Starting and funding a small business is hard, especially in today’s economy. There’s so much that goes into it, including creative business ideas, hiring employees, and most importantly, finding a way to pay for everything. However, if one looks hard enough, there are many grant opportunities for small business owners to apply to. So, based on sources including Forbes, Entreprenista, and Biz Journal, here are eight May 2025 small business grants to apply for to help your small business. 

STAMPS.COM Small Business Flexibility Grant

The Small Business Flexibility Grant is a contest that started May 1st and will end on May 31st. Anyone participating would have to answer questions about flexibility-related issues they are experiencing in their business, and how the prize money would help them in those areas. Participants must be legal residents of the US who is are least 18 years old, and they must be the owner of a small business. The business can be under one of many industries including food services, public administration, real estate, transportation, and more  that are listed on the site. The prize is $25,000.

Verizon’s Small Business Digital Ready Grant

Verizon’s Small Business Digital Ready Grant applications opened on January 1st, 2025 and will close on June 30th, 2025. Participants must take two courses to have access to the application. Applicants must be the owner of a small business (non-profits not included) and must be 18 or older. The grant provides free courses, networking opportunities, and more to winners as well as $10,000.

Dream Makers Foundation Grant

The Dream Makers Foundation Grant application portal opened April 28th and will close on May 30th. The grant was made to support underrepresented small business owners to help show off their talents and assist with any unnecessary hurdles those business owners have to get over to be successful. There are multiple criteria applicants must fit including having 1-10 employees  working for your business, making between $100,000 and $1,000,000 annually, having the business for at least two years, and more listed on the website. Winners will get $25,000 each. 

Jobber Grants

Jobber Grants has two rounds of applications. The first round is open from March 5th to June 11th. The second round of applications is open from June 18th to June 25th. Anyone who owns or aims to own a home service business over the age of 18 is eligible for this grant. They look for participants who give back to their communities, help keep offices running smoothly, and more factors that are listed on their website. Recipients are awarded $10,000 each.

The BOTOX® Cosmetic Confidence Project

For the Botox Cosmetic Confidence Project grant, applications are open from April 22nd to May 15th. Participants must be the CEO, COO, or any position similar to be eligible. The business owned must be for-profit (No nonprofits), and participants must be at least 18, or in certain states 19. The grant is mainly for female business owners. Winners will get training sessions, mentorship, networking opportunities, and more. Winners will also receive $20,000.

H&R Block

Like Botox, H&R Block is providing grants to support female business owners. Applications are due May 30th. Applicants must have less than 20 employees in their business, and their business must be for profit (no non-profits). The business must have gained at least $20,000 in 2024, and applicants must be at least 18 (19 in certain states). Winners will receive small-business taxes, payroll, a business structure analysis, and other forms of guidance. The winner will receive $50,000. Runners-ups will win $10,000. 

Start.Pivot.Grow Micro Grant

Start.Pivot.Grow is providing micro grants for small businesses that have existed for at least two years, make at least $50,000 a year, and have one or two employees including the owner. The grant can be used in a number of areas including utilities, inventory, professional developing, marketing, and more areas that are listed on the site. Winners are provided with a Digital Business Growth Planner and a Prep My Loan Planner. Winners are also given $2,500. 

Amazon Small Business Grant

Amazon small business grant applications are open until May 23rd. Some requirements for participants include being an existing Amazon business customer, having an annual revenue of less than or equal to $1,000,000, being at least 18 and a resident of the US, and more that are listed on the site. 15 finalists will be featured on the Amazon site for people to vote on their favorite small business. The winner will receive $25,000. Runner-ups and semi-finalists will receive $20,000 and $15,000 respectively.

Image Credit:  John Guccione