ASSISTANCE
FEBRUARY 2025 - MAY 2025
The Pharr EDC is pleased to provide you with this grant newsletter, which highlights upcoming funding opportunities with approaching deadlines. Please note that the due dates listed refer to application submission deadlines. Developing your application may take several weeks, so it is important to start the process ahead of time.
This newsletter highlights a selection of current grant and loan opportunities from federal, state, and foundation agencies. Please note that this list is not exhaustive. For complete information, including eligibility criteria and funding details, we recommend visiting the relevant program websites. Each business is responsible for its own application and submission. The information in this document was developed by Hollis Rutledge and Associates, Inc. Detailed overviews of the funding opportunities are available upon request. For more information, please contact John Pankratz at Hollis Rutledge at johnp.rutledgeassociates@gmail.com
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
ABOUT Bizee
Bizee (formerly Incfile) offers two grants to support aspiring entrepreneurs and students. The “Young Entrepreneur Scholarship Grant” provides $2,500 to a high school senior, undergraduate, graduate, or trade school student in the U.S. with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and an interest in starting a business. The “Fresh Start Business Grant” offers $2,500 and Bizee’s Gold plan for free to adult entrepreneurs (21 years or older) in the U.S. planning to start a new business or significantly grow an existing one.
Young Entrepreneurs Scholarship (Bizee)
Eligibility: High school senior, undergraduate, graduate, or trade school student in the U.S. with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and an interest in starting a business; adult entrepreneurs (21 years or older) in the U.S. planning to start a new business or significantly grow an existing one.
Funding: $2,500
Due Date: Coming Soon
URL: https://bizee.com/entrepreneur-grant?redirect=fromIncfile
Fresh Start Business Grant (Bizee)
Eligibility: 21 years old or older, U.S. Resident, and Must be planning to start a new business or grow an existing business in a significant way
Funding: Up to $2500 grant and Bizee’s Standard plan for free ($385 value), including incorporation services in your state, free Registered Agent services for a year, and a free tax consultation.
Due Date: Coming Soon
URL: https://bizee.com/entrepreneur-grant?redirect=fromIncfile
FEBRUARY 2025 - MAY 2025
ABOUT BCL
Business & Community Lenders (BCL) of Texas supports Texans to acquire wealth-building assets, such as homeownership and entrepreneurship, with the financial tools and education necessary to build personal net worth. With an emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion, we serve communities of color, women, veterans, rural communities, and low and moderate income individuals, families, and small business owners.
Business Growth Fund (BCL Texas)
Purpose: When you’re ready to take your business to the next level, BCL of Texas is here to help. We know that you might need some extra funds for that second location, new equipment, or marketing a new product. With our Business Growth Fund, you can keep your cash reserves on hand for working capital and borrow funds to finance your next step. And we’ll coach you every step of the way with no-cost business consultations for the life of the loan.
Eligibility: Small Businesses
Funding: $50,000-$300,000
Due Date: Year Round
URL: https://www.bcloftexas.org/lending/growing-businesses
Rural Business Lending (BCL Texas)
Purpose: BCL of Texas was founded in 1990 with a mission to promote business growth and expansion in rural communities across Texas. Today, we remain committed to helping to grow small businesses in our smaller communities across all corners of the state, with special funding allocated for businesses in communities with populations of 50,000 or fewer. Borrowers can use funds for nearly any purpose, such as working capital, machinery and equipment, owner-occupied and lease improvments, acquisition of real estate, etc.
Eligibility: Borrowers can use funds for nearly any purpose, such as working capital, machinery and equipment, owner-occupied and lease improvments, acquisition of real estate, etc.
Funding: From $50k-$250k
Due Date: Rolling Applications
URL: https://www.bcloftexas.org/lending/growing-businesses
Texas Small & Diverse Growth Fund (BCL Texas)
Purpose: BCL of Texas is here to help level the playing field with customized lending plan that will help you strategically grow your business. Our Small & Diverse Growth Fund for minority and women-owned businesses offers more flexible underwriting and collateral requirements than traditional lending programs, and is designed specifically to meet your needs as a small business owner.
