This is a strong opportunity for brick-and-mortar business owners ready to grow and make deeper community impact. Grant Name: Amex Shop Small Grants ProgramGrant Amount: $20,000 per award 💵Run by: American Express in partnership with Main Street America 👥 Who qualifies To be eligible, your business must: • Be a for-profit small business • Be independently owned • Operate from a physical brick-and-mortar location • Be located in the United States or Washington, D.C. • Have been operating at the current location since at least January 1, 2025 • Have 20 or fewer full-time equivalent employees • Be legally registered and in good standing • Be owned by someone 18 years or older • Have a clear project plan for how funds will be used ❌ Not eligible This program does not fund:• Nonprofits• Franchises• Online-only businesses• Home-based businesses• Mobile vendors• Businesses operating from coworking or shared spaces 💡 What the money can be used for Funds must be used for growth and impact, such as:• Marketing campaigns• Store improvements or build-outs• Purchasing equipment• Expanding product lines• Enhancing customer experience• Community-focused upgrades These funds are meant to help you grow and innovate, not cover payroll or debt. 📅 Application window Closes: January 23, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CT 📌 How applications are evaluated Applications are reviewed based on:• Eligibility• Business impact• Community impact• Feasibility of your project plan• Ability to complete project within six months 🔗 Apply here https://mainstreet.org/about/partner-collaborations/amex-shop-small-grant-program 🧠 Pro Tip from Inga Nykole Do not submit a vague plan & be specific about what you will build, improve, or expand with the $20,000. Funders want to see vision, clarity, and execution.

📌 Link to Apply 🌐 Apply or learn more here: https://visionaries.co/helen-grant/ WATCH HE REPLAY LIVE! https://www.facebook.com/share/1FQkZBFUoH/?mibextid=wwXIfr 💰 Award Amount • Up to $10,000 in unrestricted funding to support your business growth, operations, marketing, hiring, or strategic next steps. 🕐 Application Deadline Applications close April 30, 2026 — winners announced by ~June 1, 2026 👩‍💼 Who Qualifies You are eligible if all the following are true:✔ You identify as a woman (nonbinary applicants assigned female at birth or aligned with the intent of the grant are also welcomed)✔ You are 18 or older and a legal U.S. resident✔ You own or co-own a for-profit business that is 100% women-owned✔ Your business is legally registered and operates in the U.S. or U.S. territories✔ Your business generates less than $1,000,000 in annual revenue✔ You have a U.S.-based business bank account capable of ACH transfers✔ Your business is active and operating (not a nonprofit) 💡 Pro Tips for Your Community 1. Tell a compelling mission story.This grant values purpose and impact as much as business fundamentals. Explain why your business matters and how the funds would help you scale. 2. Show traction and readiness.Include evidence of revenue, clients, online presence, and clear next steps you will take with the money. 3. Prepare early and submit thoughtfully.Even if the current cycle has passed, the April 30, 2026 deadline presents a strong opportunity — give yourself time to polish and review before submission. 4. No application fee.You do not pay to apply, so every entrepreneur can enter without upfront cost. 📌 Bonus Because this program is mission-driven and geared toward prepared, documented women founders, your community members with solid business plans and traction stand a good chance of standing out.

What it is: A national recognition and grant program from Zoom celebrating 50 of the most innovative solo entrepreneurs in the U.S.. 🗓Deadline Nominations are open until: 📅 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on February 13, 2026 ✅Who Qualifies To be eligible for the Zoom Solopreneur 50 program you must: • Operate a U.S.-based business • Have no full-time employees (sole founder/operator) • Be in business for at least 12 months • Demonstrate innovation, independence, and measurable impact in your business Other industries are welcome — creative, tech, consulting, education, wellness, media, community impact, etc. 🎁 What Winners Receive • Recognition as a Zoom Solopreneur 50 honoree — national visibility across Zoom platforms and community exposure. • Access to a network of mentors and peers in the Zoom ecosystem. • Top 5 Honorees receive financial grants to grow their business. 📍How to Apply / Nominate Anyone can nominate themselves or another solopreneur by completing the online form. 🔗 Nomination/Application Link: https://www.zoom.com/solo50 📝 Notes • No purchase or payment required to enter or win. • Only one nomination per person (self-nominations allowed). • Honorees are announced in Q2 2026 after review by a panel of judges.

This opportunity is for real business owners making real impact. Program Name: QuickBooks x Mailchimp Small Business Hero ProgramAward Amount: $20,000+ in cash plus business tools and national exposure 💵 👥 Who this is for This program is designed for:• U.S.-based small business owners• Entrepreneurs actively operating a business• Businesses making a positive impact in their communities• Founders with strong stories of resilience, service, and leadership• Owners who serve people, not just profit You do not have to be perfect. You do need to be authentic. 💡 What winners receive Selected Small Business Heroes may receive: • $20,000 in cash funding • Free QuickBooks Online subscription • Free Mailchimp marketing tools • National recognition and brand exposure • Feature opportunities across Intuit platforms This is both funding and visibility. 🧠 Pro Tip from Inga Nykole Your story is your superpower.Do not minimize your impact. Share the real journey, the challenges you have overcome, and how your business helps others. Programs like this fund people, not just businesses. 🔗 Apply or nominate here https://quickbooks.intuit.com/r/small-business-heroes/

This is a powerful opportunity for small business owners who are serious about growth and scaling. Santander Cultivate Small Business ProgramAward Amount: Up to $20,000 💵Program Type: Business training + grant opportunity 👥 Who this is for This opportunity is designed for:• Small business owners who have been operating for at least 1 year• Businesses generating revenue• Entrepreneurs ready to grow and scale• Founders who want both funding and business education• Owners who serve their communities and show impact This is especially strong for food-related businesses, product-based brands, and service businesses ready for the next level. 💡 What you receive Participants selected for the program may receive: • Access to a structured business education program • Mentorship and coaching • Business strategy support • Opportunity to earn up to $20,000 in grant funding • A stronger business foundation overall This is not just about money. It is about positioning your business to grow correctly. 🧠 Pro Tip from Inga Nykole Do not downplay your story.Programs like this look for business owners who are committed, consistent, and clear about where they are going. Clarity beats perfection every time. 🔗 Apply here https://www.santanderus.com/cultivate-small-business/