The UPS Store® Small Biz Challenge
The 2025 UPS Store® Small Biz Challenge offers entrepreneurs the chance to win a grand prize, including a cash award from the $35,000 prize pool, a trip to Austin, Texas, and a spotlight in Inc. magazine. The competition involves several phases, beginning with an initial application, followed by a mentoring phase for nine semifinalists who will compete in several entrepreneurial challenges. Finally, a public vote will narrow the competition down to three finalists who will travel to Austin to pitch their businesses to a panel of judges tasked with choosing the winner. Applications are due on February 19, 2025. Apply now.
Hiring Our Heroes’ Small Business Grant Program
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes initiative connects the military community with meaningful employment opportunities. To further this goal, Hiring Our Heroes’ Small Business Grant Program is awarding a one-time grant of $10,000 to five small for-profit businesses owned by veterans and/or military spouses. Eligible businesses must have annual revenue of $5 million or less and be located in an economically vulnerable community or demonstrate financial need. The application deadline is February 28, 2025; additional eligibility criteria can be found on the grant website. Apply now.
Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream Bootcamp
The 2025 Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream Bootcamp, in partnership with Accion Opportunity Fund, is a four-week program designed to support New England-based food and beverage entrepreneurs who sell packaged products. Participants will receive expert guidance in branding, sales, packaging, and digital marketing, with both virtual and in-person sessions led by Samuel Adams coaches. All program graduates will receive a $2,500 business grant, and select participants will compete in a Boston pitch competition for additional funding. To qualify, applicants must be at least 21 years old, own at least 50% of a packaged food or beverage business, have a business bank account, and operate in New England, the greater Cincinnati area, or the greater New York City metro area. Applications are due by February 25, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. ET. Apply now.
Black History Makers Grant
U.S. retailer Citi Trends has announced another Black History Markers grant, in celebration of Black History Month. With a goal to help advance and further the businesses of Black entrepreneurs, the retailer is offering 10 $5,000 grants to applicants who are making a positive impact in their community.
To be eligible, small businesses needs to be black-owned and focused on supporting the local community. Fill out an online application form, and winners will be selected by the Citi Trends CitiCares Council. The deadline to apply is Feb. 28. Apply now.
Boundless Futures Foundation
Boundless Futures Foundation’s $25,000 grants to businesses are awarded directly to female entrepreneurs who put social impact front and center in their business products or practices. They look at a society’s biggest issues and believe in the power of entrepreneurs to provide solutions by going above and beyond “business as usual” to create impact through profit and purpose — to solve a problem, improve on the status quo, or give back in an intentional way. Applicaitons are due March 3, 2025. Apply now.