays (ACT ENDO) Challenge seeks to accelerate the development of innovative technologies for the diagnosis of endometriosis. Innovators participating in the RADx Tech ACT ENDO Challenge will initially submit a proposal describing in detail their prototype[1] diagnostic technology, anticipated clinical impact, and plans for continued development and implementation. Winners of Phase 1 will be invited to deliver a virtual presentation and technology demonstration in Phase 2. Winners of Phase 2 will receive a $100,000 cash prize each and advance to the Phase 3 technology development sprint where they will de-risk and further mature their technologies. Participants in Phase 3 will compete for interim and final cash prizes ranging from a cumulative $350,000 - $850,000 each. | U.S.-based team of innovators, either on behalf of an established organization, institution, or corporation, or independent of any such organization (individual innovators not eligible) | $950,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | NICHDACTENDO@mail.nih.gov | Link to Funder | |
| Pfizer Global Medical Grants | Education for Patients and Caregivers Living With Bladder Cancer from Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer (NMIBC) to Locally Advanced or Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma (la/mUC) | Projects that will be considered for Pfizer independent grant support will educate patients or caregivers in one or more of the following example areas: provide accurate information about bladder cancer, its causes, risk factors, diagnosis, staging, treatment options, risks of recurrence or progression, and prognosis. empower patients to make informed decisions about their care and participate actively in their treatment planning and management. facilitate communication and collaboration among patients, caregivers, and multi-disciplinary health care providers. help patients understand their treatment journey, including when they might need systemic therapy from a urologist or medical oncologist. explain the benefits and risks of different types of therapies, such as radical cystectomy, urinary diversion, intravesical therapy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted systemic therapy. promote adherence to treatment, and enhance patient follow-up based on the recommendations of the treating physician. support the identification, prevention and/or management of potential disease complications and treatment side effects. | The following may apply: medical, nursing, allied health, and/or pharmacy professional schools; healthcare institutions (both large and small); professional organizations/medical societies; medical education companies; patient advocacy groups and other entities with a mission related to healthcare professional education and/or healthcare improvement. | $150,000 | Rolling | Grant Officer | Nicola.Fenderico@pfizer.com | Link to Funder | |
| The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative | The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative | We support the science and technology that will make it possible to cure, prevent, or manage all diseases by the end of the 21st century. We foster collaboration between scientists and engineers, develop new technologies, and build support for basic scientific research. | Projects that improve science, health, and community | Varies | Rolling | Nina Cardoza, Director of Grants | nina@chanzuckerberg.com | Link to Funder | |
| North Texas Innovation Alliance (NTXIA) | Smart Cities Global Challenge | North Texas Innovation Alliance (NTXIA), a 501(c)3 regional consortium of over 40 municipalities, agencies, corporations and academic institutions across North Texas working to create the most connected, smart and resilient region in the country, has announced their international pitching event, named the Smart Cities Global Startup Challenge, to be held at this year’s Smart City Expo World Congress (SCEWC) in Barcelona alongside partner Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Corners, a 5G enabled innovation hub where startups and global industry leaders deploy and prove out developing technologies in a real-world testing environment, and Texas cities Frisco, McKinney. | Pre-Seed (Early Traction), Seed (Growth Stage) companies in the smart cities industry | $5,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | NTXIA@godriven360.com | Link to Funder | |
| Foodity | Open Call | Do you have the next big digital idea to empower citizens to make healthier food choices and create more sustainable food systems? Apply to our Open Call #1 for your chance to join our FOODITY programme, get funded up to €187.500, and receive training and support to develop your solution. We will develop our pilot development programme in three phases. The first one will focus on implementing the pilot projects (150,000 euros). The second one on maximising their impact (30,000 euros). The programme will end with an award ceremony where the winning pilot projects will benefit from an additional €7,500. | Small to Medium enterprises based in European Union or Horizon-Europe associated county with digital food tech solutions | $187,500 | Rolling | General Inquiries | opencalls@foodity.eu | Link to Funder | |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | UIUC I-Corps Program | Provides $3,000 in initial support for innovation-driven research and potential access to the national program. | Open to UIUC faculty, postdocs, students, and research staff. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | otm@illinois.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| University of Hawai‘i | University of Hawai‘i I-Corps Program | Offers support for innovation-based research with up to $3,000 in grant funding and training in customer validation. Teams may apply for follow-on funding at the national level. | Open to University of Hawaii faculty, students, and researchers across multiple campuses. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | pace@hawaii.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| Impact America Fund | Impact America Fund | We've found that entrepreneurs from overlooked communities combine a deep understanding of the problems they are solving, how to build and scale a business around them, and a profound, personal sense of impact. There’s no shortage of bold ideas and investable businesses coming from these communities. The shortage is of investors with the cultural fluency to find and fuel these opportunities | Black founders | Varies | Rolling | Kesha Cash | partnerships@impactamericafund.com | Link to Funder | |
| Good Food Institute | Research Grant Program | Our program is dedicated to achieving three primary objectives: addressing technical bottlenecks, catalyzing further funding, and fostering collaborations to attract new talent to the field. To meet these goals, we annually release requests for proposals (RFPs) inviting open-access research focused on enhancing organoleptic properties, reducing costs, and scaling up alternative proteins. | Applicants in any sector (academia, government, industry, nonprofits, etc) with innovative projects that will specifically advance the science and technology of the plant-based, fermentation-derived, and cultivated meat industries. “Meat” includes seafood such as fish and shellfish. | $250,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | philanthropy@gfi.org | Link to Funder | |
| Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) | The Pitt Innovation Challenge (PInCh®) | The Pitt Innovation Challenge (PInCh®) is a program supported by the Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) and designed to generate innovative solutions to challenging health problems by mitigating risk and providing financial and administrative support to move ideas forward. The PInCh program stimulates the translation of novel problem-focused research into the community by giving researchers a venue to be creative, develop new ideas, and work with people beyond their usual sphere of collaborators. | Teams that enter must include at least one University of Pittsburgh faculty member, but can include individuals from other educational institutions or non-academic organizations such as community groups or businesses. The PInCh program hopes to bring together a diverse group of problem solvers who may not otherwise have considered working on a team. | $100,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | pinch@pitt.edu | Link to Funder | |
| Robert Wood Johnson Foundation | Pioneering Ideas: Exploring the Future to Build a Culture of Health | This funding opportunity seeks proposals primed to impact health equity moving forward. We are interested in ideas that address any of these four areas of focus: Future of Evidence; Future of Social Interaction; Future of Food; Future of Work. Additionally, we welcome ideas that might fall outside of these four focus areas, but which offer unique approaches to advancing health equity and our progress toward a Culture of Health. The vast majority of our funding is to nonprofit organizations and public agencies. Historically, a small percentage less than one percent of our funding has been to for-profit organizations, and always in instances where the institution's project is an excellent fit with our strategies and we felt they were best suited to do the work. | Any organization | $300,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | pioneeringideas@rwjf.org | We will close submissions on 10/1/24 and reopen for submissions on 2/3/25. There is no rush to submit your idea before 10/1/24 as funding is not dependent on whether you submit before or after our annual downtime, and projects may be funded in the following calendar year. | Link to Funder |
| Female Founders Fund | Female Founders Fund | Female Founders Fund was created with one simple belief: women will build the companies of tomorrow. Since then, we've become the leading source of institutional capital for female founders raising seed capital with over $3B in enterprise value. | Female Founders | Varies | Rolling | Anu Duggal | pitches@femalefoundersfund.com | Investment-based funds | Link to Funder |
| Female Founders Club | Female Founders Club | Companies with female founders perform 63% better than those of theirmale peers. But women aren't getting any funding. On average, only 2.7% of venture capital dollars go towards female-founded companies per year. We're here to change that. Since 2014, we've invested in category-defining female leaders with a strong community to fuel their success. | Female founder | Varies | Rolling | Adrianna Samaniego | pitches@femalefoundersfund.com | Link to Funder | |
| Era VC | PitchSlam | The Era VC PitchSlam is back, offering the ultimate opportunity for consumer brands to shine. If you're ready to make your mark and secure substantial support, this is your chance. We want founders who are ready to lead their category, build unstoppable momentum, and scale with intent. | Consumer packaged goods founders | $100,000 | 11/02/2026 | General Inquiries | pitchslam2025@era.vc | Link to Funder | |
| The University of Utah | University of Utah I-Corps Program | Offers up to $3,000 in seed funding for research teams and customer discovery support. Teams can be recommended for the national program. | Open to University of Utah faculty, students, and research staff. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | pivotcenter@utah.edu | Link to Funder | |
| Crummer Graduate School of Business | Venture Plan Competition | The annual competition is where teams battle for funding, exposure, and mentorship in front of the region’s top entrepreneurs, leaders, and venture capitalists. Participants compete for prize money before multiple distinguished judges panels, all of whom are successful investors and entrepreneurs. The competition continues to serve as the platform for Central Florida startup companies to gain exposure and funding. | Open to Anyone in Central Florida and Beyond. | $25,000 | Rolling | Pete McAlindon, Ph.D. | pmcalindon@rolllins.edu | Link to Funder | |
| University of Chicago | University of Chicago I-Corps Program | Offers initial I-Corps funding for customer discovery and training, with pathways to the National I-Corps program for additional $50,000 funding. | Open to University of Chicago faculty, students, and research teams. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | polskycenter@uchicago.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| Tory Burch Foundation | Fellows Program | Up to 50 fellows will receive A five-day workshop series at the Tory Burch Offices, One-year Fellowship with the Tory Burch Foundation, A group of 10 Fellows will be invited to participate in Pitch Day. Selection is at the discretion of the Tory Burch Foundation. | A woman entrepreneur, age 21 or older, for profit business generating revenue | $5,000 | 11/17/2026 | Laurie Fabiano | programs@toryburchfoundation.org | Link to Funder | |
| Chicago Quantum Summit | Boeing Quantum Creators Prize | The Boeing Quantum Creators Prize recognizes early-career researchers for work that moves the field of quantum information science and engineering in new directions and aims to increase diversity in the field. Prizes are awarded at the annual Boeing Quantum Creators Prize Symposium hosted during the annual Chicago Quantum Summit. | Graduate students and postdoctoral fellows and scholars from any institution | $3,500 | Rolling | General Inquiries | quantum@uchicago.edu | Link to Funder | |
| Robin Hood | Catalyst | A small, bespoke accelerator for ventures expanding economic mobility in NYC. Catalyst is Robin Hood’s intensive 16-week accelerator for pre-seed startups and early-stage tech nonprofits using software, AI, and data to help low-income New Yorkers navigate the systems that shape economic mobility. | Nonprofits, for-profits and government agencies based anywhere in the United States | $100,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | questions@aipovertychallenge.org | Link to Funder | |
| Future of Data Challenge | Future of Data Challenge | The Future of Data seeks transformative solutions that reimagine the data economy and support a more equitable data future for all and solutions aimed to reimagine how we think and talk about data, activating a more equitable data economy and responsibly unlocking data’s value for all. Register today and share your idea in one or more of our solution areas. Applicants are encouraged to pick one or more of the three areas to focus their solution: Activism and Awareness; Evidence, Design and Technology; and Governance and Policy. The proposals should clarify the concept stakeholders, estimate its potential impact, and articulate any negative externalities or costs/burdens absorbed by the stakeholders. | Transformative solutions imagining a more equitable data economy | $100,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | questions@futureofdatachallenge.org | Up to ten winners will receive $100,000 each to further develop and implement their proposed solutions, and up to 5 additional promising solutions will be awarded $20,000 each | Link to Funder |
| Community Foundation of Louisville | Invest Louisville | Invest Louisville is an opportunity for local projects to receive high impact capital. It is designed to move money and resources into parts of Louisville that have experienced decades of disinvestment through loans, debt guarantees, lines of credit, and equity. | Invest Louisville will provide for-profit corporate entities and nonprofit organizations with equitable and impactful investments, particularly in the areas of affordable and accessible housing, entrepreneurship, and land development. | Varies | Rolling | Ramona Dallum | ramonad@cflouisville.org | Link to Funder | |
| Johns Hopkins | Social Innovation Lab | The Social Innovation Lab (SIL) accelerates leaders and ventures building innovative, sustainable, and scalable solutions that work towards a healthy and prosperous world. Open to any applicant from the greater Baltimore area, we aim to see mission-driven ventures from both the Johns Hopkins and the surrounding communities develop into thriving ventures with measurable impacts. | Open to early-stage ventures from Johns Hopkins or Baltimore with demonstrated traction (for-profit and non-profit) | $20,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | rdt@jhu.edu | Link to Funder | |
| The Roberts Enterprise Development Fund | The Roberts Enterprise Development Fund | They are the leader of a national movement of jobs-focused social enterprises, the successful brand of businesses that invest the money they make into helping their employees get a lasting shot at a better life. | Social enterprises that employ and empower people overcoming barriers to work. | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | redf.org/contact | Link to Funder | |
| Child Care Aware of Minnesota | Reetain bonuses-The Family Child Care Application | REETAIN Bonuses reward early childhood educators who have demonstrated a commitment to the field by continuing their education and professional development. REETAIN Bonuses can be used for program supplies, training, or personal expenses. | Licensed childcare providers in Minnesota that work with children at least 30 hours per week and that have been in their position for at least one year. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | reetain@childcareawaremn.org | Link to Funder | |
| The Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference | 2024 Canna Founders Pitch Competition | This event series aims to support diverse businesses and license holders within the cannabis industry. The New Brunswick event offers a prize of $2,500 to the runner-up and $5,000 to the winner. Moreover, the top two companies from this event will advance to the Rooted In Good Cannabis Demo Day during Boston Cannabis Week on September 19, for a chance to win an additional $25,000. | All stages of business that have a product or service in market and ready for sales with less than $250,000 in revenue last year are welcome to apply. Companies must identify as diverse or minority to be eligible. | $25,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | registration@benzinga.com | Link to Funder | |
| Founders Pledge | Requests for funding | We are particularly interested in work being done in four areas:Global health and development, especially programs that can, in expectation, save a life for under $4,000, avert a DALY for under $70, or double income for one person at a cost of less than $30. Note that this includes interventions that affect economic growth. We don’t necessarily require that grantees be able to point to an RCT in order to demonstrate cost-effectiveness.Global catastrophic risk, especially programs that can affect the likelihood of war between great powers, reduce risks from advanced artificial intelligence, or mitigate the possibility that biomedical advances could be used to cause harm.Climate, especially programs that can make a compelling case for advancing an important solution neglected by the large existing climate philanthropy and action effort.Animal welfare, mainly corporate campaigns — especially in geographies where other animal welfare charities aren't working — as well as on novel bets on cellular agriculture and plant-based meats, including those that are trying to increase public R&D funding. | Solutions for Global health and development, Global catastrophic risk, Climate,and Animal welfare, | $300,000 | Rolling | Contact Us | requestsforfunding@founderspledge.com | Link to Funder | |
| Binghamton University | Binghamton University I-Corps Program | Supports STEM-related entrepreneurial research with mentorship and grant funding for customer validation. | Open to Binghamton University faculty, graduate students, and research staff | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | research@binghamton.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| Brown University | Brown I-Corps Program | Offers up to $3,000 in seed funding for research teams and customer discovery support. Teams can be recommended for the national program. | Open to Brown faculty, students, and research staff. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | research@brown.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| Clarkson University | Clarkson I-Corps Program | Offers up to $3,000 in seed funding for research teams and customer discovery support. Teams can be recommended for the national program. | Open to Clarkson faculty, students, and research staff. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | research@clarkson.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| The City University of New York (CUNY) — Lead Institution of New York Region Hub | CUNY I-Corps Program | Offers up to $3,000 in seed funding for research teams and customer discovery support. Teams can be recommended for the national program. | Open to CUNY faculty, students, research staff, and entrepreneurs affiliated with the university. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | research@cuny.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| Delaware State University | DSU I-Corps Program | Offers up to $3,000 in seed funding for research teams and customer discovery support. Teams can be recommended for the national program. | Open to faculty, students, and researchers affiliated with the University | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | research@desu.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| Dakota State University | DSU I-Corps Program | Supports STEM-related entrepreneurial research with mentorship and grant funding for customer validation. | Open to DSU faculty, graduate students, and research staff. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | research@dsu.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| George Mason University | George Mason I-Corps Program | Supports STEM-related entrepreneurial research with mentorship and grant funding for customer validation. | Open to GMU faculty, students, and research staff. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | research@gmu.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| Hampton University | Hampton I-Corps Program | Supports STEM-related entrepreneurial research with mentorship and grant funding for customer validation. | Open to Hampton faculty, students, and research staff. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | research@hamptonu.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| Jackson State University | JSU I-Corps Program | Supports STEM-related entrepreneurial research with mentorship and grant funding for customer validation. | Open to JSU faculty, students, and postdocs. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | research@jsums.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| University of Louisville (UofL) | UofL I-Corps Program | The University of Louisville I-Corps Program partners innovative UofL faculty, staff and students (undergraduate and graduate) with entrepreneurial mentors to identify market opportunities for new technologies that benefit society and the economy. Support includes: Advice and mentorship; Networking opportunities; Training in startup principles; and funding. Funding can be used for entrepreneurial training, prototype development; travel expenses for customer discovery; and other necessary resources that directly help get the project to the marketplace.Funding can be used for entrepreneurial training, prototype development; travel expenses for customer discovery; and other necessary resources that directly help get the project to the marketplace. | University of Louisville faculty, staff and students with an entrepreneurial interest, who want to take their lab research to the marketplace | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | research@louisville.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| Oregon State University | OSU I-Corps Program | Offers up to $3,000 in seed funding for research teams and customer discovery support. Teams can be recommended for the national program. | Open to OSU faculty, students, and research teams. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | research@oregonstate.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| Pennsylvania State University | Penn State I-Corps Program | Supports STEM-related entrepreneurial research with mentorship and grant funding for customer validation. | Open to Penn State faculty, postdocs, and graduate students. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | research@psu.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| Rochester Institute of Technology | RIT I-Corps Program | Supports STEM-related entrepreneurial research with mentorship and grant funding for customer validation. | Open to RIT faculty, students, and research staff. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | research@rit.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| South Dakota State University | SDSU I-Corps Program | Supports STEM-related entrepreneurial research with mentorship and grant funding for customer validation. | Open to SDSU-affiliated faculty, staff, and students. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | research@sdstate.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| University of Central Florida | UCF I-Corps Program | Offers up to $3,000 in seed funding for research teams and customer discovery support. Teams can be recommended for the national program. | Open to UCF-affiliated faculty, students, and research teams. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | research@ucf.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| University of Idaho | University of Idaho I-Corps Program | Provides initial funding for research teams aiming to commercialize STEM-based innovations. | Open to faculty, staff, and student researchers at the University of Idaho. Collaborators from industry may be included as mentors. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | research@uidaho.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| University of Massachusetts Amherst | UMass Amherst I-Corps Program | Offers up to $3,000 in seed funding for research teams and customer discovery support. Teams can be recommended for the national program. | Open to UMass Amherst faculty, students, and research teams. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | research@umass.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| University of North Carolina Charlotte | UNC-Charlotte I-Corps Program | Supports STEM-related entrepreneurial research with mentorship and grant funding for customer validation. | Open to UNC-Charlotte faculty, graduate students, and research staff. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | research@uncc.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| University of Nebraska Lincoln | UNL I-Corps Program | Provides small grants for customer discovery and potential pathways to the National I-Corps program for additional funding. | Open to faculty, postdocs, students, and collaborators. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | research@unl.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| Boise State University | Boise State I-Corps Program | Offers non-dilutive grants for proposal support. Teams completing the program may receive follow-up mentorship and funding recommendations for the National I-Corps program. | Open to Boise State faculty, students, staff, and alumni. Teams must include an academic lead, entrepreneurial lead, and an external mentor. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | researchdev@boisestate.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| Jazz Pharmaceuticals | Investigator Sponsored Trials | Jazz Pharmaceuticals is committed to improving patient care by developing meaningful products that address unmet medical needs. This commitment is supported not only through Jazz’s own clinical studies, but also by supporting external independent investigators, organizations, and institutions (academic, private, or governmental) who approach Jazz looking for support for their scientific research proposals where they will serve as the study sponsor. Support by Jazz can take the form of funding, study drug, or a combination of both; support must be disclosed. Therapeutic areas of focus—neuroscience and oncology | Researchers | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | researchgrant@jazzpharma.com | Link to Funder | |
| Merck | Research Grants | We are seeking for research proposals in the field of Green Hydrogen. Progress is currently made in green hydrogen production e.g. innovative electrolysis technologies, system and industrial integration of hydrogen technologies e.g. storage, distribution and application areas as well as fuel cell development. | researchers | $500,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | researchgrants@emdgroup.com | Link to Funder | |
| Innov865 | Startup Day 2024 | Startup Day is an annual “Shark-Tank”-style pitch competition for a chance to win up to $10,000 in cash prizes. Six of Knoxville’s most investable startups will pitch their businesses in front of a panel of expert judges. In addition to the opportunity to spotlight their startup for investors, entrepreneurs will compete for a “crowd favorite” cash prize presented by Truist. | Knoxville based business | $10,000 | Rolling | Robin Geron | rgeron@tennessee.edu | Link to Funder | |
| The Magnuson Center of Entrepreneurship at Dartmouth | Founder Grant | The Magnuson Center Founder Grant facilitates the start and development of Dartmouth-founded ideas. The Founder Grant awards up to $5,000 to an individual or team. Successful applications will demonstrate entrepreneurial plans, exhibit solid background research of the idea or initial traction, and demonstrate high commitment to learning and executing on their ideas. | Founder Grants are open to enrolled full-time undergraduate and graduate Dartmouth students, Dartmouth faculty, and Dartmouth staff who are either the founder or one of the co-founders of the venture. A maximum of one Founder Grant per primary applicant per academic year, regardless of venture, will be granted. Preference is given to ventures with primary applicants who have not yet received funding. | $5,000 | TBA | Roy Schmidt | Roy.C.Schmidt@dartmouth.edu | Must be full-time undergraduate and graduate Dartmouth students to apply | Link to Funder |
| The Magnuson Center of Entrepreneurship at Dartmouth | The Wily Initiatives Fund Internship Grant | The purpose of the Wily Initiatives Fund Internship Grant is to provide up to $4500 financial assistance for an internship that enables undergraduates to gain exposure and work experience in an early-stage technology-focused startup company during terms away from campus. The internship does not need to be a technical role, but the startup itself should be technology focused. | Early-stage tech-focused startup; Under 3 years of existence; Under $100K in revenue; Under $250k funding. Note: Preference is given to Dartmouth-related startups. Intern must be a currently enrolled Dartmouth undergraduate at the time of application In good academic standing with no honor code violations. | $5,000 | Rolling | Roy Schmidt | Roy.C.Schmidt@dartmouth.edu | Must be full-time undergraduate Dartmouth students to apply for internship; priority given to Dartmouth-affiliated startups. | Link to Funder |
| The Magnuson Center of Entrepreneurship at Dartmouth | Class of 2005 Grant | The Grant for Entrepreneurship, part of the Magnuson Center's Founder Grant program, facilitates the start and development of Dartmouth-founded projects that have show promise and traction. The Grant awards up to $2,500 and will be used as an accelerant to take an existing project to the next level. Successful applicant teams have ambitious entrepreneurial plans with current traction, exhibit solid background research of the idea, and demonstrate high commitment to both learning and executing on their ideas. | At this time, the Class of 2005 Grant is open to enrolled full-time undergraduate Dartmouth students who are either the founder or one of the co-founders of the venture. | $2,500 | Rolling | Roy Schmidt | Roy.C.Schmidt@dartmouth.edu | Must be full-time undergraduate Dartmouth students to apply | Link to Funder |
| Enthuse Foundation and Spearhead Global | Capital and Catalyst Grant | Spearhead Global and Enthuse Foundation have launched the Capital and Catalyst Grant — $40K in funding plus mentorship to help one entrepreneur scale. The inaugural Capital + Catalyst Grant is a $40,000 funding and mentorship opportunity exclusively for women entrepreneurs in the food and beverage space. This grant is designed to support one standout woman founder who is ready to scale her food or beverage business with a powerful combination of capital and hands-on business support. The winner will also gain direct access to expert mentorship from Spearhead Global's award-winning team. Must attend the virtual pitch in September. | Women-founded and woman-owned (at least 51%) food or beverage business (skincare, beauty, clothing, and personal hygiene products are not eligible.) ; Minimum of $500,000 of lifetime sales (pre-revenue startups are not eligible); In operation at least 2.5 years; willing to take on investors; U..S. Citizen; must attend the VIRTUAL pitch in September; WBENC Certified preferred but not required | $40,000 | TBA | Rachel Robins | rrobins@enthusefoundation.org | Link to Funder | |
| Queer Art | Illuminations Grant for Black Trans Women Visual Artists | The Illuminations Grant for Black Trans Women Visual Artists is an annual $10,000 grant awarded to provide critical support to Black trans women whose work has often been under-recognized in the visual art field. Now in its 5th year, the Illuminations Grant was developed and named in partnership with Mariette Pathy Allen, Aaryn Lang, and Serena Jara. Winning artists and finalists will receive additional professional development resources and further guidance to bolster their creative development in the field. | Visual artists who self-identify asBlack Trans women | $10,000 | Rolling | Rio Sofia | rsofia@queer-art.org | Link to Funder | |
| Running Industry Diversity | RUN THE BLOCK | RUN THE BLOCK is a new mentoring and grant pilot program by the Running Industry Diversity Coalition (RIDC), a nonprofit whose mission is to unite the running industry to improve the inclusion, visibility, and access for Black, Indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC). We're taking a focused approach, starting with Black ownership in the running industry. The awardee will be granted $200,000 to open a new retail running store in the US and dedicated mentorship to support them along the way. Anyone can apply with their store having at least 51% Black ownership. This criteria aims to direct financial support and mentorship towards businesses substantially owned and run by Black individuals, addressing historical barriers to access capital. | All applicants are welcome to apply, but the entity must have at least 51% Black ownership. | $200,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | runtheblock@runningdiversity.com | Link to Funder | |
| Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Simone Center For Innovation and Entrepreneurship | Tiger Tank | The Tiger Tank competition at RIT is open to students, allowing them to pitch early-stage business ideas for cash prizes. Submissions must describe innovative products or services with commercial potential, along with identifying the target market and challenges. Teams must attend the final pitch event in person if selected. | RIT Students | $2,000 | Rolling | Rupa Thind | rupa.thind@rit.edu | Link to Funder | |
| Upstate Capital | New York Business Plan Competition | The New York Business Plan Competition Finals bring together the top teams from six cutting-edge industry tracks to compete for $100,000 in total prizes, including a $25,000 grand prize. Join investors, entrepreneurs and ecosystem leaders for a day of competition, connection and innovation—featuring the next generation of founders from across NY State. This year’s NYBPC Finals are part of Venture NY, creating expanded opportunities to connect with investors, fund managers and industry leaders throughout the day. | Student-led startups in New York | $25,000 | TBA | Upstate Capital | info@upstatecapital.org; 845-204-8090 | Categories: Health & Wellbeing; Food & AgTech; Safety, Power & Mobility; Live, Work & Learn; Software & Services; Products & Hardware | Link to Funder |
| Hevolution Foundation | Grants | Our grant programs aim to advance geroscience globally across the entire R&D value chain, through funding long-term basic research; accelerating new drug development; expanding therapeutic applications of existing drugs and, over time, ensuring that innovations in age-related science and medicine are accessible to everyone worldwide. | Innovators who are shaping the future of healthy aging | Varies | Rolling | Sarah Alhakeem | s.alhakeem@hevolutionfoundation.com | Link to Funder | |
| Hevolution Foundation | Investments | Our primary investment focus is on early-stage companies developing therapies and technologies that target the root causes of aging. We also invest in platforms and technologies that aim to compress drug development timelines or increase accessibility to therapeutics within the context of extending healthy human lifespan. | Innovators who are shaping the future of healthy aging | Varies | Rolling | Sarah Alhakeem | s.alhakeem@hevolutionfoundation.com | Link to Funder | |
| Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) | Metro East Startup Challenge (MESC) Business Plan Competition | The purpose of the challenge is to: Increase the Metro East region’s interest in and excitement for business start-ups through a competitive process; Identify "growth-oriented" start-ups with plans to operate in the eleven-county St. Louis Metro East region; Generate a greater awareness of network services/resources for entrepreneurs and small business owners; and To advance the academic mission of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville by strengthening relationships with private enterprise and expanding opportunities for both students and faculty. | Entrepreneurs in the St. Louis Metro East region (now including Fayette and Montgomery Counties), Illinois; business must be in operation at least 3 years | $49,000 | Rolling | SBDC | sbdcedw@gmail.com | Link to Funder | |
| Somercor | Chicago Small Business Improvement Fund | Chicago SBIF grants can reimburse small business owners for some of their costs of renovating, remodeling, or improving the appearance and viability of eligible commercial properties in the Windy City. AWards range from $75,000 to $250,000 depending on location and number of tenants. | Commercial and industrial property owners in Chicago | $250,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | sbif@somercor.com | Link to Funder | |
| Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) | Broad Pragmatic Studies Funding Announcement -- 2024 Standing PFA (Cycle 3 2024) | PCORI has identified Special Areas of Emphasis (SAEs) within the BPS funding opportunity. The purpose of calling out these SAEs is to encourage submissions to these areas, not to limit submissions only to these topics. Applicants addressing an SAE must identify which of the listed areas of research is best associated with their research approach: Impact of Interventions to address Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults; Health Communication Strategies for Uptake of COVID-19 Vaccine; Promoting Sleep Health in Inpatient Settings. | Entities that conduct research studies (private sector, academic, or non-profit research). This may include, among others, agencies and instrumentalities of the Federal Government, nonprofit and for-profit research organizations, and colleges and universities. | $5,000,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | sciencequestions@pcori.org | Category 1 study - up to $5M; Category 2- up to $12M; Category 3 - up to $12M | Link to Funder |
| Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) | Advancing the Science of Engagement in Research PCORI Funding Announcement –- Cycle 3 2024 | PCORI seeks seeking to fund studies that build an evidence base on engagement in research, including: Measures to capture structure/context, process and outcomes of engagement in research; Techniques that lead to effective engagement in research; How effective engagement techniques should be modified and resourced for different contexts, settings and communities to ensure equity in engagement and research. Applications focused on patient engagement in clinical or self-care are NOT responsive to this PFA. This PFA is focused on engagement of partners in research, i.e., the life-cycle of planning, conducting and disseminating research projects. | Entities that conduct research studies (private sector, academic, or non-profit research). This may include, among others, agencies and instrumentalities of the Federal Government, nonprofit and for-profit research organizations, and colleges and universities. | $1,000,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | Sciencequestions@pcori.org | Rapid Measurement Studies- Up to $1M (2 years); Development and Testing of Engagement Approaches-- Up to $1.5M (3 years) | Link to Funder |
| San Diego State University (SDSU) | SDSU I-Corps Program | SDSU supports startups with training and early funding opportunities through the I-Corps regional program, with additional access to the National Teams Program. | Open to SDSU-affiliated faculty, students, and staff. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | sdsuicorps@sdsu.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| International Conference for Innovations in Cardiovascular Innovations (ICI) | ICI for All 2024 Meeting | The ICI Innovation Award Competition is one of the world’s most significant and prestigious awards for Medical Interventions Startups. The prestigious ICI Innovation Award can help your med-tech startup gain invaluable exposure and reach the next level in your pathway to clinical approval and adoption. As a finalist in the ICI Innovation Award competition, you will be elected to pitch your startup company in a plenary session of the ICI Meeting in Israel. | Startups from anywhere in the world in the field of medical technology | $200,000 | Rolling | Adamian Milena | secretariat@icimeeting.com | Link to Funder | |
