Current Grant & Loan Opportunities
Our friends at SIMBA recently shared these grant and loan offerings and wanted to ensure you saw them too!
by Robin Haynes, Executive Director, SIMBA
In our ongoing commitment to supporting the success of the local businesses we serve, SIMBA actively seeks out grant opportunities that align with their needs! We can assist in navigating the application process, offering guidance and support every step of the way. If you want help applying for any of these grants, simply complete this short intake form. Grants are RARE for for-profit businesses outside of research fields, so make sure to apply for grants that may be available.
Maker’s Mindset Spring 2026 Grant
The Maker’s Mindset Grant is designed to support entrepreneurs and small business owners who are building creative, community-focused, or impact-driven businesses. This seasonal grant provides funding, along with visibility and support, for businesses ready to grow. Some general details:
Grant funding amounts vary depending on the applicant pool and available funds;
Open to small business owners, entrepreneurs, and creatives across a variety of industries;
Focuses on businesses with strong vision, purpose, and community impact;
Application requires details about your business, mission, and how funds will be used;
Typically favors businesses that demonstrate innovation, resilience, and clear growth potential.
Deadline April 10, 2026. Learn more here!
Kitty Fund Mompreneur Business Grant
The Kitty Fund Grant, offered by Founders First CDC, is a national micro-grant program designed to support mother-owned businesses that are creating jobs and growing revenue. This grant combines funding with business training to help entrepreneurs scale sustainably. Some general details:
Provides $1,000 micro-grants to selected finalists, with a total fund of around $20,000 distributed across recipients;
Open to mom entrepreneurs who are CEOs, Presidents, or business owners of U.S.-based businesses;
Business must have between 2–100 employees and generate under $5 million in annual revenue;
Must be in business for at least 1 year;
Grant funds can be used flexibly for business needs like operations, staffing, marketing, or growth;
Finalists also receive access to business accelerator programs (like Passport or Zebra Leadership) focused on scaling, leadership, and operations.
Deadline April 14, 2026. Learn more here!
Enthuse Foundation Grant Program
The Enthuse Foundation Grant Program provides funding to women entrepreneurs in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) space to support critical business needs. These grants are designed to help founders grow sustainably while addressing both business and personal financial challenges. Some general details:
Multiple grants are offered, typically ranging from $2,500 to $5,000, depending on the category
Open to women entrepreneurs with an established CPG (consumer packaged goods) business
Business must be the founder’s full-time job and based in the United States
Applicants must demonstrate financial need and provide a clear plan for how funds will be used
Cannot have previously received funding from the Enthuse Foundation grant or pitch programs
Grants are category-specific and may cover areas like digital marketing, business tools, insurance, healthcare, professional services, and more
Applications for the 2026 cycle are open from March 9 to April 27, with recipients announced in June. Learn more here!
Photo by Emily Star Poole