Small business grant opportunities to apply for in March
March brings a fresh roundup of current opportunities for small businesses and nonprofits – grants, accelerator programs, awards, and other helpful resources. Browse what’s accepting applications and available now.
PBS SoCal Community Storyteller Initiative
Amount: up to $6,500
Deadline: 3/1/26
Overview: PBS SoCal’s Community Storyteller Initiative is seeking Southern California–based creators to produce short videos about Los Angeles’s histories, neighborhoods, and cultural legacies as the city prepares for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Selected storytellers will receive production grants, and proposals are due March 1, 2026.
Camelback Fellowship
Amount: $50,000
Deadline: 3/2/26
Overview: The Camelback Fellowship supports early-stage social impact entrepreneurs tackling systemic inequities in Education and Conscious Technology, providing $50K plus a 16-week hybrid accelerator experience offering coaching, capital, connections, community, and curriculum, with lifelong membership in the Camelback network.
Queens Tech + Innovation Challenge
Amount: $20,000
Deadline: 3/2/26
Description: This Queens-led entrepreneurship program (presented by Borough President Donovan Richards and the Queens Economic Development Corporation) supports early-stage founders with education, mentorship, networking, and five cash awards of up to $20,000 each with no strings attached. Participants can attend live or recorded online workshops from October 2025–January 2026, join monthly in-person networking events through February 2026, and book 1:1 office hours with program mentors. Awards are given across five categories: Consumer Tech, Enterprise Tech, Sustainability, Community, and Food-Based (with Queens storefront requirements for retail food businesses).
Veteran Tech Readiness Small Business Grant
Amount: $20,000
Deadline: 3/2/26
Description: The Veteran Tech Readiness Small Business Grant will award three $20,000 grants to eligible veteran-owned micro/small businesses (under 20 employees, at least 51% veteran-owned) operating in or serving Portland to build digital capacity and improve economic mobility. Funds can be used for technology purchases, digital skills training, online presence/marketing, cybersecurity, and internet or technical support. Applications open January 26, 2026 and are due March 2, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. PT via the City of Portland Grants Portal.
Detroit Startup Fund
Amount: $15,000–$50,000
Deadline: 3/2/26
Overview: The Detroit Startup Fund is a City of Detroit initiative that provides grants and support to help Detroit-based founders and tech startups launch, scale, and create jobs. Eligible startups can apply for $15,000 seed grants or $50,000 scale grants, with applications due by March 2, and must demonstrate growth potential and a positive impact on Detroit. The program is part of a broader effort by the city to reduce barriers, foster innovation, and strengthen Detroit’s startup ecosystem.
ELEVATED Cities Business Development Program
Amount: $10,000 - $15,000
Deadline: 3/2/26
Description: ELEVATED Cities is Our Village United’s 12-week virtual business development program for entrepreneurs who’ve already made progress and want structured guidance, proven growth strategies, and a supportive network to scale with intention and impact. The program offers training, tools/resources, community connections, and a pathway to a competitive pitch competition where some businesses can win $10,000–$15,000 in grant funding. Applications are due March 2, and the target cities include Chicago, St. Louis, Milwaukee, Detroit, Columbus, Indianapolis, and Minneapolis.
Chicago Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF)
Amount: up to $250,000
Deadline: 3/2/26
Description: The SBIF provides reimbursement grants for permanent building improvements and repairs to industrial and commercial properties within designated Chicago TIF districts. Eligible tenants and property owners can receive between 30%–90% of project costs, up to $150,000 for commercial and $250,000 for industrial properties.
Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism FIFA World Cup Grants
Amount: $10,000,000 funding pool
Deadline: 3/4/26
Description: Massachusetts’ Office of Travel and Tourism is offering competitive Sports and Entertainment Events Fund grants for FIFA World Cup–related events and support activities in FY26, backed by $10 million in state funding. Eligible applicants (Massachusetts municipalities, public agencies, tribal entities, and nonprofits) can apply for cost-reimbursement grants for expenses like transportation, public safety, accessibility services, signage, event operations, and watch parties, but must provide at least a 1:1 match. Applications are due March 4, 2026 at 3:00pm ET, with awards expected to be announced in March 2026.