| Halstead Bead | Halstead Grant | Each summer Halstead awards a grant to a new jewelry designer working primarily in silver. The grant consists of $7,500 in start-up capital and $1,000 in merchandise as well as recognition in the industry. | Emerging silver jewelry artists | $75,000 | Rolling | Hilary Halstead Scott | service@halsteadbead.com | Link to Funder | |
| Soroptimist | Live Your Dream Award | The Live Your Dream Awards offers three levels of cash awards. Eligible applicants can submit their application between August 1 - November 15. Ultimately, a Live Your Dream Awards finalist has the potential to receive up to $16,000 to help offset tuition costs, purchase books, get transportation, or find reliable childcare so she can worry less about how to pay her bills and focus on reaching her dreams. You must agree to write your essays in your own words, without the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools. | Woman who: Provides the primary financial support for herself and dependents; Has financial need; Is enrolled in or has been accepted to a vocational/skills training program, high school equivalency or an undergraduate degree program; Is motivated to achieve education and career goals; does not have a graduate degree nor currently pursuing one; . Resides in one of Soroptimist International of the Americas’ member countries/territories (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Ecuador, Guam, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Northern Mariana Islands, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Taiwan, United States of America, Venezuela). | $16,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | siahq@soroptimist.org | Link to Funder | |
| Queens Economic Development Corporation (QEDC) | Queens Tech & Innovation Challenge | The StartUP! Business Competition is a signature program at Queens Economic Development Corporation. The program is focused on providing entrepreneurship education, one-on-one start-up assistance, mentoring and seed funding to help businesses get off the ground. The program mission is to drive innovation through entrepreneurship in the most diverse borough in the world. | Contestants much be Queens-based entrepreneurs, 18 years of age or older and U.S. citizen or legal residents of the United States | $20,000 | 03/02/2027 | Sarah Liu | sliu@queensny.org | Link to Funder | |
| City of Cambridge | Small Business Operations Grant | This grant is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), will provide relief to local, non-franchise businesses that continue to be heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal of this grant is to help small businesses in and around our commercial districts recover and adapt from ongoing economic impacts related to the pandemic. | Cambridge small businesses in need of help with operation costs, including but not limited to rent relief, payroll, or other operating expenses | $15,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | smallbigrants@cambridgema.gov | Link to Funder | |
| Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) in partnership with Gran Coramino Tequila | The Coramino Fund | Creating a small business from scratch is hard work. That’s why LISC is proud to be partnering with comedian and entrepreneur Kevin Hart and tequila maker Juan Domingo Beckmann for year two of The Coramino Fund, a grant program to support Black and Latinx entrepreneurs. | Black and Latinx entrepreneurs based in the United States that have been in business for at least one year. | $10,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | smallbusiness@lisc.org | Link to Funder | |
| Abbott-LISC | Initiative to Support Diverse Businesses in Health | Abbott and LISC are collaborating to address these barriers through a $37.5 million initiative to support small businesses and the diverse communities they serve. This includes growth capital, loans and coaching to help business leaders grow their companies and create jobs – which will build a more resilient and inclusive healthcare supply chain for Abbott and other companies, support greater diversity in the healthcare industry, and also help drive broader economic opportunity. | Based in the United States; annual revenue of $250,000 or more; In operation for more than two years, ability to deploy capital toward business improvement and growth; Part of the healthcare industry, with a focus on manufacturing diagnostics, nutrition products, medical devices and other healthcare technologies, or offering B2B products and services that the healthcare industry can use such as IT, human resources, and construction, among others. | $250,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | smallbusiness@lisc.org | Link to Funder | |
| Pitch Elk Grove | Startup Competition | Recognizing the need to promote area startups and spotlight the Sacramento region as a startup hub, the City of Elk Grove, California, in collaboration with StartupSac, launched Pitch Elk Grove. Pitch Elk Grove will provide innovative, investable startups with the opportunity to showcase their companies in-person at a pitch event to take place in Elk Grove | For-profit startups located in one of these eight regional counties: El Dorado, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Sutter, Yolo, Yuba; emerging or scaling tech company in a tech vertical commercializing innovative products and platforms; working prototype/MVP; generating revenue or close to it; able to attend the in-person event at Elk Grove in September; must have a website URL | $10,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | srodrigues@elkgrovecity.org | Link to Funder | |
| Small Business Majority | #SupportSmallBiz Grant. | The SupportSmallBiz Grant, honoring and celebrating diverse small businesses across the nation. Eligible grant entries will be judged by Small Business Majority and Support Latino Business directors based on the following criteria: Quality and substantiveness of Entrant’s answers, Clarity of Finalist’s “pitch” for grant fundingContext and specificity of Finalist’s business journey and future goals. | Small business with at least one Latino/x founder with at least 50% ownership; in operation at least one year | $2,500 | Rolling | General Inquiries | ssbgrant@smallbusinessmajority.org | Link to Funder | |
| Snowflake and the New York Stock Exchange | Snowflake Startup Challenge | Snowflake is working with the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) to take the Snowflake Startup Challenge to the next level! The Snowflake Startup Challenge is a contest for early-stage startups that are building innovative applications and products powered by Snowflake’s Data Cloud. The winner and finalists may receive up to $1 million in investments from Snowflake, mentorship from industry leaders at NYSE-listed companies, along with global exposure, and the opportunity to ring the NYSE Bell! | Early-stage startups that are building innovative applications and products powered by Snowflake’s Data Cloud | $1,000,000 | 02/18/2027 | General Inquiries | startup-challenge@snowflake.com | Link to Funder | |
| New York StartUP! Business Plan Competition | New York StartUP! Business Plan Competition | Are you an entrepreneur looking for the chance to launch your business? Join the New York StartUP! Business Plan Competition! Turn your ideas into reality with access to Library resources, mentorship, and cash prizes between $7,500 and $15,000. Learn more below about the requirements of the competition and how you can get involved. | Applicant must live in Manhattan, The Bronx, or Staten Island.*and your business must be in Manhattan, The Bronx, or Staten Island.All businesses must have ideas or business models in the start-up phase and have earned less than $10,000. | $15,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | startup@nypl.org | Link to Funder | |
| Dell Technologies | Dell for Startups Pitch Tour | The Dell for Startups Annual Pitch Tour showcases startups from different startup ecosystems and different stages and backgrounds across the U.S. Who: 6-8 Startups will be chosen from each city (Chicago, Atlanta, Austin, Dallas, Las Vegas, San Diego, Houston, Miami). Founder must be available to pitch in person and will be selected by Dell Technologies x Venue Partners. Startups will present a 3 Minute Pitch with 3-5 Minutes of Q&A (varies per city). The selected competitor will be selected and notified 1-2 weeks prior to each event date (varies per city on engagement) | U.S. startups based in Chicago, Atlanta, Austin, Dallas, Las Vegas, San Diego, Houston, Miami | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | startups@dell.com | Link to Funder | |
| Dell Technologies | Dell for Startups Pitch Tour | The Dell for Startups Annual Pitch Tour showcases startups from different startup ecosystems and different stages and backgrounds across the U.S. Six to eight startups will be chosen from each city (Chicago, Atlanta, Austin, Dallas, Las Vegas, San Diego, Houston, Miami). Startups will be selected by Dell Technologies x Venue Partners, each will present a 3 Minute Pitch with 3-5 Minutes of Q&A (varies per city). The selected competitor will be selected and notified 1-2 weeks prior to each event date (varies per city on engagement) | Houston-based startups. The founder must be available to pitch in person | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | startups@dell.com | Link to Funder | |
| Ship Startup Festival | Ship Startup Festival | *The Ship Startup Festival is a vibrant, fully online startup event where the participants get access to mentoring programs and take part in the Pitch Captain Competition to compete for the grand prize of 5000 Euros. | Any early startup business that completes the full application including the video pitch. | $5,000 | Rolling | Daniel Nava Hiitola | startups@shipfestival.org | 5,000 EU | Link to Funder |
| SLUSH | SLUSH 2024: METAMORPHOSIS—A CALL FOR RADICAL TRANSFORMATION | Slush is a not-for-profit organization on a mission to help and create founders to change the world. Get your startup in front of the 3,300 investors coming to Slush, representing over $3 trillion in assets under management. Gain actionable company-building advice from the world’s best through our stage program and intimate mentoring activities. | Currently allowing pre-registration for all startups | Varies | Rolling | Startups Team | startups@slush.org | Takes place in Helsinki | Link to Funder |
| University of Southern California (USC) — West Region Hub Lead Institution | USC I-Corps Program | Offers up to $3,000 in seed funding for research teams and customer discovery support. Teams can be recommended for the national program. | Open to USC faculty, students, postdocs, and research staff. External collaborators may serve as team mentors. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | stevens@usc.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| 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. | Black-owned business with a brick-and-mortar shop within the United States and less than 20 employees. | $2,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | store@wish.com | Link to Funder | |
| a2 Collective | The National a2 Pilot Awards Competition | Opportunity for innovators at the intersection of AI and agetech. The a2PilotAwards.ai, part of a $65M initiative funded by the National Institute on Aging, empowers AI and technology-driven innovation to address the challenges of aging and Alzheimer's disease (ADRD). Each year, up to 25 zero-equity R&D grants are awarded to startups and researchers, supporting 12-month pilot projects that demonstrate clear paths to commercialization. | Any US-based, fiscally responsible organization, including for-profit organizations, higher education institutions, other nonprofits, eligible agencies of the federal government, local government entities, and other organizations,; with an Age Tech/AI innovation, except those that have received NIH SBIR/STTR funding for the same project (restriction does not apply to other SBIR/STTR awards). | $100,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | support@a2collective.ai | The a2 Collective comprises three AITCs centered at Johns Hopkins University (JH AITC), the University of Massachusetts Amherst (MassAITC), and the University of Pennsylvania (PennAITech) and the a2 Collective Coordinating Center managed by Rose Li & Associates, Inc. (RLA), and is funded by the National Institute on Aging (NIA). Most funded project budgets are in the $50,000 to $150,000 range. PI is NOT required to have a PhD or MD but must demonstrate the skills, knowledge, and environment necessary to carry out the proposed project. | Link to Funder |
| AI Grant | AI Grant — grants for open source projects | $5,000 - $50,000 in grants for open source projects, no strings attached. Grants can come in the form of compute or cash. | Open source projects | $50,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | support@aigrant.org | Link to Funder | |
| Chain GPT | ChainGPT $1M Grant & Co-Marketing Program | The goal of this grant program is to support innovative projects at the intersection of AI and blockchain that can contribute to the ecosystem's growth, leveraging ChainGPT technology to create impactful solutions. Individual projects may receive up to $50,000 in API credits and $20,000 in cash grants (USDC). As your product evolves — from initial concept to prototype to full production — you may qualify for additional grants along the way. Projects should focus on building MVPs, proof of concepts, integrating ChainGPT technology, expanding technological capabilities, or conducting research at the AI-blockchain nexus. Tiers: Research Grants ($1K–$5K): For early-stage ideas or proofs-of-concept exploring AI+blockchain innovations . Ideal for researchers or hackers validating a concept. Builder Grants (up to $10K): For teams with an MVP or prototype integrating ChainGPT . Helps accelerate development to a launch-ready stage. Growth Grants ($10K–$50K): For projects already in market that need support to scale users or features . Meant for startups integrating ChainGPT at larger scale. | Developers, researchers, startups or established companies, or teams from anywhere, with a strong background in technology, specifically in AI and blockchain, who are working on innovative Web3 projects with clear, achievable goals are welcome to apply . Project should involve blockchain technology and have a use for ChainGPT’s AI (whether it’s in user-facing features or backend analytics). Both open-source and commercial projects are eligible. | $10,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | support@chaingpt.com | The ChainGPT team reviews submissions on a rolling basis. Within a few weeks (or as posted on the grant page), you’ll get feedback or next steps. Promising applicants might be invited for an interview or to provide more details. | Link to Funder |
| Female Founder World and VistaPrint | Female Founder World Grant | Female Founder World connects a rising generation of small business owners with the people and resources you need to build your dreams. Now, thanks to our partners at VistaPrint, we are offering a one-time $15,000 cash grant to one business in our ecosystem to help fuel your growth PLUS marketing support from VistaPrint. Business must be engaged with the Female Founder World community and must sign up and submit full business details, any missing business data will render the application ineligible. Winning business must use the grant towards marketing, manufacturing, research and development, and demonstrate how the funds will be used. | Business must produce and sell a physical product or good and have an annual revenue between $40,000 and $1,000,000; fewer than 10 employees, including the founder; must have demonstrated product-market fit. | $15,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | support@femalefounderworld.com | Link to Funder | |
| Female Founder World community | Female Founder World Grant in partnership with VistaPrint | This grant supports members of the Female Founder World Community with a grant award. | Business must be engaged with the Female Founder World community (https://www.femalefounderworld.com/). Business must have an annual revenue of at least US$40,000 and no greater than US$1,000,000. Business must have fewer than 10 employees, including the founder. Business must have demonstrated product-market fit. Businesses must sell a physical product or good. Winning businesses must use the grant towards marketing, manufacturing, research and development, and demonstrate how the funds will be used. All business owners must be 18 years of age or older. Business must be based in the United States | $15,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | support@femalefounderworld.com | Link to Funder | |
| Founders First CDC | Kitty Fund Mompreneur Business Grant | The Kitty Fund is a national grant program established to honor mothers who lead employer-based small businesses. Created in memory of Catherine “Kitty” Abrams Tadlock Webster, the mother of Founders First CDC's CEO Kim Folsom, the fund aims to support "mompreneurs" by providing micro-investments to help grow and sustain their businesses. 20 Mom entrepreneurs will each receive a $1,000 micro-grant and free access to one of our business growth programs, Passport Community or Zebra Leadership. | Based in U.S.; founder must identify as a mother; must hold the position of CEO, President, or Business Owner; Annual business revenue must not exceed $5 million; between 2 to 100 employees.; in business for a minimum of 1 year. | $1,000 | 04/14/2027 | General Inquiries | support@foundersfirstcdc.org | Link to Funder | |
| Verizon, GreenBiz and Resilient Cities Network | Verizon Climate Resilience Prize | The Verizon Climate Resilience Prize recognizes and propels climate resilience solutions that have proven results and are ready to scale for an even greater impact. Verizon is looking for game-changing climate tech solutions that Have demonstrated results in a real world application and provide support for vulnerable populations. Four prize winners will be selected with each receiving a cash prize of $125K and post-prize organizational development support. | Early stage startups with climate-related solutions that leverage 5G and are ready to pilot/scale; at least 4 full time employees | $125,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | support@greenbiz.com | Link to Funder | |
| Etsy | Etsy Emergency Relief Fund at CERF+ | Etsy is committed to helping our creative entrepreneurs recover when disasters disrupt their businesses. We've partnered with CERF+, a nonprofit organization focused on helping artists prepare for and recover from emergencies and disasters, to create a disaster relief fund just for Etsy sellers. Each quarter, we work with CERF+ to award grants to a select number of eligible sellers. Any Etsy seller who has experienced a federally declared disaster within the past year may apply for a grant, as long as they've been an active seller on Etsy for at least one year, and their accounts with Etsy are in good standing. | Etsy Seller active in past 12 months hit by federally declared disaster | $2,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | support@integralityllc.com | Link to Funder | |
| Detroit Tech Fellowship | Detroit Tech Fellowship | The year-long fellowship offers a $2,000 monthly stipend that can be applied in a variety of ways, including housing and other daily living expenses. It also provides membership access to workspace at TechTown, Bamboo, and Newlab at Michigan Central.Fellows will receive workspace and networking opportunities to grow their startups within Detroit’s expanding innovation ecosystem. Administered by the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC), the program is open to founders of early-stage, venture-backable startups who graduated from a Michigan college or university after May 2022 and commit to living in Detroit for 12 consecutive months. | Technology founders in or willing to relocate to detroit | $31,680 | 12/01/2026 | General Inquiries | support@makemymove.com | Link to Funder | |
| Nearshore | Get Nearshored | Awarding three manufacturing grants for small businesses to use to purchase inventory. In addition to the grant, winners will get introduced to verified manufacturers, a feature on our platform, and expert guidance. | Must make under $5M in annual revenueMust produce a physical product Actively looking to nearshore their production in the USA, Canada, Latin America or Europe.Must be based in the US | $5,000 | 11/01/2026 | General Inquiries | support@nearshored.ai | Link to Funder | |
| Society of Critical Care Medicine | SCCM-Weil Research Grant | SCCM’s research grants are awarded each year to critical care professionals seeking funding to advance critical care. | Innovators, researchers | $50,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | support@sccm.org | Link to Funder | |
| Society of Critical Care Medicine | Discovery Research Grant | SCCM’s research grants are awarded each year to critical care professionals seeking funding to advance critical care. | Innovators, researchers | $100,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | support@sccm.org | Link to Funder | |
| Secretsos | Small Business Grant | The Secretsos™ Small Business Grant offers $2,500 to help entrepreneurs overcome challenges and accelerate growth. Our grant is designed for business owners who are committed to evolving, leading with integrity, and inspiring change. Whether it’s hiring new team members, overcoming financial hurdles, or implementing innovative strategies, our grant provides the push you need to make a significant positive impact. | Business owners age 21 or older; operating in eligible US states, excluding Alaska, Florida, Hawaii, New York, and Rhode Island. | $2,500 | Rolling | General Inquiries | support@secretsos.net | Applications are granted on a quarterly basis.Quarterly cutoff dates are as follows:March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31. | Link to Funder |
| Viatris | Research | Viatris supports independent clinical research in its therapeutic areas (includes oncology) conducted by qualified investigators to continue setting new standards in healthcare. In supporting studies that increase scientific knowledge or clinical evidence, Viatris can continue to address unmet medical needs by way of Investigator Initiated Trials (IITs). Submit an initial concept by registering on the portal and following the instructions. | General Medical Research | Varies | Rolling | Robert J. Coury | support@steeprockinc.com | Link to Funder | |
| SXSW EDU | Launch Startup Competition | Launch showcases emerging innovations and breakthrough technologies making an impact on the future of teaching and learning. The competition provides a platform for early-stage startups seeking feedback, investment, strategic partnerships, and exposure. Startups will pitch in Austin, TX and the grand prize winner will be chosen. | Early-stage startup companies in the education market. | Varies | 11/01/2026 | Craig Elias | support@sxswedu.com | Competition takes place in March | Link to Funder |
| Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) | WBENC Pitch Pitch Amplify | The RevTech Labs organizing body accepts applications to present at Venture135 from founders and companies within the Fintech, Insurtech, Healthtech and Cleantech verticals. We showcase venture funding rounds including Seed Stage, Series A & Series B, and strive to develop a diverse, global reach across local, national and international marketplaces. | Women owned business with an existing innovative product, service, or business solution that is ready for market or currently in market | $20,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | support@wbenc.org; 202-872-5515 | Link to Funder | |
| Second Service Foundation (Formerly StreetShares) | Military Entrepreneur Challenge | The StreetShares Foundation is committed to creating access to capital opportunities for military veteran and military spouses entrepreneurs who are looking to start or grow a business venture. This award is designed to boost small business owners who are creating a social impact in their community. | Military entrepreneur with an idea that has positive social impact on military personnel and families | $15,000 | Rolling | Lauren McKelvey | supportdesk@streetshares.com | Link to Funder | |
| Second Service Foundation | Military Entrepreneur Challenge | Through entrepreneurship, the StreetShares Foundation community has worked to address a number of social challenges facing the military community including health care, mental health, waste management, children and families, unemployment, underemployment, transition, homelessness and disaster relief. The StreetShares Foundation provides capital to make this impact possible. | Veteran, reservist, transitioning from active duty; spouse, surviving spouse or children of military member; lacking financial means to start or grow an early-stage business | $15,000 | Rolling | Lauren McKelvey | supportdesk@streetshares.com | Link to Funder | |
| GSK | Pipeline | GSK will invest in scientific and technical excellence to develop and launch a pipeline of new vaccines and specialty medicines across our four core therapeutic areas: infectious diseases, HIV, immunology/respiratory, and oncology. We also remain open to opportunities outside these core therapeutic areas where there are scale opportunities consistent with the science of the immune system and human genetic validation. | unlocking the science of the immune system, human genetics and advanced technologies to develop vaccines and specialty medicines. | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | Supported.Studies@gsk.com | Link to Funder | |
| GSK | The Supported Studies Programme | GSK reviews proposals received at set points throughout the year. GSK is committed to responding to your proposal within eight weeks from the closing date of the relevant submission period. For ViiV Healthcare, there is a slightly different process. For more information, please click the buttons below. | Investigator Sponsored Studies are entirely designed and managed by an external Sponsor. GSK can support in the form of funding and/or product (including GSK products, adjuvant for vaccines, placebo, or other medicinal products necessary for the research). These studies are also known as Investigator-Initiated Studies, Investigator-Initiated-Trials, Investigator Initiated Research or Investigator Sponsored Research.Supported Collaborative Studies are conducted by an external Sponsor, with GSK contributing to study design and deliverables, in addition to the provision of funds and/or products. | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | Supported.Studies@gsk.com | Link to Funder | |
| Women's VC Fund II | Women's VC Fund II | Seeking High potential enterprises that can achieve significant revenue generation with relatively modest capital investment in three high growth sectors where women are important leaders, decision makers and consumers: Enterprise SaaS, Consumer Internet, and Educational Technology | Early stage (A/B), revenue-generating, high-growth companies led by management teams inclusive of women | Varies | Rolling | Susan Namkung | susan@womensvcfund.com | Investment-based funds | Link to Funder |
| digitalundivided | BREAKTHROUGH Program | digitalundivided's BREAKTHROUGH Program, sponsored by JPMorgan Chase & Co, provides founders with a deeper understanding of their customers, startup funding, growth marketing strategies, and networking opportunities to scale their ventures | In order to qualify for the program, founders must:Be 18 years of age or olderHave a business registered for at least a yearHave a majority ownership of an established business with tractionHave a technology component incorporated in business (website or mobile app)Generate a minimum of $50,000 annual business revenue | $5,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | talk@digitalundivided.com | Link to Funder | |
| Connecticut Innovations | Future Fund | Connecticut is looking to invest in new and diverse ideas, people and industries in Connecticut through its $50 million Future Fund. Each year, to help cement Connecticut’s reputation as a tech hub where diverse talent thrives, we will select early-stage companies for investments of $250,000 to $1 million each; funded companies will also receive strategic support from our experienced team. The fund is industry agnostic, but diversity at the board and executive level is crucial. | Based in, or willing to relocate to CT | Varies | Rolling | Tamyra Davis | Tamyra.davis@ctinnovations.com. 860.258.7858 | Venture Fund - requires equity | Link to Funder |
| Connecticut Innovations | Equity Financing | Our flagship equity fund includes advice, support and introductions to our vast network of mentors and investors. This fund has provided more than $100 million to date to Connecticut’s promising high-tech companies. We've attracted companies to Connecticut from both coasts and as far away as Europe. Our program is considered to be one of the best models for state-run venture capital funds in the country. | Based in, or willing to relocate to CT | $7,000,000 | Rolling | Tamyra Davis | Tamyra.davis@ctinnovations.com. 860.258.7858 | Venture Fund - requires equity | Link to Funder |
| Connecticut Innovations | Connecticut Bioscience Innovation Fund (CBIF) | Connecticut Innovations makes equity investments from the $200 million Connecticut Bioscience Innovation Fund to speed commercializable bioscience breakthroughs to market and help healthcare-related companies grow in the state. | Based in, or willing to relocate to CT | Varies | Rolling | Tamyra Davis | Tamyra.davis@ctinnovations.com. 860.258.7858 | Venture Fund - requires equity | Link to Funder |
| Connecticut Innovations | Climate Tech Fund | Connecticut Innovations is launching a $100 million climate fund to meet the state’s decarbonization goals and create good-paying jobs in the industries of the future. As the state’s strategic venture capital arm, CI is one of the most active early-stage investors on the east coast of the United States. We have more than 250 companies in our portfolio, including climate tech companies such as Budderfly, Cadenza, Noteworthy AI, and more. | Based in, or willing to relocate to CT | Varies | Rolling | Tamyra Davis | Tamyra.davis@ctinnovations.com. 860.258.7858 | Link to Funder | |
| Connecticut Innovations | Proof of Concept Fund | Connecticut is committed to supporting entrepreneurs at the early stage to improve their chances of bringing new products to market. CI will invest $50–100K per company, selecting the most promising companies that meet the investment criteria. In this highly competitive selection process, CI will invest in 15 to 25 companies per year out of the several hundred we will review. Companies selected for investment will gain access to mentors, bootcamps and other resources to accelerate growth. | Based in, or willing to relocate to CT | $100,000 | Rolling | Tamyra Davis | Tamyra.davis@ctinnovations.com. 860.258.7858 | Link to Funder | |
| The Worker's Lab | The Innovation Fund | The Innovation Fund invests social impact grants of up to $150,000 for winning ideas that help build worker power. Recipients also receive 12 months of mentorship and support to bring their ideas centered around workers to fruition. | Looking for pitches from social entrepreneurs with innovative ideas. | $150,000 | Rolling | Main Contact | tatiana@rebelliouspr.com | Link to Funder | |
| Binghamton university New Energy New York | Technical Assistance | This program helps companies quickly develop and expand their battery and energy storage innovations and manufacturing. By minimizing costs and reducing financial burdens, the program enables rapid growth. Open to companies with at least one physical location in New York, the program provides funding to subsidize projects that need the utilization of equipment, facilities, and services from service providers within New York State as outlined in the RFP. | Service providers must be a part of the company application and willing to offer services requested during the designated timeframe of the project. Explore service providers of N.Y. in the NENY Supply Chain Database. Companies selected for the program will have a portion of their eligible service provider utilization costs covered by the award funds. This program aims to support growth by offsetting critical scaling-up expenses, thereby energizing the battery and energy storage ecosystem in upstate New York. | $75,000 | TBA | Tatyana Guzman | tatyanag@binghamton.edu | Link to Funder | |
| Center for Economic Inclusion | Accelerator Fund Business Grants | In partnership with Founders First CDC and NEOO, the Center for Economic Inclusion Vanguard Accelerator are offering Black, Indigenous, and Latina-owned businesses capital investment and funding to accelerate their growth. The fund will make investments of $5,000 each to ten Black, Indigenous, or Latina owned businesses Minneapolis or St. Paul region. Depending on the need and scope, grant recipients will also receive access to forgivable loans ranging from $25,000 to $250,000. All grant recipients will receive a scholarship to a Founders First accelerator program. | Black, Indigenous, or Latina owned business, in business at least 3 years, revenues between $75,000 to $3M, and a B2B business model | $5,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | tblack@centerforeconomicinclusion.org; 612-816-8576 | Link to Funder | |
| Freed Fellowship Grant | Freed Fellowship Grant | The Freed Fellowship helps women and people of color get the resources, mentorship, and community they need to build successful businesses that make an impact. Every month, we select a business owner in the US as a Freed Fellow. Each Fellow receives a $500 grant to invest in their existing business. No strings attached. No equity required. Grant recipients are also eligible to receive an additional end-of-year grant of $2,500. | Underrepresented founder in the US or Canada | $2,500 | Rolling | Program Coordinator | team@freedfellowship.com | One $500 winner is selected each month, and each of the Freed Fellows is eligible to receive an additional end-of-year grant of $2,500. | Link to Funder |
| Startup Bucks, Delaware Valley University's Small Business & Entrepreneurship Center, and the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce | Spark Bowl: Innovate for Bucks County | This "Shark Tank"-style event encourages entrepreneurs, innovative businesses, and nonprofit organizations to address social, consumer, and business-oriented challenges in and around Bucks County. The goal is to foster creative problem-solving ideas that support our communities' economic growth and prosperity. Participants will have the opportunity to pitch their ideas to a panel of judges for a chance to win cash prizes. Finalists will present their business plans and pitch their business at the Spark Bowl Competition Event Finals (“Finals”) to be held at DelVal’s Life Science Building in Doylestown. Prizes: One First Prize of $12,000, one Second Prize of $6,000, and one Third Prize of $3,000. | Small businesses in Bucks County, Pennsylvania; in operation 60 months or less; may be corporation, partnership or sole proprietor, but must be legally formed/registered by the time of competition | $12,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | team@startupbucks.org | Link to Funder | |
| UpStart Thrift and Startup Junkie | Small Business Grant | UpStart Thrift Store will award competitive grants of up to $500 to small business owners in Washington County. The UpStart Thrift Store team will work with the Startup Junkie Foundation leadership to select the awardees based on the merits of their application. | Small businesses located in Washington County, Arkansas | $500 | Rolling | General Inquiries | team@startupjunkie.org | Link to Funder | |
| Volvo | Volvo Cars Tech Fund | Volvo Cars Tech Fund makes strategic investments and provides global market access for innovative ideas in the mobility and tech sectors. We're always looking for the next breakthrough that will shape the future of transportation and mobility. | Ideas that use new technology to boost sustainability, improve safety and accelerate the digital transformation. | Varies | Rolling | Alexander Petrofski | techfund.techfund@volvocars.com | Link to Funder | |
| Columbia University | Columbia I-Corps Program | Offers up to $3,000 in seed funding for research teams and customer discovery support. Teams can be recommended for the national program. | Open to Columbia faculty, students, postdocs, and researchers. External mentors may participate. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | techventures@columbia.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| Venture Cup | University Startup World Cup | The best impact based university startups from around the world come together to network, learn, grow and pitch for a chance of becoming the world’s best university startup! | Only student startups may enter. Therefore, all teams must have at least one person who is a student, faculty member, or recent graduate (within the year they’re applying). However, if you're looking for team members, Venture Cup can help connect you to people with similar ideas. | $15,000 | Rolling | Josefine Søndergaard | tije@venturecup.dk | Link to Funder | |
| The Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC) | Black Business Boost | The Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC), in collaboration with the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee (HACM), is pleased to announce the launch of the Black Business Boost. This unique initiative will provide 100 Black business owners and entrepreneurs in the greater Milwaukee area with access to key supportive services to start, strengthen or expand their business ventures. | Black Women business owners in Wisconsin | Varies | Rolling | T. Miller | tmiller@wwbic.com | Link to Funder | |
| The Learning Agency | Tools Competition - Catalyst | The Tools Competition is a multi-million dollar prize challenge to leverage technology, data, and learning science to meet the urgent needs of learners across generations. The Tools Competition invites technologists, digital learning platforms, researchers, students, and teachers from around the globe to propose innovative tools or technologies that address one of the pressing challenges in education. We support tools at all phases of ideation or development. Since its first cycle, the Tools Competition has named 130 winners from 44 countries. 2027 tracks are Strengthening Teaching, Reimagining Assessment, Navigating Postsecondary Learning and Work, and Building Better Datasets. | Anyone with ideas for tools that can enhance learning, product may be at any stage of development. We encourage participation from edtech innovators, researchers, students, and educators alike. Catalyst prizes are aimed at new Entrants with early stage ideas or products. This may also include Entrants with an existing tool with a non-existent or limited user base. | $50,000 | 01/21/2027 | General Inquiries | tools.competition@the-learning-agency.com | Prize range is as follows: Catalyst (for early stage tools) $50,000; Growth (for products with some users and scale) $150,000; Transform (established platforms with 10,000 or more users) $300,000. Opens in September with multiple phases, with entry due each October, full proposals in January, and final pitches in April. | Link to Funder |
| The Learning Agency | Tools Competition - Growth | The Tools Competition is a multi-million dollar prize challenge to leverage technology, data, and learning science to meet the urgent needs of learners across generations. The Tools Competition invites technologists, digital learning platforms, researchers, students, and teachers from around the globe to propose innovative tools or technologies that address one of the pressing challenges in education. We support tools at all phases of ideation or development. Since its first cycle, the Tools Competition has named 130 winners from 44 countries. | Anyone with ideas for tools that can enhance learning, product may be at any stage of development. We encourage participation from edtech innovators, researchers, students, and educators alike. Growth applicants should have at least a minimum viable product with some users and scale. | $150,000 | 01/21/2027 | General Inquiries | tools.competition@the-learning-agency.com | Prize range is as follows: Catalyst (for early stage tools) $50,000; Growth (for products with some users and scale) $150,000; Transform (established platforms with 10,000 or more users) $300,000. Opens in September with multiple phases, with entry due each October, full proposals in January, and final pitches in April. | Link to Funder |
