Small business grant opportunities to apply for in April
April brings a fresh roundup of current opportunities for businesses and nonprofits – grants, accelerator programs, awards, and other helpful resources. Browse what's accepting applications and available now.
ArtPrize 2026 Featured Public Project Grant
Amount: $25,000
Deadline: 4/1/26
Overview: ArtPrize is offering a $25,000 Featured Public Project Grant for one artist or designer to create a large-scale public artwork at a high-visibility outdoor location in downtown Grand Rapids, MI during the ArtPrize event (September 17 – October 3, 2026). The grant covers costs like artwork creation, installation, permits, transportation, and lodging, and is open to artists 18 and older — including international artists. The application deadline is April 1, 2026, with applicants notified the week of April 13.
NYC Artadia Awards
Amount: $15,000
Deadline: 4/1/26
Overview: The Artadia Awards provide unrestricted financial support, exposure, and recognition to visual artists, allowing them to use funds in any way. Awardees also gain access to the Artadia Network for professional connections, resource sharing, and online Artist Registry visibility, helping advance careers—past recipients have been featured in major exhibitions like the Whitney Biennial and Prospect.6. Three Awardees are chosen to receive $15,000 each.
ReStore Boston
Amount: up to $8,000 for signage and up to $200,000 for facades
Deadline: 4/1/26
Overview: ReStore Boston is a City of Boston grant program that supports for-profit businesses and commercial property owners in improving storefront signage and facades to boost foot traffic and strengthen neighborhood commercial corridors. The program reimburses 50–90% of eligible project costs (up to $8,000 for signage and $200,000 for facade improvements) and includes access to professional design and architectural assistance; businesses pay upfront and are reimbursed by the City. Grants are competitive, prioritize businesses in low- to moderate-income areas, and follow a structured process from application and verification through design, permitting, and construction, with multiple review deadlines each year.
Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women: Black in Business
Deadline: 4/2/26
Overview: Goldman Sachs' Black in Business program is a free 12-week online business education initiative for sole proprietors, developed with NYU Stern, covering topics like marketing, financial planning, pricing, and access to capital. The program includes in-person learning at Goldman Sachs headquarters in NYC (all expenses paid), a powerful network, and strategic advisors to guide growth. Eligible applicants must have no full-time employees, at least one year of operation, and a minimum of $25,000 in revenue over the past 12 months. Applications are currently open for the Fall 2026 cohort (September–December).
NYC Cultural Development Fund (CDF)
Deadline: 4/2/26
Overview: The NYC Department of Cultural Affairs is accepting applications for its Fiscal Year 2027 Cultural Development Fund, which provides grants to nonprofit arts and cultural organizations based in New York City for programming taking place between July 1, 2026 and June 30, 2027. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits incorporated in New York State, administratively based in NYC, and have at least two consecutive years of arts and cultural programming in the city. The application deadline is April 2, 2026 at 5pm ET, with no exceptions.
PeopleFund BIPOC Small Business Accelerator
Amount: $3,000 - $5,000
Deadline: 4/2/26
Overview: PeopleFund's BIPOC Small Business Accelerator provides Texas-based entrepreneurs in low-to-moderate income communities with training, business planning support, expedited loan access, and a grant of $3,000–$5,000 upon successful graduation from the program. The Q2 2026 cohort runs weekly on Wednesdays from April 15–June 3, is open statewide to both startups and existing businesses, and admits the first 70 eligible applicants on a first-come, first-served basis. The application window for Q2 2026 closes April 2, 2026.
Purple Line Small Business Grant Program
Amount: up to $50,000
Deadline: 4/3/26
Overview: Operated by the Maryland Department of Transportation, this program provides grants to small businesses located along the Purple Line corridor that are impacted by construction.
Lake County Communities of Waukegan, North Chicago, and Zion - 2026 Small Business Growth Initiative
Amount: $25,000
Deadline: 4/3/26
Overview: The 2026 Small Business Growth Initiative (SBGI) is a grant program for small businesses located in Waukegan, North Chicago, or Zion (Lake County, IL) that have been operating for at least one year and generate $50,000 or more in annual revenue. In addition to grant funding, the program includes one-on-one business coaching and monthly development meetings running from May through September.