San Jose Small Business Start-up Grant
Amount: $5,000 - $10,000
Deadline: 3/6/26
Description: The City of San José’s Small Business Start-Up Grant provides funding to early-stage, for-profit businesses (less than three years old) that are registered and operated within San José. The program will award up to 20 grants – 10 for $10,000 and 10 for $5,000 – to support startup expenses such as licensing, equipment, training, or loan down payments. Eligible businesses must have 35 or fewer employees, commit to required advising or training, and apply by March 6, 2026.
2026 AARP Community Challenge
Amount: $2,500–$25,000
Deadline: 3/4/26
Overview: The 2026 AARP Community Challenge offers grants to nonprofits and government entities for projects that create tangible, quick-action improvements that make communities more livable – especially for people age 50 and older. Funding options include flagship grants (up to $15,000), $2,500 capacity-building microgrants, and demonstration grants (up to $25,000) supporting areas like public spaces, transportation, housing, digital access, and disaster resilience. Applications are due March 4, 2026, with selected projects launching in June and completing by mid-December.
eBay Circular Fashion Fund
Amount: up to $300,000
Deadline: 3/8/26
Overview: The eBay Circular Fashion Fund supports early-stage fashion businesses advancing circular economy solutions—from resale and repair to responsible design and regeneration – across the U.S., EU, UK, Australia, Canada, and Switzerland. In 2026, eight finalists will each receive $50,000 plus targeted mentoring, with one global winner potentially receiving a $300,000 investment from eBay Ventures. Eligible businesses must be 6 months–6 years old, apply by March 8, and demonstrate real-world impact aligned with eBay’s fashion ecosystem.
Go PINK Grant Initiative
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: 3/9/26
Overview: The Go PINK Grant Initiative will award $2,500 to one standout founder who leads with authenticity, purpose, and originality. Get Grant Ready Summit attendees can apply by posting a 30–60 second Reel explaining what makes their business unique and how they “GO PINK” to stand out (bonus points for wearing pink, tagging @PinkPrintFirm, and using the listed hashtags). Applications run January 19 to March 9.
2026 Next Challenge for Media & Journalism
Amount: up to $75,000
Deadline: 3/10/26
Overview: The 2026 Next Challenge for Media & Journalism will award $250,000 to early-stage U.S.-based nonprofit and for-profit media startups and independent creators reinventing local journalism. Division winners can receive up to $50,000, with an additional $25,000 Grand Prize, and all finalists receive a $3,000 stipend to attend the national awards event. Eligible applicants must be launched, actively publishing, under 10 years old, and have earned less than $1 million in revenue in 2025, with applications due March 10, 2026.
SEED SPOT Emerging Brand Accelerator
Deadline: 3/15/26
Overview: A 10-week virtual accelerator for early-stage, revenue-generating brands ready to scale into retail. Includes workshops, tailored mentorship, and tools to strengthen brand identity, supply chain, and retailer compliance.
Headstream Accelerator 2026
Amount: $30,000
Deadline: 3/15/26
Overview: Headstream Accelerator 2026 is a four-month, virtual-first program for early-stage teams scaling tech-enabled solutions that improve mental well-being for at-risk teens (especially ages 13–19) in or adjacent to education and healthcare, with a preference for historically excluded communities. Selected participants receive a $30,000 non-dilutive stipend, youth co-creation support, and coaching/advisor access, and must have at least a functional prototype and sustainable funding model; applications run Jan 15–Mar 15, 2026, with the program starting in July and an in-person kickoff July 28–30, 2026.
IndyArts Project Grants
Amount: $2,000 - $10,000
Deadline: 3/15/26
Overview: Indy Arts Council’s Project Grants provide $2,000–$10,000 to Marion County (Indianapolis) artists and 501(c)(3) nonprofits to create and present arts and culture activities in public spaces (parks, libraries, community centers, etc.). Projects must take place in Marion County between May 1, 2026 and April 30, 2027, and require a letter of support from the public venue.
LinkedIn Future of Work Fund
Amount: $200,000 - $300,000
Overview: LinkedIn’s Future of Work Fund provides grant funding and in-kind support to nonprofits helping young adults (especially those facing barriers) prepare for and succeed in an AI-powered workforce. The fund prioritizes organizations using AI innovation and AI-fluency training –alongside human skills development – to expand economic opportunity, particularly in the U.S., U.K., France, Germany, and India. Applications for the 2026 fund close March 15, 2026, with most grants expected to range from $200,000 to $300,000 USD.