| The Learning Agency | Tools Competition - Transform | The Tools Competition is a multi-million dollar prize challenge to leverage technology, data, and learning science to meet the urgent needs of learners across generations. The Tools Competition invites technologists, digital learning platforms, researchers, students, and teachers from around the globe to propose innovative tools or technologies that address one of the pressing challenges in education. We support tools at all phases of ideation or development. Since its first cycle, the Tools Competition has named 130 winners from 44 countries. | Anyone with ideas for tools that can enhance learning, product may be at any stage of development. We encourage participation from edtech innovators, researchers, students, and educators alike. The Transform level is designed for established platforms with 10,000 or more users. | $300,000 | 01/21/2027 | General Inquiries | tools.competition@the-learning-agency.com | Prize range is as follows: Catalyst (for early stage tools) $50,000; Growth (for products with some users and scale) $150,000; Transform (established platforms with 10,000 or more users) $300,000. Opens in September with multiple phases, with entry due each October, full proposals in January, and final pitches in April. | Link to Funder |
| The Learning Agency | Tools Competition - Navigating Postsecondary Learning and Work | Competition funding innovative digital learning technologies that strengthen postsecondary learning, workforce skills, career navigation, and transitions in an AI-driven economy while contributing to learning science research. | U.S.-based individuals, companies, startups, universities, researchers, educators, students, and nonprofits developing eligible tools serving U.S. learners. Individual entrants must be at least 18. | $300,000 | 11/24/2026 | General Inquiries | tools.competition@the-learning-agency.com | Link to Funder | |
| California Energy Commission and Center for Sustainable Energy | Fast Charge California Project Window 2 | Statewide incentives for purchasing and installing eligible public direct-current fast-charging equipment in California. | California-based businesses, sole proprietorships, or California affiliates that are authorized representatives of an eligible commercial or public site and will be both the incentive recipient and charging-equipment owner. Projects must be ready to build with issued permits and a final utility service design or qualifying utility letter. | $100,000 | 01/14/2027 | General Inquiries | evexpert@energycenter.org | The incentive can reimburse up to 100% of approved costs after installation and final documentation, capped at $100,000 per port; prohibited incentive stacking applies, equipment must be ordered within 90 days, and projects must finish within 450 days. Awards are generally first come, first served, with priority for ready-to-build DAC, LIC, and tribal projects; sites must meet CCS, uptime, AB 2061/OCPP, recordkeeping, reporting, and data-sharing requirements. No application fee, equity, or IP ownership transfer is stated, but charger availability, pricing, and operational data must be shared as required. | Link to Funder |
| Transform | Transform Business Grant | TRANSFORM is actively anti capitalist and anti racist, continually working to identify and dismantle oppressive systems of power. Funding should not be the reason you sacrifice your business idea or your professional development. We offer growth-focused wealth redistribution grants of $1,000 to anticapitalist businesses led by social impact focused individuals. In addition to funding, grantees participate in a customized year-long growth-based mentorship program, which includes access to pro bono services from a roster of experts in branding, coaching, skill-based learning, marketing, and more. | US-based entrepreneurs in marginalized groups including but not limited to, BIPOC individuals, individuals who have a disability, formerly incarcerated individuals, and queer, trans, and nonbinary folks | $1,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | transformgrant@gmail.com | Link to Funder | |
| Start Peninsula | Micro Pitch | Do you have a business idea (or invention) and need guidance and/or funding to get it off the ground? Then clear your calendar for one of our upcoming Micro Pitch Competitions. There are four (4) Micro Pitch competitions held throughout the year with a separate final pitch event occurring in November. Three (3) winners will be selected at the Final Pitch Event and will receive $5,000. Additional prizes maybe added as the program continues. | Hampton Roads, Virginia-based businesses | $5,000 | Rolling | Trevor Metcalf | trevor.metcalfe@insidebiz.com | Link to Funder | |
| The Alabama Entrepreneurship Institute and The EDGE | River Pitch | The event will not just offer financial incentives but also opportunities for participants to connect with potential mentors and collaborators who can help transform their ideas into viable businesses. | Alabama-based small businesses | $1,000 | Rolling | Theresa M. Welbourne | twelbourne@ua.edu | Link to Funder | |
| United Airlines Ventures | Sustainable Flight Fund | The Sustainable Flight Fund is a first-of-its-kind investment in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Starting with more than $100 million in investments from United and our partners, Air Canada, Boeing, JPMorgan Chase, Honeywell, and GE Aerospace, the fund will support start-ups working on SAF research, production and technology. | Must be creating / making advances in 100% clean fuel | Varies | Rolling | United Airlines Ventures | UAVentures@united.com | Venture fund | Link to Funder |
| University at Buffalo | University at Buffalo I-Corps Program | Supports STEM-related entrepreneurial research with mentorship and grant funding for customer validation. | Open to University at Buffalo faculty, graduate students, and research staff. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | ub-icorps@buffalo.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| University at Buffalo, Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership | Panasci Technology Entrepreneurship Competition | You should apply if you are a student with an innovative idea in the life sciences, technology or engineering industries. It is anticipated that the concepts will be at the earliest stages of development, yet embrace sound technologies and innovations. Five finalist teams give live pitch-style presentations in April each year, competing for a top prize of $25,000 in startup capital and in-kind services valued at $40,000. A $10,000 prize is given to the second-place team. | University at Buffalo Student-led startups | $25,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | ubcolab@buffalo.edu; 716-645-8111 | Link to Funder | |
| University of Iowa | College of Education GAP Fund | Our panel of judges of Office of Innovation staff, content experts, and venture capitalists will rank projects based on commercial and technological viability and how likely the proposed milestones can be accomplished within the requested budget and timeline. | College of Education faculty and staffCollege of Education postdoctoral fellows and scholars | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | uiventures@uiowa.edu | Link to Funder | |
| University of Iowa | Engineering Medtech GAP Fund | Our panel of judges of Office of Innovation staff, content experts, and venture capitalists will rank projects based on commercial and technological viability and how likely the proposed milestones can be accomplished within the requested budget and timeline. | College of Engineer faculty and staffCollege of Engineer postdoctoral fellows and scholars | $40,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | uiventures@uiowa.edu | Link to Funder | |
| University of Iowa | Carver College of Medicine GAP Fund | Our panel of judges of Office of Innovation staff, content experts, and venture capitalists will rank projects based on commercial and technological viability and how likely the proposed milestones can be accomplished within the requested budget and timeline. | Carver College of Medicine faculty and staff, postdoctoral fellows and scholars developing drug delivery systems, devices, and health software technology | $40,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | uiventures@uiowa.edu | Link to Funder | |
| University of Maine | University of Maine I-Corps Program | Offers up to $3,000 in seed funding for research teams and customer discovery support. Teams can be recommended for the national program. | Open to faculty, research staff, and students at the University of Maine. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | umaine.icorps@maine.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| University of Minnesota Twin Cities | University of Minnesota I-Corps Program | Provides $3,000 in initial support for innovation-driven research and potential access to the national program. | Open to university-affiliated faculty, researchers, and students. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | umn-icorps@umn.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| H. Lundbeck Pharmaceuticals | investigator-initiated trials (iits) | As part of Lundbeck’s commitment to support the advancement of medical and scientific knowledge and improve patient’s lives, Lundbeck believes in supporting ethical, independent clinical research, including IITs, non-interventional studies and preclinical research | Researchers developing drugs for Chronic Migraine and Major Depressive Disorder | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | US.IIT@lundbeck.com | Link to Funder | |
| The U.S. Bank Foundation | The U.S. Bank Foundation Cleantech Award | The U.S. Bank Foundation Cleantech Award is a grant program designed to support talented entrepreneurs building innovative companies that aim to drive economic development, create jobs, and benefit the environment. | Entrepreneurs building early-stage companies in the cleantech sector; Startups aligned with the clean energy transition; Companies working to create economic development and new jobs; Applicants across the Midwest and beyond are encouraged to apply | Varies | 02/25/2027 | General Inquiries | usbanksupport@cybergrants.com | Link to Funder | |
| University of South Dakota | USD I-Corps Program | Supports STEM-related entrepreneurial research with mentorship and grant funding for customer validation. | Open to USD faculty, staff, and students. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | usd-research@usd.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| University of Vermont | University of Vermont I-Corps Program | Supports STEM-related entrepreneurial research with mentorship and grant funding for customer validation. | Open to UVM faculty, researchers, and students involved in STEM-related projects | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | uvmicorps@uvm.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| Ponce Bank | Ponce Bank Small Business Bootcamp Pitch Night | Please join us in our four-part Ponce Bank Small Business Bootcamp. We'll cover topics essential to every small business, providing you with knowledge and tools to prepare for emergencies and take advantage of growth opportunities. | Small Business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs based in Manhattan, Bergen County, NJ, and Hudson Country, NJ | $10,000 | Rolling | Valerie Camejo | valerie.camejo@poncebank.net | Must attend 4 sessions to be eligible to pitch | Link to Funder |
| UC Davis | UC Davis I-Corps Program | Offers up to $3,000 in seed funding for research teams and customer discovery support. Teams can be recommended for the national program. | Open to UC Davis-affiliated faculty, students, and postdocs. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | venture@ucdavis.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| UNICEF | Early Stage Funding | We invest in early-stage frontier tech solutions from emerging markets that can benefit children and youth. We provide up to $100K equity-free funding to open source frontier tech solutions showing promising results. The funding is intended for prototype testing and validation, and to get the solution to a stage where the company has proof that the solution and the business model work. This includes being able to generate data to show impact, usability and strategy. | Private, for-profit company; registered in a UNICEF programme county; working on an open source frontier tech solution with an existing prototype; potential to positively impact the lives of the most vulnerable children. | $100,000 | Rolling | Sunita Grote | venturefund@unicef.org | Link to Funder | |
| UNICEF | GROWTH-STAGE FUNDING | We invest up to $400K, equity-free, in growth-stage companies that have graduated from the early-stage investment period. All portfolio companies receive funding in fiat and / or crypto along with tailored mentorship based on their needs. Growth funding represents a new phase of support for our Venture Fund graduates, designed to propel their solutions to the next level of scale and sustainability. Startups awarded with growth-stage funding are expected to strategically utilize the funds to: Generate new Open Source intellectual property, aligned with UNICEF's programmatic interests; Generate new evidence of impact and insights for the use of the solution in UNICEF's programs; Expand operations and reach a larger target audience; and Enhance product or service offering through research and development. | Private, for-profit company; registered in a UNICEF programme county; working on an open source frontier tech solution with an existing prototype; potential to positively impact the lives of the most vulnerable children. | $400,000 | Rolling | Sunita Grote | venturefund@unicef.org | Link to Funder | |
| Proctor and Gamble | P&G Ventures | P&G is looking for innovative technology, ready-to-go product, unique expertise, or commercial opportunity that addresses an unmet need for P&G customers, represents a superior solution to those currently in use, or enables us to offer a significantly better value to our consumers. Innovation must include protectable intellectual property, typically in the form of a granted patent or published patent application. PReferred focus areas are emerging frontiers, non-toxic insect solution, personal performance, balanced protection, enhanced sleep, women's wellness, and active aging. | Inventors, entrepreneurs, and startups with innovative ideas, promising technologies with some IP around it, and with the potential as a fast-moving consumable | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | ventures.im@pg.com | Link to Funder | |
| University of Maryland, College Park (Lead Institution - Mid-Atlantic Region I-Corps Hub) | UMD I-Corps Program | Supports STEM-related entrepreneurial research with mentorship and grant funding for customer validation. | Open to UMD faculty, students, and research staff; regional cohorts may include participants from partner institutions. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | ventures@umd.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| Visa | Visa Everywhere Initiative | Visa Everywhere Initiative is an open innovation program that helps startups like yours unlock new opportunities — and can give you a global platform to demonstrate your ground-breaking solutions. One winner per region will be selected to compete in the global finals at the TechCrunch Disrupt event. Apply now if you're a startup with great products already in market and gaining traction — and are looking for an extra push from a global, trusted brand like Visa to gain scale. | Fintech founders | $10,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | visa@kitesrm.com | Link to Funder | |
| TechConnect and Advanced Technology International (ATI), in partnership with the Vertical Lift Consortium | Drone Dominance Innovation Challenge | Lift Consortium, invite you to compete in the inaugural Drone Dominance Innovation Challenge. This open innovation competition will culminate at the Drone Dominance Symposium, embedded within the Defense TechConnect Innovation Summit.We seek breakthrough capabilities in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to strengthen U.S. dominance in this space and in alignment with the White House Executive Order. | Companies of all sizes and stages of development are encouraged to apply! We seek innovative solutions with potential applications across civilian, military, or dual-use environments. | $50,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | VLC@ati.org | Link to Funder | |
| Winrock International Arkansas I-Fund | Delta I-Fund | The mission of the Delta I-Fund is to positively impact communities throughout the Delta Regional Authority Territory. The program seeks to provide a platform for the creation and launch of high-growth companies, spurring economic development and job creation. | Arkansas-based founders | Varies | Rolling | Tonitrice Wicks | vmalpass@winrock.org | Link to Funder | |
| H.E.R. (Helping Entrepreneurs Rise) | Business Plan Competition | The H.E.R. Business Plan Competition is an initiative dedicated to fostering the growth and success of women-owned businesses in Delaware. Organized by the Women’s Business Center at True Access Capital, this competition is designed to provide aspiring and existing women entrepreneurs with the tools, funding, and resources they need to launch, strengthen, and scale their businesses. | he H.E.R. Business Plan Competition is open to women entrepreneurs in Delaware, 18 years or older, who are looking to start or grow their businesses. Whether you're a startup with a bold idea or an existing business ready to scale, this competition offers the support and recognition you deserve. | $6,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | wbc@trueaccesscapital.org | Link to Funder | |
| BMO | Celebrating Women Grant Program | We're looking for women business owners who are motivated by growth and change and are excited to break barriers to achieve success. We recognize that access to funding and capital is a challenge that women business owners often face. BMO is committed to investing in and supporting women-owned businesses and has honored over 236 women since its inception. | Business at least 51% owned or controlled by women; Currently active and operating in the U.S.; has a physical location (or a mailing address for their headquarters) in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan*, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas*, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming. *Businesses located in Michigan or Texas must be within 100 miles of a BMO full-service retail branch; annual revenues of $5 million USD or less; In operation selling a product or service for at least two years. | $20,000 | 04/23/2027 | General Inquiries | womeninbusiness@bmo.com | Link to Funder | |
| Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Simone Center and National Technical Institute for the Deaf | NSF National Deaf Innovation Challenge | This competition, sponsored by NSF I-Corps Grant and administered by the Simone Center and RIT’s National Technical Institute for the Deaf, showcases the innovative STEM-based ideas of entrepreneurial deaf and hard of hearing students across the country. The top two winning teams will be selected for participation in the full I-Corps training program. Each of the winning teams will receive $3000 for the development of their prototype or customer discovery travel. One finalist will be selected from the three teams and will be designated the champion. The first-place team will continue to receive personalized coaching and mentoring for 10 weeks from qualified I-Corps coaches and mentors and will receive an additional $3000 for prototyping or customer discovery travel. | Teams affiliated with an institute of higher education (IHE) and composed of at least two deaf/hard of hearing members, or led by a deaf/hard of hearing student; with a STEM based innovation | $6,000 | Rolling | Scott Atkins | wsanbt@rit.edu | Must be affiliated with university | Link to Funder |
| Honda Innovations | Honda Xcelerator Ventures | Honda Xcelerator Ventures is designed for innovators across all stages seeking to transform technology and business. Honda created this program to engage innovators in the global startup community in an open dialogue to build the carbon-neutral future of mobility. Its focus areas are intentionally broad, encompassing all areas of carbon neutrality and safe mobility, and its capabilities include support for direct investment, strategic partnership, co-development and prototyping. onda is ready to invest in promising startups and also offers the opportunity for startups to connect with the right people and resources within Honda. We welcome all like minded forward-thinkers to work with Honda to accelerate innovation. | Startups at all stages | varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | Xcelerator@hondainnovations.com | Focus areas are carbon neutrality, mobility, robotics, and manufacturing. | Link to Funder |
| Yale Ventures | The Blavatnik Fund for Innovation at Yale | The Blavatnik Fund for Innovation at Yale is a $65 million fund, committed to cultivating and transforming Yale's pioneering research into cutting-edge, life-saving solutions within the realm of life sciences. The Fund is made possible by a generous grant from the Blavatnik Family Foundation in support of the commercialization of Yale faculty applied research and technology in the life sciences. The Fund’s integrated approach combines business expertise, intensive guidance, and essential funding to support innovative, Yale investigator-initiated translational research. Completed projects will be better positioned to positively impact human health through startup advancement, partnerships with industry, major industry-sponsored research agreements, and/or external non-dilutive funding. | Yale faculty applied research and technology in the life sciences | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | yaleventures@yale.edu | Link to Funder | |
| Yale Ventures | Center for Biomedical Innovation and Technology | CBIT has successfully established cooperative relationships with key Yale centers of innovation, technology, and health care. We have worked effectively with student innovators and faculty investigators in the Yale School of Medicine, the Yale School of Engineering & Applied Sciences, Yale School of Management, physicians and administrators at Yale New Haven Health, and many others. Our collaborative framework enables the sharing of knowledge and capabilities along the innovation continuum and allows for accelerated translation of discoveries in medical devices, diagnostics, and digital health. | Yale faculty applied research and technology in the life sciences | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | yaleventures@yale.edu | Link to Funder | |
| Yale University | Yale Planetary Solutions (YPS) | Yale Planetary Solutions (YPS) seeks to drive planetary solutions through all that Yale is, from our students, faculty, staff, and alumni, to our buildings, collections, and campus, and all that Yale does—teaching, learning, researching, building, operating, convening, investing, and leading. To bring all of Yale’s strengths to bear on producing pioneering, scalable solutions, YPS runs signature programs that convene experts from across campus and fund transformative research projects. More programs and projects are being developed and will be launched soon. | Yale faculty applied research and technology in the life sciences | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | yaleventures@yale.edu | Link to Funder | |
| Yale University | The Roberts Innovation Fund | The Roberts Innovation Fund was launched to provide funding, mentoring, and strategic support for Yale faculty-led projects to assist in the commercialization of breakthrough inventions that solve real-world problems. Faculty applicants also receive valuable feedback from an experienced team of advisors, including the Fund’s director and an external advisory board from industry, all of whom have invested in and/or built technology ventures. | Yale faculty applied research and technology in the life sciences | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | yaleventures@yale.edu | Link to Funder | |
| Penn State | LION Tank | LION Tank is an annual pitch competition hosted by the Mont Alto LaunchBox powered by Penn State. This year’s event is a hybrid event — held in person in the campus’ auditorium as well as remotely via Zoom. | Small business | $10,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | hem11@psu.edu | Link to Funder | |
| Gardner Capital | GCRE Impact Fund | Gardner Capital, a private equity firm specializing in multi-family housing and solar energy development and investment, is offering a GCRE Impact Fund to provide up to $25,000 in funding for qualifying proposals to make solar more efficient for tenants in multifamily housing. | Proposals to make solar more efficient for tenants in multifamily housing | $25,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | 417-447-4623 | Link to Funder | |
| Corporate Counsel Women of Color | CCWC Women of Color Entrepreneur Grant | For Women Founders, For People of Color Founders. Corporate Counsel Women of Color will award 5 grants to Women of Color entrepreneurs. The CCWC review committee will review submissions on a rolling basis, and grants will be awarded to winners and finalists. | U.S.-based legally business legally established as of January 1, 2020 with a EIN number; generated over $25,000 in revenue since January 1, 2020. Applicant must be at least 18 years of age at the time of submitting this application. | $2,500 | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@ccwomenofcolor.org | Link to Funder | |
| Visionaries Media | Hey Helen Microgrant | Visionaries Media awards one $10,000 unrestricted Hey Helen Grant each month to a woman-owned, mission-driven, operating for-profit U.S. business. A single application remains eligible for 12 monthly rounds. Funding can support operations, marketing, hiring, technology, or growth. | Actively operating U.S.-based for-profit businesses at least 50% owned by women, earning less than $1 million annually; pre-revenue firms may apply. Applicants must be age 18 or older and able to receive U.S. ACH transfers. | $10,000 | 10/31/2026 | General Inquiries | hello@visionaries.co | The Hey Helen Grant now runs monthly and one application stays in consideration for 12 rounds. A $15 administrative application fee applies; no equity or IP-transfer terms are stated on the public grant page. | Link to Funder |
| Enthuse Foundation | Pitch Competition | Enthuse Foundation’s 6th Annual Pitch Competition, will celebrate women who are making their mark on the food, beverage, and CPG industries. | Food, beverage, or CPG business founder. Women own at least 51% of business. The company has a minimum amount of sales of at least $10,000. Business created on or after January 1, 2020. Revenue does not exceed $750,000 | $10,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@enthusefoundation.org | Link to Funder | |
| 1871 | LTNtech Pitch Competition | We're back with our second Annual LTNtech Pitch Competition — an engaging 3-round virtual pitch competition designed to showcase & uplift Latin tech founders in their entrepreneurial journey. During this competition, Latin-led startups will present their innovative companies, competing for the chance to win a cash prize and equity opportunities from our esteemed VC partners at the final pitching event. | Latin founders | $25,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@1871.com | Link to Funder | |
| Futureland | Pitch Cypher Finale | The Pitch Cypher Finale showcases the top-placing local tech founders from the previous Pitch Cypher competitions throughout this year. These finalists will be competing live at FutureLAND for a chance to win a $25,000 grant, as well as other perks and services to propel their business forward. | Black and Latino/Hispanic tech innovators | $25,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@futurelandcle.com | Takes place in Cleveland, Ohio | Link to Funder |
| Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation | Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation | We can take risks that private industry may not be able to justify and give scientists working at the cutting edge the resources to innovate for the benefit of those who cannot afford to pay. | innovations that stop malaria | Varies | Rolling | Link to Funder | |||
| Columbia Business School | Tamer Fund for Social Ventures | Columbia Business School has long been committed to advancing the practice and understanding of social enterprise having trained leaders with a commitment to solving social and environmental issues for over four decades. By supporting new ideas from faculty and industry leaders, as well as the curricular and extracurricular opportunities of students, the Business School educates leaders to use business knowledge, entrepreneurial skills, and management tools to address social and environmental challenges. | The Tamer Fund for Social Ventures (TFSV) provides seed grants to Columbia University-affiliated social and environmental nonprofit, for-profit, and hybrid early-stage Columbia University-affiliated social and environmental ventures. | $25,000 | 03/01/2027 | General Inquiries | lisa.andujar@gsb.columbia.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| Columbia University – Campbell Center for Entrepreneurship | Startup Columbia Venture Competition | Annual university-run venture competition where Columbia students and alumni pitch startup ideas for non-dilutive prize funding. Designed to support early-stage ventures and accelerate commercialization through mentorship, exposure, and capital. | Columbia students and alumni entrepreneurs | $25,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | startupcolumbia@columbia.edu | Must be University affiliated to participate | Link to Funder |
| Sengo | Sprint Grant | The Sprint Grant is an initiative by Sengo aimed at supporting BIPOC founders, particularly those in the pre-seed and seed stages of their ventures. The grant provides financial assistance to help early-stage entrepreneurs advance their business ideas. | Applicants must be BIPOC founders, including Black and Latinx entrepreneurs, operating in any industry. They should be in the pre-seed or seed stage of their business development. | $3,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | hello@bysengo.com | Link to Funder | |
| Sengo | Sengo Pitch Competition | The Sengo Pitch Competition is a funding opportunity for early-stage entrepreneurs to present their business ideas and compete for capital and exposure. The program is designed to support founders by providing a platform to pitch to judges, gain visibility, and potentially secure funding and business support resources. | Open to early-stage entrepreneurs and startup founders. Typically geared toward individuals or teams with a business idea or early traction. Specific eligibility criteria (e.g., geography, industry focus) are not clearly disclosed on the application page. | $1,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | hello@bysengo.com | Link to Funder | |
| McKinsey & Company | Chicago Fast Grants | The Chicago Fast Grants initiative by McKinsey & Company aims to support local organizations led by underrepresented founders, including first-generation business owners and entrepreneurs from economically disadvantaged communities. The program provides financial assistance and strategic support to help these organizations tackle challenges and achieve sustainable, inclusive growth | Applicants must be business owners or founders from economically disadvantaged communities, demonstrating significant promise for community impact in Chicago. | $10,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | ChicagoFastGrants@mckinsey.com | Link to Funder | |
| O'Shaughnessy Ventures | O'Shaughnessy Fellowships & Grants | The O'Shaughnessy Fellowships & Grants program is a one-year initiative designed to support bold and undiscovered researchers, builders, and creatives worldwide. It provides equity-free funding to individuals pursuing innovative and impactful projects across various domains. | Open to individuals over the age of 18 from any country, whose work has the potential to positively impact the world, encompassing scientific breakthroughs, technological innovations, and enduring artistic and cultural contributions. | $100,000 | 04/30/2027 | General Inquiries | https://www.osv.llc/contact | Link to Funder | |
| Inclusive Action Hub, led by Value for Women and supported by Visa Foundation | Inclusive Action Awards | The Inclusive Action Awards recognize and celebrate small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that are actively creating more and better opportunities for women in emerging economies—as entrepreneurs, employees, and consumers. | SMEs with fewer than 250 employees, operating in low- or middle-income countries, demonstrating a strong commitment to creating social impact and gender-inclusive practices. | $5,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@valueforwomen.org | Link to Funder | |
| World Trade Organization | Small Business Champions Competition | The Small Business Champions Competition is an annual initiative that invites businesses, industry associations, chambers of commerce, and non-governmental organizations to propose innovative and practical ways to assist small businesses in engaging more actively in global trade. The competition aims to foster ideas that can help micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) overcome challenges and leverage opportunities in international markets. | Open to businesses, industry associations, chambers of commerce, and non-governmental organizations worldwide that have initiatives or proposals aimed at supporting small businesses in international trade. | $4,000 | 03/16/2027 | General Inquiries | smallbusinesschampions@wto.org | Link to Funder | |
| PDS Ventures | Trailblazer Programme | The Trailblazer Programme seeks to identify and support early-stage innovators who are accelerating the transformation of the fashion and textile industry with planet-positive solutions. The initiative aims to foster innovations that contribute to sustainability and circularity within the fashion sector. | Early-stage innovators working on solutions that align with the programme's priorities: | $200,000 | 03/07/2027 | General Inquiries | info@globalfashionagenda.org | Link to Funder | |
| Josephine Collective | Josephine Collective Investment Program | The Josephine Collective is a women-led group of angel investors co-investing small amounts (as little as $1,000 per angel per deal) in early-stage startups across the United States. The collective aims to make angel investing accessible for all, with a particular focus on helping women and people of color diversify their investment strategies. They utilize a unique structure that allows investment in high-potential startups with minimal fees. | Applicants must be for-profit, U.S.-domiciled companies with an expectation of becoming large-scale businesses. "Lifestyle" businesses, single-location businesses with no current plans to scale, and non-profits will not be considered. | $1,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | https://airtable.com/apppq76ijielF4zuQ/shrayWT9pcHlgDAGd | Link to Funder | |
| Eventnoir | Curator Summit | Eventnoire's Curator Summit is heading to Atlanta next year. This event is for companies and teams that produce events, and work on brand activations and sponsorships.There will also be a pitch competition for event curators. Submit your pitch for a chance to win funding, marketing support, and a spotlight at our upcoming Curator Summit. | Visionary event creators | $5,000 | 12/15/2026 | General Inquiries | info@eventnoire.com | Link to Funder | |
| The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research | Packaging Innovation Program | Emerging restrictions on single-use plastics and conventional packaging, may highly limit U.S. specialty crop exporters, in their access to global markets. In response, we are noticing a rising need for research for novel sustainable and innovative packaging solutions.The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research is inviting Startups, researchers & innovators in sustainable packaging and agri-export solutions, to apply for the Packaging Innovation Program. They are looking for advanced packaging solutions for U.S. producers and crop exporters. | Clemson University and FFP welcome applications from institutions of higher education, non-profit and for-profit organizations, government-affiliated researchers, and domestic and international organizations. Applications from international entities are invited as long as there is a clearly described collaboration with U.S.-based researchers, packaging companies or exporters of specialty crops. | $250,000 | 12/17/2026 | General Inquiries | communications@foundationfar.org | Link to Funder | |
| Startup Mania | The Ultimate Seed & Series A Startup Competition | Join Startup Mania, an Austin event with 800+ attendees, where 64 top Seed and Series A founders will battle it out in a March Madness-style pitch competition for the championship belt and cash prize. Plus, enjoy panel sessions with VCs, workshops, private lunches, roundtables, after-parties, a startup concert featuring RajNation, and more! | Small businesses willing to pitch at the competition in person. | $5,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | https://www.startupgrind.com/contact/?utm_source=website&utm_medium=navigation | Link to Funder | |
| InsureTech NY | Global InsurTech Startup Competition | We created the Global InsurTech Startup Competition to bring visibility to talented founders of early-stage InsurTech startups to gain access to the resources and recognition they need to gain traction. Contestants will gain access to a prize pool of $200,000 in value, exposure to 10+ early-stage investors and insurance leaders, and have the chance to present in front of 400+ InsurTech influencers live in New York in March 2026. | Early stage InsureTech startups from anywhere, with less than $250,000 USD in recurring revenue. | Varies | 02/03/2027 | General Inquiries | https://www.insurtechny.com/contact-insurtech-ny/ | Link to Funder | |
| FuzeHub | The Microelectronics Innovation Challenge | The FuzeHub-led Upstate Defense Innovation Challenge is driving microelectronics innovation to strengthen defense readiness and the supply chain across Upstate New York. | Technologies to bolster local supply chains | $60,000 | 02/17/2027 | Patty Rechberger, Fund Manager | patty@fuzehub.com. | Link to Funder | |
| Startup Grind | Pitch Battle Royale - Idea | Startup Grind Pitch Battle Royale is a high-energy pitch competition designed to spotlight bold founders, innovative startups, and game-changing ideas at the early stages of growth. From early concepts to revenue-generating companies, this competition brings together entrepreneurs and investors for an unforgettable showdown of vision, execution, and traction. Startups compete across three stages — Idea, Development, and Traction (up to Series A) — ensuring a fair and dynamic playing field. Selected participants will pitch live, receive real-time feedback from experienced judges, and gain meaningful exposure. Winners of local competitions will advance to the semi-finals, and those winners will advance to the finals to compete for the ultimate prize: Champion of the Startup Grind Pitch Battle Royale. | Early-stage startups from anywhere; pre-revenue or generating minimal test revenue; May have prototype, wireframes, mockups, or proof of concept; Are validating the problem, solution, and target customer; Have not raised institutional capital (friends & family or small grants are acceptable); Focused on customer discovery and early validation. Not required: Finished product, Paying customers, Formal incorporation | Varies | Rolling | Contact Us | https://pitchbattleroyale.com/contact-pbr | Link to Funder | |
| Startup Grind | Pitch Battle Royale - Development | Startup Grind Pitch Battle Royale is a high-energy pitch competition designed to spotlight bold founders, innovative startups, and game-changing ideas at the early stages of growth. From early concepts to revenue-generating companies, this competition brings together entrepreneurs and investors for an unforgettable showdown of vision, execution, and traction. Startups compete across three stages — Idea, Development, and Traction (up to Series A) — ensuring a fair and dynamic playing field. Selected participants will pitch live, receive real-time feedback from experienced judges, and gain meaningful exposure. Winners of local competitions will advance to the semi-finals, and those winners will advance to the finals to compete for the ultimate prize: Champion of the Startup Grind Pitch Battle Royale. | Early stage startups from anywhere; Have an MVP or early product in development or live; May have early customers or pilot users; Generating early or inconsistent revenue; Have begun go-to-market testing and iteration; May have raised pre-seed or seed funding. Typically these applicants have: Active product development and iteration, Early traction metrics (users, pilots, revenue, partnerships), Focused on product-market fit | Varies | TBA | Contact Us | https://pitchbattleroyale.com/contact-pbr | Link to Funder | |
| Zoom Cares and Data.Org | Activate AI: Economic Opportunity Challenge | The Activate AI: Economic Opportunity Challenge is a global call for innovative AI applications that empower people and communities, and that unlock economic opportunity for a resilient future.With the launch of this challenge, data.org and Zoom are seeking out projects that drive AI workforce development and organizational capacity, develop pathways to create future friendly jobs leveraging data and AI, and build climate resilient communities for a green economy. | Eligible applicants include nonprofits, social enterprises, and academic/research institutions from across the globe. Furthermore, applicants must be located outside of Afghanistan, Belarus, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Syria, Ukraine (Russian-occupied territories), and Yemen, and their proposed project must meet the requirements for charitability.If you are a for-profit entity (social impact business, research institute, think tank), you can still apply as long as you can demonstrate sufficient proof of your application’s charitable purpose. | $115,000 | 01/08/2027 | General Inquiries | challenge@data.org | Link to Funder | |
