Small business grant opportunities to apply for in May
May brings a new wave of opportunities for businesses and nonprofits — including grants, accelerators, fellowships, awards, and pitch competitions currently accepting applications. Browse what’s open and apply before upcoming deadlines.
Halcyon Fellowship – US Health Accelerator
Amount: $6,000
Deadline: 5/1/26
Overview: Fellowships for early-stage social entrepreneurs across climate, health, and equity tech. Offers venture-building support, mentorship, and community without taking equity.
The Purpose Prize from AARP
Amount: $75,000
Deadline: 5/1/26
Overview: The Purpose Prize from AARP honors outstanding Americans age 50 and older who are making a meaningful impact through nonprofit work aligned with AARP's mission of empowering people as they age. Winners receive $75,000 plus a year of organizational support from AARP, including assistance with fundraising strategy, governance, and data evaluation. The application is open through May 1, 2026 at 5pm ET.
City of Charlotte Placemaking Grant
Amount: $25,000
Deadline: 5/1/26
Overview: The City of Charlotte’s Placemaking Grant Program funds small-scale, community-driven projects that enhance public spaces, such as murals, pop-up plazas, street furniture, and community gathering areas. The grant aims to improve neighborhood vibrancy, safety, and identity by activating underused spaces through collaborative, locally led initiatives. Open to residents, organizations, and businesses within Charlotte, the program has invested over $1 million in community placemaking projects since 2019.
Walmart Open Call 2026
Deadline: 5/1/26
Overview: Walmart's Open Call 2026 is an annual program that connects small and mid-size businesses making, growing, or assembling products in the U.S. with the opportunity to pitch their products directly to Walmart merchants and potentially get on Walmart shelves. The Road to Open Call is a nationwide tour with eight stops across the country from April through June 2026, culminating in the main Open Call event on October 6-7, 2026. Entrepreneurs interested in participating should apply before the deadline for their nearest tour stop city.
Education Impact Fund (EIF) Catalyst
Amount: $250,000
Deadline: 5/2/26
Overview: EIF Catalyst is a 12-week accelerator program by ECMC Group's Education Impact Fund for mission-driven entrepreneurs scaling proven solutions in education and workforce development, particularly around green-economy trades and rapid reskilling.
DREAM Program Bootcamp Application
Deadline: 5/2/26
Overview: The DREAM Program Bootcamp is an intensive cohort program for packaged food and beverage entrepreneurs in the DMV who are ready to strengthen their business, expand into retail, and grow sustainably. Participants receive business training, one-on-one technical assistance, industry connections, and peer support, with applications due May 2, 2026 and the program running from May 13 to August 20, 2026.
Blue Ridge Labs Founder Fellowship
Amount: $20,000
Deadline: 5/3/26
Overview: Blue Ridge Labs' Founder Fellowship is a 20-week program run by Robin Hood's venture studio that helps early-stage founders move from idea to MVP for social impact tech ventures, with a focus on economic mobility. Fellows receive a $20,000 stipend, weekly programming, mentorship, and access to co-working space in Brooklyn, with no prototype or co-founder required to apply. The next cohort begins in June 2026, with an application deadline of May 3, 2026.
The Urban Future Prize
Amount: $50,000
Deadline: 5/3/26
Overview: The Urban Future Prize Competition, now in its 10th year, awards two non-dilutive $50,000 cash prizes and two $10,000 runner-up prizes to early-stage climatetech startups across two tracks — Climate Mitigation and Climate Adaptation — along with admission into New York's ACRE Incubator. The competition is open to startups working on a wide range of solutions, from renewable energy and industrial decarbonization to water security and extreme weather resilience, with particular consideration given to impact on vulnerable communities. The competition culminates at the Urban Future Summit on October 22, 2026 in New York City, though the specific application deadline was not listed in the content provided.
Brooklyn Public Library's PowerUP Business Plan Competition
Amount: $20,000
Deadline: 5/4/26
Overview: Brooklyn Public Library's PowerUP Business Plan Competition is open to aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs ages 18 and older who live in Brooklyn and plan to start or grow a business there, offering cash prizes of $20,000, $10,000, and $5,000 plus additional merit awards. Participants receive business planning classes, free counseling from business librarians and advisors, and guidance on market research, marketing, and financial projections as part of the competition process. The application deadline has been extended to May 4, 2026, and applicants must watch the full on-demand orientation session before applying.
