Introduction
Starting or growing a business can be a financially challenging endeavor, but with the right funding and support, entrepreneurs can turn their dreams into reality. Whether you’re looking for financial aid to kick-start your business or scholarships to advance your education, there are numerous grants and scholarships available in 2025. In this article, we will explore the top business grants and scholarships for entrepreneurs in 2025, helping you unlock the resources you need to succeed.
1. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Grant
The SBIR grant is one of the most coveted sources of funding for small businesses in the United States. This government-funded program helps entrepreneurs develop innovative technologies and products, particularly in the fields of technology, energy, and healthcare.
- Eligibility: Small businesses with fewer than 500 employees and a focus on innovative research and development.
- Amount: Grants typically range from $100,000 to $1.5 million, depending on the phase and project.
- Why Apply: This grant offers a great opportunity for entrepreneurs with cutting-edge ideas and technologies. If your business involves research or technological development, the SBIR program can provide essential funding without giving up equity.
Pro Tip: The SBIR program has multiple phases of funding. Make sure you carefully understand the requirements for each phase to maximize your chances of securing funding.
2. The 2025 Comcast RISE Investment Fund
Comcast RISE is a program designed to help small businesses owned by people of color. It provides grants, marketing services, and media placements to boost visibility and growth for underrepresented businesses.
- Eligibility: Small businesses owned by people of color, specifically in the U.S. or Canada, are eligible to apply.
- Amount: Grants range from $5,000 to $10,000 in funding, with additional support in advertising, creative services, and media.
- Why Apply: This fund provides not only financial assistance but also marketing and advertising support that can help your business reach a broader audience.
Pro Tip: Take advantage of the free marketing services provided by Comcast RISE. These services can significantly increase your business’s exposure.
3. The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) Growth Grants
The NASE Growth Grant is specifically for entrepreneurs looking to expand their businesses. This grant is ideal for small business owners who need financial assistance for specific business projects.
- Eligibility: Members of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) who have been in business for at least six months and are looking to expand.
- Amount: Up to $4,000 to cover business-related expenses like marketing, equipment, or hiring new employees.
- Why Apply: The NASE Growth Grant is a great way to fund your business expansion and grow your brand.
Pro Tip: If you are not a member of NASE yet, it may be worth joining to access a variety of resources, including grants, business advice, and networking opportunities.
4. The Amber Grant for Women Entrepreneurs
The Amber Grant is dedicated to helping women entrepreneurs grow their businesses. In addition to providing grants, the Amber Grant also offers a $25,000 monthly award, and at the end of the year, one winner receives a $100,000 grant.
- Eligibility: Female entrepreneurs 18 years or older, from any country, with a business idea or existing business.
- Amount: Monthly grants of $10,000, with a $25,000 year-end grant for one winner.
- Why Apply: This is a fantastic opportunity for women looking to scale their business with a monthly infusion of funding. The $100,000 grant at the end of the year is also a major opportunity for any woman entrepreneur.
Pro Tip: Amber Grant also offers coaching, networking, and a community of female entrepreneurs, making it a great resource for women looking for support in growing their business.
5. The FedEx Small Business Grant Contest
The FedEx Small Business Grant Contest is one of the largest and most recognized grants for small businesses globally. It provides substantial funding for business development and marketing.
- Eligibility: Open to small businesses (with fewer than 100 employees) in the U.S. that have been in business for at least one year.
- Amount: The contest offers a grand prize of $50,000, with additional prizes for runners-up.
- Why Apply: Winning the FedEx Small Business Grant can provide a significant financial boost to help you expand your business operations. The exposure from being part of such a prestigious contest can also attract new customers and investors.
Pro Tip: Even if you don’t win, the FedEx contest offers valuable exposure, networking opportunities, and the chance to showcase your business to a larger audience.
6. The 2025 HBCU Business Plan Competition
This competition provides an opportunity for students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to showcase their business ideas and earn funding to bring those ideas to life.
- Eligibility: Students enrolled at any accredited HBCU institution, with a well-developed business plan.
- Amount: Grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, with additional mentorship and business resources.
- Why Apply: If you’re a student entrepreneur, this competition offers a valuable chance to gain financial backing and mentorship to develop your business idea.
Pro Tip: Focus on creating a solid business plan and make sure it addresses key business challenges such as marketing strategies, product development, and financial forecasting.
7. The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program
Goldman Sachs offers an incredible program to support small business owners through education, funding, and mentoring. This program is designed to help small business owners grow and scale their businesses.
- Eligibility: Small business owners or entrepreneurs who have been in business for at least two years and are committed to expanding their operations.
- Amount: This program provides educational opportunities, mentoring, and access to financing. It doesn’t offer direct grants, but you will be connected with capital sources to help fund your business growth.
- Why Apply: The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program provides valuable business training and networking opportunities that can help you grow your business exponentially.
Pro Tip: Completing this program significantly enhances your chances of scaling your business and accessing business funding options.
8. Scholarships for Business Students
For aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders, scholarships can be an essential stepping stone. Many universities, organizations, and companies offer scholarships to business students.
- Eligibility: Typically, scholarships are awarded to students pursuing a business degree or entrepreneurship program.
- Amount: Scholarships can range from a few hundred dollars to full-tuition coverage.
- Why Apply: These scholarships can reduce your educational costs, allowing you to focus on building your business knowledge and skills.
Pro Tip: Check with local organizations, universities, and business networks for scholarship opportunities specific to your area and area of interest.
Conclusion
Starting and growing a business in 2025 doesn’t have to be an insurmountable challenge. With a variety of grants and scholarships available, entrepreneurs have access to the resources they need to succeed. Whether you are seeking funding for a business idea, educational support, or mentorship, the opportunities listed above provide crucial financial and strategic assistance. Take the time to research, apply, and leverage these grants and scholarships to fuel your entrepreneurial journey and take your business to the next level.