Federal funding programs, such as SBA loans, may pause or face delays during a government shutdown. Unbeknown to some, there are several private companies who are championing small businesses with funding for operating capital. In addition to these corporate offerings, state funding options and grant portals remain available regardless of the pause in federal operations.
Corporate Grants
The following list provides information about corporate grants available to small businesses:
The Freed Fellowship Grant
The Freed Fellowship awards $500 to a small business owner every month and a chance to win a $2,500 end-of-year grant. In addition to the grant, personalized business feedback and two months of free mentoring are given to recipients through the Freed Studio virtual community. Any U.S. micro or small business owner is eligible to apply.
Skip Grants
From instant $1,000 grants to training programs, Skip awards between five and ten grants to entrepreneurs and small business owners each month. Eligibility for these grants vary by program, and you must create a free Skip account to apply.
The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) Growth Grant
The NASE is an organization of entrepreneurs and businesses. Joining NASE is a requirement, and eligible members can apply for a Growth Grant every quarter. The applications are reviewed in January, April, July and October, and the award amounts are up to $4,000.
Verizon Small Business Digital Ready
Verizon’s Digital Ready program awards $10,000 per grant. Any small business owner who registers for a free account, completes at least two courses and meets all criteria required by the program can apply. In addition to over $1 million in annual grant funding, Verizon offers free online courses and networking events.
Secretsos™ Small Business Grant
If you’re an established business, this quarterly grant program provides $2,500 in funding to help overcome challenges and fuel growth. Recipients have complete flexibility in how the funds are used— whether for hiring, operations, or implementing new strategies.
Applicants must be a U.S. resident over 21 years of age. Businesses are required to be legally registered and meet one of the following criteria: financially distressed (i.e., denied or unable to qualify for bank loans), woman-owned, veteran-owned, minority-owned or located in an economic development zone.
Patagonia Corporate Grants Program
This invitation-only environmental grant supports organizations that protect local habitats and frontline communities. You can visit Patagonia’s website to learn more about the program or nominate a deserving organization.
The award amount is typically between $5,000 and $20,000 and varies by program. Applicant eligibility requires all recommended organizations be focused on environmental initiatives and align with one of Patagonia’s four focus areas. Only 501©(3) public charities or organizations that use a 501©(3) as a fiscal sponsor can apply.
FedEx® Small Business Grants Program
This FedEx® grant competition typically awards ten grants per year: one $50,000 grand prize and $20,000 to nine runners-up. For-profit business owners based in the U.S. who actively ship products using a FedEx business account can sign up for notifications about the next application period if it’s not currently open.
Start.Pivot.Grow. Micro Grant
This quarterly grant program provides $2,500 to help small businesses cover essential expenses and invest in growth opportunities. Business planning tools also accompany the award. With a rolling application deadline, anyone who has been in business for at least two years with one to two employees (including the owner) and annual revenues of $50,000 or more can apply year-round.
Spark Good Local Grants
Walmart’s community grant program funds local nonprofits, government agencies and educational institutions serving their communities. Award amounts are from $250 to $5,000, and applications are accepted during three submission periods throughout the year.
Applicants must be 501(c)(3) public charities, government entities, educational institutions or faith-based organizations operating within a local Walmart’s service area. Completion of a verification process through Deed and creation of a Spark Good account is required.
Lenovo Evolve Small Initiative Grants
The Evolve Small Initiative was created to help small businesses with funding, technology and mentorship. Winners in 2025 will be awarded a $25,000 cash grant, an AI technology package valued at $10,000, and access to Goodie Nation and Chantel Cohen mentorship programs.
Businesses eligible for application must be located in North America (excluding Quebec) with annual revenues under $7.5 million and 75 or fewer employees.
Hustler’s MicroGrant
Deja Vu Parker and HerSuiteSpot collaborated on this program to offer monthly grants to U.S. small business owners and entrepreneurs. The award amount is $1,000, and applications open every month.
American Express® Backing Small Businesses
American Express and Main Street America created this grant to support economically vulnerable small business owners. The award amount is $10,000 and up to $30,000 for enhancement grants. Apply early as applications open in the spring and have submission limits.
Applicants are required to be independently owned small businesses employing 20 or fewer full-time employees, brick-and-mortar only and must be located in older or historic commercial districts.
The Amber Grant
The Amber Grant program awards thousands of dollars to woman-owned businesses each month. Multiple grant opportunities are available with just one application—including monthly grants, industry-specific grants and end-of-year awards. The award amount is $10,000 to $25,000, and any woman over 18 years of age with a business or startup at least 50% woman-owned is eligible to apply.
Comcast RISE
Comcast RISE is an annual program that supports small businesses a $5,000 monetary grant, a technology makeover, creative production and media services, business consultation and educational resources.
To be eligible, a business must be independently owned and operated, reside in one of the designated geographic areas for the 2025 application period, have established business operations for at least three years and have been revenue-generating in the 12 months prior to the application window.
The Awesome Foundation Grants
This foundation is a global community of chapters supporting awesome projects. Micro-grants of $1,000 are awarded monthly. Each chapter’s trustees fund these grants and encourage anyone with a great idea to apply.
Eligibility is open to anyone, including individuals, groups, and organizations—regardless of their location or non-profit status.
State and Local Funding
If you would prefer to receive funding from a state or local organization, each state has an office dedicated to economic development that provides grants and other support to local businesses. Check your state government’s website for details about local business funding initiatives in your area.
Regardless of government issues, hope for the successful future of your business is out there through multiple opportunities. Research your options and apply for grants that can help you through government pauses that may be slowing your SBA loan process. Consult your financial advisor for more guidance.