| Stanford Accelerator for Learning | Create+AI Challenge | The Create+AI Challenge invites educators, researchers, technologists, and students to imagine how artificial intelligence can advance learning, augment teaching, and expand opportunity, always with humans at the center.Too often, AI in education is used for automation. The Create+AI Challenge—hosted by the Stanford Accelerator for Learning with support from Google.org—asks a different question: How can AI augment human potential?We want to surface projects that put educators and learners at the heart of AI design—ensuring these tools expand access, agency, and connection, and in turn advance learning, well-being, and opportunity.Applicants should select one track. Each centers on how AI augments human talent and interactions to advance learning and teaching:Augment Teaching: AI solutions that respond to teacher pain points in their work, especially those that enable or enhance the ability to develop the social relationships with students in school.Augment Learning: AI learning tools that foster participation, especially for learners with disabilities or learning differences.Augment Career Opportunities: AI solutions that support skill-building, mentorship, and pathways to meaningful work. | Educators, researchers, designers, nonprofits, entrepreneurs, students are all encouraged to apply. At least one team member must hold a Stanford affiliation (current student, scholar, staff, or alum).Teams may include individuals from outside Stanford, including international applicants (subject to U.S. sanctions and export-control restrictions).Applicants must be 18 years or older.Individuals may participate on only one team.Stanford employees must confirm that participation complies with Stanford policies regarding outside activities, conflict of interest, and use of university resources. | $50,000 | 01/12/2027 | General Inquiries | acceleratelearning@stanford.edu | Must have at least one Stanford affiliated team member to apply | Link to Funder |
| Halcyon | Global Climate Fellowship | Halcyon’s 2026 Global Climate Fellowship will serve founders across the world who are tackling pressing challenges in climate adaptation and resilience. Through a hybrid programming format, selected entrepreneurs will attend a one-week, in-person residency in Washington, DC, five virtual programming days, and a final one-week, in-person residency in Los Angeles, California. | Stage: Must have a working Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and a realistic potential to scale. Applicants must demonstrate early user feedback or evidence of early commercial validation, such as pilots, LOIs, or revenue.Team:May apply with up to one Co-Founder.Applicant must be the CEO or hold primary decision-making power.Must be fluent in English (programming will be in English).Must be at least 21 years of age by the start of the program.Program Engagement: Applicant(s) must commit to participating in all residencies, program activities, events, and in-person and virtual sessions.Impact: Must be developing a product and venture which contributes towards one or more of the UN’s 17 SDGs. | $6,000 | 01/15/2027 | General Inquiries | https://www.halcyonhouse.org/contact-us/ | Link to Funder | |
| Boundless Futures Foundation | EmpowHer Grants | Grants supporting female‑led for‑profit businesses that drive social impact and need early‑stage capital plus advisory support. Must be registered and operating in the U.S., typically revenue‑generating and social‑impact oriented. Funding is reimbursed after receipts are submitted and grantees gain access to a professional advisory network | Female founders/entrepreneurs | $50,000 | Rolling | Link to Funder | |||
| Zoom Communications, Inc | Zoom Solopreneur 50 (ZSP50) | A national recognition program that highlights innovative solopreneurs operating with no employees. Fifty honorees will be selected; the top five receive financial grants to accelerate their businesses. Eligible nominees must operate solo, demonstrate innovation, impact, and measurable performance. | U.S.–based solopreneurs with no full‑time employees | Varies | 02/13/2027 | General Inquiries | solo@zoom.com | Link to Funder | |
| O’Shaughnessy Ventures (OSV) | OSV Fellowships & Grants | Supports bold, path-breaking ideas from researchers, builders, and creatives. Past projects include synthetic cells, anti-recording tech, aging research, sci-fi films, and more. | Open to individuals and small teams. Application includes video pitch, action plan, and creative storytelling. No jargon. Ideal for unconventional or visionary ideas. | $110,000 | 04/30/2027 | General Inquiries | https://www.osv.llc/contact | Link to Funder | |
| Arizona Commerce Authority | IdeaFunding Pitch Competition | Participants submit a pitch deck and apply to one of two tracks (Tech Startup or Creative & Community Innovation) and compete through multiple rounds (including live pitches) for non‑dilutive funding, visibility, mentorship and momentum. Includes optional pitch training & founder orientation sessions ahead of deadline. | STEP 1: REVIEW RULES, ELIGIBILITY & KEY DATESBefore applying, founders should confirm they are eligible and able to participate fully. IdeaFunding includes required in-person and live virtual components. If a team is unable to attend a required session or meet required deadlines, they may not be able to continue in the competition.Eligibility & Rules: IdeaFunding has specific eligibility requirements and rules to participate. Before applying, all founders are responsible for meeting all eligibility requirements. At a high-level these include:You must be an Arizona-based companyYou may apply to one track onlyYour company must meet stage, revenue, and funding limits for your chosen trackYou must be able to pitch in person if selected | Varies | 02/01/2027 | General Inquiries | info@startuptucson.com | Link to Funder | |
| CTIA Wireless Foundation | CTIA Wireless Foundation Catalyst | Supports ambitious social entrepreneurs using wireless technology to address challenges in American communities. Winners receive cash, media training, exposure to policymakers, and video production for their solutions. | ✅ U.S.-based legal entities (for-profit, nonprofit, or B Corp) ✅ Mobile-first, wireless-powered solution ✅ Early-stage with proof of concept ❌ Cannot be past or current CTIA members or past Catalyst winners (honorable mentions OK) ❌ Individuals not eligible | $100,000 | 02/04/2027 | General Inquiries | info@wirelessfoundation.org | Link to Funder | |
| Minnesota Entrepreneur Fund and Wells Fargo | Rural Field to Market Grant | The Entrepreneur Fund (EFund) is excited to launch a one-time funding of the Rural Field to Market grant that will provide direct support to small- to mid-size farm and food businesses located within our Minnesota service region. Allowable expenses include pre- and post-harvest activities, including: equipment and supplies associated with expanding production, staff time, business planning, software implementation, processing and packaging equipment. Land and construction are NOT eligible costs. No match required. Approximately 25-30 grants will be awarded. | Small- to mid-size farms and small food businesses (processors, producers, aggregators, distributors, and other businesses within the food supply chain) located in rural Minnesota; in operation at least 3 years | $20,000 | 02/16/2027 | General Inquiries | info@efund.org | Must spend funds by August 30, 2026. This is a one time grant (not annual). | Link to Funder |
| High North Dialogue | High North Young Entrepreneur | The High North Young Entrepreneur contest invites young entrepreneurs and startups from around the world to pitch their Arctic-related business ideas at the prestigious High North Dialogue conference in Bodø, Norway. | You are eligible if:You are 40 years old or youngerYour business idea is related to the Arctic. Ideas and projects based in Arctic regions are automatically eligible, while those from outside the Arctic need to demonstrate relevance to the regionYou or your company can be located in any country and work in any sectorYour company (if registered) is no more than three years old. Note also that you don't need a registered company; a strong idea is enoughYou don't need to be the original idea creator. Applicants can be the idea generator, the person who will execute it, or anyone else involved with the project | $4,000 | 03/15/2027 | Benedikte Kosmo Underland | benedikte.k.underland@nord.no | Applicants must be under 40 years of age | Link to Funder |
| National Science Foundation (NSF) Northeast I-Corps Hub | Propelus I-Corps hosted by Princeton University | Our three-session Propelus program helps researchers explore the customer perspective to inform how a discovery or innovation can become the basis of a successful startup or venture. Training: Three sessions introducing the Lean LaunchPad methodology, which focuses on customer discovery research to evaluate the potential of your idea to solve problems and provide value. Funding: Stipends of up to $1,500 are provided to each selected team and can be used to fund expenses related to customer discovery research, including conferences and marketing tools. Resources: Selected teams will receive mentorship from seasoned entrepreneurs and innovators. Teams may also utilize many other programs offered by the Hub-affiliated institutions. Upon completion, academic teams are eligible for the national NSF I-Corps Teams program which provides an intensive 7-week training course and a $50,000 grant. | Team consisting of: An entrepreneurial lead (often a postdoctoral researcher, graduate student or undergraduate) and a technical lead (usually a faculty member). (Optional) Industry Mentor . Non-university teams are also eligible if they have a tech- enabled innovation, but still require at least 2 team members. | $1,500 | 01/26/2027 | General Inquiries | info@icorpsne.org | Session dates: February 23, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm; March 2, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm; March 16, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm. I-Corps participation is looked at favorably in SBIR applications. | Link to Funder |
| VentureDash | Gamechangers & Champions 2026 (Qualifying Round) | How the Competition Works Startups advance through multiple rounds of review, beginning with a large virtual screening and progressing through increasingly competitive stages.Each round is evaluated by experienced judges using a standardized rubric focused on:Problem claritySolution differentiationTraction and market validationTeam strength and executionMarket size and scalabilityThe process is fair, signal-driven, emphasizing readiness and execution, not fundraising.2. Competition Structure & Rounds Based on feedback from founders and judges in last year’s competition, each round of Gamechangers & Champions is run as a separate competition in VentureDash. This structure allows startups to:Update and improve materials between roundsBe evaluated based on their most current progressExperience & focused judging aligned to each stageAvoid being locked into early submissions as the competition advances3. Qualifying Round Details All qualified startups begin in the Qualifying RoundFounders submit:A Pitch DeckA 60-second Elevator Pitch videoFounder Headshot & Logo Submissions are reviewed by experienced judges using a standardized rubricThe goal of this round is to identify startups ready to advance to the Round of 32 | Entrepreneurs, investors, corporates, and anyone looking to make a real play in Kansas innovation. | $25,000 | 02/13/2027 | General Inquiries | avpadmin@nxtus.io | Link to Funder | |
| Rice University | Rice Business Plan Competition | The competition, entering its 22nd year, gives collegiate entrepreneurs real-world experience to pitch their startups, enhance their business strategy and learn what it takes to launch a successful company. Hosted and organized by the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship—which is Rice University's internationally-recognized initiative devoted to the support of entrepreneurship. | Student-driven, student-created and/or student-managed, has at least two current student founders or management team members, and at least one of those students is a current graduate degree-seeking student are from a college or university anywhere in the world, has not raised more than $250,000 in equity capital prior to July 1, 2020, is seeking funding or capital (or will be in the next 12 months), and is a potentially viable investment opportunity | $1,000,000 | 01/31/2027 | Catherine Santamaria | rbpc@rice.edu | Link to Funder | |
| Boundless Futures Foundation | EmpowHER Grants | EmpowHer grants support women who need early-stage business capital, a network of business advisors, or both. Grantees will have access to financial, marketing, leadership, and sector professionals who can advise on business focus, next steps, and longer-range planning. Business or product should address poverty/hunger, public health, equal rights and opportunities, sustainable communities and development, or climate and the environment Applications are reviewed quarterly. | Female entrepreneurs 22 years of age and older; with businesses registered and operating solely in the United States and no more than 5 years old; that addresses a social issue directly or through its business model | $50,000 | 11/02/2026 | General Inquiries | info@boundlessfutures.org | Link to Funder | |
| Stella Labs | Womens Fast Pitch | The Women's Fast PItch finals take place at the Women's Venture Summit. The finalists from five regional Live Pitch competitions, which feature incredible female founders from across the United States, advance the national competition held during the two-day Women’s Venture Summit in San Diego, CA. The winner of the Summit receives an investment. Now in its 13th year, WVS has helped facilitate more than $200 million in fundraising while equipping attendees with the connections, tools, and momentum to power the future of female entrepreneurship. The 2026 Summit will take place November 2-5. | Must be a majority woman-owned business based in the United States; Must not have raised over $10M dollars in funding from a combined funding source.. | Varies | TBA | General Inquiries | info@stella.co | Application due dates vary by region. | Link to Funder |
| Giving Joy Microgrant | Giving Joy Microgrant | Through its micro-grants and mentorship program, Giving Joy helps women establish or improve their businesses and initiatives—for their benefit and the benefit of their communities. Women from any country, across any trade or industry, can apply for a one-time grant between $250 and $500 to start, jump-start and/or expand their operations. You can propose activities in any field, trade, occupation, or craft. However, your business/organization/idea must focus on women, girls and/or families. | Women owned business from anywhere in the world | $500 | 04/30/2027 | General Inquiries | info@givingjoygrants.org | Giving Joy will organize a meeting with each awardee to discuss the terms and conditions of the grants, and to review the grant agreement, deliverables, and guidelines. | Link to Funder |
| Fifteen Percent Pledge | The Dream Makers Founder Grant | Underrepresented communities continue to fuel entrepreneurship nationwide, with historically excluded founders driving innovation and economic growth. Despite this momentum, systemic barriers still prevent many from accessing the funding they need to scale. | Underrepresented founders | $25,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | brands@15pp.org | Link to Funder | |
| Preservation Delaware | Delaware Preservation Fund | The Delaware Preservation Fund is a grant initiative administered by Preservation Delaware, Inc. to support restoration and preservation planning for historic properties across Delaware. Funded by multiple partners, the program offers financial assistance for physical restoration and critical planning efforts that enhance the understanding, protection, and longevity of Delaware’s historic assets. | Eligible applicants include private property owners, nonprofit organizations, and municipalities with historic properties in Delaware. Properties must be eligible for or listed on the National Register of Historic Places, or designated locally as historic. All proposed work must comply with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. | $4,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | DPF@PreservationDE.org | Link to Funder | |
| Johnson & Johnson Innovation | Polyphonic AI Fund for Surgery QuickFire Challenge | This QuickFire Challenge is part of Johnson & Johnson Innovation’s broader initiative to accelerate healthcare innovation. The challenge is supported by the Polyphonic AI Fund for Surgery and seeks to identify and support AI-based solutions that enhance surgical decision-making and outcomes. | Open to innovators from around the world including entrepreneurs, startups, academics, and institutions with AI-driven technologies applicable to surgical care. Applicants should have solutions in early-stage or prototype development. | $200,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | https://jnjinnovation.com/connect-with-team | Link to Funder | |
| The UPS Store | Small Biz Challenge | The nine semi-finalists, together with their individual mentor, will compete in various challenges. These may range from a variety of common skills and know-how needed to run a successful small business, such as marketing, staffing, operations, and company culture. | Open only to individuals (U.S. residents, 18 or older) who own and operate an independent (non-franchised) small business (9 or fewer employees) | $35,000 | 02/22/2027 | General Inquiries | 800-742-5877 | Link to Funder | |
| FedEx, Hello Alice and the Global Entrepreneur Network (GEN) | FedEx Entrepreneur Fund and Boost Camp Program | The Creative Business Boost Initiative is designed to help empower entrepreneurs who contribute to the creative economy. By providing grants, educational resources, and access to a community of business owners, the program strives to bolster the cultural vibrancy of communities through the entrepreneurial endeavors of creative individuals. 100 creative entrepreneurs will be selected from eligible entrants to receive a $5,000 grant and access to an exclusive Boost Camp coaching program, helping them access the capital and resources they need for growth and success. | US-based creative entrepreneur (individual who innovatively designs, produces, and markets products or services within the art, culture, design, and innovation industries); in business at least 12 months; existing product or service currently on the market; willing to participate in a 12-week virtual business Boost Camp | $5,000 | 11/21/2026 | General Inquiries | https://support.helloalice.com/hc/en-us | Link to Funder | |
| Farmer Veteran Coalition | Farmer Veteran Fellowship | The Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund is a small grant program that provides direct assistance to veterans in their beginning years of farming or ranching. The Fellowship Fund does not give money directly to the veteran, but rather to third-party vendors for items the veteran has identified will make a crucial difference in the launch of their farm business. Awards range from $1,000 to $5,000 and may be used for items such as seed, bulk feed, breeding stock, beekeeping equipment, implements, storage, fencing, and other agricultural equipment/supplies. | Veteran of any U.S. military branch with an early-stage, operational agricultural business and a business plan | $5,000 | 02/17/2027 | General Inquiries | https://farmvetco.org/about-us/contact-us-2/ | Must be willing to fully participate in the Fellowship Program, which includes periodic progress reports, mentoring other farmer veterans and a desire to make a positive impact on the farmer veteran community. Requires a business plan and proof of military service. | Link to Funder |
| Tech Connect | Defense Innovation Challenge and Expo | Join the nation's largest innovation matchmaking program aligned with national technology priorities and federal funding opportunities. Showcase and pitch your innovations to leading investors, corporate scouts, and over $50B in federal funding authority. Our government and industry customers are seeking top emerging technologies across most all technology domains, with a special interest in innovations with dual-use industry and government applications. | Startups, universities, labs, SBIR/OT awardees, and companies of all sizes and commercial maturity, with technologies representing cutting-edge innovations and looking to connect with either government funders or industry scouts | varies | TBA | Emma Mooney, Outreach Manager | emma.mooney@techconnect.org | Topics: Energy & Resilience; Biotech & Medical; Microelectronics & Sensors; Advanced Materials; Advanced Manufacturing; Advanced Communications; Aerospace Technologies; Autonomous Systems; AI, Cyber & Digital Solutions | Link to Funder |
| CoachK | Coach K Legacy Grant | Whether you’re launching a new product or scaling operations, this $2,500 grant can give your business the boost it needs to get to that next level. Apply today and take the next step in your entrepreneurial journey. Recipients of the Legacy Grant must use the awarded funds exclusively for legitimate business purposes. These purposes should directly support the growth, development, or operation of the recipient’s business. Grants will be awarded quarterly. | U.S.-based business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. | $2,500 | Rolling | General Inquiries | support@grantsmasterychallenge.com | Link to Funder | |
| World Food Prize Foundation and America's Cultivation Corridor | Innovation for Impact Challenge | The World Food Prize Foundation, in collaboration with America's Cultivation Corridor, hosts the Innovate for Impact Challenge—a pioneering initiative dedicated to accelerating agricultural technology (AgTech) innovation. This Challenge seeks to identify and support early-stage, tech-driven startups whose transformative solutions address the critical challenges of global food security and sustainability. During the 2026 Borlaug Dialogue, the top three finalists will pitch their groundbreaking AgTech solutions live on stage in front of a global audience of industry leaders, investors, and policymakers. Finalists will be announced in July, and the top three will be invited to Des Moines for the final competition in October 2026. | Early-stage, for-profit AgTech startups that are from proof of concept to pre-series A; at least one founder must be working on the startup full time | $50,000 | 04/15/2027 | General Inquiries | wfpf@worldfoodprize.org ; 515-245-3783 | The three most promising startups will be awarded financial support, with $50,000 for first place, $10,000 for second place, and $5,000 for third place. Final Competition: October 20-22, 2026, at the Borlaug Dialogue in Des Moines, Iowa | Link to Funder |
| Black & Brown Founders (BBF) | BBF Smart Money Program with AI | A financial empowerment and small business support initiative that combines financial literacy, business coaching, AI‑powered tools, and capital access resources to help founders build sustainable, profitable businesses. | Underrepresented entrepreneurs and small business owners in the U.S. (explicit focus on equity and inclusion) | $5,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | hello@bbfounders.co | Link to Funder | |
| New Profit | Catalyze | A national cohort-based funding and leadership program for organizations advancing economic mobility through workforce development, entrepreneurship, and economic empowerment. Selected organizations receive funding, leadership development support, and strategic advising over one year. | Organizations led by formerly incarcerated and directly impacted individuals working to expand economic opportunity and remove barriers to capital in their communities. | $110,000 | 02/11/2027 | General Inquiries | communications@newprofit.org | Link to Funder | |
| Milken‑Penn Graduate School of Education (Penn GSE) & Michael & Lori Milken Family Foundation | 2026 Milken‑Penn GSE Education Business Plan Competition | A global education business plan competition that invites education entrepreneurs, startups, and ventures from around the world to develop and pitch innovative solutions that advance teaching and learning. Finalists receive mentorship, networking opportunities, and compete for cash prizes at a live event in Fall 2026. | Education ventures, entrepreneurs, startups, nonprofit and for‑profit entities worldwide; applicants must be 18+; ventures must not have raised >$2M or generated >$2M in revenue in prior 12 months. | $40,000 | 02/11/2027 | General Inquiries | educomp@gse.upenn.edu | Link to Funder | |
| North Texas Innovation Alliance (NTXIA) | Smart Cities Global Challenge | North Texas Innovation Alliance (NTXIA), a 501(c)3 regional consortium of over 40 municipalities, agencies, corporations and academic institutions across North Texas working to create the most connected, smart and resilient region in the country, has announced their international pitching event, named the Smart Cities Global Startup Challenge, to be held at this year’s Smart City Expo World Congress (SCEWC) in Barcelona alongside partner Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Corners, a 5G enabled innovation hub where startups and global industry leaders deploy and prove out developing technologies in a real-world testing environment, and Texas cities Frisco, McKinney. | Pre-Seed (Early Traction), Seed (Growth Stage) companies in the smart cities industry | Varies | TBA | General Inquiries | info@ntxia.org | Link to Funder | |
| Cafe Group | 1954 Project Luminary | The CAFE Group’s 1954 Project is advancing education equity by investing in bold, imagination-fueled, and high-impact leaders committed to addressing systemic barriers and creating sustainable change for Black students and in Black communities. | Proven track record in Education | $1,000,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | info@thecafegroup.org | Link to Funder | |
| Veale Institute for Entrepreneurship at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) | THINK, DO, THRIVE Grant Program | The THINK, DO, THRIVE Grant Program at Case Western Reserve University Veale Institute for Entrepreneurship offers financial support to student, alumni, and faculty entrepreneurs to advance new innovations. | Full-time CWRU undergraduate students (minimum 12 credit hours) and full-time graduate students (minimum 9 credit hours or one credit hour of thesis) exploring a business idea. | $10,000 | 02/06/2027 | General Inquiries | (216) 368-2000 | Must be an enrolled student | Link to Funder |
| Athene | Black & Brown Business Summit Pitch Competition Application | All pitch competition applicants are invited to attend the Athene Black & Brown Business Summit T op applicants will be asked to present their pitch in front of judges and have a chance to win thousands of dollars. In addition, we will select one (1) additional business to pitch will be chosen at random. | 51% minority-owned small business; in business 2 years or more; fewer than 50 employees; less than $2.5M annual revenue. Business does not have to be West Des Moines located. ANY business that meets the above requirements is welcome to compete. | Varies | 02/09/2027 | General Inquiries | info@wdmchamber.org; 515-225-6009 | If you have received funds from previous grants from this finder you may not be able to reapply - please check the eligability on each offered opportunity. | Link to Funder |
| Citi Trends | Black History Makers Grant | In celebration of Black History Month, Citi Trends is acknowledging Black entrepreneurs that are making history in their community today. Our goal is to help advance and further the businesses of Black entrepreneurs. Ten Black business owners will receive a $5,000 grant (excludes businesses involved in the manufacturing, distribution or sale of food, beverages, supplements or the like) | Black entrepreneur or majority owner at least 18 years old; Resident of : Alabama, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, or Wisconsin | $5,000 | 02/28/2027 | General Inquiries | bhmgrantprogram@promosupport.com | Link to Funder | |
| CNY Biotech Accelerator, Upstate Medical University - Kingston-Syracuse Pathway (KSP) | Kingston-Syracuse Pathway Health Innovation Conference Pitch Competition | The 4th Annual Kingston-Syracuse Pathway Conference on Health Innovation will take place on March 27 and 28 in Skaneateles, NY. The conference includes a pitch competition for early-stage life and health sciences start-up teams based in Canada and the U.S. Get your innovation in front of business leaders, researchers, physicians, and accelerators. Five teams will be selected from the applications to participate. The winning team will receive a $5,000 pitch competition award. | Early stage US or Canadian startups in health or life science; raised less than $1M in funding | $5,000 | TBA | Kathi Durdon | durdonk@upstate.edu | Pitch is March 27-28 in Skaneateles, NY | Link to Funder |
| NYC EDC | Greenlight Innovation Fund | NYCEDC is launching the Greenlight Innovation Fund (“Fund”) Request for Proposals to provide City capital funding (“City Capital”) for the development of facilities in New York City that support the Green Economy, Life Sciences, and Advanced Technology (collectively, the “Innovation Industries”). | New York-based businesses in the required verticals. | Varies | 12/19/2026 | General Inquiries | GreenlightRFP@edc.nyc | Link to Funder | |
| The Foundation for Ichthyosis & Related Skin Types (FIRST) | Research Grant Program | Pilot grants include up to $15,000 for one year, are not renewable, and support the creation of new ideas for study and simple projects that provide definitive information within 1 year. Research grants include up to $50,000 for one year with the opportunity for a second year of funding based on the demonstration of progress and availability of funds. The research grants should lead to ongoing, self-supporting programs in ichthyosis research. | Researchers involved in the study of Ichthyosis | $50,000 | 05/04/2027 | C. Wassel | cwassel@firstskinfoundation.org | Link to Funder | |
| University of Utah | Wilkes Center for Climate Policy | The Wilkes Climate Launch Prize highlights top global ideas for combating climate change. Each year, by elevating and honoring innovative climate solutions, this University of Utah prize aims to accelerate worldwide progress and encourage technological advances. Our goal is to develop effective climate change solutions quickly for the benefit of people and ecosystems worldwide. | Organizations at all stages, both for-profits and nonprofits, anywhere in the world are eligible to submit ideas to be considered for the Wilkes Climate Launch Prize. This includes seed, pre-seed, venture-funded, publicly traded stage companies, or nonprofits. | $250,000 | 02/28/2027 | General Enquiries | 801.646.6069 | Link to Funder | |
| PYA Ballard Inc. | PYA Ballard Innovation Award | The Ballard Innovation Award is the largest gift of cash and in-kind services available to East Tennessee entrepreneurs and startups—a reflection of PYA’s commitment to the region. Applicants must present a business plan to optimize existing business operations by reducing costs, increasing revenues, and/or gaining new efficiencies while demonstrating clear innovations to improve the business and empower the consumer. First place winner will received $10,000 of Monetary Capital, and business support services worth $40,000. | Any early-stage company in the East Tennessee area that has established a “proof of concept” with accompanying revenue (33 counties as defined by the state of TN) – metro areas include Chattanooga, Knoxville, and Tri-Cities); has secured at least $200,000 total financial resources | $10,000 | 03/21/2027 | Ron Feinbaum | RFeinbaum@pyapc.com; 865-673-0844 | There will be awards for first, second and third place.Must be located in East Tennessee. | Link to Funder |
| Brooklyn Public Library | PowerUP Business Plan Competition | Brooklyn Public Library is aspiring entrepreneurs a chance to win grants of up to $20,000 grand prize through its PowerUP Business Plan Competition. To apply, participants must attend a required orientation session before the deadline. | Aspiring and early‑stage business founders who: Are 18 years or older; Live in Brooklyn; Plan to start or grow a business in Brooklyn | Varies | TBA | General Inquiries | powerup@bklynlibrary.org | Cash prizes of $20,000 for first place, $10,000 for second place, $5,000 for third place. | Link to Funder |
| Camelback Ventures | Camelback Fellowship | The Camelback Fellowship is designed for early-stage entrepreneurs committed to tackling inequities. Over 16 weeks, you'll receive $50,000 in capital, expert coaching, and join a community of like-minded changemakers. | early-stage entrepreneurs whose ventures address inequities | $50,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | https://www.camelbackventures.org/contact/ | Link to Funder | |
| The UPS Store, Inc. | Small Business Challenge | A national competition awarding cash prizes and media exposure to small business owners, including features in Inc. Magazine and a live pitch event. | U.S. residents 18+; must own and operate an independent, non-franchised business with 9 or fewer employees. | $35,000 | 02/23/2027 | General Inquiries | https://www.ups.com/us/en/support/contact-us?utm=theupsstore.com | Link to Funder | |
| Fintech Meetup | Startup Pitch Competition | A competitive pitch competition awarding cash funding to fintech startups presenting innovative solutions across financial services sectors during the annual Fintech Meetup conference. | For-profit fintech startups; founders must be at least 18 years old; business must be operating and developing a fintech product or platform. | $50,000 | 02/13/2027 | General Inquiries | hey@fintechmeetup.com | Link to Funder | |
| CT Next | Growth Company Grants | CTNext equips startups and entrepreneurs with resources, guidance and networks to accelerate growth and success. The objective is to build a more robust community of entrepreneurs, provide access to talent, space, industry expertise, services, skill development, and capital to accelerate company development | Early-stage Connecticut based startup companies | $25,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | connect@ctnext.com; 860-258-7858 | Grants require a 1:3 match from non-state sources. | Link to Funder |
| TechRise | THE $5M FUND | TechRise’s $5M Fund is non-dilutive Friends & Family capital for Chicago’s historically underfunded tech founders. Apply to pitch in one of our weekly pitch competitions for a 1 in 5 chance of receiving $10K-$50K to build your dream. | Chicago’s historically underfunded tech founders | $50,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@techrise.co | Link to Funder | |
| Launch Minnesota | Child Care | Launch Minnesota is a new initiative spearheaded by Minnesota's Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). Designed in consultation with legislators from both parties, and alongside dozens of private sector leaders, the program exists to help grow Minnesota's startup ecosystem. | Minnesota-based small business | $7,500 | Rolling | Nila Gouldin | LaunchMinnesota@state.mn.us | Link to Funder | |
| Launch Minnesota | Innovation Grants (Phase I) | Launch Minnesota Innovation Grants are targeted to the most promising innovative scalable technology businesses in Minnesota. These grants provide up to $35,000 for business operations, including research and development, direct business expenses and technical assistance. | Minnesota startups with innovative solutions to problems. Increased consideration is given to startups located in Greater Minnesota, as well as businesses owned by women, veterans, and/or owners who identify as BIPOC. | $35,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | LaunchMinnesota@state.mn.us | Link to Funder | |
| Launch Minnesota | Innovation Grants (Phase II) | Launch Minnesota Innovation Grants are targeted to the most promising innovative scalable technology businesses in Minnesota. These grants provide up to $35,000 for business operations, including research and development, direct business expenses and technical assistance. | Minnesota startups with innovative solutions to problems. Increased consideration is given to startups located in Greater Minnesota, as well as businesses owned by women, veterans, and/or owners who identify as BIPOC. | $50,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | LaunchMinnesota@state.mn.us | Link to Funder | |
| LaunchNY | LaunchNY Seed Fund | The Launch NY Seed Fund is a nonprofit fund, fueled by grants and donations, with all returns coming back to the fund to support investments in future startups in what is known as an “evergreen cycle”. Launch NY also provides guidance, connections to expert resources and the funding needed to demonstrate Proof of Concept of the products and processes that will be needed to go to market. | New York startups | $100,000 | Rolling | Marnie LaVigne, President and CEO | mlavigne@launchny.org | Link to Funder | |
| FHLBank | Elevate | Elevate is a small business grant program that assists the growth and development of small businesses, their workforce and the communities where they are located. Recipients of the grant can use up to $20,000 for capital expenditures, workforce training or other needs to get the boost they need. | Only small businesses located in Indiana or Michigan may apply, and they must partner with a FHLBank Indianapolis member to submit the application. | $20,000 | TBA | Contact Us | https://www.fhlbi.com/contact-us/ | Link to Funder | |
| Robert C Byrd Institute (RCBI) at Marshall University | Institute Early Stage Funding | The Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center at RCBI offers early stage funding opportunities to entrepreneurs and small business owners to empower new ideas by bridging the gap between concept and prototype. Each initiative provides seed funding for design engineering, prototype development, quality management, and advanced technology skill-set training. | West Virginia companies who need assistance with early working capital needs for prototyping, marketing, and other needs. | $10,000 | Rolling | Derek Scarbro | earlystagefunding@mfg.marshall.edu; 800-469-7224 | RCBI may schedule a meeting between you and our Early Stage Funding Committee to discuss your project's details. The committee determines an award amount between $1,000 and $10,000 based on the project specifications. | Link to Funder |
| TS Bank and Advance Southwest Iowa Corporation | REV | TS Bank originally started REV in 2015 in an effort to spur economic growth and encourage business owners to continue pursuing their dreams. During the first three competitions (2015-2017) over $75,000 was awarded to the winners. TS Bank brought the competition back in 2020, partnering with Advance Southwest Iowa offering entrepreneurs and business owners the chance to win up to $10,000 to "ignite their business." | Iowa-based small business | $10,000 | TBA | Kevin Forristall | https://www.tsbank.com/contact | Link to Funder | |
| University of Wisconsin–Madison | Draper Technology Innovation Fund (TIF) | The Draper Technology Innovation Fund (TIF) provides a mechanism to support the additional research often necessary to bring new concepts and inventions to the patent and licensing stage. The targeted inventions must have already been disclosed to and accepted by the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) for patenting or similar intellectual property protection. Funds can be used to support efforts to enhance the scope or patentability of inventions and assist with their potential licensing to the commercial sector. Examples of research activities include prototype development, expansion of studies to include additional exemplary demonstrations, preparation of samples for evaluation, and application testing. This program is administered in partnership between Discovery to Product and the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation. | University of Wisconsin–Madison faculty members or academic staff. A formal University invention disclosure must have been accepted by the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation. | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | engage@d2p.wisc.edu | Applicants must be University of Wisconsin–Madison faculty members or academic staff. Any improvements to the invention, or new innovation that occurs as a result of this funding, must also be disclosed and assigned to WARF. Applicants must be in residence on the Madison campus during the funding period. Prior to writing a proposal, we highly recommend that you consult your WARF licensing representative to discuss the award qualifications as they pertain to your invention and experimental research findings. These consultations can prove helpful when describing in your proposal what additional research is required to improve the patentability or licensability of your invention | Link to Funder |