Multilingual by Design
Amount: up to $350,000
Deadline: 4/3/26
Overview: Multilingual by Design is a philanthropic initiative that pairs K-8 education nonprofits with AI builders to co-create tools designed specifically for multilingual students in math and literacy. Applications are open through April 3, 2026, and selected teams will be invited to an in-person prototyping workshop in Washington, D.C. from June 2-4, with expenses covered. Following the workshop, 3-5 partnerships will receive grants of up to $350,000 to develop and pilot their tools in real classrooms through 2027.
Open Pitch at Invest Fest
Amount: $125,000
Deadline: 4/10/26
Overview: Open Pitch is a startup pitch competition taking place August 7–9, 2026 in Atlanta, GA at Invest Fest, where early-stage tech companies compete for a $125,000 investment prize. Hundreds of startups apply, with five finalists pitching live on stage to venture capital investors and business leaders, and one ultimate winner selected. The application deadline is April 10, 2026.
Spring 2026 Makers Mindset Grant
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: 4/10/26
Overview: The Spring 2026 Makers Mindset Grant offers $30,000 in total equity-free funding to three women-led U.S. consumer brands, with each winner receiving $10,000 plus mentorship, office hours with Nancy Twine, community access, and promotional support. It’s open to majority women-owned CPG businesses in select sectors that have operated for at least a year and earn between $50,000 and $1 million annually, with applications open through April 10, 2026.
Kitty Fund Mompreneur Business Grant
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: 4/14/26
Overview: The Kitty Fund Mompreneur Business Grant (Founders First CDC) is a national program for mother-owned U.S. businesses that will award 20 finalists a $1,000 micro-grant (total $20,000) plus free access to one of two accelerator-style programs: Passport Community (weekly scaling sessions) or Zebra Leadership (6-session CEO/team-building program). Eligibility includes identifying as a mom owner/CEO, being in business at least 1 year, having 2–100 employees, and ≤$5M in annual revenue.
Neurodiverse Entrepreneur Program
Amount: $4,000 (up to $19k in grants and services)
Deadline: 4/15/26
Overview: The Neurodiverse Entrepreneur Program supports startups and small businesses led by neurodiverse founders – such as individuals with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, or learning disabilities – by expanding leadership opportunities and celebrating neurodiversity as a driver of innovation. Selected companies receive over $19,000 in grants and services, including a $4,000 microgrant, mentorship, business accelerator participation, and Innovation DuPage membership.
Startup CPG Shelfie Awards
Deadline: 4/15/26
Overview: The Startup CPG Shelfie Awards recognize standout emerging CPG brands – celebrating great products, brand stories, and packaging through a free, accessible awards program. In 2026, the process is streamlined with all categories opening at once and unified sample windows (shelf-stable due April 16–30; refrigerated/frozen due May 4–6), followed by a one-week group judging session in May. Applications open April 14, 2026, with finalists announced in early August and winners in late August, and brands may submit up to three SKUs (one product per SKU).
The National Foster Care Innovation Challenge
Amount: up to $100,000
Deadline: 4/16/26
Overview: The National Foster Care Innovation Challenge is an $800K dual-track funding opportunity for nonprofits and social enterprises developing innovative solutions in foster care, family preservation, and youth transitions. The nonprofit track offers $700K in grants — including four $100,000 first-place awards, four $50,000 runner-up awards, and two $50,000 audience choice awards — while the for-profit track offers a $100,000 equity investment in one mission-driven technology company. Applications are open March 18–April 17, 2026, and organizations led by people with lived experience in foster care are especially encouraged to apply.
FoodLab Chicago 7.0 Cohort
Deadline: 4/17/26
Overview: FoodLab Chicago 7.0 is a free educational program by the Greater Chatham Initiative designed for Black and Brown food service entrepreneurs in Chicago who have been operating for at least 12–18 months, offering training in Menu Engineering, Plate Costing, Food Service Accounting, Financial Management, Marketing, and more. The cohort kicks off April 20, 2026, with weekly in-person sessions every Monday from 9am–12pm at 639 E. 87th Street. Seating is limited, so early applications are encouraged — contact ciera@greaterchathaminitiative.org with questions.
