Small business grant opportunities to apply for in July
July brings a fresh roundup of current opportunities for businesses and nonprofits – grants, accelerator programs, awards, pitch competitions, and other helpful resources. Browse what's accepting applications and available now.
BeyondCPG Accelerator
Amount: Includes 5% equity exchange
Deadline: 7/1/26
Overview: BeyondCPG is a curated, operator-led accelerator for emerging, market-validated consumer packaged goods brands looking to scale. The hybrid program connects selected founders with operators, buyers, investors, mentors, sponsors, and strategic partners, while providing hands-on support across sales, marketing, operations, and finance. The program includes remote engagement, key in-person moments, a Showcase Day, and continued access to the BeyondBrands ecosystem.
South Florida Startup Pitch Accelerator Regional Competition
Amount: chance to complete for $1M in investment, and $20,000 direct investment
Deadline: 7/1/26
Overview: SPARC South Florida is a startup pitch accelerator and regional Startup World Cup competition for founders in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties, with applications closing July 1, 2026. Selected startups receive investor and mentor access, venture-scaling sessions, networking opportunities, and a chance to pitch at Demo Day for the South Florida Champion title and a pathway to the Startup World Cup Grand Finale, where companies compete for $1 million in investment. Both tech and non-tech/small business tracks are also automatically eligible for up to $20,000 in direct investment from The Source.
SEED SPOT Made for Retail Chicago
Amount: $25,000
Deadline: 7/2/26
Overview: Made for Retail Chicago helps Chicago-area CPG founders get retail-ready and move their products onto shelves. The SEED SPOT and Greenwood Archer Capital program combines a bootcamp, hands-on coaching, retail-readiness education, and a live pitch competition with access to buyers and capital providers. Five founders will pitch on August 27, 2026, with the top three receiving $25,000 in total nondilutive grants, and 10 additional brands joining an on-site marketplace.
Home Depot Veteran Housing Grant
Amount: up to $500,000
Deadline: 7/3/26
Overview: Funding for nonprofits to build or repair housing for U.S. veterans, including accessibility modifications and critical repairs.
IDEAfuel Accelerator
Amount: $15,000
Deadline: 7/6/26
Overview: IDEAfuel is a venture accelerator from The Idea Village that supports Black founders and founders of color by providing $15,000 in non-dilutive funding, 1:1 mentorship, and structured workshops. Eligible applicants must be IDEAinstitute alumni or commit to completing IDEAinstitute if accepted, and selection is based on venture readiness, product vision, founder experience, execution capacity, market opportunity, and coachability.
SF Film Documentary Film Fund
Amount: $10,000-$20,000
Deadline: 7/7/26
Overview: The SFFILM Documentary Film Fund supports feature-length documentaries in post-production that stand out for strong storytelling, compelling characters, and an innovative visual style. It awards about 3–4 projects each year with grants of $10,000–$20,000, and is open internationally to filmmakers in key creative roles whose projects are within about three months of starting post-production.
Old National Bank Foundation
Amount: $15,000
Deadline: 7/10/26
Overview: The Old National Bank Foundation provides grants to eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving communities within Old National’s banking footprint in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. Funding supports programs aligned with four priorities: affordable housing, workforce development, economic development, and financial empowerment, with an emphasis on underrepresented communities and low- to moderate-income people. The foundation awards over $3 million annually, with an average grant of about $15,000.
Wells Fargo Neighborhood Growth Grants Program
Amount: $25,000
Deadline: 7/10/26
Overview: The Wells Fargo Neighborhood Growth Grants program, administered with A4CB, provides $25,000 grants to eligible for-profit small businesses in select South Side Chicago community areas, including Washington Park, Fuller Park, Grand Boulevard, Woodlawn, Douglas, Oakland, and Kenwood. Applicants must have a physical storefront, at least one year of operation, recent annual revenue between $100,000 and $2 million, a valid business bank account and state ID, and be in good standing with the Illinois Secretary of State.
Better Business Bureau (BBB) Spark Awards
Deadline: 7/12/26
Overview: The BBB Foundation Spark Awards for Entrepreneurship, presented by Bridge City Law, recognizes young businesses and entrepreneurs who demonstrate trust, integrity, and ethical practices, open to businesses that are three years old or less or have an owner aged 35 or younger. The award is available across multiple regions including Alaska, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington, with recognition designed to strengthen reputation, attract customers and investors, and differentiate winners in their markets. The 2026 application deadline is July 12, 2026 at 11:59pm PDT.
