Free money. Two of the most beautiful words in the English language, especially when you’re a business owner juggling expenses, growth goals, and the general chaos of running your own thing.
Grants are exactly that: funding you don’t have to pay back, don’t have to give up equity for, and don’t have to beg a bank to approve. They exist specifically to support entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities, and there are more of them than most people realize.
So we did the research for you. Here are active grant opportunities. Bookmark this, share it with your people, and start applying.
For Women-Owned Businesses
Amber Grant — Rolling Monthly | $10,000/month + $50,000 Year-End
One of the most well-known grants for women entrepreneurs, WomensNet’s Amber Grant awards three $10,000 grants every single month, and monthly winners are automatically considered for a $50,000 year-end grant. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with a new cycle opening each month. Pre-revenue and early-stage businesses are welcome.
Apply: ambergrantsforwomen.com
Entreprenista Evolve Grant — Deadline: June 19, 2026 | $5,000
Designed for women founders ready to scale, the Entreprenista Evolve Grant awards $5,000 to U.S.-based women-led businesses that have been operating for at least 1 year and have generated $100,000 or more in annual revenue. If you’ve been in the game for a minute and are ready to grow, this one’s worth a look.
Apply: entreprenista.com
Cartier Women’s Initiative — Deadline: June 16, 2026 | Up to $100,000
This is a big one. The Cartier Women’s Initiative is a global competition for women-owned, impact-driven businesses generating between $50,000 and $5 million in annual revenue. First place takes $100,000, second takes $60,000, and third takes $30,000. If your business is making a real difference in your industry, this application is worth your time.
Apply: cartierwomensinitiative.com
Texas Woman’s University StartUP Grant — Deadline: September 23, 2026 | $5,000
This one’s close to home! TWU’s Center for Women Entrepreneurs offers a $5,000 StartUP Grant specifically for women-owned businesses in the Lone Star State. Applications open September 1 and close September 23. If you’re early-stage and Texas-based, this is a solid, accessible option that includes a free small-business training course. Apply:twu.edu/center-women-entrepreneurs
For BIPOC Business Owners
Famous Amos Ingredients for Success — Deadline: June 1, 2026 | $50,000 (x3 winners)
Yes, the cookie brand. The Famous Amos Ingredients for Success Entrepreneurs Initiative, presented in partnership with the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc., awards three Black-owned early-stage businesses $50,000 each plus mentorship, networking, and educational resources. Businesses must be at least 90% Black-owned. Applications require a pitch video and close June 1, 2026.
Apply: famousamosingredientsforsuccess.com
Breva Thrive Grant — Rolling Quarterly | $3,000
The Breva Thrive Grant is awarded quarterly to U.S.-based small businesses demonstrating community impact, with a preference for businesses serving historically underserved communities. The Q2 2026 application window ran through April 30. Keep an eye on Q3, which typically opens July 1. Apply: breva.ai
Tips for Applying
Before you start firing off applications, a few things that’ll actually make a difference:
Read the eligibility requirements carefully. Every grant has specific criteria. Revenue minimums or maximums, business age, location, and industry. Make sure you qualify before you invest hours in an application.
Build a “grant kit.” Most applications ask for the same core information: what your business does, who it serves, how you’ll use the funds, and proof of ownership/registration. Put all of that in one place now so you’re not starting from scratch each time.
Apply to multiple grants. There’s no rule that says you can only apply to one. If you qualify for three, apply for three.
Don’t skip the small ones. A $1,000 microgrant might not change your life, but it can cover a month of software subscriptions, a new piece of equipment, or a marketing push.
Need a focused space to actually sit down and write that grant application? Come work on it at Sesh. Grab a Day Pass or book a tour →