Denver Business Impact Opportunity Fund Grant
Amount: $15,000
Deadline: 5/5/26
Overview: Denver Economic Development & Opportunity’s Business Impact Opportunity (BIO) Fund offers construction stabilization grants (up to $15,000) plus technical assistance to small businesses economically harmed by specified city-funded construction projects, with the current round focused on the East Colfax BRT construction corridor. Eligible businesses within 350 feet of the project can apply for a one-time grant—$7,500 for businesses with ≤$100,000 annual gross revenue and $15,000 for those above that threshold – if they meet requirements like eligible NAICS codes, $30K–$5M in 2025 revenue, and demonstrating at least a 20% revenue decline over a 90+ day period due to construction.
Rasmuson Individual Artist Awards
Amount: $25,000
Deadline: 5/5/26
Overview: The Rasmuson Foundation Fellowship Award offers $25,000 grants to up to 20 mid-career and mature Alaska artists, makers, and culture bearers to advance their creative practice within a one-year period, with flexible use of funds. The program is open to Alaska-based artists and applications are submitted through the foundation's online grants management system. The application deadline is May 5, 2026 at 11:59pm, with award recipients announced in October 2026.
The Confidence Collective: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs Boost Camp & Grant Program
Amount: $20,000
Deadline: 5/6/26
Overview: The BOTOX® Cosmetic Confidence Collective, in partnership with Hello Alice, is a virtual accelerator program open to 250 women entrepreneurs that includes strategy sessions, mentorship, with 20 participants receiving $20,000 in grant funding. Eligible applicants must lead a for-profit business with an existing product or service and at least $25,000 in revenue generated in 2025, and must submit three short video responses along with a professional headshot. The application deadline is April 29, 2026 at 6pm ET, with acceptance into the program not guaranteeing grant funding.
2026 Emerging Leaders Fellowship (ELF) 2.0
Amount: $15,000
Deadline: 5/6/26
Overview: Black Girl Ventures' Emerging Leaders Fellowship (ELF) 2.0 is a 12-week virtual accelerator for revenue-generating women founders based in Austin, LA, or New York who have been in business at least two years and are ready to scale from solo operator to CEO. Each fellow receives a guaranteed $5,000 stipend, with additional pitch prizes of up to $15,000 at the cohort level and another $15,000 at the national finale, plus crowdfunding revenue — totaling over $40,000 in potential capital and support. The application deadline is May 6, 2026, with the program kicking off June 6, 2026 via weekly Wednesday Zoom sessions.
Fuzehub 2026 Manufacturing Grants
Amount: $65,000
Deadline: 5/7/26
Overview: FuzeHub's 2026 Manufacturing Grants, part of the Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund, offer awards of up to $65,000 to New York State nonprofits that partner with one to five small or medium-sized New York manufacturers (500 employees or fewer) to support technology transfer, new manufacturing processes, and product development. The program encourages collaboration between nonprofits and manufacturers at any stage, from early proof-of-concept through maturity, with both established companies and startups eligible to apply in a single round. The application window is April 8–May 7, 2026 at 11:59pm ET.
Ebony Power100 2026 Nomination
Deadline: 5/8/26
Overview: EBONY's 2026 Power 100 is an annual recognition list celebrating Black changemakers, leaders, and innovators across 10 categories including business, entertainment, sports, STEM, arts, and community impact. The public is invited to nominate individuals — including self-nominations — who have made significant contributions to Black culture and community in the past 12-18 months. Nominations close May 8, 2026.
The Community Development Foundation Pitch Competition - Mississippi
Deadline: 5/8/26
Overview: The Pitch 2026 is a business pitch competition hosted by the Community Development Foundation and Renasant Center for IDEAs in Tupelo, Mississippi, open to startups and existing businesses that are two years old or less. Selected participants receive mentorship and business plan training before pitching live on June 15, 2026 for cash and in-kind prizes, with top performers also eligible for selection into CoBuilders, a 12-week statewide accelerator program for Mississippi startups. Registration is open April 1–May 8, 2026, with the live pitch event held at 398 E Main St., Tupelo.