| University of Wisconsin–Madison | Piloting Research Innovation & Market Exploration (PRIME) Grant | The Piloting Research Innovation & Market Exploration (PRIME) grant administered by UW–Madison’s Discovery to Product (D2P) aims to enable campus innovators to conduct research activities that mitigate early-stage market risks. PRIME grants are intended to support critical research necessary for commercialization of innovations from UW–Madison researchers. Funded research activities must advance the project to reach critical commercialization milestones and/or enable the generation of additional private and public sector support. The grant will fund research conducted on the UW–Madison campus and may include off-campus fieldwork, pilot or market/consumer testing, market research and other activities needed to complete the research. Research outcomes must advance the project’s commercialization journey with broader impact to advance the economy of the state of Wisconsin and beyond. | Campus Innovators applying for this grant can be UW–Madison faculty or staff with PI status or staff and current students with PI Sponsors. PI Sponsors are faculty and staff who have temporary or permanent PI status and can validate the research methodology and findings. Proposal must have a strong commercial plan supported by previous market or customer discovery research. | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | engage@d2p.wisc.edu | Applicants must be University of Wisconsin–Madison faculty members or academic staff. | Link to Funder |
| Carver Federal Savings Bank | Minority Women-Owned Business Pitch Competition | The competition winners can use the grants towards the purchase of equipment, technology, or operational systems to support energy efficiency and improvements. In addition to the grant award, winners of the competition will have access to a member of the Carver Executive Team, The Chamber Executive Team, and resources from the sponsor Mastercard. | women aged 18 or older, whose businesses are in the Greater New York Area | $10,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | https://www.carverbank.com/about-carver/contact-us | Link to Funder | |
| Commonwealth Corporation | Workforce Training Fund Program (WTFP) | Provides grant funding to help employers improve employee skills and competitiveness by funding workforce training programs. It supports a range of training topics and offers multiple grant tracks (Express, General, Bridge, etc.) | Massachusetts businesses and employers; generally organizations seeking to train current or newly hired employees. Specific eligibility may include contributions to the state training fund and compliance requirements; eligibility varies by grant type | $125,000 | Rolling | Workforce Training Fund | wtfp@commcorp.org | Link to Funder | |
| Denver Urban Renewal Authority (DURA) | Community STAND Grant Program | The Community STAND (Community Stabilization Tool Assisting Neighborhood Development) program is a local Denver grant initiative that supports small businesses, nonprofits, and Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) that help anchor and strengthen neighborhood communities. It aims to help organizations stay in their communities, make physical improvements, purchase equipment, or otherwise invest in long-term presence and positive neighborhood impact | Small businesses with $2 million or less in annual gross revenue; nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status and $5 million or less in gross revenue (including organizations incubated by such nonprofits); and Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) located within Denver’s Urban Renewal Areas (URAs) or within ½ mile of a URA are eligible to apply. Priority may be given to organizations with longstanding community roots, neighborhood preservation efforts, or shovel-ready projects | $50,000 | 03/06/2027 | General Inquiries | CommunityPrograms@renewdenver.org | Link to Funder | |
| Black & Brown Founders, Inc. | BBF Smart Money Program with AI — Financial Empowerment & Mini-Grants | A business support and financial empowerment program designed to bridge the financial literacy gap for underrepresented small business owners, providing expert-led workshops, personalized coaching, AI-powered financial tools, access to capital resources, and mini-grant opportunities. The program aims to help business owners improve financial management, increase profitability, scale their business, and build long-term wealth. The associated Zoom meeting serves as an informational session held monthly to introduce the program components | Small business owners and underrepresented entrepreneurs (Black and Brown founders emphasized), especially those seeking financial literacy resources, financial coaching, business scalability tools, and access to capital. Participation in informational Zoom sessions is open, and eligibility for mini-grants is tied to program involvement and/or application criteria as defined by Black & Brown Founders. | $5,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | https://www.bbfounders.co/contact | Link to Funder | |
| Selma Riverfront Alliance | Selma River Region Pitch Competition | A local pitch competition designed to prepare and position entrepreneurs to fill future downtown Selma storefronts and commercial spaces. The initiative focuses on revitalizing the riverfront and surrounding business district by supporting local small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs with funding, business training, and exposure. Participants pitch their business concepts with the goal of launching or expanding brick-and-mortar operations in the Selma River Region. | Local entrepreneurs and small business owners interested in opening or expanding a storefront in Selma’s downtown or riverfront district.Must be prepared to operate a business that contributes to downtown revitalization efforts.Likely open to early-stage founders, existing small businesses looking to expand, and individuals with viable retail, restaurant, or service-based concepts.Applicants must be able to participate in the pitch process and related preparation programming. | $1,000 | 02/28/2027 | General Inquiries | aei@ua.edu | Link to Funder | |
| Seed The South Capital Summit | The Big Pitch | The Big Pitch is a startup pitch competition happening as part of the Seed The South Capital Summit — a two-day venture capital event in the Southeast. Selected companies pitch live on the main stage at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC to investors and founders. | • Venture-scale technology company with potential to secure venture capital backing• Headquarters or significant operations in the Southeast U.S. (NC, SC, GA, TN, FL, VA, MD, WV, MS, AL, KY, LA, and WV). | $100,000 | 03/06/2027 | Link to Funder | |||
| NC Ideal | Tweener Madness | Tweener Madness is geared toward North Carolina technology startups that are early-stage, below ~$1M in revenue, founder-led, and building proprietary tech (not purely service-based or requiring FDA approvals). Selected companies must be able to participate in the competition schedule and pitch during bracket rounds. | • Must be a startup or early-stage company looking for growth and investment • Must own or develop proprietary technology, products, or processes | $25,000 | 03/05/2027 | Link to Funder | |||
| Culture Shift Labs | Boston Healthcare Social Impact Summit: Pitch Competition | Join 125–150 investors, healthcare leaders, policymakers, and founders with traction for a high-impact, deal-driven summit designed to accelerate capital deployment and partnerships, that challenge how healthcare solutions are built, funded, and scaled. | Companies with a minimum of $500K in revenue, ARR, or customer sales are required. | $25,000 | 03/06/2027 | Culture Shift Labs | 973-846-0155 | Link to Funder | |
| Project 412 | Pitch 412 | Project 412 is hosting a pitch competition sponsored by the Midwest Minnesota Community Development Corporation (MMCDC). This competition, called Pitch 412, is for entrepreneurs in the Detroit Lakes area!Interested in pitching your idea? Submit your business plans and a one-minute video for a chance to become one of our 4 finalists. Finalists will pitch their ideas to judges and a live audience in a 12-minute presentation. | Submissions must be for a new company, new idea, or an existing small business with a new concept or expansionTeams consist of one to four membersEach team must have a designated point of contact that is 18 years or older (*they will receive the 1099-MISC form).If you are an existing organization, one team member must be a C-level executive of the organizationTeams can only enter one idea into the competitionIf the organization exists, it must be within the Detroit Lakes area. If it has not been officially formed, it must be the intent that it will be formed in the Detroit Lakes area. | $4,000 | 03/06/2027 | General Inquiries | hello@project412mn.org | Link to Funder | |
| Shophand | Shophand $5K Small Business Boost Grant | Grant program designed to help small business owners overcome operational or technology challenges through a combination of cash funding and hands-on technical support including AI tools, marketing support, automation, software setup, and operational improvements. $2,500 of the total grant value is in-kind services. | For-profit U.S.-based small businesses with fewer than 50 employees and under $5 million in annual revenue that are actively operating businesses. | $2,500 | 11/30/2026 | General Inquiries | support@shophand.com | The total $5,000 package includes $2,500 unrestricted cash and $2,500 in Shophand technical services, not $5,000 in cash. Applicants must follow Shophand on four social networks, and preference is given to businesses that used a Shophand service during the application cycle. | Link to Funder |
| Gravy Wealth | Owner Mode: Pitch Competition 2026 | We are industry agnostic and invest across sectors. Our thesis is access infrastructure: companies building the rails that redefine who gets to invest, build wealth, participate in value creation, and operate at scale. Every company must clear one filter: automation or AI-first execution. | High-potential founders who have historically received a disproportionately small share of institutional capital. | $25,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | support@gravywealth.com | Link to Funder | |
| The Yale Black Venture Summit Pitch Competition | The Yale Black Venture Summit Pitch Competition | The Yale Black Venture Summit pitch competition will award $10,000 (1st place CT-based business) and $10,000 (1st place non-region-independent) in non-dilutive capital to Black-owned startups or startups that uplift the Black community. | Startups with at least one Black founder or co-founder; companies should have a scalable business model and be able to present their startup during the summit if selected. | $10,000 | 03/16/2027 | Link to Funder | |||
| Elevance | Health Foundation Patient Safety Prize | Elevance Health Foundation’s inaugural Patient Safety Prize will award a total of $5 million to proven solutions that boost patient safety for communities across the United States | U.S.-based non-profit, foundation, fiscally-sponsored non-profit, tribal government or tribal-owned enterprise; public or private school (pre-K through university); for-profit corporation organized under the laws of a State (or territory) in the United States; benefit corporation, flexible purpose entity, or similar "hybrid" entity | $1,500,000.00 | TBA | General Inquiries | questions@patientsafetyprize.org | Topics change each year. The Selection Committee will recommend up to three Winners to each receive $1.5 million and up to two Honorable Mentions to each receive $250,000. | Link to Funder |
| Medical Protection Society (via MPS Foundation) | MPS Foundation 2026 Grant Programme | The Foundation is inviting applications for research that strengthens the wellbeing of dental professionals and teams, enhances patient safety in dental care settings, and supports evidence-based improvements in clinical practice. Grants of up to £200,000 are available, depending on the ambition, scope, and duration of the proposal. Smaller, practice-based studies are also encouraged, with previous awards as little as £2,500. | Open to:Dental professionalsPracticesAcademic researchers | $200,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | info@thempsfoundation.org | Link to Funder | |
| Gravy Wealth | PITCH Startup Pitch Competition | PITCH is a startup pitch competition hosted by Gravy Wealth designed to support early-stage founders, particularly from underrepresented backgrounds, by providing access to capital, mentorship, and investor exposure. The program culminates in a live pitch event where selected founders present their businesses to a panel of judges and investors, with the goal of accelerating company growth and increasing access to funding opportunities. | Early-stage founders and startups, with a focus on underrepresented entrepreneurs including women and minority founders. Applicants must have a scalable business model and be actively building a company. | $25,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | support@gravywealth.com | Link to Funder | |
| Chaffee County | Enterprise Growth Grants Pilot Program | A pilot grant program launched to support local business growth and economic development in Chaffee County, ColoradoDesigned to help businesses:Expand operationsIncrease revenueCreate jobsFocuses on strengthening the local economy through scalable business activity | Applicants must:Be a for-profit businessBe located in Chaffee County, ColoradoDemonstrate:Growth potentialAbility to create or retain jobsClear business expansion or improvement plan | $50,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | Betsy@chaffeecommunity.or | Link to Funder | |
| California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) | DISC4 Awards: Multidisciplinary Collaborative Research | The DISC4 Awards support large-scale, cross-disciplinary research collaborations aimed at advancing the understanding of human diseases. The program funds integrated studies led by teams of California-based investigators using diverse technologies and approaches. The 2026–2027 funding cycle focuses on Immune-Tissue Interplay in Disease, Homeostasis, and Repair. | California-based research institutionsTeams of five or more investigatorsMultidisciplinary collaboration requiredAcademic and research institutions (not typical startups)Must align with the defined scientific focus area | $13,000,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | info@cirm.ca.gov | Link to Funder | |
| MassCyberCenter | Cyber Resilient Massachusetts Grant Program | The Cyber Resilient Massachusetts Grant Program provides funding to strengthen cybersecurity capabilities across Massachusetts organizations. The program supports initiatives that improve cyber resilience, workforce development, and adoption of cybersecurity best practices, particularly for small businesses, municipalities, and critical infrastructure organizations. | Massachusetts-based organizationsSmall businesses, municipalities, nonprofits, and institutionsMust propose projects that improve cybersecurity resilienceMay include partnerships with cybersecurity vendors or training providers | $25,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | smb@cybertrustmass.org | Link to Funder | |
| MassVentures | SBIR Targeted Technologies (START) Grant – Round 1 (Entry Point) | The START Program provides state-funded, non-dilutive grants to Massachusetts-based companies that have received federal SBIR/STTR Phase II awards. The program is designed to accelerate commercialization, support job creation, and help companies transition from research and development into market-ready products and services. | Must be a Massachusetts-based companyMust have an SBIR or STTR Phase II award (or equivalent)Focus on commercialization of previously funded federal research | $100,000 | 02/23/2027 | General Inquiries | 617-723-4920 | Link to Funder | |
| MassVentures | SBIR Targeted Technologies (START) Grant – Round 2 (Follow-on, Competitive) | The START Program provides state-funded, non-dilutive grants to Massachusetts-based companies that have received federal SBIR/STTR Phase II awards. The program is designed to accelerate commercialization, support job creation, and help companies transition from research and development into market-ready products and services. | Only available to top-performing Round 1 awardees from prior year. Progression-based / invite or performance-based.MA-based only. Requires prior SBIR/STTR Phase II. | $200,000 | 02/23/2027 | General Inquiries | 617-723-4920 | Link to Funder | |
| MassVentures | SBIR Targeted Technologies (START) Grant – Round 3 (Advanced / Spinout Capital) | The START Program provides state-funded, non-dilutive grants to Massachusetts-based companies that have received federal SBIR/STTR Phase II awards. The program is designed to accelerate commercialization, support job creation, and help companies transition from research and development into market-ready products and services. | Seed capital tied to commercial spinout from strongest Round 2 companies. Progression-based / invite or performance-based.MA-based only. Requires prior SBIR/STTR Phase II. | $500,000 | 02/23/2027 | General Inquiries | 617-723-4920 | Link to Funder | |
| MassVentures | Catalyst | Provides funding to support researchers and early-stage companies in demonstrating initial prototypes of clean energy technologies, helping bridge the gap between concept and commercialization. | researchers and early-stage companies developing clean energy technologies | $75,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | companycatalyst@masscec.com. | Link to Funder | |
| MassVentures | Diversity in Cleantech Early Stage (DICES) | Provides additional funding in parallel with the Catalyst program to support clean energy projects led by women-owned or minority-owned early-stage companies, promoting diversity in cleantech innovation. | Early-stage companies that are women-owned or minority-owned (certified or certifiable) developing clean energy technologies | $75,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | companycatalyst@masscec.com. | Link to Funder | |
| Cornell University – Center for Life Science Enterprise | CAT Life Science Technology Commercialization Grants | Competitive grant program designed to advance early-stage life science technologies toward commercialization through collaborative projects between Cornell researchers and New York State companies. | New York State companies are eligible as required industry partners; Cornell faculty must serve as the primary applicant | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | biotech_CAT@cornell.edu | Link to Funder | |
| Simply Business and Sky's the Limit | Big Dreams Grant | Through our Big Dreams Grant, We're investing in 5 small business owners who are looking to scale. Each winner receives: $5,000 each for their next growth move; One-year membership to Sky’s the Limit’s Launchpad Program, a business accelerator and mentorship program, providing expert guidance and resources to grow your business; Plus 20 runners up will also receive a 6-month membership to the Launchpad Program, a business accelerator and mentorship program. | U.S.-based small business; generated a minimum of $25,000 in gross revenue over the last 12 months | $5,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | press@simplybusiness.com; 855-869-5183 | Link to Funder | |
| MIT Solve | 2027 Global Learning Challenge | Applications are open through November 6 for the MIT Solve 2027 Global Learning Challenge, seeking technology-driven solutions that address global education gaps. The challenge has a particular focus on tools that strengthen teaching, support learners in low-resource and multilingual settings, improve assessment and early screening, and advance responsible use of technology in education. | Anyone | $10,000 | 11/06/2026 | General Inquiries | help@solve.mit.edu | Link to Funder | |
| California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) | Rare Disease Acceleration Through Platform Innovation and Delivery (RAPID) - Innovation | The RAPID program advances the development and delivery of platform-based genetic therapies for Americans with rare diseases. RAPID Innovation focuses on earlier-stage projects that are exploring novel or emerging platform technologies. These projects are expected to push the boundaries of what constitutes a platform, including innovations that could reduce testing requirements or expand applicability across multiple rare diseases. Applicants must have either completed an INTERACT meeting with the FDA or have submitted the INTERACT meeting request to the FDA at the time of application. Applicants may propose activities ranging from platform optimization, IND-enabling studies and submission of a master protocol IND. The expected outcome for RAPID Innovation awards is master protocol IND clearance for an FIH trial of at least three in vivo genetic therapy candidates. | California for-profit or non-profit entities. Application must propose a platform comprising at least three in vivo genetic therapy candidates targeting rare diseases. | Varies | TBA | General Inquiries | preclinical@cirm.ca.gov | Link to Funder | |
| California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) | Rare Disease Acceleration Through Platform Innovation and Delivery (RAPID) - Validation | The RAPID program advances the development and delivery of platform-based genetic therapies for Americans with rare diseases. RAPID Validation is intended for projects that have already engaged with the FDA and received preliminary regulatory alignment on their platform approach for at least three in vivo genetic therapy candidates via a pre-IND meeting. RAPID Validation awards will support all activities required to initiate and complete a FIH master protocol2 clinical trial of at least three in vivo genetic therapy candidates. Applicants may propose a development plan that includes IND-enabling studies, submission and clearance of a master protocol IND, and execution of the FIH clinical trial. The expected outcome for RAPID Validation awards is the completion of the FIH clinical trial of at least three in vivo genetic therapy candidates that demonstrates clinical proof of concept for the platform. | California for-profit or non-profit entities. Application must propose a platform comprising at least three in vivo genetic therapy candidates targeting rare diseases. | Varies | TBA | General Inquiries | preclinical@cirm.ca.gov | Link to Funder | |
| IBM Ventures | IBM Sports Tech Startup Challenge | Global sports-tech pitch challenge for startups using AI to improve sports, including athlete performance, stadium operations, fan engagement, broadcast, data infrastructure, and sports entertainment workflows. Regional showcases lead toward an invite-only competition at Web Summit Lisbon 2026. | Startups with enterprise-grade AI solutions for the sports and entertainment industry. Full eligibility, deadlines, and selection criteria are announced through the Web Summit startup portal closer to each event. | $100,000 | Rolling | Rebeccah Propp | Rebeccah.propp@ibm.com | Link to Funder | |
| PodGround | PodGround Creator Micro-Grant | Micro-grant for independent podcasters to support podcast sustainability, including gear, hosting, software, creative development, production, or promotion. | Individual podcast creators age 18+ anywhere in the world, podcasting for 3 years or less, able to receive funds digitally. Must create a free PodGround account and attend required virtual PodGround events. | $500 | TBA | General Inquiries | remi@podground.io | Link to Funder | |
| Main Street Fort Smith | Main Street Fort Smith Mini-Grant Program | Main Street Fort Smith will award up to $15,000 in 50/50 matching grants, with individual awards typically ranging from $1,500 – $7,500 depending on project type and number of applicants. Grantees must provide a matching investment (cash or documented in-kind contributions). This is a reimbursement grant. Eligible Expenses: Façade improvements; Restoration of architectural details or historically appropriate features; Accessibility upgrades; Placemaking or beautification projects; Interior improvements that enhance customer experience while preserving building character. | Businesses and property owners in the Main Street Fort Smith district (Arkansas) who wish to improve their buildings while preserving the historical and architectural value of these structures | $7,500 | TBA | General Inquiries | info@mainstreetfs.org | Projects must be completed by March 15, 2027. | Link to Funder |
| America First Business Challenge™ (Sponsor-funded by $TRUMP Coin) | America First Business Challenge™ | A national 90-day entrepreneurship competition providing non-dilutive grant funding to U.S. businesses that create jobs, drive innovation, and contribute to domestic economic growth. In addition to grant funding, finalists receive national media exposure and business promotion. | U.S.-based entrepreneurs and businesses building scalable American companies. Businesses should demonstrate innovation, job creation potential, and long-term viability. | $250,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | contact@americafirstchallenge.com | Sponsored by $TRUMP coin. Connect your wallet and verify your holdings to vote and submit. | Link to Funder |
| Cecilia’s House, LLC / The Hustle Grant | The Hustle Grant | The Hustle Grant provides $1,000 microgrants to women-owned businesses to support entrepreneurs working to grow or stabilize their businesses. The program emphasizes simple access to capital, financial stability, and support for marginalized and underfunded women entrepreneurs. | Women age 18 or older; business must be at least 50% women-owned; business must operate in the United States. The launch announcement says businesses and nonprofits may apply. | $1,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@thehustlegrant.com | Link to Funder | |
| U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation / FedEx | Small Business Readiness for Resiliency Program (R4R) | R4R helps small businesses prepare for disasters through an emergency preparedness checklist and registration process. Registered eligible businesses may receive quick-turn $5,000 recovery grants if a qualifying disaster impacts their area. | U.S. small businesses with 500 or fewer employees and an EIN. Nonprofit organizations are not eligible. Businesses must complete the preparedness checklist and register before a qualifying disaster occurs. Grant eligibility depends on a federal disaster declaration or qualifying disaster impact in the business’s area. | $5,000 | Rolling | Resilience Programs | resilience@uschamber.com | : Businesses complete preparedness steps and register in the R4R database. After a qualifying disaster, the Foundation identifies businesses in affected areas and determines grant eligibility. | Link to Funder |
| Thiel Foundation / Peter Thiel | The Thiel Fellowship | Two-year fellowship for young people building ambitious new things instead of pursuing a traditional classroom path. Fellows receive non-dilutive funding and access to the Thiel Foundation’s network of founders, investors, and scientists. | Individuals age 22 or younger without an undergraduate or graduate university degree. Applicants may still be in school when applying, but must drop out or stop out to accept the fellowship. | $250,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | team@thielfellowship.org | Link to Funder | |
| Bronx Chamber of Commerce, Optimum Business | Bronx Small Business Grant Program | Optimum Business and the Bronx Chamber of Commerce are proud to bring $145,000 in grants to support small businesses in the Bronx through the Lifting Up Small Businesses in The Bronx program. The program awards 25 eligible local businesses with a $5,000 grant and one $20,000 grand prize grant to support local businesses in their growth and long-term success. | A business needs to have a brick-and-mortar location in a community Optimum serves, a team of ten or fewer employees, be at least one year in operation, and as part of the application, the owner must describe how the grant would help the business grow and strengthen the community it serves. | $5,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | info@bronxchamber.org | Link to Funder | |
| Grid110 and SHOPLINE | Clicks & Mortar | Two-part accelerator helping Los Angeles-area product businesses build online storefronts, strengthen retail operations, and sell directly to consumers during the holiday season. | Product or retail founder selling, or ready to sell, a physical product; early-stage small business with under $5 million in annual revenue; able to commit to the 10-week program and attend an in-person Los Angeles marketplace. | $20,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | hello@grid110.org | Link to Funder | |
| TechConnect, a division of Advanced Technology International (ATI) | 2026 Chem-Bio Threat Detection Innovation Challenge | A competitive innovation challenge seeking scalable, dual-use technologies that improve chemical and biological threat detection, characterization, protection, preparedness, operational decision-making, and response across defense and civilian environments. | Formal applicant-type restrictions are not published. The application accepts different organization types, organization sizes, countries, technology-development stages, and TRLs. Applicants must submit a relevant chem-bio technology and must not include confidential or proprietary information. Contact TechConnect to confirm any entity-specific eligibility concerns. | $25,000 | 08/25/2027 | Laura Murphree | laura@techconnect.org | Link to Funder | |
| Richard and Maude Ferry Foundation | Maude’s Ventures General Grant | Provides early seed funding for new, scalable innovations that improve the well-being and quality of life of people living with dementia, their caregivers, or both. | Nonprofits, for-profit businesses, and individuals with new, scalable dementia-care ideas requiring early funding. Individuals selected for funding may need to establish an LLC or similar entity. International applicants require an equivalency determination or a partnership with a qualifying U.S. 501(c)(3) “friends of” organization through which funds can be distributed. | $50,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | samantha.lafontaine@ferryfound.org | Link to Funder | |
| Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council | Young Entrepreneurs Competition | The Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council (ChicagoMSDC) and the Chicago Business Opportunity Forums (CBOF), in partnership with Aetna Better Health of Illinois and the Cook County Small Business Source, proudly present the third annual Young Entrepreneurs Competition — a dynamic program designed for minority entrepreneurs aged 18–35 who are ready to scale their businesses. | Entrepreneurs aged 18–35 with for-profit business based in Illinois or in the Northwest Indiana counties of Lake, Porter, LaPorte, Newton, or Jasper; Must be 51% minority-owned, operated, and controlled; managed by owners with demonstrated expertise and day-to-day operational control | Varies | TBA | Vanessa Smith | vsmith@chicagomsdc.org | Link to Funder | |
| The International Downtown Association Foundation | Backing International Small Restaurants Grant Program | The goal is to help these restaurants with critical improvements and long-term sustainability so they can focus on nourishing their customers with good food and furthering community connection. Among other things, funding can be used for enhancing digital capabilities, building or refreshing dining spaces, making improvements to kitchen operations, and revitalizing local outreach programs. To date the efforts of 140 businesses have been recognized with more than $1.8M in funding from this program. $1.45M USD will be awarded to 100 independent restaurants with community significance in 15 major cities across the UK, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Canada, Spain and France. | Small (5 or fewer locations) independently owned restaurant, cafe or bar/pub with food offering, located in one of the 15 program cities; in operation for more than 1 year; brick and mortar location/storefront. Annual revenue must be below market-specific thresholds. | $15,000 | 04/15/2027 | Clay Daneker | clay@downtown.org | Link to Funder | |
| Pow Wow Pitch | Pow Wow Pitch | Pow Wow Pitch is a pitch competition for Indigenous entrepreneurs across Turtle Island to shine the spotlight on pow wow vendors, artists, business builders and innovators from all backgrounds and industries, whether just starting or looking to grow to the next level. | Indigenous people living anywhere on Turtle Island (Canada or the United States) of any age or gender with an idea or business at any stage and in any industry. | $25,000 | 06/01/2027 | General Inquiries | hello@powwowpitch.org | Virtual Pitch Prizes: $25,000 - Grand Prize; $10,000 - 2nd Place; $5,000 - 3rd Place; $5,000 - Alumni Choice; $1,000 - People's Choice; $1,000 - Industry Semi-Final Prizes. In-Person Pitch Prizes: $5,000 - 1st Place; $2,500 - 2nd Place; $1,000 - 3rd Place; $500 - Youth Prize; $500 - Fan Favourite | Link to Funder |
| Intuit QuickBooks | Intuit IDEAS | Intuit Inc., the global financial technology platform behind TurboTax, Credit Karma, QuickBooks, and Mailchimp, has announced the national expansion of its IDEAS (Invest, Develop, Empower, Accelerate, and Scale) accelerator program. This initiative, in partnership with the National Urban League, is now accepting applications from small business owners in nine U.S. cities and a nationwide cohort exclusively for veterans and military spouse entrepreneurs. | Small busisesses in Atlanta, GA; Charlotte, NC; Chicago, IL; Dallas/Fort Worth, TX; Los Angeles, CA; New York City, NY; Philadelphia, PA; and San Diego, CA (metro area), West Virginia (entire state); in operation at least one year. Military veteran and military-spouse entrepreneurs nationwide are eligible to apply for a special virtual cohort of military entrepreneurs | $5,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | ideas@valuespartnerships.com | Link to Funder | |
| New Energy New York (NENY) by Binghamton University, NY-BEST | NENY Technical Assistance Program – Round 5 | The NENY Technical Assistance Program provides funding to support New York-based battery and energy storage companies in advancing their technologies through testing, prototyping, and certification services. The program connects awardees with qualified vendors across New York State to accelerate commercialization and technical validation. It is designed to strengthen the state’s battery ecosystem and support innovation across the energy storage supply chain. | Companies located in New York State developing battery or energy storage technologies, products, or services; must maintain a physical presence in New York during the program and for at least one year post-award | $100,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | https://neny.org/contact-us/ | Link to Funder | |
| Orange County Economic Development / IGNITE the Vision Program | IGNITE the Vision Small Business Pitch Competition 2026 | The IGNITE the Vision Small Business Pitch Competition is an entrepreneurial initiative designed to support and showcase small businesses and startups through a competitive pitch event. The program provides participants with an opportunity to present their business ideas to a panel of judges, gain exposure, receive mentorship, and compete for funding to support business growth and development within the local community. | Eligibility: Small businesses and entrepreneurs, typically operating or planning to operate within the Orange, Texas region or surrounding area. | Varies | 06/02/2027 | Dana Espinal | espinaldm@lamarpa.edu | Link to Funder | |
| Naturally Rising | The Conscious Business Pitch Competition (formerly Pitch Slam) | Formerly called Pitch Slam, Naturally Rising is Naturally Network’s premier pitch competition for conscious CPG brands. Every year, brands from across the ecosystem apply for the chance to compete in their home chapter’s regional competition, with finalists from each chapter moving on to compete in the final national round. Each regional finalist from across 11 Naturally chapters will take the stage at Newtopia Now in Denver, CO, showcasing purpose-driven businesses built for retail success and grounded in the 5 Ps: Passion, Purpose, People, Planet, and Prosperity. Each regional winner will also receive a complimentary booth at Newtopia Now in Denver in August. | Naturally Rising is open to all Naturally Network member brands in good standing and your company must be US based | Varies | 03/20/2027 | General Inquiries | info@naturallychicago.org | Link to Funder | |
| InvestFest | Open Pitch at InvestFest | Open Pitch is for early-stage tech founders at any point in the building process. Whether you've launched a product, built an MVP, or are just starting to show traction, we want to hear from you. If you've got a clear vision, a real problem you're solving, and the drive to build something big—this is your stage. We welcome startups that have raised early funding, as long as you're still in the early stages and the Open Pitch investment can help accelerate your next chapter. | AI-native and agentic tech companies, early-stage founders at any point in the building process (launched, MVP, traction, or beyond) | $125,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | help@investfest.com | Takes 7% equity in the company. 6% via a YCombinator style SAFE and 1% equity grant to Earn Your Leisure | Link to Funder |
| H-E-B | Quest for Texas Best | Quest for the Texas Best is a competitive pitch competition and retail readiness program designed to identify and support Texas-based food and beverage brands. Winners receive cash prizes, mentorship, and the opportunity for product placement on H-E-B shelves, offering significant exposure and distribution potential. | Texas-based food, beverage or realted CPG business; Product must be shelf-ready or near retail readiness; Must meet H-E-B quality, safety, and packaging standards; Typically geared toward small businesses and entrepreneurs | $50,000 | 04/22/2027 | General Inquiries | https://newsroom.heb.com/contact-us/ | Link to Funder | |
| CoFounders | Philly 250 Business Summit Pitch Competition | A pitch competition held as part of the Philly 250 Business Summit, designed to support and spotlight entrepreneurs—particularly underrepresented founders. Participants gain the opportunity to pitch their businesses, access networking, mentorship, and compete for funding and exposure. | Entrepreneurs and small business owners (often early-stage) located in, registered and licensed in the City of Phildelphia; must have an Employer Identification Number (EIN); Strong emphasis on underrepresented founders (including women, minority-owned businesses, and community-based entrepreneurs); Must be able to participate in the Philly-based summit/event; Businesses across industries may be eligible (not strictly limited to CPG) | $10,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | https://cofounderos.com/apply/6Ovha/Mom-Your-Business-ProgramsAccelerators/Philly-250-Business-Summit-Pitch-Competition | Link to Funder | |
| DC Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) | Dream Pitch Program | Dream Pitch is a multi-phase business development and pitch competition program designed to support Washington, DC-based entrepreneurs—particularly those from underrepresented communities. The program combines training, mentorship, and technical assistance with the opportunity to compete for grant funding through a pitch competition. | Washington, DC-based business; Must be a Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) or eligible to become one; Small businesses and entrepreneurs across industries; Strong emphasis on supporting underrepresented founders | $7,500 | TBA | General Inquiries | dslbd@dc.gov | Link to Funder | |
| Manifest Your Purpose; sponsored by Dotted and Collective Consulting Partners | MYP Money Moves Summit 2026 Pitch Competition | A pitch competition for U.S. woman-owned businesses. Five finalists receive coaching, mentorship, business exposure, and the opportunity to compete for three cash prizes at the Money Moves Summit. | Woman-owned business located in the United States. Product-based, service-based, and ideation-stage businesses are eligible. Applicants must purchase a summit ticket and post the required Instagram Reel. | $5,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | support@manifestyourpurpose.co | Link to Funder | |
| Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, jointly administered with MassVentures | Catalyst and Academic Activator Programs | Non-dilutive prototype-development grants helping Massachusetts researchers and very early-stage climatetech companies move TRL 2–4 technologies toward commercial validation, investor interest, and company formation. | Massachusetts early-stage climatetech companies, PIs at Massachusetts nonprofit research institutions, and Massachusetts student teams led by an eligible PI. Programs are for technologies that are at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 2-4, | $75,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | companycatalyst@masscec.com | Link to Funder | |
| FORGE, with support from the Eastern Bank Foundation | FORGE Product Development Grant for Startups and Existing Businesses with Underrepresented Leadership | Non-dilutive funding for regional hardtech startups and existing businesses to overcome a defined product-development or manufacturing obstacle between a physical prototype and commercial production. | Hardtech companies with underrepresented leadership located in Massachusetts or eligible portions of New Hampshire and Rhode Island. Both startups and existing businesses may apply. | $50,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | https://forgeimpact.org/contact/ | Link to Funder | |
| MassCyberCenter, a division of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative | Cyber Resilient Massachusetts Grant Program | A cybersecurity-services subsidy for Massachusetts municipalities, qualifying small businesses, and nonprofits purchasing Security Operations Center services from CyberTrust Massachusetts. | Massachusetts municipalities, regional school districts, qualifying regional entities, nonprofits, and SBA-defined small businesses. | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | proposals@masstech.org | Link to Funder | |
| Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, through the Northeast Microelectronics Coalition Hub | PROPEL Program, Notice of Funding Opportunity No. 2025-NEMC-03 | A competitive grant supporting startups and small companies that need third-party manufacturing or operational services to move qualifying microelectronics technologies from laboratory development toward fabrication and commercialization. | Applicant must be a company registered to do business in the United States; have 100 or fewer employees; be an active NEMC Hub member or have submitted a membership application before submitting PROPEL; and demonstrate alignment with at least one eligible technology area and a lab-to-fab transition. Applicants throughout the United States are eligible. | $100,000 | 01/15/2027 | General Inquiries | proposals@masstech.org | Companies with 50 or fewer employees must contribute 25% of eligible project costs in cash; PROPEL reimburses up to 75%. Companies with 51–100 employees must contribute 50%; PROPEL reimburses up to 50%. The company must initially pay the vendor’s full invoice and then request reimbursement. | Link to Funder |
| Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber Foundation | Highlighting Young Professional Excellence | A Shark Tank-style competition for young business owners connected to Southwest Michigan. Seven finalists are expected to pitch before a panel of local entrepreneurs on November 18, 2026. Winners receive startup capital and potentially technical or in-kind assistance. | The pitching participant must be 21–40 years old on November 18, 2026. The applicant must reside, work, or have another strong connection to Berrien, Cass, or Van Buren County, including plans to launch the business locally. The business must be fully active and between one and five years old. | $15,000 | 09/30/2027 | Jasmine Hansen | jhansen@smrchamber.com | Link to Funder | |
| Beasley Media Group Detroit, in partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation | Beasley Detroit Small Business Grant Program | Provides local businesses with professional radio and digital advertising intended to increase visibility, attract customers, and accelerate growth. Official Beasley announcement | Small and medium-sized businesses located in Metro Detroit or Southeast Michigan. Secondary listings report that applicants must be for-profit, have less than $5 million in annual revenue, and have operated for at least two years, but these conditions should be confirmed against the 2026 official rules. | $10,000 | 08/31/2027 | Beasley Detroit advertising team | 313-513-3578 | Link to Funder | |
| Hudson Valley Venture Hub at SUNY New Paltz | Hudson Valley Venture Hub Demo Night | Early-stage Hudson Valley companies compete for cash prizes by presenting a five-minute pitch and answering judges’ questions. The event offers investor exposure, feedback, mentoring, and regional connections. | Companies located in the Hudson Valley with a working prototype, product, or compelling service; applicants must be ready to deliver a concise demonstration and value-proposition pitch. The eligible counties or geographic boundaries are not defined. | $7,500 | 02/04/2027 | General Inquiries | burkeb2@newpaltz.edu | Link to Funder | |
| Epic Games | Epic MegaGrants | Funding for promising projects that advance real-time 3D development. Epic reports supporting more than 2,100 projects across 102 countries. | Smaller teams, solo developers, innovators, game studios, Fortnite Creative teams, and other creators using Epic technology. Eligible categories include Unreal Engine indie games, UEFN experiences, promising projects migrating from another engine, open-source tools, and other projects that advance real-time 3D or benefit the 3D community. | Varies | 03/19/2027 | General Inquiries | megagrants@epicgames.com | Link to Funder | |
| Joe and Clara Tsai Foundation Social Justice Fund | Brooklyn Pitch Competition | The Brooklyn Pitch Competition provides $450,000 in unrestricted grant funding to established Brooklyn businesses ready to scale. Awards include a $150,000 grand prize and finalist awards ranging from $25,000 to $75,000. Selected finalists will pitch live at Barclays Center in November and receive investor introductions, capital matchmaking, strategic advisory support, and connections to procurement and growth opportunities. | Applicants must be headquartered or primarily operating in Brooklyn and generate between $1 million and $5 million in annual revenue. Businesses must demonstrate a clear growth strategy, expansion potential, innovation, execution capacity, and business momentum. Applicants must also contribute to Brooklyn’s economy through job creation, local hiring, community impact, or neighborhood investment and be prepared to participate in competitive screening and a live pitch event if selected. | $150,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | hello@cambiolabs.org | Link to Funder | |
| Wellcome Trust | Global mental-health science prize | The Wellcome Prize for Mental Health Science with Nature recognizes research teams that have developed novel, clinically supported interventions for anxiety, depression, or psychosis. Eligible interventions may be pharmacological, psychological, social, or digital and must demonstrate measurable clinical benefit through rigorous evidence. | Research team based at one of the following: University, research institution, hospital, government organization, non-profit, or small or medium-sized enterprise | $1,000,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | awards@nature.com | Link to Funder | |
| Council of Fashion Designers of America and Genesis | AAPI Design & Innovation Grant | Since 2023, CFDA and Genesis House have recognized and celebrated standout AAPI designers pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation in fashion. Each winner will receive $60,000 in funding from Genesis House to support the development of their design challenge and the growth of their business, as well as access to mentorship and guidance from a cross-disciplinary advisory board spanning fashion, retail, media and business. | Fashion/design brands based in the United States and led by Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) designers; in operation at least two years and one year of demonstrated sales; less than $5M in annual gross revenue; brand must specialize in fashion apparel or accessories | $60,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | genesisprogram@cfda.com | Link to Funder | |
| H&R Block | Fund Her Future Grant | The third annual Fund Her Future grant program focuses on women-owned U.S. small businesses. For 2026, all applicants will receive year-long, community-focused support tailored to needs such as tax preparation, bookkeeping, payroll, compliance, and incorporation. Four selected applicants will each receive $45,000 in funding plus a full year of small business services, including tax prep, bookkeeping, payroll, and a business structure analysis. | U.S. small business owners, FT or PT, sole proprietor or employer; at least eighteen (18) years of age or older (19 in AL and NE); existing and established companies who have generated a minimum of $20,000 in revenue in 2025. If you are a woman-pwned company, we would love to hear from you. | $45,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | 800-472-4625 | Link to Funder | |
| Makers Mindset and The Equity Studio | Makers Mindset x The Equity Studio 2026 Grant | A national grant program supporting early-stage, women-led beauty and wellness consumer-product brands. Five businesses will each receive an equity-free grant, group mentorship, community access, and promotional visibility through the organizers’ platforms. | The business must be legally registered in the United States; sell an eligible beauty or wellness CPG product; have no more than 10 employees; be at least 51% women-owned; have annual revenue above $50,000 but no greater than $2 million; and have generated revenue for at least one full year. Employees, judges, and immediate family members of Makers Mindset, The Equity Studio, or participating judges are ineligible. | $10,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | grants@makersmindset.com | Link to Funder | |
| NAWBO Philadelphia | She Pitches Philly Women’s Business Pitch Competition | An inaugural pitch competition supporting early-stage and growing women-owned businesses through cash prizes, visibility, and connections with investors, advisors, and other entrepreneurs. | Early-stage or small growth-stage, women-owned businesses generating less than $500,000 in annual revenue and located in Greater Philadelphia, Lehigh County, or Northampton County. | $10,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | info@nawbophiladelphia.org | Link to Funder | |
| Michigan Good Food Fund (MGGF) | Seed Awards | Michigan Good Food Fund is seeking Michigan-based growers, aggregators/distribution, infrastructure, products/value added, food service and grocery/retail businesses that can benefit from seed (grant) funding to grow their business and/or help prepare for financing. With this RFP, Michigan Good Food Fund invites Michigan-based business owners to apply for a seed grant to take their business to the next level. | Michigan farms, retail businesses (grocery stores, markets, farm stands, and food co-ops), food infrastructure businesses (incubator kitchens, co-manufacturers, and food hubs), food service businesses, product makers and value-added businesses. BIPOC and women-owned businesses are highly encouraged to apply. | $20,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | info@migoodfoodfund.org | Link to Funder | |
| Stanford Engineering | eWEAR Health Prize | The eWEAR Health Prize @ Stanford U. event has the purpose of fostering early-career founders and foremost provides a learning opportunity for participants as per the mission of the university. The eWEAR Health Prize @ Stanford U. is designed to encourage emerging companies with breakthrough, deep tech innovations for health or medical use. | The applying company must: Be incorporated in the United StatesHave a business location in the United StatesBe at a very early stageBe seeking pre-seed or seed financing before a Series ANot be seeking Series A financing or laterHave a founder or co-founder serve as the applicant and presenterFit the medical or health deep-tech themeParticipate in person at Stanford if selected. The presenting founder must:Be 18–35 years old on November 6, 2026Be a founder or co-founderTravel to Stanford for the competitionDeliver the pitch personally unless Stanford approves an eligible alternate | $25,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | wearable-electronics@stanford.edu | Link to Funder | |
| Airbnb and American Farmland Trust | Farm to Stay Grant | Airbnb and American Farmland Trust are launching the Farm to Stay Grant Program through AFT’s Brighter Future Fund. This national grant will support farmers and ranchers creating or expanding farm stays and experiences as an additional income stream. We will distribute approximately 25-30 grants of up to $10,000 each. Eligibility and guideline details will be made available before applications open in late November 2026. | American for-profit farmers and ranchers that want to develop or expand a farm stay or experience as an additional income stream | $10,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | brighterfuture@farmland.org | Link to Funder | |
| NC State Extension / NC AgVentures, funded by the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission (NCTTFC) | NC AgVentures Farm Grant Program – 2026–2027 Cycle | Competitive cost-share grant program supporting North Carolina family farms and eligible local nonprofit/community organizations undertaking agricultural projects designed to increase farm profits and build farm capacity. | Applicant must be a current North Carolina resident with an established independent farm operation in NC. The farm must have been revenue-generating for at least one year. This is not a farm startup grant. | $10,000 | 12/15/2026 | Sara Drake, NC AgVentures Farm Grant Program Lead | sadrake@ncsu.edu | 15% cash cost share | Link to Funder |
| Innovate Mississippi / Regions Foundation | InvestMS Scale-Up Pitch Competition 2026 | Pitch competition for Mississippi startups with demonstrated traction that are ready to scale and gain exposure to investors. Finalists pitch live during Innovate Mississippi’s annual Accelerate Conference. The program is designed not only around the cash prize but also investor exposure and fundraising connections. The previous competition brought finalists before national fund managers and investors. | Mississippi startups with real traction. The 2026 announcement specifically describes the opportunity as being for Mississippi startups with demonstrated traction. Detailed 2026 thresholds for revenue, years in business, or capital raised have not yet been publicly specified in the materials I could verify. | $15,000 | 10/30/2026 | General Inquiries | 601-960-3610 | Link to Funder | |
| Pave HER Way | 2026 Disruptor Award | Supports transformational projects and ideas that advance women or girls in areas such as arts, community development, education, economic mobility, employment, finance, health, media, science, and technology. | Applicant must identify as a woman, be at least 18, be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and not be an officer, employee, board member, or relative of those associated with Pave HER Way. The project must provide a credible public benefit for women or girls. | $90,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | apply@paveherway.org | Link to Funder | |
| MAC Foundation / Midlands African Chamber | Pitch Black 2027 Competition | Seven-stage Midwest entrepreneurship competition culminating in a live pitch at the Pitch Black Conference. Five finalists receive cash awards and technical assistance, including legal, accounting, and marketing services. | For-profit startup or newly established business located in Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, Minnesota, or Kansas. Individual applicants, or at least 51% of the owners of corporate applicants, must reside in one of these states and identify as under-resourced or underrepresented entrepreneurs, immigrants, or refugees. Applicants must participate in scheduled coaching and the June 12, 2027 in-person finale. | $10,000 | 11/02/2026 | General Inquiries | info@midlandsafricanchamber.com | The maximum individual cash prize listed is $10,000 for first place; the advertised grand-prize package also includes substantial in-kind services and must not be entered as an individual cash award. Selected entrants participate in several coaching/judging rounds and an in-person finale. Application fees, equity/SAFE conditions, and intellectual property transfer terms are not specified on the official page. | Link to Funder |
| Groundswell Startups / Space Coast Initiative | Pitch the Future 2026 | High-tech startup pitch competition and capstone event of the Space Coast Initiative. It is designed to move early-stage companies from prototype toward investment readiness while connecting founders with investors, strategic partners, mentors, and the Florida technology ecosystem. | Early-stage, technology-driven startups based in Florida. Space Coast companies receive priority, particularly startups headquartered in Brevard County or maintaining a substantial operational presence there. Statewide Florida startups may compete for remaining spots. Applicants must be technology-driven, scalable, and pursuing large/high-growth markets. | $15,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | community@swellstartups.com | Link to Funder | |
| Optimum Business and Lubbock Chamber of Commerce | 2026 Lifting Up Lubbock, TX Small Business Grant | Optimum Business is investing $125,000 to provide 25 Lubbock-area small businesses with $5,000 grants supporting business technology, growth, and community impact. | pplicant must have a brick-and-mortar business in an Optimum-served Lubbock community; employ 25 or fewer people; agree to a background check; participate in program promotional materials; and explain how funding will advance the company and benefit its community. | $5,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | info@lubbockbiz.org | Link to Funder | |
| Toast, in partnership with Hello Alice and Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) | 2026 Toast Changemakers Program | Supports established community initiatives operated by restaurants to address hunger and food insecurity. Examples include food donations, community meals, surplus-food redistribution, food-bank partnerships, pay-it-forward programs, and reduced-price meals. | The applicant must be the business’s leading executive and a legal resident of the United States, Washington, D.C., or Puerto Rico. Applicants must be at least 18, or 19 in Alabama and Nebraska. The business must be an independently owned, for-profit restaurant, café, food truck, bar/lounge, or other food-service business; have operated for at least six months; operate no more than 15 locations; employ fewer than 50 people per location; generate no more than $3 million in annual revenue per location; and already operate an active food-insecurity initiative. Toast customers and noncustomers may apply. | $10,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | grants@helloalice.com | Link to Funder | |
| : InsurTech America / InsurTech Hartford LLC | InsurTech America Innovation Challenge 2026 | A national competition connecting insurance-industry startups, scale-ups, students, and innovators with insurers, technology leaders, mentors, and investors. It includes $30,000 in cash awards, structured mentorship, and a possible pathway to the Startup World Cup. | Startups, scale-ups, and innovators developing solutions for the insurance ecosystem may enter the two general categories. The student category is restricted to current students and Spring 2026 graduates of Connecticut colleges and universities. | $10,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | info@insurtechhartford.com | Link to Funder | |
| Sanofi, powered by MassChallenge | Sanofi THRIVE Challenge | THRIVE stands for Transforming Health in Rural America through Inclusive, Value-driven Equity. The challenge supports technology companies improving chronic-disease outcomes in rural and underserved U.S. communities. | U.S.-owned and operated healthtech or digital-health startups addressing respiratory health, immunology, rare blood disorders, vaccines, or women’s health. Solutions must benefit rural or underserved communities. | $70,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | programs@masschallenge.org | Link to Funder | |
| Grand Island Area Economic Development Corporation, Central Community College Entrepreneurship Center, and program sponsors | Big Idea Grand Island | A local “Shark Tank”-style competition for aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs. Ten finalists deliver live pitches of no more than two minutes, followed by questions from the judges. | For-profit business ideas located in Grand Island, Nebraska, or within its two-mile zoning jurisdiction. Applicants must generally be at least 19; younger applicants require parent or guardian permission. | $10,000 | TBA | Alyssa Heagy | alyssaheagy@cccneb.edu | Link to Funder | |
| North Carolina Board of Science, Technology & Innovation and North Carolina Department of Commerce | One North Carolina SBIR/STTR Phase I Incentive Funds Program - FY 2026-2027 | Reimburses qualified North Carolina small businesses for a portion of eligible costs incurred while preparing and submitting a federal SBIR/STTR Phase I or Fast Track proposal. | For-profit small businesses with their principal place of business in North Carolina that receive federal confirmation of a qualifying Phase I or Fast Track proposal during the solicitation period, conduct at least 51% of proposed Phase I activities in North Carolina, maintain significant state operations, remain in good standing, and have no overdue tax debts. | $12,000 | 06/30/2027 | General Inquiries | info@nccommerce.com | The program reimburses up to 75% of eligible proposal costs in Tier 1 or 2 counties or 50% in Tier 3, capped at $12,000, until funds are exhausted. CyberGrants submission requires a recent North Carolina certificate, the full federal proposal and receipt, certified expenses, and supporting receipts; one award is allowed per period and ten over a lifetime. Proprietary or classified material may be excluded only with a notarized statement, application records are subject to North Carolina public-records rules, and final and state compliance reporting are required; no equity terms are stated. | Link to Funder |
| North Carolina Board of Science, Technology & Innovation and North Carolina Department of Commerce | One North Carolina SBIR/STTR Phase I Matching Funds Program - FY 2026-2027 | Provides matching funds to eligible North Carolina small businesses that receive a qualifying federal SBIR/STTR Phase I or Fast Track award. | For-profit North Carolina small businesses with a qualifying Phase I or Fast Track award and at least 51% of the research and development performed in North Carolina. Applicants must be in a Tier 1 or 2 county, or in a Tier 3 county with no more than two prior matching awards, subject to the solicitation's Helene-area exceptions. | $100,000 | 06/30/2027 | General Inquiries | info@nccommerce.com | Applications are due within 45 days of the federal award notice and no later than June 30, 2027 or fund exhaustion; awards equal 50% of the federal award up to $75,000, plus up to $25,000 for eligible Helene-impacted counties. Payment is 75% after proof of Phase I award and 25% only after an accepted Phase I report, Phase II proposal receipt, and proof of final Phase I payment; one award is allowed per period and ten over a lifetime. Application records are subject to North Carolina public-records rules, and proprietary or classified material may be excluded only with a notarized statement; no equity or IP transfer is stated. | Link to Funder |
| World Trade Center New Orleans, StartupNOLA, and Gulf Coast Defense Catalyst | R3: River, Road, Rail Pitch Competition 2026 | A transportation and logistics technology pitch competition offering a $20,000 cash prize for one winning concept. Applicants propose commercially promising innovations in supply chains, green shipping, ports, terminals, logistics, transportation, or safety and compliance. Five finalists will be selected to present to judges in New Orleans on November 17, 2026. | For-profit startups and established small businesses operating in Louisiana with an innovative technology and commercialization potential in transportation or logistics. | $20,000 | TBA | Evie Poitevent Sanders | epoitevent@gnoinc.org | Five finalists must pitch in person in New Orleans on November 17, 2026, using five-minute presentations and three minutes of questions. Public program materials do not specify equity, IP assignment, or application-fee obligations; confirm the final application terms before submitting. | Link to Funder |
| University of Notre Dame IDEA Center | McCloskey New Venture Competition 2026-2027 | The University of Notre Dame IDEA Center offers a $50,000 grand prize and additional sponsored awards to help early-stage entrepreneurs turn products, devices, technology, and other commercial concepts into viable ventures. The competition provides mentoring, networking, business planning support, and pitch feedback. Round 1 submissions require a venture overview, a short deck, and a three-minute pitch video by November 8, 2026. | Notre Dame students, alumni, faculty, and staff; eligible community members residing in Indiana's St. Joseph, Elkhart, or Marshall counties. Early-stage commercial ventures qualify; advancing community teams must partner with a Notre Dame student for later rounds. | $50,000 | 11/08/2026 | Erin Kinzel | ekinzel2@nd.edu | Round 1 requires a 10-slide pitch deck and a three-minute video; eligible local community teams advancing beyond Round 2 must add a Notre Dame student. The official announcement does not state an equity percentage or IP-assignment requirement; check competition terms before submitting. | Link to Funder |
| Duquesne University | Duquesne New Venture Challenge 2026-2027 | A three-stage entrepreneurial competition offering a $30,000 first prize, $15,000 second prize, and additional cash and professional-services awards. Teams submit a business summary and video to compete for mentoring, venture validation, and an in-person final pitch in Pittsburgh. Commercial ventures and early-stage companies can participate, including teams without prior university affiliation. | Applicants anywhere in the continental United States, with teams of one to five and businesses registered for no more than four years. Duquesne affiliation is not required initially but is mandatory for Stage III finalists. | $30,000 | 11/15/2026 | Staci Offutt | offutts@duq.edu | Stage III finalists need a Duquesne-affiliated team member and must attend the Pittsburgh pitch without travel reimbursement. Applicants retain submission ownership but grant Duquesne an irrevocable, perpetual, royalty-free, nonexclusive license to use submission materials for educational purposes; no equity percentage is disclosed. | Link to Funder |
| MIT Solve | 2027 Global Climate Challenge | MIT Solve seeks exceptional solutions that harness technology to address human-focused and difficult-to-solve aspects of the climate crisis. We have a particular interest in 2027 for solutions that:Shape low-carbon, climate-resilient cities through better construction and retrofitting, inclusive mobility, and more circular materialsProtect people, livelihoods, and essential services from extreme heat, floods, drought, wildfire, or other climate hazards through infrastructure design, resilient water and cooling systems, or risk management approachesTransform agrifood systems to be climate-resilient, low-emission, or nature-positive, including through stronger regional supply chainsRestore and sustainably use ocean and coastal systems, including fisheries, coastal protection, or renewable energy | Solve seeks innovative, human-centered, tech-based solutions to our Global Challenges. Through open innovation, Solve is looking for a diverse portfolio of solutions across geography and stage of development. We encourage people of all backgrounds to submit applications. MIT Solve adheres to the principles of nondiscrimination with respect to its programmatic activities and does not make any decisions on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law | $10,000 | 11/06/2026 | General Inquiries | https://solve.mit.edu/contact | Link to Funder | |
| MIT Solve | 2027 Global Health Challenge | MIT Solve seeks exceptional technology-driven solutions that increase access to good health and healthcare for all, with a particular interest in 2027 for solutions that:Strengthen continuity of care in the face of outbreaks, climate shocks, conflicts or financing disruptions, including through improved early warnings, interoperability, reliable supply chains or local productionImprove prevention and management of noncommunicable diseases, mental health conditions, or the growing care needs associated with agingExpand quality primary care to vulnerable communities by supporting frontline health workers or reducing cost, distance, and administrative barriersEvery person deserves to experience good health and well-being. Let’s make that a reality, together. | Solve seeks innovative, human-centered, tech-based solutions to our Global Challenges. Through open innovation, Solve is looking for a diverse portfolio of solutions across geography and stage of development. We encourage people of all backgrounds to submit applications. MIT Solve adheres to the principles of nondiscrimination with respect to its programmatic activities and does not make any decisions on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law | $10,000 | 11/06/2026 | General Inquiries | https://solve.mit.edu/contact | Link to Funder | |
| MIT Solve | 2027 Global Economic Prosperity Challenge | MIT Solve seeks exceptional technology-driven solutions that expand economic security and opportunity, with a particular interest in 2027 for solutions that:Help individuals, families and small businesses build financial health and resilience to manage financial obligations and shocksCreate pathways to quality employment and economic opportunity, particularly for young people and workers excluded from formal labor markets as AI and other technologies reshape entry-level workExpand access to safe, affordable, and climate-resilient housing, especially for vulnerable, informally settled, or displaced populationsEvery person deserves to experience security and opportunity. Let’s make that a reality, together. | Solve seeks innovative, human-centered, tech-based solutions to our Global Challenges. Through open innovation, Solve is looking for a diverse portfolio of solutions across geography and stage of development. We encourage people of all backgrounds to submit applications. MIT Solve adheres to the principles of nondiscrimination with respect to its programmatic activities and does not make any decisions on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law | $10,000 | 11/06/2026 | General Inquiries | https://solve.mit.edu/contact | Link to Funder | |
| Open Technology Fund | Internet Freedom Fund | The Internet Freedom Fund is the primary opportunity through which Open Technology Fund supports innovative global internet freedom projects. These projects are focused on technology development and implementation, but can also include applied research, convenings, and digital security projects. See below for more details about each category. OTF prioritizes projects coming from individuals or organizations who are applying for the first time, identify as under-represented within the field, and address areas that are underfunded | Individuals ages 18+ or organizations (for-profit or nonprofit) of all ages irrespective of nationality, creed, or sex are eligible to apply. | Varies | Rolling | General Inquiries | hello@opentech.fund | Link to Funder | |
| Global Startup Awards and MeOut Group | Global Startup Awards - 12th Edition | Global Startup Awards is an international competition that discovers early-stage startups and connects them with investors, partners and industry leaders. GSA is part of MeOut Group, which also runs EU-Startups and MeOut Summit. There are 9 regional competitions and 12 innovation categories (including AI-First, DeepTech, CyberSecurity, and GreenTech, SportsTech, AgTech, FinTech, Space, Maritime and Health) judged entirely by investors. Apply, and you're stepping into a global network of startup ecosystem players, where potential is recognized way before the world calls them unicorns, 17 of whom walked this exact path before their breakthrough. | Early stage tech startups from anywhere | Varies | 10/31/2026 | Contact Us | https://www.globalstartupawards.com/contact | Finals take place in Copenhagen, Denmark | Link to Funder |
| U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation / Verizon | Readiness for Resiliency (R4R) Mitigation Grant | A competitive grant that helps U.S. small businesses fund projects designed to reduce risk from future natural disasters. Applicants must first complete one of two free Disaster Resilience courses through Verizon’s Small Business Digital Ready platform. | Small businesses that complete either the free Know Your Hazards course or the free Build Your Business Continuity & Mitigation Plan course before applying. Confirm final business and geographic eligibility in the Verizon application portal. | $5,000 | 11/15/2026 | General Inquiries | resilience@uschamber.com | No application fee was identified; the required qualifying course is free. Applications close November 15, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Applicants will be notified by January 2027 and are automatically registered for the separate rolling R4R recovery program, which may provide an additional $5,000 after a qualifying disaster. | Link to Funder |
| Rockefella Foundation / Open AI | Cities Deliver | Focus AreasWe are seeking proposals that improve access to and quality of public services in vulnerable or underservedcommunities in the following focus areas:• Public health: Solutions that extend the reach and readiness of public health systems, from frontline care anddisease surveillance to population-scale prevention. Includes healthcare, disability services, food access, andnutrition.• Economic mobility: Solutions that use AI to connect unemployed and underemployed residents to income,skills, and benefits. Includes AI-enabled benefits enrollment, career navigation and skills-based hiring, andemployer-aligned training.• Environmental resilience: Solutions that help cities forecast, withstand, and recover from environmental shocks,protecting both people and the infrastructure they depend on. Includes public safety and emergency services,energy and grid infrastructure, and land management in communities at risk.• Civic engagement: Solutions that help city governments reach residents proactively and respond faster, from two-way service channels to participatory decision-making. Includes digital access and connectivity, courtservices, and permitting and regulatory processes. Excludes projects related to voting or elections. | Open to Nonprofit organizations, including university departments or labs, and fiscally sponsored organizations .• Public benefit corporations and for-profit companies in certain circumstances. There may be circumstanceswhere a for-profit company has a project with a charitable purpose that will lead to no more than an incidentalbenefit to the for-profit company’s business. | Varies | 11/29/2026 | General Inquiries | citiesdeliver@rockfound.org | "Open to Nonprofit organizations, including university departments or labs, and fiscally sponsored organizations .• Public benefit corporations and for-profit companies in certain circumstances. There may be circumstanceswhere a for-profit company has a project with a charitable purpose that will lead to no more than an incidentalbenefit to the for-profit company’s business. " | Link to Funder |
| Amegy Bank and Houston Texans | Small Business Boost 2026 | A community small-business program awarding four Greater Houston businesses a $5,000 grant plus Amegy Bank event access, Houston Texans marketing and promotional support, and a recognition plaque. | Independently owned, for-profit businesses operating primarily in the Greater Houston area with annual total revenue below $20 million. The program uses a nomination form; confirm whether self-nomination is accepted before submitting. | $5,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | 800-287-0301 | Four businesses will receive $5,000 plus promotional and event benefits. The official page lists an October 19, 2026 nomination deadline. Because the form is framed as a nomination, applicants should confirm whether owners may nominate their own businesses. | Link to Funder |
| cred | credVoices 2027 | A six-month pro bono speaker-management program that helps leaders from historically marginalized communities build thought leadership, develop a speaking strategy, identify target events and podcasts, and secure speaking opportunities. | Applicants must identify as a diverse and historically underrepresented voice. Strong applicants are typically C-level leaders with prior speaking experience, press coverage or an online presence, and at least two years of company operations. Consultants, contractors, coaches, B2B tech vendors, sales or revenue leaders, frequent speakers, and applicants seeking speaker fees are unlikely to be selected. | Varies | TBA | General Inquiries | support@cred.club | The program is provided at no cost and includes a speaking strategy, a 12-month target list, and three secured speaking engagements. Speakers are not paid for secured engagements and must cover their own travel. Applications close October 23, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. PT. | Link to Funder |
| Swarovski Foundation, in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Partnerships | Swarovski Foundation Creatives for Our Future - Fifth Cycle | A global education and grant program supporting young creatives whose projects or products use creativity and innovation to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Selected participants receive a EUR 20,000 grant, mentorship, masterclasses, network access, and industry-event opportunities. | Individuals ages 21-30 from any country working in fashion, design, art, architecture, engineering, or a related creative field. Applicants may apply as individuals, sole proprietors, or on behalf of a company they wholly own; co-founders and staff may not apply on behalf of a company. | Varies | 11/09/2026 | Program Inquiries | CFOF@swarovskifoundation.org | The award is EUR 20,000, so the Amount field is marked Varies rather than converting currencies. Selected participants must respond within four days of notification, complete a project or product during the program, and expect an in-person London trip in Fall 2027. Applications close November 9, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. GMT. | Link to Funder |
| Cleveland Leadership Center | Accelerate 2027 | A civic pitch competition for ideas that improve quality of life in Cleveland and Northeast Ohio. Applicants receive coaching and visibility; category winners advance from the January preliminaries to the February finals. | Individuals with a realistic, innovative idea that can improve Northeast Ohio in Climate and Energy, Education and Creativity, Health and Well-being, or Social Change. Selected presenters must participate in required training and pitch events in Cleveland. | $5,000 | 10/31/2026 | Angela O'Donnell | aodonnell@cleveleads.org; 216-965-9640 | The grand-prize winner receives $5,000 and the remaining four core finalists receive $2,000 each. An optional Technovation track offers $3,500 for tech-driven social-good ideas in Cuyahoga County. Applications close October 31, 2026; selected applicants are notified by December 1. | Link to Funder |
| NBA Foundation | 2027 All-Star Pitch Competition | A pitch competition for Arizona entrepreneurs to showcase early-stage ventures, receive feedback from leaders across the NBA family, and compete for funding and business-building resources during the 2027 NBA All-Star cycle. | Ambitious early-stage entrepreneurs based in Arizona. The 2027 theme is Building the Future, Through Sports, Entertainment, and Experiences. Applicants should confirm all entity, operating-stage, and attendance requirements in the application. | Varies | TBA | General Inquiries | grants@nba.com | The official page confirms the Arizona focus and October 23, 2026 deadline but does not publish the 2027 prize amount; Amount is therefore listed as Varies. The competition has provided funding, mentorship, and visibility to emerging entrepreneurs in NBA markets since 2022. | Link to Funder |
| Truist Foundation and Watson Institute | Truist Foundation Fellowship 2026-2027 | A fully funded venture and leadership development fellowship for small-business owners, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit founders building solutions for underbanked or underserved communities. The program combines workshops, mentorship, capital connections, pitch development, a community Basecamp, and an in-person summit. | Impact-focused small-business owners, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit leaders. Applicants must meet the current fellowship's geographic, venture-stage, traction, time-commitment, and Basecamp requirements; the application requires confirmation of these commitments. | Varies | 01/17/2027 | General Inquiries | truistfoundation@truist.com | The official application is open with a January 17, 2027 priority deadline and states that applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The fellowship is fully funded, but the official application does not promise a direct cash award; Amount is therefore listed as Varies. Confirm current geographic eligibility and travel obligations before applying. | Link to Funder |
| Venture 313; Gilbert Family Foundation; TechTown Detroit; Invest Detroit Ventures; Detroit Development Fund | Pitch 26 | Detroit technology founders compete for a share of $100,000 in non-dilutive cash prizes, investor exposure, and placement in the Venture 313 cohort. The competition has two application phases followed by a live final pitch at Detroit’s Bonstelle Theatre on December 8, 2026. | Tech-enabled businesses operating in the City of Detroit, legally structured in Michigan, demonstrating early traction, and possessing a pilot-ready product. | Varies | TBA | General Inquiries | hthompson@detroitdevelopmentfund.com | Link to Funder | |
| Shell Ventures; Shell GameChanger; Energy Tech Summit; Rockstart; Unknown Group; YES!Delft | New Energy Challenge 2026 | An international open-innovation competition and accelerator for energy technology startups and scaleups. Twenty companies advance to the participant stage, ten become finalists and receive coaching, expert sessions, investor exposure, and support developing a collaboration proposal. At least two winners may receive a customized package involving a proof-of-concept project, R&D collaboration, grant, seed funding, or strategic investment. | Global technology startups and scaleups developing scalable technologies, products, platforms, or digital solutions addressing the 2026 challenge themes. Solutions must contribute to energy decarbonization or de-fossilization and demonstrate a credible connection to Shell’s operations or energy-transition priorities. Certain low-carbon-fuel solutions must have completed proof of concept at approximately TRL 4-5. | Varies | TBA | General Inquiries | info@newenergychallenge.com | Link to Funder | |
