5 SMB grants to apply for before March 31

Keeping your business alive despite encountering serious hurdles like the COVID-19 pandemic, economic headwinds, and burnout takes work. To acknowledge your passion as an entrepreneur and support you through this journey, many state government and private organizations award SMB grants to help you scale through these financial and economic conditions.

1. Washington Hospitality Grants Program

Washington Hospitality Grants Program is geared towards helping lodging and hospitality businesses that experienced a 25% or more significant loss in gross receipts or sales due to the state’s suspension order during COVID-19.

The State Commerce department will provide relief funds through grants to restaurants, hotels, motels, and other lodging establishments. Out of the $100 million in the federal APRA relief funds, $15 million is allocated as grants to compensate these establishments.

Eligibility:

The grant is a one-time offer, and it is given to eligible businesses which must identify under a qualifying NAICS code. They include; Full-Service Restaurants, Caterers, Inns, Hotels and Motels, Bowling centers, Brewpubs, tap rooms and tasting rooms, and Convention and Visitors Bureaus.

Other Requirements:

• The business must have been in operation before April 2020. (with the same ownership to date)
• The entity must have a minimum of $12,000 in sales in 2019.
• The organization must not have been permanently closed or intend to close permanently in 2023.
• Must experience at least a 25% reduction in sales.

How to Apply:

Once you’ve passed the eligibility list, gather the necessary documentation needed for the application:

• Once the document is ready, visit the Washington Hospitality Grants application portal to apply.
• Fill out the prescreen eligibility form on FOREWARD’s platform.
• Create an account.
• Begin your application!

The application portal is now open and closes on April 6, 2023, by 5 p.m. PT.

2. Jobber Grants

The Jobber Grants announced a new $150,000 grant opportunity for 25 prospective home service entrepreneurs and small business owners. Jobber Grants is an initiative established by Jobber, Canada’s fastest-growing home service company, to reward excellence in the home service business.

The grant is open to new and existing small business owners who qualify for grants ranging from $2,500 to $15,000.

Eligibility:

You’re eligible for the Jobber grants if you are a home service entrepreneur or an aspiring small business owner. You must be at least 18 years old and reside in the US and Canada (except Quêbec).

How to Apply:

• Visit the Jobber Grants website.
• The application process is a 5-minute process that requires talking about your business and the great work you’ve done.
• The application is in 2 phases. If you meet the criteria in phase 1, you will be asked to complete phase 2. Then, a judging panel will select 25 recipients after a final round.

3. Ladies Who Launch

Over the years, women-owned businesses have encountered many challenges in finding their feet in the business world, which is male-dominated. This is why Ladies Who Launch has announced a one-time $10,000 grant for 20 women and non-binary small business owners.

The grant has benefits, such as six months of education from industry experts, a mentorship program, and an opportunity to join a community of small business owners and entrepreneurs.

Eligibility:

• Applicants must be 21 years and above.
• Applicants must be US citizens or legal residents.
• The business must be a consumer packaged goods company with gross revenue between $100,000 – $499,000.

How to Apply:

If eligible, visit the Ladies Who Launch website to apply for the grant.

The deadline for the application to the Launch Program is March 31, 2023.

4. America’s Seed Fund

The National Science Foundation (NSF), through its grant program, America’s Seed Fund, is awarding SMB grants to startups in the development of deep technologies.

The $200 million funding meant for 400 startups can help retain control of their intellectual property, their team, and the direction of their work.

Eligibility:

• The company must have fewer than 500 employees.
• More than 50% of the company must be owned by a US citizen or legal resident.

How to Apply:

• Submit a project pitch to the NSF portal. (Get a response in a month)
• Submit a full proposal. (If you are invited to submit one)
• After the proposal submission, you will be notified six months later if you qualify for the funding.

There is no deadline for America’s Seed Fund. You can submit your pitch anytime. It is open 365 days a year.

5. Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Grant

Through its grant program, Verizon Communications aims to have 1 million small businesses digitally ready by 2030. Verizon Communications is one of the leading communication technology companies in the world.

Verizon has announced a new $10,000 grant opportunity for small business owners. With this grant, entrepreneurs can access free courses on marketing, content creation, website building, mentorship, one-on-one expert coaching, and peer networking.

Eligibility:

• You must be a small business owner.
• Complete the tasks assigned by Verizon, such as the combination of two courses, participating in coaching events, and community events.

How to Apply:

• Register at Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Grant website.
• After registration, complete two of the three grant requirements: complete any combination of two courses, and participate in coaching or community events.
• After completing the tasks, you will be eligible for the $10,000 grant.

The deadline for the grant application is May 12, 2023.

Conclusion

These SMB grants will go a long way in helping small business owners and entrepreneurs. Women founders, non-binary founders, tech companies, and home service professionals can apply for any of these grant opportunities.

Make sure to meet the criteria before you apply. Accelerate your business growth by applying today!