BMO Fellowship
Deadline: 7/12/26
Overview: The BMO Fellowship, powered by Watson Institute, is a fully-funded 16-week virtual program for small business owners and community leaders in Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay Area, and Denver who are expanding access to financial services, supporting small businesses, or creating homeownership pathways for underbanked communities. Fellows receive entrepreneurship training, financial tools, expert mentorship, pitch coaching, and the opportunity to lead a community training event, with businesses required to have been operating 1–5 years with fewer than 10 employees. The priority application deadline is July 12, 2026, with the program running August 25–December 15, 2026 and final selections announced July 22, 2026.
Studio Grants by Garnier
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: 7/12/26
Overview: Studio Grants by Garnier will award eight $5,000 grants to women producers, engineers, songwriters, and music creators to upgrade or redesign existing studio spaces. Eligible applicants must have 5+ years of professional music industry experience, own or operate the studio space, and propose improvements that support both creative workflow and wellness, such as acoustic treatment, lighting, equipment, ergonomics, accessibility, or decompression space.
Zendesk Tech for Good Impact Awards
Amount: $5,000 - $50,000
Deadline: 7/15/26
Overview: Zendesk's Tech for Good Impact Awards provides free software and multiple grants ranging from $5,000 - $50,000 to global nonprofit organizations that are fostering community, promoting resilience, and creating career pathways into tech.
Garden Futures Grants
Amount: $2,500-$10,000
Deadline: 7/15/26
Overview: The Garden Conservancy's 2026 Garden Futures Grants award $2,500–$10,000 in general operating support to U.S.-based nonprofit organizations and small public gardens that are making community impact through garden-based programming or contributing to garden history preservation, with priority given to organizations with annual budgets of $1 million or less. The program includes two named grants: the $10,000 Page Dickey Grant for American Gardens and the Nibbled Leaf Grant for Ecological Gardening. Applications open May 1, 2026 and close July 15, 2026 at 5pm EST, with organizations that received a Garden Conservancy grant in the past three years ineligible to apply.
Salt Lick Incubator Artist Project Grant
Amount: $5,000 - $15,000
Deadline: 7/15/26
Overview: The Salt Lick Incubator Artist Project Grant supports emerging independent musicians with $5,000–$15,000 for projects like recording music, creating videos or social media assets, touring, pressing vinyl, and strengthening branding or marketing. Eligible applicants must be U.S.-based artists or small groups, own their master recordings, be early in their careers, and not be signed to a label or using the grant for a project tied to an advance.
OpenAI Foundation 2026 People-First AI Fund
Amount: $50,000,000
Deadline: 7/15/26
Overview: The 2026 People-First AI Fund will provide $50 million in unrestricted grants to U.S.-based community nonprofits exploring how AI can strengthen their missions and better serve local communities. The fund focuses on community support services, arts and cultural organizations, and community journalism/media, with eligible applicants generally needing 501(c)(3) status and annual operating budgets between $500,000 and $10 million.
Global Citizen and PayPal Small Business Impact Awards
Amount: $20,000
Deadline: 7/19/26
Overview: The Global Citizen and PayPal Small Business Impact Awards support independent small and medium-sized businesses that are creating positive social or environmental impact through innovative products, services, and community-centered practices. Selected businesses receive a $20,000 cash prize plus access to insights, technical training, and marketing/brand support. Eligible applicants must be active business leaders with an online presence, typically under 50 full-time employees or under $1 million in annual revenue, and based in eligible regions.
City of Raleigh Facade Rehabilitation Grant
Amount: up to $10,000
Deadline: 7/19/26
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.
Santander Cultivate Small Business Grant
Amount: up to $20,000
Deadline: 7/22/26
Overview: Santander’s Cultivate Small Business is a free, 12-week virtual, food-focused (MBA-style) training program for early-stage U.S. food entrepreneurs, with an emphasis on historically underserved founders in low-to-moderate income communities. The program features a curriculum led by Babson College professors, plus mentorship and peer networking, and provides capital support – all graduates receive a $2,500 grant, with select participants eligible for additional awards up to $20,000. Eligible businesses must be U.S.-based, operating at least one year, led by an entrepreneur working full time with fewer than 10 FTEs, and have $25,000–$1,000,000 in annual revenue. Partners include Babson College and ICIC.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce CO-100 America's Top 100 Small Business
Deadline: 7/23/26
Overview: The CO—100 is an annual awards program from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce recognizing America's top 100 small businesses across 10 categories including Growth Accelerators, Community Champions, Tech Innovators, and Culture Champions, with businesses able to enter up to five categories. The top business winner receives a $25,000 award, while honorees receive national media exposure, a dedicated business profile, VIP event invitations in Washington D.C., and a one-year U.S. Chamber membership. The regular deadline is July 23, 2026 ($350 entry fee).
