Detroit Regional Chamber > Economic Equity & Inclusion > Apply for October Small Business Grants

Apply for October Small Business Grants

October 2, 2025

Grant funding can provide essential support for small businesses and can be used in various areas of improvement and growth such as expansion, innovation, or sustainability initiatives. Explore the October small business grants that are now accepting applications; eligibility and requirements vary for each grant opportunity.

AAUW Career Development Grants

The AAUW Career Development Grants offer up to $8,000 to help women take the next step in their STEM careers. The grants fund accredited certificate, credential, or training programs of at least 400 instructional hours in fast-growing fields where women remain underrepresented. They also support women already working in STEM who want leadership or executive training to move into decision-making roles. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a bachelor’s degree, and programs should lead to clear career advancement or industry-recognized certification. The application deadline is October 7, 2025, with additional rounds to follow.

Rauschenberg Medical Emergency Grant

The Rauschenberg Medical Emergency Grant provides funding of up to $5,000 for artists experiencing recent and unexpected medical, dental, or mental health emergencies. Eligible applicants must be artists in visual arts, choreography, or film/video/electronic/digital arts with an average income below $75,000 ($150,000 for joint filers). Grants cover out-of-pocket expenses like co-pays, emergency dental work, and transportation for treatment, but exclude chronic conditions, living expenses, or ongoing care. Applications for Cycle 33, covering emergencies from April 1, 2025, onward, will open on October 7, 2025, at 10 a.m. ET.

Stephen L. Tadlock Veteran Business Grant

The Stephen L. Tadlock Veteran Business Grant awards a total of $20,000 in funding to 20 veteran entrepreneurs across the U.S., with each finalist receiving a $1,000 micro-grant and free access to a Founders First business program. The grant supports veteran-led companies looking to strengthen operations, scale, and build long-term sustainability. Eligible applicants must be U.S. military veterans who own and actively run a business with two to 100 employees, less than $5 million in annual revenue, and at least one year in operation. The application deadline is October 7, 2025.

Walmart Spark Good Local Grants

The Walmart Spark Good Local Grants program, provided by Walmart and Sam’s Club, offers grants ranging from $250 to $5,000 for organizations that address the unique needs of local communities. Tax ID status determines eligibility, with 501(c)(3) charities, public entities, and educational institutions qualifying. All organizations must be Deed verified and have a Spark Good account to apply. Grant applications are accepted quarterly, with the current application round open through October 15, 2025.

Toast Changemakers Program

The Toast Changemakers Program, presented in partnership with Hello Alice and GENis here to support restaurants making a difference in their local communities by addressing food insecurity. The restaurant industry is known for its slim margins, yet restaurants frequently serve their communities with more than just great food – they find meaningful ways to give back and fight hunger.

Through the Toast Changemakers Program, fifteen restaurant owners will each receive a $10,000 grant to expand or enhance their existing community programs dedicated to addressing food insecurity. This program recognizes restaurants already giving back and provides the resources they need to do even more good while serving their communities. Applications close on October 17, 2025.