Small-business grants you can apply for in April 2024

Small-business owners are still seeking funding despite higher interest rates and stricter credit requirements, according to a recent survey by NerdWallet.

But there are several small-business grants that businesses can apply for in April that can bridge the gap.

Overall, about 67% of small businesses plan to pursue funding for their business over the next 12 months. Of those, about 45% plan to get a traditional term loan, while about 18% are specifically looking for a bank loan. But that comes as 29% of small-business owners cite high interest rates as a concern and 21% say understanding all the potential financing options available to them are a big concern.?

For small-business owners that are concerned about the potential interest rates or want to try finding some non-dilutive cash, we have compiled a list of small business grants that are open to applications in April 2024. You can also check out our list of business grants businesses can apply for in 2024.

American Express offers Backing Small Businesses grant program

Credit card giant American Express and Main Street America’s Backing Small Businesses grant program has so far awarded millions of dollars to small-business owners across the country — and will increase the total amount it has dished out over three years to $5.7 million. In 2024, the two organizations plan to award $10,000 to 500 small businesses across the United States and its territories.

In addition, out of the 500 initial grant recipients, 25 of those will be awarded an additional $30,000 enhancement grant. Businesses will be required to submit a final grant report using a template to report on how they used the money.?Businesses must have 20 or fewer employees and have been in operation since before Jan. 1, 2023. They must also have a brick-and-mortar location, with home-based businesses not eligible.?

Applications will be accepted through?April?7,?2024, at?11:59?pm?CST, although the organizations may close early if they receive a lot of applications.

PepsiCo launches small-business accelerator, grants

PepsiCo Inc., which makes popular brands such as Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Lay's and Gatorade, has also announced it is bringing back its Greenhouse Accelerator Program: Juntos Crecemos Edition.

The program will target food and beverage businesses who can apply to the accelerator. Those selected will receive a $20,000 grant and will join a five-month mentorship program centered around business challenges. One business will receive an additional $100,000 grand prize.

To apply, businesses need to be Hispanic-owned and operating within the United States and have earned between $100,000 to $2 million in revenue in the last financial year.

Applications close on May 6, and business owners can find out more information on the program website.?

LegalZoom expands $3 million small-business grant program with NBA, WNBA

LegalZoom’s Fast Break for Small Business grant program, in partnership with the NBA and WNBA, will be awarding $1.5 million in grants to 150 small-business owners and $1.5 million in products and services to 3,000 entrepreneurs looking to start their own business.

Small businesses that have been in operation for at least three months are eligible to apply for the individual $10,000 grants or up to $500 in LegalZoom products and services. Entrepreneurs are eligible to apply for up to $500 in LegalZoom products and services.?

Winners will first be announced on social media and Action Opportunity Fund will administer the small-business grant awards. Grant applications close on September 13, 2024, at 8 p.m.

Other small-business grants open to applications right now

• Jobber, which provides operations management software for home service businesses, announced a grant program in which 15 businesses could get $10,000 each.?Business owners can apply for and use the grant however they want, whether it's purchasing new equipment, marketing or training its team.?Applications are open until June 12.
• The Kitty Fund Mompreneur Business Grant is giving out $25,000 to 25 moms who own businesses. To be eligible the business’ annual revenue should not be more than $5 million, and it should have between two and 100 employees. All founders must identify as mothers. Applications are due April 16.
• Yogurt brand Dannon Light +Fit and the Female Founder Collective are offering $10,000 grants to five women entrepreneurs. Businesses must be majority-owned by a woman and have been in operation for at least two years. Applications are due April 4, 2024.
• Hello Alice offers $1,000 in “American Dream” grants to small businesses. Deadline: April 30, 2024.
• 2024 Halstead Grant for silver jewelry businesses offering more than $8,500. Deadline: May 1, 2024.

And there are even more grants throughout the year, for businesses looking for grants or any other kind of technical assistance or training over the rest of 2024.