Pennsylvania Agricultural Innovation Grant Program
Amount: $5,000+
Deadline: 4/18/26
Overview: Pennsylvania’s Agricultural Innovation Grant Program offers reimbursement grants to help farmers and agriculture-related businesses adopt new technologies, conservation practices, and renewable energy innovations that boost profitability and sustainability. Applications for this round must be submitted online between February 2, 2026 (8 a.m.) and April 18, 2026 (11:59 p.m.), with eligible projects ranging from on-farm efficiency and biosecurity upgrades to energy generation from agricultural sources. Funding is available for innovation planning, onsite implementation, and larger regional-impact projects.
LA2050 Grants Challenge
Amount: up to $75,000
Deadline: 4/22/26
Overview: The LA2050 Grants Challenge is a Los Angeles–focused funding opportunity offering awards of up to $75,000 to social impact organizations working to make LA the best place to connect, create, learn, live, and play. The 2026 challenge uses a public voting model, where Angelenos help decide funding priorities, with Part 1 (organization screening) due April 22 and final awards announced October 2026. Organizations advancing to Part 2 will submit a project proposal aligned with the community’s top-voted issue areas.
USDA Value-Added Producer Grant
Amount: up to $200,000 (with a 1:1 funding match)
Deadline: 4/22/26
Overview: The USDA Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program provides funding to agricultural producers to help them create and market value-added products from their raw commodities, increasing income and expanding market opportunities. Grants can support planning activities (like feasibility studies or business plans) up to $50,000 or working capital (such as processing, packaging, marketing, and inventory) up to $200,000, with a required 1:1 funding match. Priority is often given to beginning farmers, small family farms, and cooperative or regional food system projects.
Mass Cultural Council Creative Experiences Grants
Amount: $2,500-$5,000
Deadline: 4/30/26
Overview: The Mass Cultural Council Creative Experiences program offers one-year grants of $2,500 or $5,000 to Massachusetts-based organizations, schools, businesses, and government entities funding arts, humanities, and science activities taking place between July 1, 2026 and June 30, 2027. Applications are open through April 30, 2026, with priority given to BIPOC-centered organizations, first-time applicants, and those serving low-income communities. Eligible applicants must be based in Massachusetts and responsible for producing or presenting the proposed experience.
Knight Cities Challenge
Amount: up to $200,000
Deadline: 4/30/26
Overview: The Knight Foundation is launching the Knight Cities Challenge, a $5 million open call for creative project ideas across its 26 communities. Applications open April 1, 2026 and close April 30, 2026, with grants of up to $200,000 available for projects focused on local news, economic opportunity, or arts and culture. Projects must be completable within one year, and both nonprofits and individuals are eligible to apply.
Learn more & apply
O'Shaughnessy Fellowships
Amount: $100,000
Deadline: 4/30/26
Overview: The O’Shaughnessy Fellowships & Grants is a one-year program that gives researchers, builders, and creatives $100,000 to turn ambitious ideas into reality while keeping 100% ownership (no equity). It’s designed to fund bold projects without corporate control, thesis requirements, or committee approvals, and applications close April 30, 2026.
South Arts Artist Creative Practice Grant
Amount: up to $3,000
Deadline: 4/30/26
Overview: South Arts Artist Creative Practice Grant funds milestone professional development opportunities that can significantly advance an artists' career. Eligible activities include residencies, apprenticeships, research, conferences, and presentations.
Hey Helen Grant ($15 fee)
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: 4/30/26
Overview: The Hey Helen Grant gives $10,000 in financial support to women founders building impactful, mission-driven businesses in the U.S. Funds can be used for operations, growth, marketing, hiring, or infrastructure.
Local Development Corporation of East New York Opportunity Fund Grant
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: 4/30/26
Overview: The LDCENY Opportunity Fund (in partnership with HSBC, the Brooklyn Women’s Business Center, and EBBID) offers up to $10,000 in grant funding for aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses (5 years old or less) based in East New York, Brownsville, Canarsie, Starrett City, or Cypress Hills. Applicants compete to become one of 10 finalists who receive accelerated business training and pitch coaching, culminating in a live showcase where judges award funding to help launch or grow their ventures.
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