Small business grant opportunities to apply for in October
September 22, 2025
Looking to fund your next big move? October offers a diverse set of grants, accelerators, and resources for entrepreneurs. Whether you’re just getting started or scaling an existing business, here are active opportunities with deadlines this month.
Main Street Acquisition Support Grant (NJEDA)
Amount: up to $50,000
Deadline: 10/1/25
Overview: Offers up to $50,000 in reimbursement to eligible New Jersey small businesses that have purchased a commercial property to operate from. The grant covers closing costs for properties closed on after 10/1/2024.
Motor City Match Grant
Amount: up to $100,000
Deadline: 10/1/25
Overview: Supports Detroit-based entrepreneurs at every stage - from idea to expansion. Offers grants and expert support to help launch or grow businesses in Detroit’s commercial corridors. Winners must commit to staying in Detroit for 3+ years and show job creation or community benefit.
REDF Accelerator
Amount: $20,000
Deadline: 10/1/25
Overview: The REDF Accelerator is a 6-month applied learning program for leaders of employment social enterprises (ESEs) to grow revenue, expand impact, and strengthen employee support services. Each enterprise applies with two leaders who participate in 100+ hours of peer-based learning, coaching, and consulting to address real-world challenges. Graduates leave with a tailored implementation plan and receive a $20,000 unrestricted grant (2026 cohort) along with access to REDF’s national community of 200+ ESEs.
Denver Business Impact Opportunity Fund
Amount: up to $15,000
Deadline: 10/2/25
Overview: Denver Economic Development & Opportunity, in partnership with The Fax Partnership and Mile High United Way, is offering grants up to $15,000 and technical assistance for small businesses impacted by city-funded construction projects.
HuCapital Pitch Competition
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: 10/3/25
Overview: As part of HuCapital Innovation Week in NYC, early-stage U.S.-based tech founders (with a functional MVP) can pitch live for a chance to win $5,000, a VC consultation with sponsor Visible Hands, and recognition on the SEEN 50 list. Preference goes to startups with AI functionality.
Fifteen Percent Pledge Runway to Revenue Accelerator
Amount: up to $60,000
Deadline: 10/3/25
Overview: The Runway to Revenue Accelerator, powered by Victoria’s Secret & Co., is a 12-week virtual program designed to help BIPOC and women-owned businesses — or companies aligned with the Fifteen Percent Pledge — scale and grow. Participants receive $10,000 in grant funding, expert-led workshops on scaling and strategy, networking opportunities, and the chance to pitch for up to $50,000 in additional funding at the program’s final pitch event in Columbus, OH.
Causability Creator Grants
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: 10/3/25
Overview: Causability offers $5,000 unrestricted grants to U.S.-based creators who partner with local nonprofits to develop programs benefiting both artists and socio-economically marginalized communities. Grants support a wide range of creative disciplines and may be used for events, workshops, performances, audience participation projects, or fundraisers, with costs covering things like venue rental, supplies, marketing, and creator compensation. Applicants collaborate with a nonprofit to define a project theme and demonstrate community impact.
Johns Hopkins Social Innovation Lab
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: 10/5/25
Overview: The Social Innovation Lab (SIL) supports early-stage ventures from Johns Hopkins and the greater Baltimore community that are mission-driven and have demonstrated traction. Participants join a cohort-based program focused on customer discovery, fundraising, impact measurement, storytelling, and more, while gaining access to a broad mentor and funder network. Teams that complete the program receive a $5,000 grant stipend and can compete for a $15,000 prize.
Madeline Haydon Award for Entrepreneurship
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: 10/6/25
Overview: Two $10,000 awards will be given to promising CPG entrepreneurs. The award supports entrepreneurs whose vision and leadership demonstrate strong growth potential and alignment with Project Potluck’s mission of advancing diversity and inclusion in the industry.
Once Upon a Farm Brand Builder Grant
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: 10/6/25
Overview: One $10,000 grant will be awarded to a CPG entrepreneur with demonstrated innovation, with priority given to businesses headquartered in the Midwest. The grant is designed to accelerate growth for founders building impactful, inclusive brands.