Eligibility: Minority and Women Owned Businesses
Funding: Up to $50k
Due Date: Rolling Applications
URL: https://www.bcloftexas.org/lending/small-businesses
ASSISTANCE & FUNDING NEWSLETTER
ABOUT Lift Fund
We provide a hand up to small business owners, so they have a chance to succeed. We’ve provided millions of dollars in micro and small business loans to diverse, hard-working entrepreneurs with a 96% successful repayment rate. For every $1 we lend, there is a positive economic return of $14. We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to build a company successfully with capital no matter their background, race, ethnicity, sexual identity or geography.
LIFT Fund (LIFT)
Purpose: Supports small business owners with limited access to capital through small business loans and technical support for their dreams of entrepreneurship.
Eligibility: Small Businesses
Funding: Loan Funding Varies
Due Date: Rolling Applications
URL: https://www.liftfund.com/funding-options/
ABOUT People Fund
PeopleFund provides small business loans as well as business assistance and education to people with otherwise limited access to such resources. Since being founded in east Austin in 1994 as Austin Community Development Corporation, PeopleFund’s financial and educational assistance has helped create thousands of jobs and empowered an even greater number of Texans on a path to financial stability and independence.
PeopleFund (PeopleFund.org)
Purpose: PeopleFund provides financing and resources to build healthy small businesses. We help startups, nonprofits and existing small businesses with loans that offer: Low down payment or equity contribution, Flexible loan terms, No pre-payment penalties, One-on-one business consulting and group training.
Eligibility: Startups, nonprofits and existing small businesses
Funding: Up to $5 million in loans
Due Date: Rolling Applications
URL: https://peoplefund.org/get-a-loan/
ASSISTANCE
FEBRUARY 2025 - MAY 2025
ABOUT USDA
We provide leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, rural development, nutrition, and related issues based on public policy, the best available science, and effective management. We have a vision to provide economic opportunity through innovation, helping rural America to thrive; to promote agriculture production that better nourishes Americans while also helping feed others throughout the world.
Food Supply Chain Guaranteed Loan Program (USDA-RD)
Purpose: The Food Supply Chain Guaranteed Loan Program provides financial support to qualified lenders whose loan applicants want to start or expand middle of the food supply chain activities such as aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storage, transportation, wholesale, or distribution of food. The program’s goal is to increase capacity and help create a more resilient, diverse, and secure U.S. food supply chain.
Eligibility: For- or nonprofit businesses, Cooperatives, Tribes, Public Bodies, Food Supply Chain Entrepreneurs
Funding: Loan Funding Varies
Due Date: Rolling Applications
URL: https://www.rd.usda.gov/food-supply-chain-guaranteed-loans
Meat and Poultry Intermediary Lending Program (USDA-RD)
Purpose: The Meat and Poultry Intermediary Lending Program (MPILP) provides grant funding to intermediary lenders who finance – or plan to finance – the start-up, expansion, or operation of slaughter, or other processing of meat and poultry. The MPILP’s objective is to strengthen the financing capacity for independent meat processors, and to create a more resilient, diverse, and secure U.S. food supply chain.
Eligibility: Be a business engaged, or proposing to engage, in commercial meat or poultry processing projects; either directly, or through agreements with other entities
Funding: Maximum $15 million, Minimum is $500k
Due Date: Rolling Applications
URL: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/meat-and-poultry-intermediarylending-program
Business & Industry Loan Guarantees (USDA-RD)
Purpose: This program provides loan guarantees to commercial lenders for loans to eligible rural businesses.