Made in DC Curator & Retail Innovation Grant
Amount: $25,000
Deadline: 5/13/26
Overview: The DC Department of Small and Local Business Development's FY26 Made in DC Curator & Retail Innovation Grant Program awards up to $25,000 to one or more District-based curators to design and operate temporary retail pop-up spaces featuring at least 15 MiDC-certified businesses across product categories like fashion, food, beauty, and home goods. Applicants must have identified a retail space within DC that will be operational by July 1, 2026, and must demonstrate expertise in managing pop-up retail activations, vendor coordination, and marketing. The application deadline is May 13, 2026 at 2:00pm ET, with awardees notified June 29, 2026.
SMILE Health Accelerator
Deadline: 5/13/26
Overview: The SMILE Health Accelerator, a collaboration between CareQuest Innovation Partners and MATTER, supports early-stage startups working at the intersection of oral health and overall health, offering dedicated pitch support, industry networking, a closed-door Demo Day with investors and health leaders, and a $2,500 non-dilutive stipend. Applicants must have a validated concept entering or in market within 6-12 months, include an oral health or integrated health focus, and commit to roughly 4-5 hours per week for one month of program activities. Applications are open April 1–May 13, 2026, with cohort selection in mid-June 2026.
2026 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program
Amount: $40,000
Deadline: 5/14/26
Overview: The New Jersey Department of Agriculture's 2026 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program offers grants of up to $40,000 to organizations working to enhance the competitiveness of New Jersey specialty crops — including fruits, vegetables, nuts, herbs, honey, and horticultural products — in domestic or foreign markets. Eligible projects may focus on marketing, research and development, food safety, nutrition education, pest control, or improving distribution systems, and must benefit the broader specialty crop industry rather than a single organization. The application deadline is May 14, 2026 at 5:00pm ET, with $1,023,883 in total funding available and no cost-share or matching requirement.
Milwaukee Commercial Revitalization Grants
Amount: $25,000
Deadline: 5/14/26
Overview: The Commercial Revitalization Fund, run by Milwaukee’s Department of City Development, provides grants to businesses and property owners to renovate storefronts, improve building facades, and activate vacant commercial spaces to strengthen neighborhood business corridors. It includes multiple programs with varying funding caps (generally covering up to 50% of project costs), such as signage, façade improvements, storefront activation, and retail investment tied to job creation. Overall, the fund aims to enhance the physical appearance, economic activity, and vitality of commercial areas in the city.
Quickbooks Small Business Hero Grant
Amount: $20,000
Deadline: 5/15/26
Overview: $20,000 grant by QuickBooks to support high-impact small businesses nominated by their communities.
Chicago Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (NOF)
Amount: $250,000
Deadline: 5/15/26
Overview: A capital development grant program provided by City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development that supports small business and cultural projects located on eligible commercial corridors on the West, Southwest, and South Sides of Chicago. Grants reimburse up to 75% of eligible project expenses for new construction, storefront build-outs, facade repair, etc.
Nearshored Manufacturing Grant
Amount: $3,000
Deadline: 5/15/26
Overview: Get Nearshored is offering three $1,000 manufacturing grants (a $3,000 total pool) to U.S.-based small businesses with under $5M in annual revenue that sell physical products and are actively looking to nearshore production to the U.S., Canada, Latin America, or Europe. Winners can use the funds toward inventory/production (including samples, materials, or packaging) and also receive introductions to vetted manufacturers, expert nearshoring guidance, and a feature on the platform.
ReStore Boston
Amount: $200,000
Deadline: 5/15/26
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.
Village of Savoy Building and Property Enhancement Program
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: 5/15/26
Overview: The Village of Savoy’s Building and Property Enhancement Program provides a reimbursement grant covering 50% of eligible project costs, up to $10,000, to help small businesses and commercial property owners improve the appearance and functionality of commercial properties village-wide. Applications are accepted twice a year (May 1–15 and Nov 1–15), and funds are reimbursed only after the project is completed, inspected, and paid receipts are submitted. Eligible upgrades are mainly visible exterior and safety/accessibility improvements (plus some code-compliance/accessibility interior work), and recipients must maintain the enhancements and stay in the location for at least two years.
