2025 Grant Opportunities

Opportunity Grants for Small Businesses

Small Business Blogs
February 13, 2025•4 min read

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Securing grants can significantly enhance your small business's capacity in areas such as marketing, software acquisition, payroll management, professional development, and participation in conferences and workshops.

Below is a curated list of grant opportunities available in 2025 that aligns with these objectives:

1. The Freed Fellowship Grant

  • Description: Awards $500 monthly to small business owners, with personalized business feedback and two months of free mentoring through the Freed Studio virtual community.

  • Award Amount: $500 monthly; potential for a $2,500 end-of-year grant.

  • Eligibility: Any micro or small business owner in the U.S.

  • Application: Apply through the Freed Fellowship website.

2. Skip Grants

  • Description: Offers numerous grants throughout the year, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, to entrepreneurs and small business owners.

  • Award Amount: $1,000 to $10,000 or more.

  • Eligibility: Varies by program; requires creating a free Skip account to apply.

  • Application: Monitor and apply via the Skip platform.

3. National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) Growth Grant

  • Description: Provides up to $4,000 to assist in financing specific business needs, including marketing, advertising, and hiring employees.

  • Award Amount: Up to $4,000.

  • Eligibility: NASE members in good standing.

  • Application: Applications are reviewed quarterly; details available on the NASE website.

4. Verizon Small Business Digital Ready

  • Description: Provides $10,000 grants, free online courses, and networking events to help small businesses thrive in the digital economy.

  • Award Amount: $10,000 per grant.

  • Eligibility: Business owners who register for a free account, complete at least two courses, and meet other criteria set by the program.

  • Application: Apply through the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready platform.

5. Rural Business Development Grants (RBDG)

  • Description: Administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, this program provides grants to support the development or expansion of small businesses in rural areas. Funds can be used for various purposes, including training, technical assistance, and acquisition of equipment.

  • Award Amount: Varies based on project needs.

  • Eligibility: Small businesses located in rural areas with populations under 50,000.

  • Application: Contact your local USDA Rural Development office for application details. More information is available on the USDA website.

6. State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)

  • Description: Funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration, STEP provides financial awards to state and territory governments to assist small businesses with export development. Funds can be used for activities such as participation in trade missions, international marketing campaigns, and export trade show exhibits.

  • Award Amount: Varies by state program.

  • Eligibility: Small businesses looking to expand into international markets; specific criteria vary by state.

  • Application: Apply through your state's STEP program; a directory is available on the SBA's website.

7. Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program

  • Description: A competitive program that encourages small businesses to engage in federal research and development with the potential for commercialization.

  • Award Amount: Funding varies by phase and agency.

  • Eligibility: For-profit small businesses with 500 or fewer employees.

  • Application: Solicitations are released by participating federal agencies; details are available on the SBIR website.

8. Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program

  • Description: Similar to SBIR, this program requires small businesses to collaborate with research institutions on R&D projects with commercialization potential.

  • Award Amount: Funding varies by phase and agency.

  • Eligibility: For-profit small businesses with 500 or fewer employees, in partnership with a U.S. research institution.

  • Application: Solicitations are released by participating federal agencies; details are available on the STTR website.

9. FedEx Small Business Grant Contest

  • Description: An annual contest that awards grants and services to small businesses to help them grow and scale.

  • Award Amount: Typically ranges from $20,000 to $50,000.

  • Eligibility: For-profit small businesses operating in the U.S. with a shipping need.

  • Application: Application periods and details are announced annually; check the FedEx Small Business Grant Contest website for updates.

10. American Express® Backing Small Businesses

  • Description: A grant program in partnership with Main Street America to support economically vulnerable small business owners.

  • Award Amount: Varies; previous grants have been $5,000.

  • Eligibility: Small businesses in the U.S. with fewer than 20 employees and in operation for over a year


Why Choose Talbott Services LLC? With years of experience and a passion for helping others succeed, Talbott Services LLC is your partner in achieving both personal and professional goals. Whether you need expert advice, efficient tax preparation, or strategic grant management, we are here to support you every step of the way.

Contact Us Let’s work together to unlock your potential and achieve your objectives.


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