Alibaba CoCreate Pitch
Amount: $1,000,000
Deadline: 7/25/26
Overview: The Alibaba.com CoCreate Pitch 2026 is a product-based startup competition offering access to a $1,000,000+ global prize pool for U.S.-based small business owners with product-driven businesses. Applicants must register for Accio Work, Alibaba.com’s enterprise AI agent, and complete the application through the CoCreate Pitch assistant in under five minutes. Applications close July 25, 2026, with finalists announced by August 10 and selected founders pitching live in Los Angeles on September 9–10, 2026.
Citizens NYC Neighborhood Business Grant
Amount: up to $5,000
Deadline: 7/27/26
Overview: Neighborhood Business Grants from CitizensNYC provide New York City small businesses microgrants of up to $5,000 for projects that positively impact their local communities. Eligible applicants are profit-generating NYC businesses in the five boroughs with 10 or fewer employees and at least two years of operation, and grants are awarded in two annual cycles.
Galaxy Grant
Amount: $4,250
Deadline: 7/31/26
Overview: Offers a $4,250 grant open to women and minority entrepreneurs to help build and grow their small businesses. Provided by Hidden Star, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting underrepresented business owners with financial assistance, resources, and tools.
Breva Thrive Grant for Small Business Growth
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: 7/31/26
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.
Purple Line Small Business Grant Program
Amount: up to $50,000
Deadline: 7/31/26
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.
Truist Foundation Grant
Amount: $5,000+
Deadline: 7/31/26
Overview: The Truist Foundation Grant supports U.S.-based nonprofits that create economic opportunity by building career pathways to mobility and strengthening small businesses. Grants fund sustainable, innovative initiatives — such as launching or expanding programs, developing curricula, or purchasing equipment — rather than ongoing operational expenses. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) public charities aligned with the foundation’s priorities, and applications are reviewed three times a year (March 31, July 31, and November 30).
Elbow Grease Accelerator
Amount: $300,000
Deadline: 7/31/26
Overview: A 10-week, AI-first accelerator in New York City offering workshops, hands-on mentorship, and investor connections. Backed by Gutter Capital; designed for early-stage tech founders.
The Caregiver Artificial Intelligence Prize Challenge
Amount: up to $100,000 each
Deadline: 7/31/26
Overview: The ACL Caregiver AI Prize Challenge is a federal competition seeking innovative AI tools to support the more than 70 million paid and unpaid caregivers across the U.S., with a focus on reducing caregiver burden and addressing workforce shortages. The challenge runs across two tracks and three phases, with Phase 1 applications due July 31, 2026. Teams interested in competing can sign up for updates by emailing CaregiverAI@acl.hhs.gov.
Stanley 1913 x TOGETHXR Changing the Game Grant
Amount: $20,000
Deadline: 7/31/26
Overview: The Changing the Game Grant will award five $20,000 grants to U.S.-based for-profit businesses creating or reimagining food-and-beverage spaces where women’s sports are the main focus and community, wellness, and inclusivity are central. Applications are open from March 31 to July 31, 2026, with finalists reviewed in September and winners announced in October at an in-person event in New York City.
The AT&T Small Business Contest
Amount: $50,000
Deadline: 7/31/26
Overview: The AT&T Small Business Contest awards one U.S. small business a $50,000 grant, one year of AT&T service with a new device, mentorship resources, and a featured content piece by AT&T. Four runners-up will each receive $5,000, and eligible applicants must be majority owners of a U.S.-based small business with 1–5 locations and 99 or fewer employees. Applications are open through July 31, 2026.
Women Veterans Giving Melissa Washington Small Business Award
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: 7/31/26
Overview: The Melissa Washington Small Business Award from Women Veterans Giving supports woman veteran entrepreneurs who are starting or expanding a business, with an award of up to $5,000 plus coaching, assessment, recognition, and other benefits. Applicants should demonstrate innovation, resilience, and positive impact, and must submit materials such as a P&L or tax return, or financial projections for startups, along with a photo or headshot. Applications are open May 1–July 31, 2026, with three finalists announced the week of September 1 and the award presented during the VIB Network National Conference on November 2–3, 2026 in Palm Springs, California.
America's Healthy Food Financing Initiative 2026 Fare Fund
Amount: $20,000 - $250,000
Deadline: 7/31/26
Overview: The 2026 HFFI Food Access and Retail Expansion Fund (FARE Fund) provides grant and technical assistance funding to expand access to staple and perishable foods in underserved communities through SNAP-authorized food retailers and post-harvest food retail supply chain projects. At least $5.25 million is available for planning and implementation grants of $20,000–$250,000, plus at least $1 million for technical assistance of up to $75,000 per project. Organizations must first submit a Funding Inquiry by July 31, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET; eligible applicants will be invited to submit full applications due October 30, 2026, with award notifications expected no earlier than January 2027.
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