Grow-NY Food & Agriculture Startup Competition
Amount: $1,000,000
Deadline: 5/15/26
Overview: Grow-NY is a global food and agriculture startup competition funded by Empire State Development that awards $3 million annually to seven food and agtech startups, with a top prize of $1 million, to help grow an innovation cluster in Upstate New York. Up to 20 finalists receive mentoring and business development trips to the region, and winning companies are expected to create jobs and partner with local industry.
Verizon Small Business Super Pitch Contest
Amount: $20,000
Deadline: 5/18/26
Overview: The Verizon Small Business Super Pitch is a pitch competition for Digital Ready members, offering finalists a trip to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final and a chance to win up to $20,000. To qualify, small business owners must register for Digital Ready, complete a “Winning customers” course or event by May 18, 2026, and submit a short social media pitch video.
Citizens Bank Grant Program
Deadline: 5/22/26
Overview: Citizens Bank's grant program funds nonprofits in two priority areas — Workforce Development (job training, career education, and coaching) and Financial Empowerment (financial literacy, small business development, and homeownership education) — with priority given to programs serving LMI and/or BIPOC communities. The program is available to organizations in 17 states and D.C., including CA, CT, FL, MA, NJ, NY, PA, and VA among others. Workforce Development applications are due May 22, 2026, while Financial Empowerment applications are due December 1, 2026.
Women Founders Fast Pitch Competition
Amount: $25,000
Deadline: 5/31/26
Overview: Women Founders Network’s 14th Annual Fast Pitch Competition is accepting 2026 applications from April 1–May 31, with two tracks (Tech/tech-enabled and Consumer/CPG/Non-tech) awarding $25K cash grants to the 1st-place winner in each track, plus a $5K grant chosen by Junior Venture Capitalists. Ten finalists also receive coaching, mentorship, perks, professional services, and investor connections, culminating in an in-person pitch event on October 28 in Los Angeles (UCLA) for eligible, U.S.-based, women-led companies that have raised no more than $750K (excluding certain non-dilutive grants) and are not in life sciences, nonprofit, or cannabis/CBD.
AgWest New Producer Grant
Amount: $15,000
Deadline: 5/31/26
Overview: AgWest Farm Credit's New Producer Grant offers a one-time $15,000 grant to individual agricultural producers who have two years or less of operational experience, or who plan to start an operation within two years of applying. Applicants must be located within AgWest's service territory, be at least 18 years old, and cannot be existing AgWest lending customers or nonprofit organizations. The 2026 application window is open through May 31, 2026, and requires a business plan, cash flow budget, and short essay questions.
The Oak Spring Fellowship for Distinction in Fine Crafts and Design
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: 5/31/26
Overview: The Oak Spring Garden Foundation's inaugural Fine Crafts and Design Fellowship, supported by Tiffany & Co., awards one early-career craftsperson or designer a $10,000 grant and a 2–5 week residency at the former Mellon estate in Upperville, Virginia, with a focus on work that engages meaningfully with the natural world across a wide range of materials-based practices. The fellowship is intent-focused rather than outcome-focused, offering private studio space, access to Oak Spring's library and gardens, and a community of interdisciplinary residents, though the facility does not have dedicated maker equipment like kilns or woodshops. The application portal closes May 31, 2026, with the residency taking place in 2027.
Natoora's Farm Fund
Amount: $30,000
Deadline: 5/31/26
Overview: Natoora's Farm Fund offers grants to agroecological farmers age 40 and under in Australia, Europe, the USA, and the UK, with a 2025-2026 fundraising target of $150,000 distributed as one $30,000 Transformation grant and eleven Resilience grants of $15,000 or $8,000 each. One third of each year's funds are reserved for young farmers who have faced social, racial, or economic barriers, and applicants must demonstrate commitment to practices that support soil health, biodiversity, and cultural identity. Applications close May 31, 2026, with grants allocated in October 2026.
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