| D-Prize | D-Prize | D-Prize awards up to $20,000 to aspiring entrepreneurs launching organizations that distribute proven, evidence-based poverty interventions in developing countries. Funding supports an approximately three-month pilot focused on testing a scalable distribution model rather than inventing or manufacturing a new product. | Individuals or teams age 18 or older from any country. Applicants may use a for-profit, nonprofit, or hybrid model, and the organization does not need to be legally formed. D-Prize primarily supports new organizations and generally does not support organizations with more than 18 months of full-time operations or more than $30,000 in outside funding. Applicants must distribute a proven poverty intervention and plan to live and work in the implementation country during and after the pilot. | $20,000 | 11/15/2026 | General Inquiries | help@d-prize.org | Link to Funder | |
| StartOut | StartOut Demo Day Los Angeles 2026 | Queer and allied founders pitch their startups live before expert judges for $10,000 in total cash prizes: $5,000 for first place, $3,000 for second, and $2,000 for third. The event takes place November 10, 2026, at The Abbey in West Hollywood. | Queer and allied startup founders. Applicants must be able to participate in the live Los Angeles pitch event. Additional eligibility requirements are behind the StartOut community login. | $5,000 | Rolling | General Inquiries | info@startout.org | Link to Funder | |
| Fifteen Percent Pledge | Sephora Beauty Grant | Fifteen Percent Pledge and Sephora are thrilled to open applications for the 2027 Sephora Beauty Grant - a $100,000 grant designed to support and elevate beauty businesses led by underrepresented founders. This transformative program delivers the funding and visibility that bold, boundary-pushing brands need to scale and thrive. | Business sells a CPG product and has annual revenue of $100K Business is located in the United StatesBusiness must have 51% or more ownership by an underrepresented founder or founding team. Underrepresented founders include, but are not limited to, Black/African/African American, AAPI, Hispanic/Latino/Latina/Latinx, Indigenous, LGBTQIA+, women and first-generation immigrant founders; founders whose parents’ earned income was below the poverty level; and founders from any other background historically overlooked in venture capital funding, regardless of raceMust have been in business for at least 1 yearMust sell a product in at least one of the following categories: Beauty, Haircare, Makeup / Makeup tools, Skincare, Fragrance, Bath & Body | $100,000 | 11/06/2026 | General Inquiries | brands@15pp.org | Applicants must first create or update a Business Equity Community profile. The grant is unrestricted, includes pro-bono consulting and a Sephora merchant meeting, and is limited to eligible U.S. beauty CPG businesses with at least $100,000 in annual revenue and one year in operation. No application fee was identified. | Link to Funder |
| Southern Black Girls and Women's Consortium | Dream Investment Program 2026-2027 | A 16-week virtual business-development and leadership program that awards completion funding to youth and early-stage entrepreneurs. | U.S. citizen or national from a historically marginalized or economically disadvantaged background; business must be located in and serve Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, or West Virginia. Early-stage applicants must be age 18 or older and have operated for 2-5 years; a separate youth track serves ages 13-17. | $5,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | dreaminvestment@southernblackgirls.org | The $5,000 maximum applies to the early-stage track; youth entrepreneurs receive $2,500, and awards are issued only after successful program completion. Applicants must complete at least 85% of sessions plus pre/post assessments and apply before the 150-application cap. Applicants must avoid infringing third-party IP; no funder ownership, assignment, license, or data-rights claim was identified. | Link to Funder |
| Rhode Island Commerce Corporation | Innovation Voucher Program | Grants for research and development conducted with an eligible knowledge provider or in-house by a qualifying small business manufacturer. | Rhode Island-registered small business with 500 or fewer employees and at least 51% of employees in Rhode Island. Knowledge Provider applicants need an eligible Rhode Island research partner and signed commitment letter; Manufacturing Voucher applicants must have a manufacturing NAICS code. | $75,000 | 11/03/2026 | Helen Leffers | helen.leffers@commerceri.com | Vouchers range from $5,000 to $75,000; awards are redeemed after milestones are completed and adequate project-expense proof is submitted, with reporting and evaluation required. Rules permit a one-time nonrefundable application fee, but the current amount and waiver terms require verification. No IP ownership or license term was identified in the published rules, but the final Voucher Agreement may add project-specific terms. | Link to Funder |
| Hatch / HTX | Dimension X Cohort 8 Open Call | A four-month deep-tech innovation program funding proofs of concept for Singapore public-safety challenge statements. | Startups from any country, company size, or funding stage may apply, including U.S. companies. Applicants need a TRL 4-7 working prototype and must own the proposed IP or hold a valid license. | $100,000 | 11/06/2026 | General Inquiries | hello@thehatchx.com | The award is S$100,000 (Singapore dollars), not US$100,000, paid 50% after contract signing and 50% after closing-report information; no equity is taken. Funding must cover proof-of-concept work and two required one-week Singapore trips, with no separate travel allowance. Participants retain full and exclusive IP ownership, but must own or validly license all proposed IP. | Link to Funder |
| Chamber & Development Council of Crawford County | CDC Member Small Business Improvement Grant | A matching grant for eligible business improvements such as storefronts, equipment, ecommerce, automation, marketing, and workforce training. | For-profit small business located in Crawford County, Iowa; must meet applicable SBA size standards and be a CDC member in good standing by the deadline. Nonmembers may join before applying. | $2,000 | 11/20/2026 | General Inquiries | info@cdcia.org | Applicants must contribute at least 25% of eligible project costs. Projects must be approved before work or expenses begin and completed by March 31, 2027. No application fee or funder IP ownership, assignment, license, or data-rights condition was identified on the official announcement. | Link to Funder |
| Sloss.Tech | Southeast Tech Pitch Competition | Sloss.Tech/Ideas is a platform for early-stage startups in the Southeast U.S. to present their groundbreaking solutions to investors and industry experts. The competition will award multiple prizes, including $50,000 for Best in Show, a $10,000 People’s Choice Award and three $5,000 Category Winner prizes. Each presenting company will receive comprehensive support, including two complimentary general admission badges for Sloss Tech, a $250 travel stipend, pre-event and on-site coaching and the opportunity to showcase their products and services during Sloss Tech Startup Showcase. | Startups based in the southeast US in the following sectors: Agtech and Foodtech, Healthtech and Biotech, Mobility and Transportation Technology, Emerging Tech Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | $100,000 | 06/05/2027 | General Inquiries | 205-918-7515 | Link to Funder | |
| MassDevelopment | Biz-M-Power Matching Grant Program | The Biz-M-Power Matching Grant Program offers matching grants of up to $50,000 to support Massachusetts-based, growth-oriented qualifying small and micro businesses meeting the program guidelines. These grants can help offset costs related to acquisitions, expansions, facility improvements or leases, equipment purchases or leases, and other capital needs. Funds may be used to: Acquiring, expanding, improving, or leasing a facility; Purchasing or leasing equipment; Meeting other capital needs of your business. | Eligible applicants are Massachusetts-based small and microbusinesses that meet these requirements: Have fewer than 20 employees Have no more than $2.5 million in annual revenue Are growth-oriented and seeking funds for capital needs Can show 20% of the requested grant amount available in the business bank account at the time of application Have an owner who is at least 18 years old Have a business owner who is a Massachusetts resident Complete identity verification and submit a full online application through Submittable Eligible uses include: Acquiring, expanding, improving, or leasing a facility Purchasing or leasing equipment Other approved capital needs Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | $50,000 | 06/15/2027 | General Inquiries | bizmpower@massdevelopment.com | Link to Funder | |
| Cartier | Science & Technology Pioneer Award | More than ever, we need to fuel innovation by women. This award is especially dedicated to recognizing women impact entrepreneurs at the forefront of scientific and technological innovation. Open to women entrepreneurs from any country and sector, this award highlights disruptive solutions built around unique, protected, or hard-to-reproduce technological or scientific advances that require heavy R&D, a long commercialization cycle, high capital intensity, technology risk, and complexity. | Woman-led business; in the initial phase of its development and commercialization, with at least laboratory validation of the prototype (minimum TRL 4); must not have been commercializing its final product/service for more than 5 years Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | $100,000 | 06/16/2027 | General Enquiries | contact@foundation.cartier.com | Link to Funder | |
| 776 Foundation | 776 Fellowship | The 776 Fellowship is a two-year, full-time program for 18 - 24 year olds, across the world. Fellows will receive a $100,000 grant over two years to work on projects to fight climate change instead of pursuing a university degree. Funds may be used for anything you need to bring your idea to life. Once you are accepted, we'll begin onboarding you with the rest of your cohort. Every quarter you'll receive part of your $100K payment. | Young people ages 18-24 from anywhere in the world, who are willing to forego or delay college to work full time on their climate change solution (develop or test a product or technology, build a company, etc.) Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | $100,000 | 05/31/2027 | General Inquiries | contact@sevensevensix.com | Link to Funder | |
| Makers Mindset | Makers Mindset Grant | Makers Mindset serves trailblazing female entrepreneurs in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry. The Makers Mindset Grant exists to fuel early-stage women founders building ambitious, thoughtfully crafted consumer brands. Throughout the year, Makers Mindset will award equity-free capital to founders who are navigating the realities of growth and need meaningful support to reach their next milestone. Three brands will each receive a $10,000 USD grant to reinvest directly into their businesses. | U.S.-based woman led business (at least 51% ownership); must sell a CPG product in the beauty, food, beverage, pet, tech goods, or home goods sectors; must have annual revenue over $50k and no greater than $1 million; must have been generating revenue for at least one full year. Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | $10,000 | TBA | Contact Us | https://makersmindset.com/contact/ | Link to Funder | |
| NIQ Founders Pitch Slam | NIQ Founders Pitch Slam | Our third annual NIQ Founders Pitch Slam will bring together some of the most innovative and transformative emerging CPG brands, challenging an elite set of founders to pitch their companies to industry insiders and business leaders as they vie for a first-place award of more than $700k including a $50,000 cash prize and in-kind prizes. This competition represents our latest effort in our commitment to helping grow emerging brands and fostering connections. 5 Finalists will be flown to NIQ’s C360 Conference to participate in the live pitch portion of the NIQ Founders Pitch Slam event in front of industry experts and brand leaders. The winner will be awarded the grand prize, 4 runners up will receive NIQ in-kind prizes. | US company in one or more of the following: Alcoholic Beverages, Baby Care, Bakery, Beverages, Bulk Bin, Dairy, Deli, Floral, Frozen, Gen Merch, Grocery, Beauty, Household, Meat, Pet, Produce, Seafood & Nutritional Supplements; annual US sales less than $20M Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | $50,000 | 05/06/2027 | Contact Us | https://nielseniq.com/global/en/about-us/contact-us/ | Link to Funder | |
| Enthuse Foundation & Alera Group | Enthuse Foundation Insurance Grant | All types of insurance might be an issue for entrepreneurs, especially if they are not covered by a partner, parent, past employer, or the government. Insurance can range between hundreds to thousands of dollars per month, not including costs related to appointments, procedures, equipment, and rent. This reality might drive individuals away from pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams and steer them towards the benefits provided by a private employer. Thanks to the support of Alera Group, the Enthuse Foundation Insurance Grant will provide women entrepreneurs with funds towards insurance cost One woman entrepreneur will receive $2,500 towards insurance-related costs (car, homeowners, medical, life, equipment). | Woman entrepreneur (US citizen) with an established business that is entrepreneur's full time job Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | $2,500 | 04/27/2027 | General Inquiries | https://www.enthusefoundation.org/get-in-touch | Link to Funder | |
| FuzeHub | Manufacturing Grants | The U.S. Economic Development Administration is now providing additional support to FuzeHub’s Manufacturing Grants program, with a focus on projects that benefit start-up companies. As a result, at least four awards in this round will be made for projects benefiting start-up companies; of those, at least 2 awards will be made to projects that exclude the purchase of equipment | New York State small to medium-sized manufacturer in any stage of maturity, less than $2M in revenue; 500 employees or fewer; in partnership with a New York State not-for-profit organization. Manufacturer must have eligible NAICS code. Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | $65,000 | 05/07/2027 | General Inquiries | info@fuzehub.com | Link to Funder | |
| The New York Community Trust | Urban Future Prize Competition | The Urban Future Prize Competition showcases and awards the world’s most revolutionary cleantech innovations by bringing the brightest entrepreneurs together with mission-driven investors, policy leaders, and corporate sponsors for a prestigious cleantech summit in New York City. Finalists pitch in October. | Early stage startups addressing climate change through technology or business model innovations that have raised less than $5M Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | $50,000 | 05/03/2027 | Jiro Otsuka | jiro.otsuka@nyu.edu | Link to Funder | |
| Promise Venture Studio | The Promise Sandbox Award | We are looking for 3-5 aspiring changemakers (solo individuals or small teams) who have a unique insight into a problem or opportunity that would improve the lives of children ages 0-5 and their families and have a strong hypothesis of how to address it. These leaders are eager to refine, test and share their ideas for great programs, products, and services with their communities, but are looking for early funding and some support in an environment that gives a nod to the name of the Award, “a place, area, or environment that provides opportunities for variation and experimentation in a way suggestive of children playing in a sandbox”. | Ideal Candidate Qualities: Background or experience in early childhood; Entrepreneurial spirit with self-motivation and creative problem-solving abilities; Connection to and unique perspective of communities impacted by the work; Demonstrated commitment to working alongside their community and centering community voice; Strong grounding in equity and justice principles; Ability and desire to learn alongside Promise as they bring their ideas to life. We welcome ideas that could evolve into or include non-profit, for-profit, or indeterminate structures. Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | $10,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | team@promisestudio.org | Link to Funder | |
| Community Foundation of Louisville | Vogt Awards | The Vogt Awards has offered entrepreneurs in the Louisville region a unique and exciting opportunity to take their businesses to the next level. Each year, up to six early-stage businesses receive $25,000 in non-dilutive grant funding, participation in a 10-week startup accelerator program, coaching, mentorship, strategic introductions, and recognition, all designed to boost the growth of their business. Unlike other business accelerator programs, the Vogt Awards allows founders to retain full ownership of their businesses. | Early stage Louisville businesses Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | $25,000 | 06/09/2027 | Jisa Bajorinas | vogtawards@cflouisville.org | Link to Funder | |
| Cartier | Women's Initiative | The fellows, representing the top three impact businesses from each of the nine regions, will receive: US$ 100,000 grant for each first-place award, $60,000 grant for second-place, and $30,000 for each third-place award. Human capital support is structured into a fellowship program, which includes a combination of 1:1 training and collective workshops. Throughout the program, we strive to highlight the social and environmental impact created by our fellows and bridge connections between women impact entrepreneurs and their supporters. Fellows also receive international exposure and media visibility, support and mentorship by jury members during the fellowship, access to a lifelong community of 500+ active community members, and ongoing support for the development of the fellows’ impact businesses. | Women entrepreneurs Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | $100,000 | 06/16/2027 | General Enquiries | contact@cartierwomensinitiative.com; 800-227-8437 | Link to Funder | |
| Famous Amos and U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. | Ingredients for Success Initiative | Famous Amos® and the National Black Chamber of Commerce return with Ingredients for Success Entrepreneurs Initiative, a national pitch competition awarding three $50,000 grants to Black small business owners. Each winner receives a $50,000 capital award, mentorship, networking, and educational resources. | Businesses at minimum 90% Black-owned, Headquartered in the U.S.; in operation 5 years or less Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | $50,000 | 06/01/2027 | General Inquiries | programs@usblackhambers.org | Link to Funder | |
| Techcrunch | Startup Battlefield at TechCrunch Disrupt | TechCrunch Startup Battlefield is the world’s preeminent startup competition. Startup Battlefield features 15-30 top early stage startups pitching top judges in front of a vast live audience, present in person and online. Teams go through an intensive mini-accelerator for 8 weeks before each event, honing their business models and pitches. Twenty finalists pitch live on the Disrupt Main Stage — six minutes in front of tier-1 VCs, live streamed globally on TechCrunch. The winner takes home $100,000, equity-free, and the Disrupt Cup. | Technology industry products and ideas from early stage or startup companies. Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | $100,000 | 06/08/2027 | General Inquiries | battlefield@techcrunch.com. | Link to Funder | |
| Women Founders Network | Fast Pitch Competition | Each year Women Founders Network creates a unique opportunity for Female Founders. Participants receive valuable mentoring, coaching and in-kind sponsorships. In addition, there is cash investment potential from investors that attend the Fast Pitch event and an ongoing support network of successful businesswomen committed to building the female entrepreneur ecosystem. Pitch event is in October at UCLA, Los Angeles (subject to change). | Woman founders with tech or non-tech (consumer goods) products or services that serve a real need and have a sizable market opportunity that have raised no more than $750K in outside funding. No life science companies. | $50,000 | 05/31/2027 | General Inquiries | https://www.womenfoundersnetwork.org/contact-us | Link to Funder | |
| 43North | $5M Startup Competition | 43North offers an opportunity to scale your business with funding and an immersive accelerator program like no other. Each year, we invest $5 million into startups, offering founders a chance to secure $1 million in funding, and gain access to a host of support services - from mentorship to connections to investors, and inroads to customers. We typically look for seed-stage startups that have a strong team in place, traction with customers, and received previous investment. | Traction with paying customers, raised venture capital investment , three or more FT team members. If you become a winner of 43North, you must: Provide 43North with 5% equity in your company, in the form of a warrant and agree to locate your CEO and 50% of your staff in Buffalo for at least 12 months Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | $1,000,000 | 06/12/2027 | Lauren Baynes | lauren@43north.org | Link to Funder | |
| Grow NY | Grow NY Food and Agriculture Competition | Grow-NY is an unprecedented food and agriculture business competition that identifies, supports, and funds the top food, beverage, and agriculture innovations across the globe. The competition includes a $1 million top prize, mentorship, training, business development support, and tax incentives. $3 million will be awarded each year to seven startups. The top prize is $1 million with two $500,000 prizes and four $250,000 prizes. In addition to food/farm products, this includes fuels (produced from corn, sugarcane, or sorghum, and agricultural byproducts), fibers such as cotton, wool, silk, hemp, flax and bamboo; raw materials including but not limited to livestock feed; and processes or systems that improve the development, growth, production, distribution, delivery, or processing. | Startups from anywhere that meet the Grow-NY definition of ‘Food and Agricultural Field’, are early-stage, and have a scalable business model. Must meet 2 of the 4 criteria: Less than seven years from date of formal organization; Has its first product or service in testing or pilot production; Pre-revenue or early revenue; Leadership team working towards commercialization and profitability. Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | $1,000,000 | 05/15/2027 | General Inquiries | grow-ny@cornell.edu | Link to Funder | |
| Block Advisors by H&R Block | Fund Her Future Grants | Fund Her Future provides funds and services to empower women-owned businesses—particularly those focused on making a difference in their communities—to reach their full potential. One (1) first prize winner will receive a grant of $50,000. Four (4) additional honorable mention winners will receive a grant of $12,500. All winners will also receive access to a year of small business services, such as business structure analysis, bookkeeping, payroll, Beneficial Ownership reporting, and tax support, from the experts at Block Advisors. | Women-owned businesses Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | $50,000 | TBA | Michaella Gallina | michaella.gallina@hrblock.com | Link to Funder | |
| J M Kaplan Fund | J.M.K. Innovation Prize | With the consequences of climate change, cultural loss, and systemic injustice at our doorstep, the urgency for social-impact organizations and community leaders to act has never been greater. Our convergent crises demand not only resilience but also creativity, ambition, and new models of change-making. At the J.M. Kaplan Fund, we believe in the power of innovators to reshape our future – and we know that this work is already underway in unexpected places and through nascent projects across the country. We created the J.M.K. Innovation Prize to help transform these bold, early-stage ideas into lasting impact | Our application process is open to individuals or teams representing nonprofit or mission-driven for-profit organizations within the United States. The Prize will be awarded to projects or ideas that: Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | $150,000 | 04/25/2027 | General Enquiries | 212-767-0630 | Link to Funder | |
| Avio and Medtech Consulting | Avio and Medtech MVP Pitch Contest | If you're on the brink of a significant medtech breakthrough and preparing for a seed or Series A round, this contest is your gateway to success. We invite the most forward-thinking innovators, entrepreneurs, and visionaries in the medtech field, ready to elevate their startups, to present their companies to esteemed judges and attendees at the Medtech MVP Conference on June 1-2, 2026 in Minneapolis, MN. The most compelling pitch will be awarded $20,000 in non-dilutive funds. | Companies with innovations in medtech: medical devices, diagnostics, software as a medical device, and digital health; seeking Seed or Series A funding, having raised at least $1M and no more than $15M. Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | $20,000 | 05/01/2027 | General Inquiries | info@aviomedtech.com | Link to Funder | |
| agWest Farm Credit | New Producer Grant | At AgWest Farm Credit, we recognize that a lack of start-up funds can be challenging for many new producers. This program was developed for those who have a vision for their operation but lack the funds to put their plans into action. Successful applicants will receive a one-time $15,000 grant to support their operations growth. | Full or part-time agriculturalist who has two years or less of operational experience (i.e. crop cycle) or has plans to start their operation within two years of the grant application date. Must have an operation located within AgWest Farm Credit’s territory (AZ, CA, ID, MT, OR, WA) and must be at least 18. Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | $15,000 | 05/31/2027 | General Inquiries | AgVision@AgWestFC.com | Link to Funder | |
| Women Veterans Giving | Melissa Washington Small Business Award | The Melissa Washington Small Business Award (MWSBA) is an annual award. The award will be up to $5,000 and will be up to the discretion of the awards committee and Women Veterans Giving Board of Directors. | Women veteran entrepreneurs Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | $5,000 | 05/15/2027 | General Inquiries | info@womenveteransgiving.org | Link to Funder | |
| CAL FIRE, | Wood Products and Bioenergy Grant Program | CAL FIRE’s Wood Products and Bioenergy Program provides funding to support business development workforce development and innovation in California’s forest sector including wood products manufacturing biomass processing and bioenergy to promote healthy resilient forests and sustainable economic growth | Businesses and other eligible entities operating in California focused on forest-sector activities including wood products manufacturing biomass processing bioenergy development and workforce training supporting forestry operations Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | $300,000 | 05/20/2027 | General Inquiries | https://www.empowerinnovation.net/en/contact_us | Link to Funder | |
| Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine | Convert to Crops Grant | The Physicians Committee is offering farm transition grants of up to $15,000 for those shifting from dairy, poultry, or livestock farming to growing crops, fruits, nuts, or mushrooms. These grants are open to farmers who are either phasing out animal agriculture or inheriting land and seeking alternative farming methods. | U.S. farmers transitioning from raising livestock to crops - or those converting livestock farms and facilities to growing crops (includes plants, field crops, trees, orchards, berries, mushrooms, hydroponic farming, etc) Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | $15,000 | TBA | Jeanne McVey | jeannem@pcrm.org; 202-527-7316 | Link to Funder | |
| BLOOM Business Empowerment Center | BLOOM Small Business Grant PROGRAM | The BLOOM Grant Program provides micro-grants to small businesses to support growth and operational improvements such as marketing, equipment purchases, training, and physical upgrades, with a focus on strengthening local businesses and promoting equitable economic development in York County, Pennsylvania. | For-profit small businesses located in York County, Pennsylvania; priority is given to women-owned, minority-owned (BIPOC), veteran-owned businesses, and those utilizing local vendors. Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | $1,500 | TBA | General Inquiries | 717-848-4000 | Link to Funder | |
| Spectrum Reach | Pay It Forward Program | Spectrum Reach provides an in-kind advertising package valued at $15,000. This includes a 3-month TV and streaming advertising schedule, a professionally produced 30-second commercial, mentorship from marketing experts, and access to educational content. | Buffalo-Niagara small businesses that attend the required Small Business Bootcamp event Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | $15,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | 1-844-To-Reach | Link to Funder | |
| Michigan Founders Fund (Michigan Tech Week) | MFF Venture Together Pitch Competition (Michigan Tech Week Pitch) | A collaborative pitch competition where startup founders form teams (4–5 companies) and present how they will grow together while supporting people, place, and planet in Michigan. Focuses on community impact, collaboration, and ecosystem growth rather than traditional solo startup pitches. | High growth startups incorporated or LLC and headquartered in Michigan; full time founders; Must have at least proof of concept; Must commit to growing in Michigan; raised less than $2M in equity funding; Teams must consist of 4–5 eligible founders/startups Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | $100,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | brittni@michiganfoundersfund.org | Link to Funder | |
| Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) | MassNextGen | MassNextGen is a grant program designed to support early-stage life sciences companies led by underrepresented founders. The program provides non-dilutive funding along with business mentorship, networking, and access to the Massachusetts life sciences ecosystem to help companies grow and scale. | Early-stage life sciences companies Must be headquartered in Massachusetts Must be led by underrepresented founders (e.g., women, minorities, veterans, etc.) For-profit companies Typically pre-seed to Series A stage Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | $100,000 | 06/12/2027 | General Inquiries | info@masslifesciences.com | Link to Funder | |
| Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) | Impact Catalyst Grant Program | The Impact Catalyst Program provides funding to support life sciences projects that address significant unmet needs in human health, particularly those that may be too early, risky, or underfunded for traditional investment. The program aims to accelerate translational research and bring promising innovations closer to commercialization. | Massachusetts-based organizations Primarily academic institutions, hospitals, and research organizations Companies may be eligible if collaborating with an academic or clinical partner Projects must address unmet medical or scientific needs Strong emphasis on translational research Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | Varies | TBA | General Inquiries | impactcatalyst@masslifesciences.com | Link to Funder | |
| Texas Academy of Medicine, Engineering, Science & Technology (TAMEST) / Lyda Hill Philanthropies | Hill Prizes – Commercialization, Innovation and Technology Category | The Hill Prizes recognize and fund high-impact, high-risk innovation across multiple scientific and technological domains. The Commercialization, Innovation and Technology category specifically supports entrepreneurs and companies developing breakthroughs in applied sciences, biotechnology, engineering, life sciences, and medicine. The program is designed to bridge the gap between research and commercialization and position recipients for larger-scale funding and partnerships. | Principal Investigator must meet a key requirement: at least 15 years since their first full-time professional position (2011 or earlier), must have conducted research in Texas for the past 2 years, and must remain active in Texas for at least 1 year after award. Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | $500,000 | 06/01/2027 | General Inquiries | tamest@austin.utexas.edu | Link to Funder | |
| Elevate Prize Foundation | The Elevate Prize | The Elevate Prize is an annual global award recognizing social impact leaders who are driving meaningful change. The program provides significant unrestricted funding along with a year-long support program including marketing, capacity-building, and access to a global network to amplify the winner’s impact. | Open to individuals leading established social impact organizations or initiatives with demonstrated traction and measurable impact. Applicants must be mission-driven leaders addressing social or environmental challenges. Global applicants are eligible. Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | $300,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | Web@elevateprize.org | Link to Funder | |
| Jobber | Jobber Grant | The Jobber Grants program provides funding to support small home service businesses in starting, growing, or sustaining their operations. The initiative is designed to empower entrepreneurs in industries such as landscaping, cleaning, contracting, and other field service sectors by offering financial assistance and business resources. | Open to small home service businesses and entrepreneurs, primarily in industries like lawn care, plumbing, HVAC, cleaning, and contracting. Applicants must be operating or planning to operate a service-based business. Typically focused on U.S. and Canadian applicants. Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | $100,000 | 06/11/2027 | Jobber Grants Team | grants@getjobber.com | Link to Funder | |
| NewBoCo | ENTREFest pitch competition presented by Hy-Vee | early-stage pitch competition tied to ENTREFest 2026, with 5 finalists pitching live for a 4-award, $15,000 total prize pool. | the competition is open to Midwest-based companies less than five years old. All applicants must be registered ENTREFest attendees Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | $7,500 | 06/07/2027 | General Inquiries | events@newbo.co | Link to Funder | |
| Warrior Rising | Warrior University | Hosted in partnership with flagship educational institutions, Warrior University delivers advanced, practical training for veteran and military spouse founders with early-stage startups. Offered quarterly and fully virtual, it builds on Warrior Academy with expert-led instruction on strategy, business model design, customer discovery, competitive analysis, and go-to-market. Expert instructors and fellow veteran founders, military spouses, and family members keep you sharp and accountable. This is offered over two evenings. Graduates earn a certificate of completion and get the opportunity to compete for grant funding at our signature Business Showers. | Veterans, active duty, Guard/Reserve, military spouses, and immediate family members Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | $20,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | info@warriorrising.org | Link to Funder | |
| Fort Worth Business Assistance Center | Fort Worth Business Plan Competition | Local business plan competition for Fort Worth entrepreneurs and small business owners. Participants develop and compete with business plans, with cash prizes awarded to the top three finalists. | Established business between 2-5 years old; annual revenue under $1,000,000; physical business address within Fort Worth city limits; must verify eligibility with DBA or legal business documentation showing a Fort Worth address. Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | $10,000 | 06/13/2027 | Business Assistance Center | fwbac@fortworthtexas.gov; 817-392-2647 | Link to Funder | |
| The Drew Wynne Foundation | The Drew Wynne Foundation Entrepreneurial Grant | No-strings-attached grants for early-stage entrepreneurs and small nonprofit organizations building or growing ventures, especially in the Charleston, SC tri-county area. | Early-stage entrepreneurs and small nonprofit organizations that are passionate, resourceful, meeting a community need, ready to use funds toward growth, and willing to share their story. Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | $5,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | https://www.drewwynnefoundation.org/contact | Link to Funder | |
| Rachel's Network | Rachel’s Network Catalyst Award | The Catalyst Award supports women environmental leaders of color through unrestricted multi-year funding leadership development and network access to advance environmental justice and regenerative solutions in the United States | Must identify as a woman of color (inclusive of non-binary and gender expansive identities); must reside in the United States or U.S. territories; must have at least 10 years of experience working on environmental issues; must be at a leadership transition point where the award can have catalytic impac Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | $45,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | info@rachelsnetwork.org | Link to Funder | |
| Venture135 | Pitch | We're partnering with Connetic Ventures to offer one winning company an investment of $200,000. The RevTech Labs organizing body accepts applications to present at Venture135 from founders and companies within the Fintech, Insurtech, Healthtech & Cleantech verticals. We showcase venture funding rounds including Seed Stage, Series A & Series B, and strive to develop a diverse, global reach across local, national & international marketplaces. | Founders and companies within the Fintech, Insurtech, Healthtech & Cleantech verticals | $200,000 | TBA | Davina Demelenne | info@venture135.com | Link to Funder | |
| Rally Innovation and Elevate Ventures | Rally Pitch Competition | Welcome to one of the world’s largest pitch competitions. The RALLY Pitch Competition has provided meaningful funding and connections for innovative startups across five key sectors. Each year, selected companies present their solutions to investors, partners, and industry leaders looking for the next breakthrough opportunity. Pitch competition is held each September in Indianapolis. | Companies in Ag & FoodTech, HardTech, Healthcare, Software, SportsTech; annual revenue less than $5M; must not have raised more than $10M in total funding (excludes non-dilutive funding); total addressable market of more than $500M. Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | $1,000,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | pitch@rallyinnovation.com | Link to Funder | |
| Interledger Foundation | Interledger Foundation Grants | The Interledger Foundation is offering two funding tracks to support organizations building open, inclusive financial services through integration with the Interledger Network. Grants aim to accelerate frictionless global transactions, cross-currency interoperability, and financial access for underserved populations. | Eligible applicants include corporations, nonprofits, collectives, and non-government entities working in digital finance, fintech, or web-based commerce. Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | $250,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | programteam@interledger.org | Link to Funder | |
| Greater Franklin (Wisconsin) Chamber of Commerce | Capacity Building Grant Program | This project of the Franklin Chamber Foundation will award 12 $2,500 grants to local small businesses. Small businesses of 10 or fewer full-time employees are encouraged to submit applications for the grants which may be used for initiatives such as expanding a physical space, online presence or marketing initiatives. Examples of capacity building are: user-friendly online shopping platforms, enhanced point-of-sale systems, updated websites, increased physical spaces and innovative marketing strategies. | For profit small business (10 employees or fewer) in Wisconsin zip code 46131 Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | $2,500 | TBA | Rosie Chambers | rchambers@franklincoc.org | Link to Funder | |
| Coach Darcy | Darcy's Business Freedom Grant | Whether you're launching your first business or scaling an existing business, this grant covers the essentials: startup costs, marketing, equipment, or digital tools that transform ideas into income. Winners receive up to $1,000 to deploy where it creates maximum impact for business growth (examples: accelerator, business launch expenses, marketing, digital tools, software, equipment, coaching, training, website development, professional development and other professional services). | Anyone with a business idea or existing small business, regardless of industry, location, experience level, or background, can apply for this grant. | $1,000 | 12/31/2026 | General Inquiries | support@darcysbusiness.com | Link to Funder | |
