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Small Business Grant Opportunities for the Month of May
- Cynthia Nevels
- May 3
- 5 min read
May 3, 2025 | Cynthia Nevels
Start.Pivot.Grow. is excited to share our monthly announcements regarding access to capital for our subscribers. As we all navigate the daily changes in the economic, political, and social landscape, we want our members and applicants to stay informed about opportunities that can enhance and improve your business. Please take a look at the opportunities listed below and take advantage of the many options available.
Pharrell Williams’ Black Ambition Launches $1M Digital Learning Lab to Empower Florida Founders
In a bold move to close the equity gap in entrepreneurship, Black Ambition, the national initiative founded by Pharrell Williams, is launching a high-impact, 10-week virtual program to fuel the growth of entrepreneurs across Florida. Backed by a $1 million investment from an anonymous donor, the Fundable Founders Learning Lab is part of a two-year statewide initiative to support 500 Florida-based entrepreneurs with access to capital, mentorship, expert training, and a powerful network—at a time when many support systems for small business owners are disappearing.
The program is open to all entrepreneurs, with a strong emphasis on ensuring founders from underrepresented communities are equipped to build fundable, sustainable ventures. Florida is home to over 1.38 million minority-owned businesses, yet the path to capital and scale remains steep. The Fundable Founders Learning Lab aims to change that narrative—providing tactical training, national exposure, and an on-ramp to the kind of support that turns bold ideas into breakthrough businesses.
Apply Today: Fundable Founders Learning Lab
About Black Ambition
Black Ambition is a nonprofit initiative founded by Pharrell Williams to support underrepresented entrepreneurs building the companies of tomorrow. With a mission to close the opportunity gap, Black Ambition has supported over 1,000 founders, awarded nearly $13 million in funding, and been named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies. Learn more at www.blackambitionprize.com.
Cartier Women's Initiative Awards - Apply here
Cartier's regional and thematic awards recognize and fund talented impact entrepreneurs from around the world who are leveraging business as a force for good.
Grant amount: $30,000-$100,000K
Due date: 6/24/25
Info: https://lnkd.in/eKVxJ_Rr
Get Nearshored Grant - Apply here
Nearshored is offering a $5,000 manufacturing grant to three small businesses to use to purchase inventory.
Grant amount: $5,000
Due date: 5/3/25
Info: https://lnkd.in/ezeFpUkh
Start.Pivot.Grow. - Apply here
The quarterly micro grants provide non-dilutive funding, meaning you don't have to give away a portion of your business to get the financial support you need.
Grant amount: $2,500
Due date: 6/30/25
Info: https://lnkd.in/ek2h-i8i
Health Equity Grant - Apply here
The SpringWell360 Health Equity Grant is a funding opportunity designed to support individuals and projects that are committed to advancing health equity.
Grant amount: $1,000
Due date: 8/1/25
Info: https://lnkd.in/ehCpS6EH
The Creative Business Boost Initiative - Apply here
The Creative Business Boost Initiative is presented by Hello Alice and the Global Entrepreneurship Network with support from Etsy’s Uplift Fund.
Grant amount: $5,000
Due date: 5/9/25
Info: https://lnkd.in/eGMDC5eQ
BGE Energizing Small Business Grants (2025)
Eligible businesses located in BGE's service area can apply for BGE Energizing Small Business Grants of $20,000. This grant program is part of BGE's comprehensive plan to help businesses succeed and thrive. Applications are now open until June 13, 2025 at 6 P.M ET. To be eligible, a business must not have previously received funding from this program, must have between one and 25 employees, generate less than $7 million in annual revenue, demonstrate a need for support with a strong plan for moving forward, and be in (or working toward) good standing with the State of Maryland.
Due date: Jun 13, 2025
H&R Block Fund Her Future Grant
Ready to ignite your business growth? Presented by Block Advisors by H&R Block, in partnership with Hello Alice, the Fund Her Future grant is here to fuel your ambition. This initiative empowers entrepreneurs like you to seize growth opportunities and expand your impact, providing access to $100,000 in grant funding and expert small business services. Block Advisors by H&R Block is dedicated to providing the resources and support needed to cultivate the next generation of impactful business leaders, offering both practical guidance and funding. More than just a grant, this program helps promising business owners maximize their growth potential and unlock new avenues for success.
Due date: May 30, 2025
Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund (Spring Round - 2025)
DoorDash, in partnership with Hello Alice, has started the Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund to provide grants and resources to local restaurants across the United States and Puerto Rico affected by natural disasters. Small businesses are the center of local economies, yet nearly 40% of small businesses are unable to reopen following a disaster, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Disaster can occur at a moment's notice and access to capital is crucial to helping a restaurant rebuild their business following a disaster. Applications are open for the Spring funding round now through May 30, 2025 at 6pm ET.
The BOTOX® Cosmetic Confidence Project: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs
Ready to take your business to the next level? BOTOX® Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) injection, an AbbVie Inc. brand, has launched a game-changing initiative, The Confidence Project: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs. In partnership with Hello Alice, The Confidence Project will host a comprehensive virtual accelerator program designed to open doors for women entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses and achieve their dreams. Apply now to be one of the 250 program participants who will get access to strategy sessions, meaningful mentorship, and a shot at $20K in grant funding.
Eligibility requirements include being an entrepreneur and leading a for-profit company, with an existing product or service and having generated at least $25,000 in revenue in 2024. Applications are open until May 9, 2025, at 6 pm ET. For a full list of eligibility criteria, please see the Terms and Conditions.*
Acceptance into the Boost Camp does not guarantee funding.
Seed Capital Pitch Competition
The Good Soil Movement Announces the Seed Capital Pitch Competition, presented by Wells Fargo and with support from Hello Alice, an exciting opportunity to showcase your business, gain exposure, and compete live for funding in front of investors and a national audience. This competition is part of the Good Soil Forum, presented by Wells Fargo, a $500,000 investment initiative into small businesses that are ready to grow. Prizes include:
First Place: $200,000
Second Place: $100,000
Third Place: $75,000
Dallas-Based Business Award: $50,000
All finalists will also be invited to join the Good Soil Accelerator, a year-long program that provides intensive mentorship, resources, and support to help grow your business and improve fundability. And if you’re one of the first 1,000 applicants, you’ll receive free access to LivePlan-a top-rated business planning tool to help you build or enhance your business plan.
Applications are now open and will close on May 23, 2025 at 6 P.M. ET. To be eligible, applicants must be a for-profit business, willing to participate in the live pitch competition at the Good Soil Forum, presented by Wells Fargo, in Dallas, TX on June 14, 2025, create a free account on the Good Soil HQ app, and complete a series of interactive activities, Ask Me Anything (AMAs), and business assessment assignments during the application period.
Due date: May 23, 2025
If you're applying for grants in the month of May, we suggest you take advantage of the 30-day free trial and use the new business model platform KPIXAI.com or download the digital growth strategy for a competivite advantage.
Start.Pivot.Grow is one of the leading business accelerator programs in the southwest region of the U.S. that was created to fuel equitable economic development by supporting small—to midsize businesses through results-driven business education, technical assistance, and access to capital.
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