Grants for Small Businesses Offered to Back female Veteran Business Owners

The world of small business is buzzing with opportunities, as numerous grant programs have been announced to support entrepreneurs and rural communities across the nation. Here's a round-up of the latest grant opportunities that are currently open or soon to be available.

FedEx Small Business Grants Program

The application period for the 12th annual FedEx Small Business Grants Program is now open and will close on April 1. This year, the program aims to provide more than $230,000 in grants and services to ten small businesses across the country. To qualify, businesses must have between 1 and 99 employees, have been selling a product or service for at least six months, and have an active FedEx account since at least September 1, 2023. Successful applicants will receive grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000, in addition to a $500 FedEx Office print credit, consultations with the FedEx team, and other perks from the company.

Houston Equity Fund

The Houston Fund for Social Justice and Economic Equity, in partnership with Wells Fargo, is offering $3 million in grants to small businesses and nonprofits with diverse leadership through the final phase of the Open For Business program. Eligible businesses can apply for grants of between $5,000 and $100,000. The online application portal will begin accepting applications on March 12.

Honeycomb Credit Grant Opportunity

Honeycomb Credit, a crowdfunding platform for small businesses based in Pittsburgh, is offering a grant opportunity for coffee shops, roasters, and bakeries. One U.S.-based business can receive a grant of $2,000 through the Honeycomb Credit program. The application period is open through March 31, with a winner being selected on April 2.

Erie County Small Business Symposium and Workshop

The Erie County Redevelopment Authority, Erie County Public Library, and NWPA Beehive Network are hosting a small business symposium and workshop in Erie County, Pennsylvania on March 23. The event aims to educate entrepreneurs about various growth opportunities and strategies and will feature a small business grant opportunity. The county will begin accepting applications for the Redevelopment Authority Start-Up grant after the symposium, with the grant opportunity launching in April.

University of Louisiana Lafayette Rural Energy Grant

The University of Louisiana Lafayette recently received a $166,668 grant from the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development under the Rural Energy for America Program. The grant will help the school assist rural small business owners across Louisiana who are interested in implementing energy-efficient measures. The funds will go toward hands-on support for farmers and other rural small business owners as they implement solar and energy-efficient systems.

SBA Women Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Program Grants

The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering up to $300,000 in funding for nonprofits and businesses to provide women veterans with entrepreneurship training through the SBA Women Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Program Grants. The application deadline for this program is March 21.

These grant opportunities provide a fantastic chance for small businesses and rural communities to receive much-needed support and funding. Whether you're a coffee shop owner in Pittsburgh, a farmer in Louisiana, or an entrepreneur in Erie County, there's a grant opportunity out there for you. So, take advantage of these opportunities and apply today!