Baked Goods Innovation Award
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: 10/6/25
Overview: One $5,000 grant will be awarded to a brand in the baked goods or baking ingredients category. Priority will be given to founders whose businesses show strong traction and potential for growth while advancing representation and inclusion in CPG.
Detroit Legacy Business Project Grant
Amount: up to $50,000
Deadline: 10/6/25
Overview: The Detroit Legacy Business Project supports small businesses that have operated in Detroit for over 30 years and contribute to the city’s cultural identity. Grants provide financial assistance and business support to help these longstanding businesses continue their impact. Funding includes $2,500 and $5,000 microgrants, $15,000 grants per council district, and one $50,000 citywide grant, with a total of 30 awards per round.
Skip Instant Grants
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: 10/7/25
Overview: Offers rolling grant opportunities, with multiple $1k winners selected per month; applicants must join a Skip livestream.
KC G.I.F.T. Grant
Amount: up to $100k
Deadline: 10/7/25
Overview: Grants for Black-owned businesses in Kansas City, MO. The $100K grant targets high-performing businesses ready to scale and create local jobs; the $10K grant supports business growth and stability. Includes free small business support services.
Stephen L. Tadlock Veteran Business Grant
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: 10/7/25
Overview: Founders First is awarding $1,000 micro-grants to 20 veteran entrepreneurs across the U.S., along with free access to a Founders First business growth program (Passport or Zebra). The grant supports veteran-led businesses aiming to strengthen operations and scale sustainably.
Echoing Green Fellowship
Amount: $100k
Deadline: 10/8/25
Overview: Echoing Green backs transformational leaders advancing equity across education, climate justice, human rights, health, and more. Fellows receive $100,000 in seed funding over 18 months, along with leadership development, wellness and mental health resources, and expert professional support. They also gain access to Echoing Green’s lifelong global community of innovators, virtual and in-person convenings, and connections to business leaders committed to social change.
Black Girl Ventures NYC Pitch Competition
Amount: up to $15,000
Deadline: 10/8/25
Overview: The Black Girl Ventures (BGV) 2025 Pitch Program supports early-stage, revenue-generating businesses under $1M led by under-resourced founders in NYC. The program provides coaching, a live crowdfunded pitch competition, and connections to a network of professionals, helping founders access capital, grow capacity, and build community. Awards include: $15,000 for 1st place, $10,000 for 2nd, $5,000 for 3rd. Winners also receive membership to the BGV Connect Incubator.
OpenAI Fund for US Nonprofits
Amount: $50M fund
Deadline: 10/8/25
Overview: OpenAI has launched a $50M fund to support U.S.-based nonprofits and community organizations using AI to expand access, improve services, and foster innovation in areas like education, economic opportunity, healthcare, and community-led research. Grants will be unrestricted and open to both established and emerging nonprofits, including those new to AI.
Sprouts Pitch Slam with Startup CPG
Deadline: 10/9/25
Overview: Startup CPG is offering emerging food and beverage brands the chance to pitch directly to Sprouts Farmers Market at an in-person event on November 19, 2025, in Phoenix, AZ. Applicants must be brand owners (not agencies), part of the Startup CPG Slack community and brand database, and available to attend in person. Sprouts will select participating brands, and Startup CPG will notify finalists by email. Applications close October 9, 2025.
Makers Mindset x The Equity Studio Grant
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: 10/10/25
Overview: Provides $50,000 in equity-free funding to support early-stage, women-led consumer brands in beauty and wellness. Five founders will each receive a $10,000 grant, along with mentorship, community connections, and visibility opportunities designed to help them scale. In addition to capital, recipients gain guidance from experienced leaders, access to a supportive network of entrepreneurs and experts, and exposure through Makers Mindset and The Equity Studio platforms.
First Peoples Fund Yéego Action Grants
Amount: up to $2,500
Deadline: 10/10/25
Overview: The Yéego Action Grant from First Peoples Fund provides $100–$2,500 in financial assistance to Native artists and culture bearers facing unexpected hardships or specific professional opportunities that impact their creative practice. Funds can cover emergency expenses (e.g. medical costs, equipment repair, disaster relief), travel or fees for residencies and workshops, or other unanticipated professional needs—but not new projects, reimbursements, or general operating support.