WBDC Waterbury Grant Program
Amount: $2,500 - $10,000
Deadline: 3/15/26
Overview: The Women’s Business Development Council’s Waterbury Grant Program offers $2,500–$10,000 grants to for-profit small businesses located in Waterbury, CT to fund clearly defined projects that drive measurable growth and profitability. Eligible businesses must be registered in CT, in business at least one year, and have $25K–$2M in annual sales; applications are accepted in rounds with 2026 deadlines on March 15, June 15, September 15, and November 15.
2026 Ladies Who Launch (LWL) Launch Program
Amount: $10,000
Overview: Ladies Who Launch’s 2026 Launch Program (with support from Boundless Futures Foundation) will award 10 women-owned, impact-driven small businesses a $10,000 grant plus mentorship and an eight-week training program. Eligible applicants must be U.S.-based, for-profit (not nonprofit/franchise/affiliate), not politically or religiously focused, have an EIN or business bank account, be 51%+ women-owned, and have $100,000–$499,999 in annual gross revenue, with social impact embedded in the product or business model. Applications close March 17, 2026 (11:59pm ET) and winners will be announced by March 31, 2026.
Women’s Business Development Council Ignite Grant (Connecticut)
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: 3/18/26
Overview: The Women’s Business Development Council’s Ignite program offers competitive grants of $2,500–$10,000 (up to $10,000) to help 51%+ women-owned, for-profit small businesses in Connecticut fund a clearly defined growth project with measurable impact. Eligible businesses must be CT-based and in good standing, operating at least 2 years, have $25K–$2M in annual revenue, use a digital bookkeeping system, and generally have invested $2,500 in the last 12 months.
Ripple Digital Leap Forward Accelerator
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: 3/18/26
Overview: Accion Opportunity Fund and Ripple are launching the fully virtual Ripple Digital Leap Forward Accelerator to help 50 small business owners strengthen their digital systems and growth capabilities. The 8-week program includes expert-led training (tools, automation, payments, marketing, operations/HR/finance), a personalized digital roadmap, capital-preparedness support, networking, and a $10,000 grant upon completion. Eligible businesses must be at least 1 year old with $100K–$1.5M revenue, 1–5 employees (excluding the owner), a working website and business bank account, and applications are due March 18, 2026 at 5:00pm ET.
Enthuse Foundation Planet & Purpose Grant
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: 3/23/26
Overview: The Planet & Purpose Grant, presented by the KSI Foundation, will award $5,000 to a U.S.-based woman entrepreneur who owns at least 51% of an established CPG (consumer packaged goods) business with a strong sustainability focus. Eligible businesses must be product-based (food, beverage, or CPG), operating for over six months, generating at least $5,000 in revenue, and demonstrate meaningful environmental integration in their brand and operations. Applications close March 23, 2026, with the winner announced April 22, and funds to be used between May and September 2026.
Verizon Digital Ready $5,000 Grant in NY, CA, WV
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: 3/31/26
Overview: The New York $5,000 Grant is part of Verizon’s Small Business Digital Ready program, run with LISC, and will award 25 New York-based small businesses, 25 California-based small businesses, and 25 West Virginia-based small businesses a $5,000 grant. To apply, owners must be 18+, operate a U.S. for-profit business with a primary address in New York, California, or West Virginia; complete one Digital Ready resource between Jan 1–Mar 31, 2026; and submit the application by March 31, 2026 (11:59 pm PT), with finalists notified around the week of May 17, 2026.
Pilot Small Business Growth Fund
Amount: $10,000 - $50,000
Deadline: 3/31/26
Overview: The Pilot Small Business Growth Fund (Hello Alice + Pilot) offers grants to help U.S. small businesses grow, awarding 18 total grants: one $50,000, two $25,000, and fifteen $10,000. Winners also receive a year of free Pilot bookkeeping services. Applications are open through March 31, 2026, for for-profit U.S. businesses with a legal entity and $5,000–$5,000,000 in 2025 gross revenue, and some finalists may be asked to submit a short video.
T-Mobile Hometown Grant
Amount: up to $50,000
Deadline: 3/31/26
Overview: T-Mobile Hometown Grants is a quarterly program (part of a $25M, five-year initiative) that awards up to $50,000 to eligible small towns (pop. 50,000 or less) for public placemaking projects like revitalizing historic structures, creating downtown destinations, or improving community gathering spaces. Applicants must be a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) nonprofit or local government entity, and projects must be completed within 12 months of funding.
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