Small-business grants you can apply for in December 2024

https://www.bizjournals.com/pacific/news/2024/12/02/small-business-grants-apply-december-2024-2025.html?​
By Andy Medici – Senior Reporter, The Playbook, The Business Journals
Dec 2, 2024

The 2024 presidential election is in the rearview mirror — removing one major source of uncertainty for businesses. But there are still plenty of unanswered questions for businesses as 2025 approaches.

Whether it's the prospect of increased tariffs and what that might mean for their prices, or whether the Federal Reserve may put the brakes on its interest rate cuts, there are plenty of looming challenges for businesses in the new year.

But there are several opportunities, as well, including a host of small-business grants that businesses can apply for in December.

FedEx Entrepreneur Fund offers $10K grants

Delivery giant FedEx has opened applications up for its Boost Camp program, which is in collaboration with funding platform Hello Alice and the Global Entrepreneurship Network. There are 150 spots in the 12-week digital growth accelerator, which offers expert-led sessions, education, mentorship and more.

Out of those 150 small businesses, 30 will receive a $10,000 grant to be used for their business. To be eligible, the entrepreneur must be a leading executive in a small business that has a maximum of 25 employees and has generated less than $1 million in 2023 gross revenue. 

Applications close Dec. 13, 2024 and the winners are announced on Jan. 28, 2025.

Fifth Third Bank and the Community Reinvestment Fund offer up grants

The Small Business Catalyst Fund, created in partnership between the Community Reinvestment Fund and Fifth Third Bank, connects small-business owners to capital options offered by Community Development Financial Institutions. 

Now, small-business owners in select ZIP codes across the country can apply for a chance to win a $5,300 grant that can be used for working capital, technical assistance or any other business expense. Applications will be accepted through Dec. 13, 2024

Locations include areas in Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Tampa, Cleveland, Atlanta, Charlotte, Columbus, Louisville and Chicago. Businesses must be prepared to submit a 2023 tax return, government issued ID and a voided business check, among other items. 

Business owners can find out more about the Small Business Catalyst Fund here.

Verizon offers grants and education for small businesses

The Verizon Small Business Digital Ready program is offering $10,000 grants to businesses as part of a wider education effort. Small-business owners can register on Verizon’s platform to access online courses in English and Spanish as well as mentorship opportunities, one-on-one coaching and in-person community events. 

Business owners who complete at least two courses by Dec. 13, are eligible for a grant to be awarded by Verizon.

The company also is launching a small-business funding marketplace that will have loan and other funding opportunities available to small businesses.

Secretsos offers $2,500 to entrepreneurs

The Secretsos Small Business Grant offers $2,500 to help entrepreneurs overcome challenges and accelerate their growth. To apply, business owners must be age 21 or older and operate in eligible U.S. states (excludes Alaska, Florida, Hawaii, New York and Rhode Island). Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. CT Dec. 31.

Walmart offers up non-profit grants

Walmart’s Spark Good Local Grant offers up to $5,000 grants for local non-profit businesses on a rolling basis throughout the year. The next deadline to apply is Dec. 31. The catch is that businesses must already have Spark Good account on Walmart.com and be verified by Walmart’s third-party verification partner.

Grants for seed-stage products with big potential

The National Science Foundation's America's Seed Fund provides millions of dollars in grant funding to small businesses and startups that have big ideas. Applicants submit The National Science Foundation’s America’s Seed Fund, and if invited to submit a proposal could end up getting funded. The grant program gives out roughly $200 million per year to eligible businesses. 

The National Association for the Self-Employed has a $4,000 growth grant that it offers on a rolling basis. The catch? You have to be a member. The group has awarded nearly $1 million in grants to members since 2006.

Additional opportunities for small businesses

Entrepreneurs and business owners looking for additional assistance have other resources available to them as well. We've compiled a rundown of some of the other grant opportunities and types of training and technical assistance available to companies throughout 2024.