Eligibility: For- or nonprofit businesses, Cooperatives, Tribes, Public Bodies, Individuals engaged — or proposing to engage — in an eligible rural business
Funding: Loan Funding Varies
Due Date: Rolling Applications
URL: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/business-industry-loan-guarantees
FEBRUARY 2025 - MAY 2025
Rural Business Investment Program (USDA-RD)
Purpose: This program promotes economic development and creates job and wealth opportunities by supporting the equity capital investment needs of smaller enterprises located in rural areas. With the RBIP, USDA licenses newly-formed, for-profit developmental capital organizations as “Rural Business Investment Companies” (RBICs) which then use the equity raised through fund capitalization to make venture capital investments to eligible rural enterprises.
Eligibility: Is a newly-formed, for-profit entity or subsidiary of such an entity. Applicants can structure themselves as limited partnerships, limited liability companies, or corporations. Has a qualified private fund management team with experience in venture capital or community development financing. Will invest in enterprises that will create job and wealth opportunities in rural areas, with an emphasis on smaller enterprises.
Funding: Loan Funding Varies
Due Date: Rolling Applications
URL: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/rural-business-investment-program/tx
Agriculture Innovation Center Program (USDA-RD)
Purpose: The Agriculture Innovation Center Program awards grants to eligible Agriculture Innovation Centers that provide technical assistance to agricultural producers to help them develop and market valueadded agricultural products.
Eligibility: Local Governments, State Governments, Tribes, Non-Profit Organizations, Commercial Organizations, and Institutes of Higer Education
Funding: Funding Varies
Due Date: Currently Delayed
URL: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/agriculture-innovation-center-program
Rural Economic Development Loan & Grant Program (USDA-RD)
Purpose: The Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program provides funding for rural projects through local utility organizations. USDA provides zero-interest loans to local utilities which they, in turn, pass through to local businesses (ultimate recipients) for projects that will create and retain employment in rural areas.
Eligibility: Current Rural Utilities Service (RUS), electric or telecommunication borrower, any former RUS borrower that has repaid or prepaid an insured, direct or guaranteed loan under the Rural Electrification Act, Or any not-forprofit utility that is eligible to receive an insured or direct loan under such Act.
Funding: Funding Varies
Due Date: 3/31/2025, 6/30/2025
URL: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/rural-economic-developmentloan-grant-program
ASSISTANCE & FUNDING NEWSLETTER
ABOUT BoundlessFutures
Boundless Futures empowers individuals through education, economic opportunities, and mentorship to foster self-sufficiency and community growth. We provide financial and leadership resources for aspiring female entrepreneurs building businesses that address today’s biggest social issues, ensuring they create a boundless impact and drive lasting, positive change in society.
EmpowHer Grants (BoundlessFutures)
Purpose: EmpowHer grants provide early-stage capital and mentorship, connecting women entrepreneurs with experts in finance, marketing, leadership, and strategy. Grantees gain guidance on business growth and planning, ensuring they have a supportive network of experienced professionals every step of the way.
Eligibility: Eligible applicants are U.S.-based female entrepreneurs (22+) with socially impactful businesses earning revenue and operating for three years or less. Businesses must be registered in the U.S. To receive funding, applicants must self-report their credit score and pass a third-party background check.
Funding: Applicants may request up to $25,000 in business support. Grant funding is remitted as reimbursement (following proof of payment) for business-related expenses.
Due Date: Rolling Applications
URL: https://boundlessfutures.org/our-impact/
Her Village Grants (BoundlessFutures)
Purpose: Her Village grants support nonprofits that empower female founders through entrepreneurship, resources, capital access, and education. In 2025, the program will evolve to deepen its impact alongside like-minded organizations.
Eligibility: Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations that support female business-founders through education, mentorship, financing, and/or other mission-aligned programming or leadership.
Funding: TBD
Due Date: TBD
URL: https://boundlessfutures.org/our-impact/
ABOUT Yippity Doo
Offers ambitious women entrepreneurs $1,000 to support their business ventures, along with access to mentorship, resources, and a wealth mindset coaching group.