2025 Alan Hagman Grant
Amount: $6,000
Deadline: 10/11/25
Overview: The Alan Hagman Grant awards $6,000 to support photojournalism projects that bring creative attention to important, underreported stories—from human rights to environmental issues. Named in honor of the late Los Angeles Times photo editor and mentor, the grant is administered by the National Press Photographers Foundation (NPPF), which advances visual journalism through education and funding.
NYU Tandon Future Labs Catalyst Accelerator
Deadline: 10/12/25
Overview: The NYU Tandon Future Labs Catalyst Program is a 6-month, equity-free accelerator for Pre-Seed to Seed tech startups, offering access to NYU’s research, faculty, and entrepreneurial network. Selected founders receive mentorship, workspace, weekly events, cloud credits (Google Cloud, AWS, Anthropic), startup software discounts, NYU student interns, and publicity opportunities. The program seeks startups tackling major challenges in: AI (Foundational AI, Sensory AI), Hardware & Robotics, Healthcare, Cybersecurity, Communications & Media (AR/VR/MR), Finance, Urban Technology.
City of Raleigh Facade Rehabilitation Grant
Amount: up to $10,000
Deadline: 10/12/25
Overview: This program offers matching reimbursement grants of up to $10,000 to help small business owners and property owners refurbish the exterior of their commercial buildings. Designed to revitalize Downtown and older commercial districts, the grant enhances curb appeal, stimulates local economic activity, and supports long-term growth.
City of Raleigh Building Up-fit Grant
Amount: up to $25,000
Deadline: 10/12/25
Overview: The City of Raleigh’s Building Up-fit Grant supports local economic growth by helping property owners activate vacant or underutilized commercial space within city limits. The matching reimbursement program covers up to 50% of qualified interior construction costs to create new business uses or jobs. Residential properties, franchises, and exterior projects are not eligible.
Skip $10k Small Business Grants
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: 10/14/25
Overview: Offers $10,000 to small businesses across the U.S. Limited number of applications are accepted, so early applications are encouraged.
Marshalls Good Stuff Accelerator
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: 10/14/25
Overview: The Marshalls Good Stuff Accelerator Program, developed in partnership with Luminary, is a year-long, virtual program supporting 40 women as they make meaningful progress toward personal or professional goals. The program is open to women from all backgrounds. Participants receive live virtual sessions with Marshalls experts, six peer coaching sessions through Luminary Cru groups for accountability and support, and a one-time $5,000 grant to invest in their chosen goal. This program is designed to provide curated guidance, peer support, and practical resources to help women take action and advance in their personal and professional journeys.
Mentors + Angels Accelerator
Deadline: 10/15/25
Overview: The m+a Accelerator Program is an 8-week hybrid program designed for overlooked and underrepresented founders, with priority given to women, minorities, veterans, and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs. Participants benefit from the expertise of experienced corporate leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors, as well as access to a strong angel and seed investor network. The program includes three weekly virtual sessions and two in-person events in New York City (networking and pitch). The accelerator is free to join, takes no equity, and culminates in a Demo Day.
2026 Tools Competition
Amount: up to $300,000
Deadline: 10/15/25
Overview: The 2026 Learning Engineering Tools Competition is a multi-million dollar global funding opportunity supporting innovative edtech tools that use AI, data, and learning science to transform education across early learning, K–12, higher education, and workforce development. Now in its sixth cycle, it seeks research-driven, inclusive, and safe solutions that advance responsible innovation, leverage advanced AI, and share public assets like open data or models. Prize levels include $50K (Catalyst) for early-stage tools, $150K (Growth) for products with traction, and $300K (Transform) for established platforms with 10,000+ users, plus $100K for dataset development.
The LearningTimes Emerging Educational Filmmaker Grant
Amount: up to $10,000
Deadline: 10/15/25
Overview: The LearningTimes Emerging Educational Filmmaker Grant awards up to $10,000 to U.S.-based emerging filmmakers in the pre-production stage to create films exploring themes of education, teaching, community, and learning. The grant aims to amplify diverse voices and perspectives in conversations about education and its role in society.
Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition Grants for Artists
Amount: up to $1,500
Deadline: 10/15/25
Overview: The Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition (OVAC) offers Grants for Artists to support Oklahoma-based artists in creating visual art for public presentation, advancing professional development, or leading community projects. Grants are available for artists working in visual media, curation, and art writing, with awards based on artistic merit and grant-specific criteria.
Walmart Spark Good Local Grants
Amount: up to $5,000
Deadline: 10/15/25
Overview: Quarterly grants for organizations addressing local needs. Open to 501(c)(3) charities, public entities, and educational groups; must be Deed-verified and have a Spark Good account.
Toast Changemakers Program
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: 10/17/25
Overview: In partnership with Hello Alice and GEN, Toast is awarding $10,000 grants to 15 restaurant owners who are addressing food insecurity in their communities. The program supports restaurants already engaged in initiatives like community meals, food bank partnerships, surplus food donations, or outreach to vulnerable populations, helping them expand their impact.
Purple Line Small Business Grant Program
Amount: up to $50,000
Deadline: 10/24/25
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.
Nasdaq Foundation Quarterly Grant Program
Amount: $75,000
Deadline: 10/24/25
Overview: The Nasdaq Foundation Quarterly Grant Program supports organizations that empower under-resourced communities with financial knowledge, tools, and access to capital. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, or for-profit businesses or consultants acting on behalf of a qualified tax-exempt entity. Grant funding is awarded to programs that demonstrate capacity and expertise, a strong governance and financial model, a proven track record, and measurable impact that can be scaled or replicated to benefit additional communities.
U.S. Venture/Schmidt Family Foundation Grant
Amount: up to $50,000
Deadline: 10/24/25
Overview: Supports nonprofits improving lives in areas like education, health, and equity. Grants support a wide range of funding requests including specific program needs, capital support, and general operating support.
2026 Forrest E. Mars, Jr. Chocolate History Grant
Amount: $50,000
Deadline: 10/26/25
Overview: The Forrest E. Mars, Jr. Chocolate History Grant supports projects that explore and share chocolate’s role in global history, culture, and innovation. With a minimum of $50,000 in total funding, the program funds immersive experiences, research, educational resources, and publications that bring chocolate’s cultural stories to life. Special emphasis is placed on educational impact, diversity, and audience reach. Winners will be announced at the Heritage Chocolate Society Annual Meeting on February 18–19, 2026, in Washington, D.C.
Chicago Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF)
Amount: up to $250,000
Deadline: 10/30/25
Overview: 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.
RestorHER x Worth Pursuing Micro-Grant
Amount: $500
Deadline: 10/31/25
Overview: The RestorHER x Worth Pursuing 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. $500 per award.
CIC Massachusetts Social Impact Program
Deadline: 10/31/25
Overview: CIC Massachusetts is launching a Social Impact Cohort to support BIPOC, women, and veteran-led small businesses from socially and economically disadvantaged groups across Massachusetts. This Growth Stage Cohort, beginning January 2026, will offer specialized programming to help historically underserved entrepreneurs scale and thrive. The initiative is funded by the Minority Business Development Agency’s Capital Readiness Program.
Amber Grants
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: 10/31/25
Overview: WomensNet offers multiple funding opportunities for women-owned businesses, including a $10,000 Amber Grant awarded monthly, a $10,000 Startup Grant for businesses in the idea or early sales phase, and three $25,000 year-end grants. One application qualifies businesses for all opportunities.
Breva Thrive Grant for Small Business Growth
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: 10/31/25
Overview: Quarterly grants for U.S.-based small businesses who are having a positive impact in an underrepresented community. One entrepreneur each round receives $5,000 to invest in their business and community.
Women Founders Grant
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: 10/31/25
Overview: $5,000 rolling grants for majority women-founded businesses at any stage, from side hustles to established ventures. Simple application with two questions; $25 non-refundable fee. Winners are chosen based on passion, authenticity, and merit.
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