Nearly 33 million small businesses operate across the United States, yet funding remains one of the biggest barriers to growth — and free grant money is one of the most underused solutions available. Small business grants don't require repayment, making them far more valuable than loans. Per Grants.com, competition for grant funding is rising in 2026, but dozens of programs remain open and actively seeking applicants. Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale, pairing grants with free government funding programs or free business education resources can dramatically stretch your runway. Let's get started!
Quick Answer
Small business grants are free funding that doesn't require repayment, making them more valuable than loans. Nearly 33 million U.S. small businesses qualify for various programs. In 2026, competition is rising but dozens of grants remain open. Programs exist for startups and scaling businesses through federal, state, and private sources.
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Summary Table
| Item Name | Price Range | Best For | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shopify | $19–25/month | E-commerce Entrepreneurs | Visit Site |
| Mona Small Business Impact Grant | $5,000 (free grant) | Community-focused US small businesses | Visit Site |
| American Express Shop Small Grants | $20,000 (free grant) | Small retailers and local businesses | Visit Site |
| Breva Thrive Grant | Up to $10,000 (free grant) | Women and minority entrepreneurs | Visit Site |
| NASE Growth Grant | Up to $4,000 (free grant) | Self-employed individuals and micro-businesses | Visit Site |
| Amber Grant | $10,000–$25,000 (free grant) | Women-owned small businesses | Visit Site |
| 2026 Pride Fund | Up to $5,000 (free grant) | LGBTQ+-owned businesses | See details |
| Walmart Spark Good Local Grants | $250–$5,000 (free grant) | Community nonprofits and local small businesses | Visit Site |
| SBA 8(a) Business Development Program | Free to apply (contract access) | Socially and economically disadvantaged business owners | Visit Site |
| Hiring Our Heroes Grants | Up to $10,000 (free grant) | Veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs | Visit Site |
10 Legit Small Business Grants to Claim (2026)
Below you'll find detailed information about each option, including what makes them unique and their key benefits.
1. Shopify
While Shopify is primarily an e-commerce platform, it's directly relevant to small-business-grants seekers because many grant programs — including those targeting underrepresented entrepreneurs — require applicants to demonstrate an active, revenue-generating business. Setting up a Shopify store proves business legitimacy and can strengthen your grant application. Plans start at $19–25/month with a 3-day free trial, making it accessible before funding arrives.
Key details:
- Plans from $19–25/month (Basic tier)
- 3-day free trial — no credit card needed upfront
- Best for: Entrepreneurs needing to show an operational business to qualify for funding
2. Mona Small Business Impact Grant
The Mona Small Business Impact Grant is a funding opportunity designed specifically to support small business owners who demonstrate measurable community impact. Applicants typically submit a business plan, revenue history, and a statement outlining how the grant will be used — making it one of the more competitive but accessible small-business-grants available to mission-driven entrepreneurs.
What to know:
- Focused on community-impact businesses
- Requires documented business operations and growth plan
- Best for: Small business owners with a clear social or economic mission
3. American Express Shop Small Grants
American Express periodically offers Shop Small grants and funding initiatives designed to help small businesses grow and recover during challenging economic periods. These grants target independently owned businesses that accept American Express cards, making them a practical funding source for established local shops seeking non-dilutive capital without repaying borrowed funds.
Key details:
- Grant amounts and availability vary by program cycle and region
- Typically requires an active American Express merchant account
- Applications usually involve a short business story submission
4. Breva Thrive Grant
The Breva Thrive Grant specifically targets women-owned small businesses seeking funding to scale operations or launch new initiatives. This grant program fills a critical gap in business financing by providing non-repayable awards to underserved entrepreneurs who often face barriers accessing traditional loans or venture capital. Award amounts and eligibility criteria are updated annually, so checking the current cycle details before applying is essential.
What you get:
- Targeted toward women entrepreneurs and minority-owned businesses
- No equity required — purely grant-based funding
5. NASE Growth Grant
The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) offers Growth Grants up to $4,000 to help self-employed individuals and micro-business owners fund specific business needs. These grants can cover equipment, marketing, hiring, or operational costs — making them one of the more flexible funding sources available to sole proprietors and freelancers who are often overlooked by traditional grant programs.
Key details:
- Awards up to $4,000 per grant recipient
- Must be a NASE member to apply (membership starts around $14/month)
- Open to self-employed individuals and micro-businesses
6. Amber Grant
The Amber Grant is a monthly funding program exclusively for women-owned businesses, awarding $10,000 each month to one recipient — plus a $25,000 year-end grant chosen from that year's monthly winners. According to grants.com, it's one of the most accessible women-focused business funding programs available, with a straightforward application and no industry restrictions.
Key details:
- $10,000 awarded monthly; $25,000 additional year-end grant
- Open to any women-owned business regardless of industry
- Small application fee (~$15) required to apply
7. 2026 Pride Fund
The Pride Fund provides small business grants targeting LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs who face unique barriers to accessing traditional financing. Grant amounts and eligibility are structured to support startups and established small businesses owned by LGBTQ+ individuals looking to grow or stabilize operations in 2026.
Key details:
- Targets LGBTQ+ small business owners as the primary applicant pool
- Funding supports both early-stage and existing businesses
- Applications typically require a business plan and proof of ownership
8. Walmart Spark Good Local Grants
Walmart's Spark Good Local Grants program channels funding to nonprofits and community-focused small organizations at the local level, with individual Walmart stores awarding grants to qualifying groups in their area. Businesses and nonprofits serving local communities can apply through their nearest Walmart location, making this a practical hyperlocal funding source often overlooked in standard grant searches.
Notable perks:
- Grants typically range from $250 to $5,000 per award
- Applications submitted directly through local Walmart store managers
- Priority given to organizations with clear community impact
9. SBA 8(a) Business Development Program
The SBA 8(a) program helps small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals access federal contracts and grant-adjacent funding opportunities. Qualifying businesses gain access to set-aside government contracts, business development assistance, and mentorship that reduces reliance on competitive grant applications. Eligibility requires owners to have a personal net worth under $850,000 and demonstrate social disadvantage.
Key details:
- Program lasts up to 9 years with mentorship and technical support
- Access to sole-source contracts up to $4.5M (goods/services) or $7M (manufacturing)
- Free to apply at SBA.gov
10. Hiring Our Heroes Grants
Hiring Our Heroes offers funding and resources specifically for veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs seeking small-business grants and startup capital. Through partnerships with corporate sponsors, the program provides direct grants, business training, and networking access to help military-connected business owners launch or grow their companies. It complements other veteran-focused funding like the StreetShares Foundation grants.
What you get:
- Grant competitions with awards ranging from $5,000–$15,000
- Fellowship programs and entrepreneurship bootcamps at no cost
- Access to corporate mentors and veteran business networks
Final Words
Whether you need startup funding, industry-specific support, or minority-owned business resources, these ten grants offer a strong starting point. Pair your search with managing business finances tools to stay grant-ready year-round.