The Big Idea Grant (Yippity Doo)
Eligibility: To qualify, applicants must identify as women entrepreneurs with a clear vision for their business. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with one recipient selected each month. $15 application fee.
Due Date: Rolling Applications
URL: https://www.yippitydoo.com/small-business-grant-optin/
ASSISTANCE & FUNDING NEWSLETTER
ABOUT HerSuiteSpot
The Hustler’s MicroGrant offers $1,000 in funding to support passionate entrepreneurs in their small business ventures. Presented by Deja Vu Parker of WBLS and HerSuiteSpot, this grant provides financial assistance and resources to promising small businesses across the United States, helping them grow their operations.
Hustler’s Microgrant (HerSuiteSpot)
Eligibility: Small Business Owners.
Funding: $1,000
Due Date: Monthly
URL: https://www.hersuitespot.com/funding/hustlers-microgrant/
ABOUT WomensNet
WomensNet established the “Amber Grant” in 1998 to honor Amber Wigdahl, a young woman who passed away before achieving her business dreams. Today, we continue her legacy by awarding at least $30,000 monthly and offering additional Startup, Business Category, and $25,000 Year-End Grants to support women entrepreneurs.
Amber Grant for Women (WomensNet)
Eligibility: See application.
Funding: $10,000
Due Date: 2/28/25
URL: https://ambergrantsforwomen.com/get-an-amber-grant/
ABOUT IFundWomen
The IFundWomen Universal Grant Application opens the door to all the grant opportunities that come our way.
IFundWomen Universal Grant (IFundWomen)
Eligibility: See website.
Funding: Funding Varies
Due Date: Open Now
URL: https://www.ifundwomen.com/grants/apply-for-grants
FEBRUARY 2025 - MAY 2025
ABOUT GoFundMe
GoFundMe’s Small Business Relief Fund will match $500 grants to qualifying small businesses that have been negatively impacted by COVID-19 and raise at least $500 through a GoFundMe campaign. The fund is backed by GoFundMe and corporations like Intuit QuickBooks, Yelp, GoDaddy, and Bill.com. Small business owners with existing campaigns can add the hashtag #SmallBusinessRelief to their campaign and fill out this form to confirm their business.
GoFundMe Small Business Relief Fund (GoFundMe)
Eligibility: Small Business Owners
Funding: $500
Due Date: Rolling Applications
URL: https://www.gofundme.com/small-business-relief-fundraisers
ABOUT Etsy Advocacy
Etsy is committed to helping our creative entrepreneurs recover when disasters disrupt their businesses. We’ve partnered with CERF+, a nonprofit organization focused on helping artists prepare for and recover from emergencies and disasters, to create a disaster relief fund just for Etsy sellers. Each quarter, we work with CERF+ to award grants to a select number of eligible sellers. Any Etsy seller who has experienced a federally declared disaster within the past year may apply for a grant, as long as they’ve been an active seller on Etsy for at least one year, and their accounts with Etsy are in good standing.
Etsy Emergency Relief Fund (Etsy Advocacy)
Eligibility : All Etsy sellers are eligible for a grant if they have experienced a federally declared natural disaster within the past year, have been an active seller on Etsy for at least one year, and their accounts with Etsy are in good standing.
Funding: $2,000
Due Date: Rolling Applications
URL: https://advocacy.etsy.com/etsy-emergency-relief-fund-at-cerf/
FEBRUARY 2025 - MAY 2025
ABOUT Hello Alice & DoorDash
Disasters are unpredictable — but critical support shouldn’t be. The average small business loses $3,000 every day they remain closed due to a disaster. To help restaurants recover in times of critical need, DoorDash has partnered with Hello Alice to create the Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund. The fund supports restaurants impacted by natural disasters, severe weather events, or major infrastructure failures, and provides relief through $10,000 grants.
Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund (Hello Alice/DoorDash)
Eligibility: Be a restaurant located and registered in one of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico; Be a restaurant, gastropub or bakery with a brick & mortar location that has experienced a loss in revenue as a direct result of a natural disaster, severe weather event, or major infrastructure failure which occurred within the last 12 months declared a disaster by state, tribal, or federal government; Operate a brick-and-mortar location; Own a maximum of three locations, and employ fewer than 50 employees per location; Have been open for at least six months; Have revenues of $3M or less per location in the last 12 months.
Funding: Up to $10k
Due Date: 5/30/2025
URL: https://helloalice.com/grants/doordash/
ABOUT Awesome Foundation
Each month, the Awesome Foundation awards grants of $1,000 to individuals and groups looking to fund various projects. The Awesome Foundation is made of 84 independently-run chapters, with members contributing to a micro-funding pool that goes towards grant projects.
Awesome Foundation Grants (Awesome Foundation)
Eligibility: Though funding is not limited to businesses, startups, and small businesses have been among the recipients of the monthly grants.
Funding:: $1,000
Due Date: Rolling Applications
URL: https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en
FEBRUARY 2025 - MAY 2025
ABOUT Freed Fellowship
U.S.-based small business owners can apply for a monthly $500 grant from The Freed Fellowship. Applicants are evaluated based on the 5C Framework, which assesses various aspects of applicants’ business. Along with the grant, applicants receive feedback on their business and a two-month free membership in the Freed Studio, a community of ambitious business owners. Grant recipients are also eligible for an end-of-year grant of $2,500.
The Freed Fellowship Grant (The Freed Fellowship)
Eligibility: U.S.-based small business owners.
Funding: $500-$2,500
Due Date: Monthly
URL: https://freedfellowship.com/
ABOUT Walmart Foundation
Organizations can apply for the Walmart Spark Good Local Grants program provided by Walmart and Sam’s Club, which offers grants ranging from $250 to $5,000 to address the unique needs of local communities. All organizations must be Deed verified and have a Spark Good account to apply.
Texas Small & Diverse Growth Fund (Walmart Foundation)
Eligibility: Tax ID status determines eligibility, with 501(c)(3) charities, public entities, and educational institutions qualifying.
Funding: $250 to $5,000
Due Date: Grant applications are accepted quarterly, with the current round open through 7/15/25
URL: https://www.walmart.org/how-we-give/program-guidelines/spark-good-local-grants-guidelines
ASSISTANCE & FUNDING NEWSLETTER
ABOUT SBA
Created in 1953, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) continues to help small business owners and entrepreneurs pursue the American dream. SBA is the only cabinet-level federal agency fully dedicated to small business and provides counseling, capital, and contracting expertise as the nation’s only go-to resource and voice for small businesses.
SBI/STTR (SBA)
Purpose: Support scientific excellence and technological innovation through the investment of federal research funds in critical American priorities to build a strong national economy.
Eligibility: Small Businesses
Funding: Funding Varies
Due Date: Open
URL: https://www.sbir.gov/
ABOUT TWC
Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is the state agency charged with overseeing and providing workforce development services to employers and job seekers of Texas. TWC strengthens the Texas economy by providing the workforce development component of the Governor’s economic development strategy.
Skills for Small Business Grant (Texas Workforce Commission)
Purpose: Small businesses can apply to Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) for training provided by a local community college. TWC will process the application and work with colleges to fund the courses. The business is then able to select the courses to customize training to their needs.
Eligibility: Businesses with fewer than 100 employees
Funding: The program funds $1800 per new employee and $900 per incumbent employee.
Due Date: Rolling Applications
URL: https://www.twc.texas.gov/programs/skills-small-business
FEBRUARY 2025 - MAY 2025
ABOUT IRS
The Employee Retention Credit (ERC), sometimes called the Employee Retention Tax Credit, is a stimulus program established by the CARES Act. This refundable tax credit functions as a grant that helps businesses impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Employee Retention Credit (IRS)
Eligibility: Eligibility guidelines are available on the IRS website.
