Finding small business grants can be a game-changer for entrepreneurs looking to grow, launch, or recover without taking on debt. With many programs operating on quarterly or annual cycles, now is the perfect time to secure capital before the new year.
We’ve broken down some of the most accessible grants and financial programs currently open, focusing on those with crucial deadlines in November 2025, December 2025, and early 2026.
I. Grants with Hard Deadlines This Quarter (Nov/Dec 2025)
These opportunities close soon, making them a top priority for your funding application list.
1. Intuit QuickBooks x Mailchimp Small Business Hero Program
- Grant Amount: $20,000
- Deadline: November 14, 2025
- What It Is: This program awards three winners each quarter who demonstrate courage, perseverance, and integrity in running their business. It is focused on recognizing and rewarding small business heroes in their community.
- How to Apply: Nominations can be submitted by anyone who knows a deserving business owner (including self-nomination).
2. Skip $10,000 Growth Grant 2
- Grant Amount: $10,000 (plus five $500 Skip Credit prizes)
- Deadline: November 18, 2025 (11:59 p.m. ET)
- Eligibility: Open to U.S.-based entrepreneurs and small business owners who are active or trialing Skip Plus members. Applicants must demonstrate readiness by having foundational essentials like a business plan and a website.
3. Secretsos™ Small Business Grant
- Grant Amount: $2,500
- Deadline: December 31, 2025 (11:59 p.m. CST)
- What It Is: Designed to help entrepreneurs overcome challenges and accelerate growth, this grant specifically supports business owners often overlooked by traditional funding sources. Funds can be used at the recipient’s full discretion.
- Eligibility: Must be at least 21 years old and operate in an eligible U.S. state.
4. Start.Pivot.Grow. Micro Grant
- Grant Amount: $2,500
- Deadline: December 31, 2025
- What It Is: This micro grant provides essential, non-dilutive funding for small business expenses like rent or basic operations.
II. Grants for Diversity and Specialized Fields
These programs focus on specific demographics or industries, often leading to less competition.
5. AAUW Career Development Grants
- Grant Amount: Up to $8,000
- Deadline: December 31, 2025
- Eligibility: These grants are specifically for women pursuing career advancement in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). The funding supports accredited certificate, credential, or training programs that lead to clear career advancement or industry-recognized certification.
6. America’s Seed Fund (National Science Foundation)
- Opportunity: Early-stage funding (Equity-free grant money)
- Current Application Round: Open through January 6, 2026 (6:00 p.m. ET)
- What It Is: This is one of the most powerful government-backed funding sources. The program provides non-dilutive funds for startups working on high-impact research and development (R&D). Applications are accepted quarterly.
7. U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) Grants
- Deadlines: Ongoing through 2026 and beyond
- Eligibility: These grants are strictly reserved for small businesses engaged in the development and research of biomedical technology, including COVID-19 related research.
III. Ongoing and Monthly Funding Programs
If you miss a hard deadline, these programs accept applications on a rolling or frequent basis, providing continuous opportunities for business financing.
8. Amber Grant Foundation
- Grant Amounts: $10,000 monthly grant, plus three $25,000 annual grants.
- Application Cycle: Monthly
- Eligibility: Created by WomensNet, this foundation provides financial support with the simple goal of supporting women entrepreneurs. Eligible applications remain active for the duration of the year.
9. The Freed Fellowship Grant
- Grant Amount: $500 monthly grant
- Application Cycle: Monthly
- What It Is: U.S.-based small business owners can apply for this grant, which also provides business feedback and a free membership to the Freed Studio community. Monthly recipients are automatically eligible for an end-of-year $2,500 grant.
10. Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
- Benefit: Federal Tax Credit (not a direct grant)
- Program Status: Valid for wages paid through December 31, 2025
- What It Is: This valuable federal tax credit encourages companies to hire employees from groups who have historically faced significant barriers to employment. If you plan to hire before the end of 2025, this can save your business thousands of dollars in federal taxes.
Next Steps for Your Business
Finding the right grant requires research and persistence. Make sure your business documents (business plan, financial statements, and a compelling pitch) are ready.
For the most comprehensive list of federal funding opportunities, always start your search at Grants.gov.