| Texas Workforce Commission | TWC’s Upskill Texas Program Offers Opportunities to Boost Workforce Competitiveness | Through Upskill Texas, companies can be reimbursed up to $3,000 for each worker trained under the program. To qualify, a business must have at least 100 employees in Texas and provide a 50% matching contribution, which can include wages and benefits. Eligible applicants include private, non-profit or for-profit companies, and public healthcare employers. Businesses can also designate a community or technical college, third-party trainer, or workforce development board to apply on their behalf and administer the grant. The initiative is focused on upskilling incumbent workers so the majority of the trainees must have been employed by the business for six months or more. | Employers that are introducing new technologies, expanding into new markets, introducing new services, or restructuring to better serve their customers. Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | $500,000 | 06/30/2027 | General Enquiries | SWI.BoardApplications@twc.texas.gov | Link to Funder | |
| Santander US | Santander’s Cultivate Small Business | Santander’s Cultivate Small Business helps early-stage entrepreneurs build and sustain businesses in the food industry, with a focus on historically underserved founders in low-to-moderate income neighborhoods. The program is completely free for eligible entrepreneurs and provides a 12 week food-focused curriculum, mentorship, and capital grants. | To qualify for the program, your business will generally need to meet these: 📍 Operate in the food industry (processing, manufacturing, services, tech). 📊 In operation for at least one year. 👥 1–10 full‑time equivalent employees. 💵 Revenue between $25,000 and $1,000,000 (last year). 📍 Located in the United States, with priority historically given to underserved neighborhoods. Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | $20,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | CultivateSmallBusiness@Santander.us | Link to Funder | |
| D-Prize | Global D-Prize competition | The world has already invented products and services to end poverty, yet the best are not being distributed at mass-scale. Can you design a business or NGO that solves one of the Distribution Challenges below? If selected we will award you up to $20,000 USD to launch a pilot version of your new organization in any region where extreme poverty exists. | Businesses who are piloting a new distribution-focused initiative to alleviate poverty, and need high risk capital. Must be related to Health Access, Clean Water, Education, Agriculture, Livelihoods, Energy, public services, or custom; must have raised less than $30,000 from outside sources. | $20,000 | TBA | Will Snyder | hello@d-prize.org | Link to Funder | |
| BNY Mellon Social Innovation Challenge | UPPRIZE | The BNY UpPrize Social Innovation Challenge returns for its eighth cycle. Administered by Innovation Works and fully funded by BNY, this program connects nonprofit and entrepreneurial communities to develop technology-based solutions for critical social challenges. This year features a new two-track structure to support social entrepreneurs at different stages of development. Join us in addressing societal issues through innovative solutions. For the cohort, The BNY UpPrize Social Innovation Challenge will focus on harnessing technology to tackle urgent challenges. From preserving the environment to ensuring healthcare affordability and promoting gender equality, we encourage innovation across multiple sectors. Join us in addressing issues like education accessibility, LGBTQ+ rights, disability inclusion, housing affordability, food security, clean energy, and civic engagement through cutting-edge solutions | Southwestern PA founders based in and making a direct impact in one of these counties in Pennsylvania: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington, or Westmoreland. Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | $100,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | 412-681-1520 | Link to Funder | |
| Good Soil Movement, presented by Wells Fargo | Good Soil Forum Seed Capital Pitch Competition | National pitch competition awarding a prize pool valued at $500,000 across eight finalists. Applicants compete in either a Tech-Enabled track or a Non-Tech/CPG track. No equity is taken. | For-profit business legally incorporated and in good standing in the United States; no more than $1 million in prior funding; owner representative must be at least 18; one entry per company. Excluded industries include adult products/services, firearms, alcohol except restaurants, gambling, multilevel marketing, and illegal activities. Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | $500,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | harvesters@goodsoilforum.com | Link to Funder | |
| Centropolis Accelerator | Make it in Michigan Prototyping Grant Program | The Make it in Michigan Prototyping Grant program offers funding to promising mobility and electrification technology companies, supporting their product development in collaboration with Michigan-based firms. This program is committed to advancing innovation across Michigan’s mobility and electrification sectors. The program provides up to $100,000 in funding focused on: Product development, prototyping, product testing, and manufacturing readiness. | Michigan-based company (or demonstrate a commitment to developing or manufacturing their product within Michigan); technology readiness level between 5 and 9; actively engaged in the fields of mobility or electrification. Companies from distressed or rural areas are especially encouraged to apply. Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | $100,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | info@centrepolisaccelerator.com; 248-204-2452 | Link to Funder | |
| Mass Ventures | SBIR Targeted Technologies ("START") Program | The SBIR Targeted Technologies (START) Program helps Massachusetts-based startups convert research developed under SBIR and STTR contracts into businesses and jobs in Massachusetts. START offers MA-based, SBIR Phase II companies, grants, and business guidance to help them commercialize their technologies. Each year, the program awards: 10 “Stage I” grants of $100,000 each; 5 “Stage II” grants of $200,000 each to the most promising “Stage I” winners from the previous year and; 2 “Stage III” opportunities: up to $500,000 each of seed capital in a commercial spinout from the most successful Stage II companies. | Massachusetts companies that have received a Phase II SBIR or STTR award within the past 4 years Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | $500,000 | TBA | Stacy Swider | sswider@mass-ventures.com | Link to Funder | |
| Black Is Tech | Black Is Tech Startup Pitch Competition | Enter a chance to win at the 2026 Black Is Tech Conference Pitch Competition taking place in Houston, TX on April 20 - 24, 2026. 15 finalists will be selected to compete for the Grand Prize. | Startups with at least one Black founder or co-founder; companies should have a product, prototype, or MVP and be able to pitch live during the conference if selected. Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | $10,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | info@blackistech.com | Link to Funder | |
| Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation | Request for Proposals: Accelerating Drug Discovery for Frontotemporal Degeneration | There are currently no FDA approved disease-modifying treatments available for frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and symptomatic treatments only provide limited benefit for patients. Recent scientific advances have provided an increased understanding of pathogenic mechanisms underlying FTD and are driving the development of potential disease-modifying therapies. The Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) and The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD) seek to accelerate this progress by supporting innovative small molecule and biologic (antibodies, oligonucleotides, peptides, gene therapy etc.) drug development programs for FTD through this request for proposals (RFP). | Funding is open to researchers and clinicians in the U.S. and worldwide working in: Academic medical centers and universities or nonprofits. Industry partnerships are encouraged. Biotechnology companies that demonstrate a clear need for nonprofit funding. Existing companies and new spinouts are both eligible. Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | $300,000 | TBA | Nicole Bjorklund | nbjorklund@theaftd.org | Link to Funder | |
| Michelson Medical Research Foundation | Next Generation Grants | Annual $150,000 research grants supporting promising young researchers using disruptive concepts and inventive approaches to advance human immunology, vaccine discovery, and immunotherapy research for major global diseases | Researchers age 35 and under working on human immunology and vaccine development; proposals must address roadblocks in human vaccine development or expand understanding of key immune processes Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | $150,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | michelsonprizes@nextfrontieradvisors.com | Link to Funder | |
| Ohio Farm Bureau | Growing Tomorrow Grants | Grants may be used to provide startup funds for a new farm/agricultural project or solution that specifically addresses one or more of the challenges outlined below, or to provide funds to enhance the impact of an existing project that is focused on one or more of those same challenges: Sustainable Employment for Farming Communities, Agricultural Education and Awareness, Centering Environmental Stewardship, Combating Food Insecurity. | Ohio-based new or early-stage agricultural businesses or farms (less than 5 years old), led by entrepreneurs who are looking to secure startup funds for a new business or seeking funds to enhance the impact of an existing business Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | $100,000 | 07/31/2027 | Mary Klopfenstein | mklopfenstein@ofbf.org | Link to Funder | |
| FuzeHub Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund | New York State Commercialization Competition | As part of the Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund, FuzeHub holds an annual Commercialization Competition. Companies throughout New York State compete to demonstrate the commercialization potential of their technology or product. The FuzeHub Commercialization Competition is intended to help small manufacturing and technology companies further develop their prototype in an effort to pursue additional investment and customers as well as strengthen their “go-to-market” strategies, as they move from new product/production method to marketplace. | Applicants must be available to pitch in person October 29-30, 2025 in Rochester, NY. Applicants must propose to fund activities to improve upon an existing tangible prototype and/or their “go-to-market” strategy. Company must reside and operate in New York State, and at least one founder must reside in NYS. Company must be pre-revenue. Company must be pre-seed. Company must be registered with Dun & Bradstreet, and have an eligible North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code specific to manufacturing identified in their D&B profile. Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | $150,000 | 08/08/2027 | General Inquiries | info@fuzehub.com | Link to Funder | |
| TechConnect / Advanced Technology International (ATI) | Maritime Manufacturing Innovation Challenge | The Maritime Manufactuing Innovation Challenge seeks transformative technologies that can modernize shipbuilding, sustainment, maintenance, logistics, workforce capability, and industrial resilience. By connecting non-traditional innovators, advanced manufacturers, startups, defense stakeholders, and maritime leaders, the Challenge helps identify scalable solutions that strengthen lifecycle efficiency, expand production capacity, and improve operational readiness across the maritime ecosystem. | Best-fit applicants appear to be startups, advanced manufacturers, research spinouts, defense-adjacent innovators, and non-traditional technology companies with maritime manufacturing relevance. | $25,000 | 06/23/2027 | Laura Murphree | laura@techconnect.org | Link to Funder | |
| Allstate, in partnership with Hello Alice and the Global Entrepreneurship Network | Allstate Main Street Grants Program | The Allstate Main Street Grants Program provides $20,000 in funding to small businesses that are strengthening local communities across the U.S. In partnership with Hello Alice and the Global Entrepreneurship Network, the program combines grant capital with a 12-week accelerator designed to help entrepreneurs improve operations, build financial resilience, and prepare for long-term growth. At the end of Boost Camp, 100 select business owners receive a $20,000 grant to help support their next chapter. | For profit business registered and operating in one of the 50 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., or Puerto Rico; Generated at least $25,000 in revenue in 2025; Can demonstrate a need for funding and business coaching; Have not participated in a Hello Alice Boost Camp in the past 12 months; appliant must be the leading executive of the business, such as Founder, CEO, or President Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | $20,000 | 06/23/2027 | General Inquiries | https://helloalice.com/about/contact/ | Link to Funder | |
| Kirabo | Kirabo Grant | This $5,000 grant provides non-dilutive funding to visionary founders and small business owners from historically under-resourced communities, helping entrepreneurs access the capital needed to grow their businesses, expand opportunities, and build long-term economic impact. | U.S.-based for profit business; generated less than $750,000 in gross profit; received less than $750,000 in total funding from venture capital, investors, or grants; Must be from a historically under-resourced community, including Black, Hispanic, Indigenous, rural, and immigrant communities, or face systemic barriers to economic opportunity. Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | $5,000 | 06/28/2027 | General Inquiries | support@kiraboequity.com. | Link to Funder | |
| Jennifer Blake | She Seals The Deal | The She Seals the Deal Grant awards $5,000 to a woman entrepreneur committed to monetize her expertise, and build consistent, repeatable revenue. It was created for women who are actively building their business and ready to turn $5,000 into a revenue-generating system. Grant may be used for any legitimate business expense that supports growth such as marketing, hiring, training, technology, etc. | US-based, women owned Coach, Consultant or Service based business; generating less than $1,000,000 in annual gross revenue Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | $5,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | Jen@jenniferblake.co | Link to Funder | |
| ASRM INNOVATE | PITCH TANK SHOWCASE APPLICATION | Applications are now open for the 2026 ASRM INNOVATE Pitch Tank Showcase, a pitch competition designed to advance innovation in reproductive medicine. Selected applicants will have the opportunity to pitch their reproductive health products, services, or ideas live on stage in front of professionals and investors in the reproductive health space. Up to 5 applicants will be selected to pitch during the 2026 INNOVATE program on Thursday, October 29, 2026. Each pitch will be limited to 5 minutes and will follow a business pitch format. After each presentation, participants will take part in an interactive panelist Q&A. | Who Should Apply: This opportunity is for founders, innovators, researchers, and teams developing innovative products, services, or ideas in reproductive health or reproductive medicine. Applicants must be registered attendees of INNOVATE 2026. What to Submit: Applicants should submit their full application as one PDF file. Supporting materials may include: Research papers Published abstracts Journal articles Additional materials supporting medical innovation Funding information Confirmation of INNOVATE 2026 registration Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | $10,000 | 06/22/2027 | Link to Funder | |||
| eBay Live X Up & Running Grants | eBay Live X Up & Running Grants | eBay is back with its Up & Running Grants program for 2026 — and this year the spotlight is on eBay Live, the platform's fast-growing live shopping format. Ten sellers will each receive a $10K grant to invest in their business, along with hands-on mentorship and professional-grade live selling equipment. Whether you're already streaming on eBay Live or you've been thinking about trying it for the first time, this is your chance to take a serious leap forward. | Eligibility is straightforward — the grant is open to all sellers based in the United States, including current eBay Live sellers and those who are interested in joining the platform for the first time. You don't need to already have an eBay store to apply, making this a wonderful entry point if you've been dreaming about building a live-selling business. Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | $10,000 | 06/25/2027 | Link to Funder | |||
| Making Aging Easier Pitch Competition @ HLTH | Making Aging Easier Pitch Competition @ HLTH | The AgeTech Collaborative™ from AARP® is inviting innovative startups to apply for the Making Aging Easier Pitch Competition, taking place live at HLTH 2026 in Las Vegas on November 16, 2026. If you're building technology or services that help people age better, live healthier, and stay more connected, this is your stage. | Startups offering solutions in the AgeTech space — think products and services that make aging easier, healthier, and more connected for the 50+ audience. Even if your startup isn't squarely in AgeTech, the competition also welcomes solutions related to healthspan and wellness — anything that helps people "stay in the game" as they age. Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | $10,000 | TBA | Link to Funder | |||
| Women’s Business Enterprise Council South / WBENC | WBEC South Regional 1st Round Pitch Competition | Regional qualifier for WBENCPitch. Certified WBEs submit a 60-second pitch video; selected finalists pitch live at the 2026 WE Summit in New Orleans and may advance to WBENC Pitch Semi-Finals and National Finals. | WBEC South-certified WBEs with innovative products or services. WBENC also says participants must be WBENC-certified in good standing, the person pitching must be a primary owner, and the business solution must be ready for market or already in market. Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | $25,000 | TBA | Events Team | events@wbecsouth.org; 504-830-0149 | Link to Funder | |
| Shift Browser | Shift Impact Grant | Annual unrestricted grant supporting nonprofits, social ventures, and startups building technology-based sustainability initiatives with measurable environmental impact. | Legally registered or fiscally sponsored nonprofit, social venture, or startup in Canada or the U.S.; must serve communities in Canada or the U.S.; must lead sustainability initiatives in tech such as climate tech, software, sustainable hardware, or clean energy. Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | $25,000 | 07/02/2027 | General Inquiries | partnerships@shift.com | Link to Funder | |
| The Idea Village / Regions Foundation | IDEAfuel | IDEAfuel is a venture accelerator supported by the Regions Foundation that provides selected Black founders and founders of color with non-dilutive capital, mentorship, structured workshops, and venture-development support. | Open to founders who identify as Black or founders of color. Applicants must be alumni of IDEAinstitute or commit to completing IDEAinstitute if selected. Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | $15,000 | 07/06/2027 | General Inquiries | https://www.ideavillage.org/contact | Link to Funder | |
| St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation | Startup St. Bernard | Three finalists will be selected to "pitch" their business to a panel of judges at Nunez Community College. 2024's prize package was $100,870, with $59,500 in cash and $41,370 in-kind. All three finalists will receive a cash prize of at least $5,000. In the past, in-kind donations have included services ranging from legal and accounting to marketing and public relations. | For-profit businesses in operation 5 years or less, or existing businesses creating a new division/entity Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | $59,500 | 07/10/2027 | General Inquiries | https://www.startupstbernard.com/contact | Link to Funder | |
| CO— by U.S. Chamber of Commerce | CO—100: America’s Top 100 Small Businesses | Annual U.S. Chamber of Commerce recognition program honoring 100 standout small businesses across the United States. Businesses can apply in up to five of 10 categories, including Tech Innovators, The Disruptors, Growth Accelerators, Global Stars, Community Champions, Customer Champions, Culture Champions, Micro-Business Leaders, Champions of Adaptability, and Enduring Businesses. | pplicant must be a legal resident of the United States; business must be for-profit, primarily U.S.-based, operating for at least one year prior to May 4, 2026; fewer than 250 employees; gross revenue under $20 million in both 2024 and 2025; must agree to award rules and possible award ceremony participation. Prior CO—100 honorees are not eligible. Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | $25,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | co100@uschamber.com | Link to Funder | |
| ASICS Ventures Corporation | Kenzen: New Experiences | Kenzen is the official annual pitch competition from ASICS Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of ASICS. After hosting seven pitch programs around the world since 2017, ASICS has formalized everything under one name — Kenzen (from the Japanese word 健全, meaning "sound" or "healthy"). The 2026 theme is "New Experiences," and the company is looking for startups building the services, products, and communities that bring more people into the ASICS ecosystem. | U.S.-incorporated startups developing products or services aligned with one of the four competition themes. Companies must have no active litigation or regulatory actions and must be available to attend the live event in Ann Arbor. Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | $80,000 | 07/30/2027 | General Inquiries | kenzen@asics.com | Link to Funder | |
| Latino Founders | Pitch Latino | An empowering celebration of innovation and entrepreneurship. Expect live pitches, audience voting, mentorship, and meaningful networking—all fuelled by innovation and community. | Entrepreneurs and startup founders from any industry are eligible to apply. The program welcomes founders at all stages of business development. Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | Varies | TBA | Wendi Ayala | ayala@latinofounder.com | Link to Funder | |
| Termis Americas | TERMIS-AM Pitch Competiton | The TERMIS-AM Business Pitch Competition is designed to support and highlight emerging innovators across the tissue engineering and regenerative medicine community. Up to five finalists will be selected to compete live during the TERMIS-AM 2026 Annual Meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana. Following the presentations, judges will select first-, second-, and third-place winners, who will receive monetary awards of $2,000, $1,000, and $500, respectively. There is also a $500 Audience Favorite award. Eligible concepts may include therapeutics, diagnostics, research tools, enabling technologies, or services. | Students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, clinicians, entrepreneurs, or early-stage companies with innovations in tissue engineering or regenerative medicine; must not have received $100,000 or more in dilutive funding Prior-cycle eligibility retained for reference; verify against the next published cycle. | $2,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | https://am2026.termis.org/contact-us | Link to Funder | |
| California AgTech Alliance | Innovation Grants Program | The Innovation Grants Program supports businesses seeking to advance agricultural technologies, products, or innovations toward practical application and commercialization. The program may support innovations across the development continuum, including early-stage development, prototype refinement, testing, validation, field demonstration, scale-up, and commercialization preparation. Awardees will use their approved voucher to obtain eligible services from one or more eligible Service Providers. Voucher-supported services may include Land Services, Technology Services, and Professional Services. | Agriculture/AgTech startups with a significant nexus and benefit to California (job creation, service delivery, increased agricultural production, environment, etc.) (may be headquartered anywhere) | $50,000 | 11/20/2026 | General Inquiries | https://calagtechalliance.org/contact | Must address at least 1 CA priority: 1 – Water and Soil Management, 2 – Automation and Technology (automation, robotic solutions to enhance efficiency and/or worker safety, etc.) 3 – Pest Managemen; 4 – Biomass Management | Link to Funder |
| Radix Technologies Inc SEZC | The .TECH $1 Million No Excuses Fund | The No Excuses Fund is a skill-based grant program for technical builders and startups from day zero through pre-Series A. It offers equity-free individual awards of $10,000, $50,000, or $100,000 from an overall pool of up to $1 million. Applicants submit a working product that is publicly live on a .tech domain, and selected projects may also receive mentorship, introductions, and partner credits. | Applicants must be at least 18 and must own or control a working project whose primary public website is live on a .tech domain at submission. The operating business must remain earlier than Series A when the application is evaluated and when an award is confirmed. U.S. residents and U.S.-established applicant companies are eligible, subject to lawful payment, sanctions screening, and the full official terms. | $100,000 | 12/15/2026 | Program Support | noexcuses@get.tech | Applicants should submit a functioning product rather than a deck and make the technical execution and user value easy to verify. The program charges no application fee and takes no equity, SAFE, convertible interest, revenue share, or board seat. Awardees must keep the project's primary public website on a .tech domain for up to 24 months after payment, and an early move can trigger proportional repayment. | Link to Funder |
| Verizon Communications Inc. | Verizon Small Business Digital Ready $10,000 National Grant | Verizon's Small Business Digital Ready program, in partnership with LISC, awards $10,000 cash grants to small businesses. Ten businesses are selected each month from June through December 2026. Applicants submit once and remain under consideration for the rest of 2026. The program is free and the grant does not need to be repaid. | Eligible applicants are owners age 18 or older of for-profit small businesses based in the United States, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands. Applicants must have a Verizon Small Business Digital Ready account and complete two qualifying courses or events during 2026. Owners of multiple businesses may apply for only one business, and prior grant recipients remain eligible but receive lower priority. | $10,000 | rolling | LISC Small Business Grants | smallbusinessservices@lisc.org | Complete two eligible courses or events by December 7 before applying; the application itself takes about 30 minutes. Selection begins with an anonymous drawing, possible geographic and industry balancing, in-depth review, and finalist verification. Priority goes to businesses in under-resourced low-to-moderate income communities, and prior recipients are less likely to receive a second grant. Apply once; unsuccessful applications remain eligible for later monthly selections in 2026. | Link to Funder |
| World Trade Center New Orleans | R3: River, Road, Rail $20K Pitch Competition | The R3 pitch competition seeks technology-enabled solutions that improve transportation, logistics, ports, shipping, safety, or supply chains. One winner receives a $20,000 cash prize and a guaranteed pitch slot in the Nexus Louisiana Technology Cup. Finalists pitch live in New Orleans on November 17, 2026. | Open to startups and established small businesses operating in Louisiana with novel technology and commercialization potential. Proposed solutions must address transportation or logistics challenges. | $20,000 | TBA | Evie Poitevent Sanders | epoitevent@gnoinc.org | Applications are due October 27 at midnight. Review occurs October 28-29, finalists are announced October 29, and the live competition is November 17. Judging considers innovation, market demand, feasibility, scalability, the pitch deck, and presentation quality. | Link to Funder |
| Life Science Tennessee | 2026 LSTCON Venture Forum Pitch Competition | The LSTCON Venture Forum is Life Science Tennessee's annual pitch competition for emerging life science startups. Selected companies pitch to an investor panel during LSTCON on November 5, 2026 for a chance to win a $10,000 cash prize. | Open to emerging life science startups in Tennessee. Applicants must be prepared to present their company live at LSTCON in Nashville. | $10,000 | TBA | Life Science Tennessee | info@lifesciencetn.org | The official LSTCON page confirms the $10,000 cash prize and Tennessee life science focus. The pitch application is separate from general conference ticketing; no application fee was disclosed on the official application form. | Link to Funder |
| S.H.E. Squared | 2026 Women in Business Pitch Competition | The S.H.E. Squared Women in Business Pitch Competition supports women entrepreneurs building financial independence and growing operating businesses. One selected business receives $1,000 in grant funding after presenting its business and community impact. | Open to legally formed, currently operating, for-profit businesses located in Houston or the surrounding area that are 100% female-owned and operated. | $1,000 | 10/31/2026 | General Inquiries | info@shesquared.org | The application is free and requires a two-minute video whose link remains active through the end of November 2026. Applicants must submit legal-formation verification separately by email. The competition is limited to Houston-area businesses and requires complete female ownership and operation. | Link to Funder |
| Entreprenista Media | Entreprenista Evolve Grant x IT Cosmetics (Fall 2026) | One $5,000 cash award for a U.S. woman-owned or woman-led, revenue-generating business. This IT Cosmetics-sponsored Evolve Grant is a random-drawing sweepstakes, not a merit-scored grant competition. | Eligible: woman-owned or woman-led registered corporation, LLC, or limited partnership with a woman founder or cofounder, physical U.S. business address, at least $100,000 in annual revenue, and at least 12 months of operations. Entrant must be age 18+ and a legal resident of a U.S. state or DC. Sole proprietorships, virtual business addresses, and Entreprenista recipients from the prior 12 months are ineligible; U.S. territories excluded. | $5,000 | 11/30/2026 | General Inquiries | hello@entreprenista.com | There is no application fee or purchase requirement, and the $5,000 winner is selected by random draw, not merit review. Entrants grant the sponsors perpetual, sublicensable, royalty-free rights to reproduce, modify, and distribute application materials; the terms describe both exclusive and nonexclusive licenses, requiring careful intellectual property review. The winner must complete tax documentation and pay applicable taxes. | Link to Funder |
| National Trust for Historic Preservation | Preserve Route 66 Legacy Business Grant Fund | Grants of $5,000 to $10,000 for independent brick-and-mortar businesses connected to historic Route 66, supporting building preservation, capital improvements, planning, marketing, and community heritage projects. | Eligible applicants are owners age 18+ of registered, independently owned legacy businesses or businesses in historic/older buildings in Route 66 communities across Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. New for-profit businesses opening in eligible vacant or underused Route 66 historic buildings may qualify. No national franchises or digital-only businesses; a Route 66 geographic or thematic connection is required. | $10,000 | 11/12/2026 | General Inquiries | grants@savingplaces.org | No cash match is required; eligible work includes capital improvements, preservation planning, and outreach, but new construction and expenses incurred before award are excluded. Applicants must provide business good-standing documentation and property-owner consent where applicable. Awardees sign a grant agreement, begin within six months, and submit a final narrative and financial report with project documentation within one year. | Link to Funder |
| BLOOM Business Empowerment Center | 2026 Women Owned Small Business BLOOM Grant Program | The BLOOM Business Empowerment Center offers micro-grants of up to $1,500 to eligible women-owned small businesses in York County, Pennsylvania. Funds support projects that improve productivity or operations, expand products or services, or otherwise advance business growth. Eligible expenses include equipment, technology, renovations, marketing, professional development, and costs tied to expanding offerings. Recipients must use funds within six months of disbursement. | Eligible applicants must be established, for-profit businesses that are at least 51% women-owned, located and operating in York County, Pennsylvania, and generating revenue as of April 30, 2026. Applicants may have no more than 50 full- or part-time employees and must remain in York County for at least two years after receiving the award. Businesses that received a BLOOM Grant in 2024, 2025, or 2026 are ineligible. | $1,500 | TBA | Ericka S. Stewart | estewart@yceapa.org | Applicants must already operate in York County and show a contribution equal to 10% of the grant's capital value. Businesses that received a BLOOM Grant in 2024, 2025, or 2026 are ineligible for this round. The official page does not publish the application closing date and displays conflicting pitch dates of September 14 and December 8, so applicants should confirm both directly with BLOOM. No application fee is disclosed on the official program page. | Link to Funder |
| UNICEF Venture Fund | UNICEF Femtech Ventures | UNICEF Femtech Ventures is the UNICEF Venture Fund's five-year initiative supporting frontier-technology solutions that improve the health, wellbeing, and sexual and reproductive health and rights of girls and women. Selected companies receive up to $100,000 in equity-free funding, 12 months of technical mentorship, and access to UNICEF's global network. The second annual cohort prioritizes locally developed solutions for emerging markets across healthcare access, reproductive health, mental wellbeing, safety, and protection. Funded solutions must follow open-source licensing and safety-by-design principles. | Eligible applicants must be registered private for-profit companies in a UNICEF programme country and have a functional prototype with promising initial results. The proposed solution must use frontier technology, address the health, wellbeing, safety, or sexual and reproductive health and rights of girls and women, and be open source or committed to an approved open-source license. Applicants must be prepared to generate measurable, publicly accessible real-time data; women-led startups and founders under age 35 are encouraged but not required. | $100,000 | 11/11/2026 | General Inquiries | venturefund@unicef.org | This opportunity is best suited to a startup with a working femtech product and evidence from initial pilots, not a concept-only venture. The funded solution must be released under an approved open-source license by month six, while the company retains ownership of its other intellectual property. Applicants should be ready to publish measurable real-time project data and complete UNICEF's multi-stage EOI, proposal, and demo process. Women-led startups and founders under age 35 are encouraged, but those characteristics are not mandatory eligibility requirements. | Link to Funder |
| The Broadway Business Hub, LLC | The Green Startup Challenge | The Green Startup Challenge is a weekend-long entrepreneurship and pitch experience focused on turning urban-agriculture and local-food-system challenges into business opportunities. Participants work with mentors, industry experts, and business leaders while developing ideas around urban growing, local-food distribution, waste reduction, and business support. Teams prepare a final pitch during the November 13-15, 2026 event in Buffalo, New York. The grand-prize team receives $1,000, while other winning teams receive business-incubation services from Broadway Business Hub. | The challenge is open to entrepreneurs, students, creatives, professionals, community members, and people from all backgrounds; no prior experience or existing business idea is required. Participants must be prepared to develop a business concept addressing one of the four published urban-agriculture or local-food-system prompts. Because the program culminates in a team pitch and is held in person, applicants should be able to participate in Buffalo from November 13-15, 2026. | $1,000 | TBA | General Inquiries | This is a strong fit for aspiring founders and very early-stage teams working in urban agriculture, local food access, waste reduction, or services that help related businesses grow. The event is in person at Broadway Business Hub in Buffalo from November 13-15, 2026, so attendance is a practical barrier for nonlocal participants. Registration is free and the published grand prize is $1,000, with noncash incubation support for other winning teams. The sources do not publish a registration cutoff, recurrence, reapplication policy, matching requirement, intellectual-property terms, or post-award reporting requirements. | Link to Funder | |
| Baker Hill | Battle of OKC Veteran's Business Pitch Competition | Battle of OKC is a veteran-focused business pitch competition sponsored by Baker Hill and supported by The Verge OKC, IVMF, Gradient, and Oklahoma SBDC. Applicants begin with a three-minute video submission, and ten finalists advance to pitch live in Oklahoma City on Veterans Day. The winning business receives a $10,000 cash prize. | Eligible applicants must operate a majority veteran-owned business that has been operating for at least one year and is registered in Oklahoma. Selected finalists must be able to participate in the live Oklahoma City pitch event on November 11, 2026. | $10,000 | 11/01/2026 | This is a strong near-term opportunity for established Oklahoma veteran-owned businesses that can present traction, a clear target market, a scalable solution, and credible financial projections. The first submission is a short video, but finalists should be ready for a tightly timed live pitch and judge questions. Registration in Oklahoma, majority veteran ownership, at least one year of operations, and in-person participation are material eligibility barriers. The official competition page does not disclose an application fee, cost-share requirement, intellectual-property terms, or post-award reporting obligations. | Link to Funder | ||
| National Young Farmers Coalition and Whole Foods Market | Next Generation Farmers Fund | National Young Farmers Coalition is offering $10,000 to $50,000 grants, including conservation technical assistance, directly to young farmers and ranchers across the country who engage in regenerative practices. Grants will support efforts to improve soil health, water quality and water conservation, biodiversity, energy efficiency, and other regenerative practices. | U.S. farmers; aged 40 or younger as of 12/31/27; actively farming or ranching in the 2027 growing season; primarily producing food or fiber. We strongly encourage applicants from all demographics, geographies, and farm sizes and production types | $50,000 | 12/01/2026 | General Inquiries | nextgenfarmerfund@youngfarmers.org | Link to Funder | |
| Kickstarter and Google | Kickstarter x Google Next Wave Fund | The Next Wave Fund supports early-stage U.S. technology startups and small businesses preparing to launch or grow a Kickstarter campaign. Selected recipients receive a $10,000 pledge toward their campaign goal, hands-on crowdfunding guidance, Google training, and promotional support. Applicants are selected on a rolling basis, and the funding is released only if the Kickstarter campaign reaches its goal. | Eligible applicants are technology or digital-gaming startups and small businesses with fewer than 20 full-time employees. At least one team member must be a U.S. citizen, resident, or O-1 visa holder, and both the organization and project bank account must be located in the United States. The primary project contact must be age 18 or older and the project must comply with Kickstarter's rules. | $10,000 | rolling | Kickstarter Design & Technology Team | https://start.kickstarter.com/next-wave-fund | The $10,000 is a conditional pledge rather than an upfront unrestricted grant. Funding is released only after the selected project launches on Kickstarter and successfully reaches its campaign goal, so applicants should build a realistic crowdfunding target and launch plan. The official page states that applications will be selected on a rolling basis for the next year and does not disclose an application fee. | Link to Funder |
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