Funding: Assistance Varies
Due Date: Rolling Applications
URL: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/frequently-asked-questions-about-the-employee-retention-credit#eligibilitys
ABOUT Binc Foundation
The Binc Foundation provides emergency financial assistance to bookstore owners, booksellers, and comic store employees and owners facing unforeseen financial needs. inc’s assistance process involves a confidential application and documentation verification, aiming to help individuals regain financial stability.
Binc Foundation Emergency Financial Assistance (Binc Foundation)
Eligibility: Must be a regular full- or part-time bookseller or comic employee/owner at a brick-and-mortar, mobile, or pop-up, bookstore or comic shop in the United States, Puerto Rico, The U.S. Virgin Islands, or Guam; Must have been employed for a minimum of 90 days; OR an employee of a bookstore or comic store closed within the past 6 months (employee must have a minimum of 12 months tenure); OR were employed by Borders Group in the year 2011; OR are the immediate family member of a deceased bookseller AND are experiencing an unforeseen financial hardship resulting from a specific, qualifying life event.
Funding: Assistance Varies
Due Date: Rolling Applications
URL: https://bincfoundation.org/apply/
FEBRUARY 2025 - MAY 2025
ABOUT Rauschenberg Medical Emergency Grants (NYFA)
The Rauschenberg Medical Emergency Grants program provides one-time grants of up to $5,000 for recent unexpected medical, dental, and mental health emergencies to artists in financial need* who are creating in the visual arts, film/ video/electronic/digital arts, and choreography.
Rauschenberg Medical Emergency Grants (NYFA)
Eligibility: See website.
Funding: Funding Varies
Due Date: 3/11/2025
URL: https://apply.nyfa.org
ABOUT Galaxy Grants
Enter for a chance to win our new $2,450 Galaxy Grant, brought to you by Hidden Star, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with an 8-year track record.
Galaxy Grant Giveaway (GalaxyofStars.org)
Eligibility: See website.
Funding: $2,450
Due Date: Open Now
URL: https://galaxyofstars.org/galaxy-grants/
ABOUT Skip
Small business aggregator Skip offers monthly grants for U.S.-based small business owners and entrepreneurs; grants are typically set at $1,000, though the exact amount varies by Skip’s monthly YouTube revenue.
Skip Monthly Grants (HelloSkip)
Eligibility: Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs. To be considered, you must have a Skip account and add the monthly grant to your Funding Assistant, as well as be subscribed to Skip’s YouTube channel.
Funding: $1,000
Due Date: 2/28/2025
URL: https://helloskip.com/
ABOUT ZenBusiness
At ZenBusiness, we understand the challenges small business owners face, and we’re dedicated to supporting you. That’s why we’re awarding over 40 grants to our small business customers this year. Grantees will receive $5,000 to help grow their business, along with access to eligible ZenBusiness products and services available at the time of the grant disbursement. If you meet our eligibility requirements, you can apply to become one of our quarterly grantees. Take the opportunity to get the support you need to elevate your business. Join us in our mission to empower small business owners like you and apply today!
ZenBusiness Grant Program (ZenBusiness)
Eligibility: To be eligible, you must be a current customer, at least 18 years old, and have used ZenBusiness formation services within the last 3 to 6 months.
Funding: $5,000
Due Date: Year-Round
URL: https://www.zenbusiness.com/grants/
ABOUT U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Small businesses often feel the effects of a natural disaster the hardest. It can be difficult when starting a business to suddenly have to raise money to repair a roof or attend to flood damage. To help offset some of these concerns and costs, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and FedEx have teamed up to create the Small Business Readiness for Resiliency (R4R) Program. The program helps small businesses put plans in place to prepare for disaster and also provides immediate emergency funding when necessary. Businesses are asked to complete a four-step process to be eligible for funding opportunities.
