Starting or growing a small business in 2024 is no easy feat, and one of the biggest obstacles you will face is securing funding. While small business loans can provide a lifeline to business owners looking for swift cash injections, high interest rates, and repayment terms have the potential to sting you later down the line.
As the old adage goes, money doesn’t grow on trees. However, you might be surprised to find out how much free capital is available to small businesses in the form of small business grants.
We round up seven grants that you should know about right now – including their eligibility criteria and funding amount. We also let you know how long you have to get your application together. You might want to get a hurry on though, as the deadline for these grants is in, or just after June.
Government Small Business Grants to Apply For in June 2024
Small business grants can help you unleash your small business’s potential. Scroll down to find out which grant schemes you’re eligible for this month.
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1. CO-100
- For: US small businesses
- Funding limit: $25k
- Deadline: July 8, 2024
Formerly known as the America’s Top 100 Small Business Awards, the CO-100 is a prestigious grants competition run by the US Chamber of Commerce. Businesses featured on the list are pegged to be the ‘best and brightest’ small and mid-sized businesses in America, and aside from receiving the cash prize of $25,000, winners also gain national recognition through press coverage and by receiving a business profile on CO-. Awardees also gain access to experts and thought leaders within their industry and get invited to VIP networking experiences.
To be eligible for this opportunity, you need to be a legal US resident, have run a for-profit business for at least a year, have fewer than 250 employees, and agree to all of the CO-100 rules, including potentially attending an award ceremony. Businesses across a range of industries can throw their hat in the ring, as long as they’re able to cover the application fee of $99.
Learn more about the CO-100, and apply here
2. NGLCC Community Impact Grant – Central Region
- For: LGBTQ+ owned and allied restaurants
- Funding limit: $25k
- Deadline: June 17, 2024
The NGLCC Community Impact Grant is a funding opportunity provided by the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) and the GrubHub Community Fund. The grant was designed to provide critical funding for LGBTQ+-owned and allied hospitality businesses including restaurants, cafes, and bars serving food.
To be in with a chance of receiving grants worth $5k to $25k, you need to provide proof that you are an LGBTQ+-owned or allied establishment, serve food in your venue, and not have received 2+ NGLCC Community Impact Grants in previous years. Time is of the essence with this grant, however, as businesses need to have their applications in by June 17.
3. The Creative Business Boost Initiative
- For: Creative entrepreneurs
- Funding limit: $5k
- Deadline: June 22, 2024
The Creative Boost Initiative is a funding opportunity organized by the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) and Hello Alice, with additional support from Etsy’s Uplift Fund. The grant was designed to support creative ventures, and alongside receiving a cash injection of $5,000, winners will gain access to an exclusive virtual 12-week Boost Camp coaching program.
To be eligible for the funding, applicants must be a creative entrepreneur, have a business that’s been running for at least 12 months, have an existing product or service on the market, and be willing to participate in the virtual Boost Camp program. You also need to be a for-profit business and be registered in the US.
Learn more about the Creative Business Boost Initiative and apply here
4. Verizon Small Business Digital Ready
- For: Small businesses
- Funding limit: $10k
- Deadline: June 29, 2024
The Verizon Small Business Digital Ready is a grant scheme providing successful businesses with $10,000 worth of funding. The program runs in partnership with Next Street, LISC, and Verizon, and offers online resources to help businesses thrive in the digital economy, in addition to capital.
Unlike lots of other grant schemes, the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready scheme is open to businesses of all industries and specialisms. However, to be eligible, you must complete at least two of the following Digital Ready programs: courses, live coaching, or community events. Businesses have until June 28 to apply for this grant opportunity.
Learn more about the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready and apply here
5. Driving Small Business Forward 2024
- For: For-profit US businesses
- Funding limit: $50k
- Deadline: June 15, 2024
The Progressive® Driving Small Business Forward fund program offers successful applicants $50,000 toward a commercial vehicle, as well as an exclusive 12-week virtual Boost Camp coaching program designed to equip business owners with the tools and resources they need to grow.
To be in with a chance of winning, businesses must be for-profit and registered in the US. You also need to have 10 or fewer employees, bring in less than $5M in annual gross revenue, and demonstrate a need for a qualifying commercial vehicle. You also can’t be an independent contractor for a rideshare or delivery service. If you’re interested in being one of 20 small businesses to snag an award, you need to be quick, as the grant deadline is June 14, 2024.
Learn more about the Driving Small Business Forward 2024 grant scheme, and apply here
6. EmpowHer Grants
- For: Female entrepreneurs
- Funding limit: $25k
- Deadline: June 17, 2024
EmpowHer Grants were designed by the Boundless Futures Foundation to support women who want to level up their businesses, but face financial barriers. Successful applicants will receive a total of $25,000 of early-stage capital, and access to financial, marketing, leadership, and sector professionals who help advise them on their next steps.
To be eligible, you need to be a female entrepreneur who is at least 22 years old, with a business that is registered and solely operates within the US. Applicants’ businesses also need to address a social issue through their business model and be no longer than three years old.
Learn more about EmpowHer Grants and apply here.
7. Jobber Grants
- For: Small, home service businesses
- Funding limit: $10k
- Deadline: June 13, 2024
Jobber Grants is a funding opportunity open to home service professionals looking to take their business to the next level. The scheme hands out a total of 15 grants worth $10,000 to successful applicants, and the awards are split into four main categories: Home Service Heroes, Career Builders, Smooth Operators, and Community Caretakers.
To be eligible to win, you have to run a home service business, be 18 or older, and be based in the US or Canada. You’ll have to get in there quickly, however, as Jobber is only accepting grants until June 13. Luckily, it only takes five minutes to apply.