Small Business Readiness for Resiliency Program (U.S. Chamber of Commerce)
Eligibility: Small Businesses
Funding: Funding Varies
Due Date: Rolling Applications
URL: https://www.uschamberfoundation.org/solutions/disaster-response-and-resiliency/small-businessreadiness-for-resiliency
FEBRUARY 2025 - MAY 2025
ABOUT ACE/Verizon
In partnership with Verizon, National ACE has developed a digital readiness program to help small business owners succeed in a digital world. The free online curriculum includes expert coaching, peer networking, and other resources to support your small business. Those who register for the program and take two courses are eligible for a $10,000 grant.
Small Business Digital Readiness Program (ACE/Verizon)
Eligibility: Small Business Owners
Funding: $10,000
Due Date: Rolling Applications
URL: https://www.aapistrong.com/vsbdr
ABOUT Faire
Our small business grant program gives select new stores $5,000 to use on Faire to stock their shelves with amazing products. It’s our way of helping you kickstart your dream shop.
Small Business Grant (Faire)
Eligibility: The grant is open to independent retail stores who are based in the US, and started their business in the last year, or plan to open this year.
Funding: $5,000
Due Date: 3/31/25
URL: https://www.faire.com/small-business-grant
FEBRUARY 2025 - MAY 2025
ABOUT LegalZoom/NBA/WNBA
The Fast Break for Small Business grant program, in collaboration with the NBA, WNBA, and NBA G League, offers small business owners and entrepreneurs the chance to win a $10,000 grant and/or up to $500 in LegalZoom products and services. Awarding a monumental $3 million in total grants and services, the initiative, currently in its third run, has already aided over 3,150 small businesses.
Fast Break for Small Business (LegalZoom/NBA/WNBA)
Eligibility: Small business owners and entrepreneurs
Funding: $10,000 grant and/or up to $500 in LegalZoom products and services
Due Date: 9/13/24
URL: https://www.legalzoom.com/fastbreakforsmallbusiness
ABOUT Start.Pivot.Grow.
Running a small business comes with numerous challenges, from managing daily operations to finding the capital needed for growth. Small business owners without relationships with banks, credit unions, or equity investors struggle to access capital when times get hard.
Eligibility: In business for at least two years; Annual revenue of $50,000 or more; 1-2 employees, including the owner
Funding: $2,500
Due Date: Rolling Applications
URL: https://www.startpivotgrow.com/microgrant
FEBRUARY 2025 - MAY 2025
ABOUT Honeycomb Credit
The start of a new year brings endless possibilities, and we’re here to help you seize them. The Breakthrough $10,000 Grant is designed for small business owners like you—visionaries who are ready to take their dreams to the next level.
Breakthrough $10,000 grant (Honeycomb Credit)
Eligibility: Small Businesses
Funding: $10,000 grant and/or up to $500 in LegalZoom products and services
Due Date: 4/2/2025
URL: https://www.honeycombcredit.com/breakthrough
ABOUT CAP
The Original Capital Access Program (CAP) is a partnership between the State of Texas and selected non-profit lenders to increase access to financing for small and medium-sized businesses and non-profits which face barriers to accessing capital or fall outside of guidelines of conventional lending. The Program facilitates loans which are underwritten by the participating non-profit lenders and supported by the state contributions to a loan loss reserve fund.
Original Capital Access Program (CAP) (Texas OOG - Economic Development & Tourism)
Eligibility: Small and medium-sized businesses and non-profit organizations which are domiciled in the State of Texas or have at least 51% of their employees located in the state and which are seeking financing for projects, activities or enterprises in the state that foster economic development.
Funding: Funding Varies
Due Date:: Rolling Applications
URL: https://gov.texas.gov/business/page/tsbci
ASSISTANCE & FUNDING
FEBRUARY 2025 - MAY 2025
ABOUT TEF
The Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) awards “deal-closing” grants to companies considering a new project for which one Texas site is competing with other outof-state sites. The fund serves as a performance-based financial incentive for those companies whose projects would contribute significant capital investment and new employment opportunities to the state’s economy.
The Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) (Texas OOG - Economic Development & Tourism)
Eligibility: Companies planning a new project including a facility opening or expansion, with significant projected job creation and capital investment, where a single site in Texas is actively competing with at least one viable outof-state option.
Funding: Depends on Project
Due Date: Rolling Applications
URL: https://gov.texas.gov/business/page/texas-enterprise-fund
ABOUT EZP
The Texas Enterprise Zone Program (EZP) is a state sales and use tax refund program designed to encourage private investment and job creation in economically distressed areas of the state.
The Texas Enterprise Zone Program (EZP) (Texas OOG - Economic Development & Tourism)
Eligibility: Texas communities must nominate companies in their jurisdiction to receive an Enterprise Zone designation and thus be eligible to receive state sales and use tax refunds on qualified expenditures by submitting an application on the company’s behalf.
Funding: Dependent on Community
Due Date: Quarterly: 5 pm on the first business day of March, June, September, and December
URL: https://gov.texas.gov/business/page/texas-enterprise-zone-program
FEBRUARY 2025 - MAY 2025
EDUCATION/TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE OPPORTUNITIES
ABOUT SBA
Created in 1953, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) continues to help small business owners and entrepreneurs pursue the American dream. SBA is the only cabinet-level federal agency fully dedicated to small business and provides counseling, capital, and contracting expertise as the nation’s only go-to resource and voice for small businesses.
Operation Boots to Business (SBA/B2B)
Purpose: Boots to Business (B2B) is an entrepreneurial education and training program offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as part of the Department of Defense Transition Assistance Program (TAP). The course provides an overview of entrepreneurship and applicable business ownership fundamentals.
Eligibility: Active Duty Service members (including National Guard and Reserve), Veterans of all eras, and spouses are eligible to participate.
Date: Schedule Varies
URL: https://sba.my.site.com/s/
Veterans Business Outreach Center at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (SBA)
Purpose: The Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) program offers resources to veterans, service members, and military spouses who are interested in starting or growing a small business.
Eligibility: Veterans, service members, and military spouses who are interested in starting or growing a small business
Date: Schedule Varies
URL: https://www.utrgv.edu/vboc/
ASSISTANCE & FUNDING NEWSLETTER
Service-Disabled Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Program (SDVETP/SBA)
Purpose: This cooperative agreement aims to support organizations that currently deliver entrepreneurship training programs to service-disabled veteran entrepreneurs who aspire to be small business owners or currently own a small business. Course include subjects such as Veterans and active service, women veterans, servicedisabled veterna, military families, businesses intereseted in federal procurement.
Eligibility:Veterans and active service, women veterans, service-disabled veterna, military families, businesses interested in federal procurement.
Date: Schedule Varies
URL: https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/grow-your-business/veteran-owned-businesses#id-funding
Veteran Federal Procurement Entrepreneur Training Program (VFPETP) (SBA)
Purpose: This opportunity is for current Veteran Federal Procurement Entrepreneur Training Program (VFPETP) recipient organizations only, with an initial 12-month period and two option years of 12 months each. There are currently two procurement programs available through this award: procurement opportunity training for start-up small businesses and procurement training for established small firms.
Eligibility: Veterans, service members, and military spouses who are interested in starting or growing a small business
Date: Schedule Varies
URL: https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/grow-your-business/veteran-owned-businesses
Women Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Program (WVETP) (SBA)
Purpose: Offered by SBA’s Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD), this funding opportunity supports each organization’s entrepreneurial training programs for women who are veterans, service members, and spouses of veterans and service members. Each awardee was chosen based on their demonstrated history of and commitment to providing training programs and resources to women.
Eligibility: Veterans, service members, and military spouses who are interested in starting or growing a small business
Date: Schedule Varies
URL: https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/grow-your-business/veteran-owned-businesses
