$30M+ in free business grants for entrepreneurs in 2026
When we started Frich, we picked up a few grants through accelerators and that money made a real difference. But we had no idea how much more was out there. We spent most of our energy on the traditional fundraising path when we could have been stacking grants instead.
There's over $4.6 billion in federal grant funding alone going to small businesses every year and most first-time founders have no idea this exists. So we pulled out every grant that's verified, currently open, and actually worth your time in 2026. Here's the full list.
Federal SBIR/STTR Grants. Up to $30M in Non-Dilutive Startup Funding
$50K – $30M per award | $4.6 billion awarded annually across 11 federal agencies
This is the single biggest source of non-dilutive funding for startups in the United States - and most founders outside of biotech have never heard of it. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are funded by agencies including NIH, NSF, NASA, DOE, and the Department of Defense.
- Phase I (Proof of Concept): $50,000 – $305,000 over 6-12 months
- Phase II (Development): $750,000 – $2M over 24 months
- Strategic Breakthrough (New in 2026): Up to $30 million over 48 months, paired with matching private capital
Check the program out here.
Allstate x Hello Alice Small Business Grant
$20,000 grant | 100 winners + 250 accelerator spots | Closes June 23, 2026
This is one of the largest active grant rounds happening right now. One hundred entrepreneurs will receive $20,000 each, and up to 250 small businesses will join a 12-week virtual Boost Camp accelerator. Free to apply.
If you only apply to one grant this month, make it this one - 100 winners means significantly better odds than most programs.
Apply here.
Cartier Women's Initiative
$30,000 – $100,000 per winner + global fellowship | Closes June 16, 2026
One of the most prestigious women's entrepreneur grants in the world. Fellows representing the top three businesses from each of nine global regions receive $100K (first place), $60K (second), or $30K (third) - plus a full fellowship with INSEAD business training, leadership coaching, media exposure, and lifetime membership in a 500+ founder network.
Eligibility: Women-led businesses, 1-6 years registered, generating revenue, less than $2M in dilutive funding raised. Must have a social or environmental impact component. Founder must be CEO/COO and largest or equal shareholder.
Apply here.
Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Grant
$10,000 | 10 grants awarded monthly through December 2026
Verizon is awarding $10,000 grants every month through 2026 in partnership with LISC. To unlock the application, you just need to complete two free courses or events on their Digital Ready platform - it shouldn’t take more than an hour.
No cost to apply. Open to any U.S.-based for-profit business. You apply once and stay eligible all year - your application rolls forward each month automatically.
Apply here.
Amber Grant - $30K/Month in Free Grants for Women Entrepreneurs
$30,000 awarded monthly across three categories + $50,000 year-end bonus | Rolling deadline
Every month, WomensNet awards three separate $10,000 grants to women-owned businesses: a Monthly Amber Grant (all applicants), a Startup Grant (pre-revenue and idea-stage), and a Business Category Grant (rotates by industry). At the end of the year, three of the monthly winners receive an additional $50,000 each.
Open to women (18+) who own at least 50% of a business in the US or Canada. Pre-revenue and idea-stage businesses are eligible. One-time $15 application fee covers all three monthly categories.
This is one of the most accessible grants out there - especially if you're still in the idea phase.
Apply here.
Skip Small Business Grants
$1,000 – $10,000 | Multiple awards per month
Skip awards $1,000 grants twice a week and runs $10,000 grant rounds throughout the year. In 2025, they funded 800+ entrepreneurs and plan to double that in 2026. Open to all U.S.-based entrepreneurs regardless of business stage.
They also run specialty grants - like the $10,000 AI Builder Grant for anyone building AI tools for small businesses.
Apply here.
IFundWomen Universal Grant Application
$1,000 – $25,000 | Rolling
IFundWomen has deployed over $250 million in grants through corporate partnerships with brands like Visa, Caress, and Comcast. Fill out their universal application once and you get auto-matched to sponsored grant rounds as they open.
This is the "set it and forget it" option - one application keeps working for you.
Apply here.
Secretsos Small Business Grant
$2,500 | Quarterly - Current cycle open through June 30, 2026
A quarterly grant for U.S. business owners focused on growth and leadership. $15 application fee. Applications open on the first day of each quarter.
Apply here.
Awesome Foundation
$1,000 | Monthly, per chapter - dozens of chapters worldwide
The Awesome Foundation has chapters in dozens of cities, and each one awards $1,000 every month to a project they think is awesome.
This isn't business-specific - it funds anything "awesome". So it is open for creative projects and creators as well.
Apply here.
Good luck & let us know if you won any of these grants!
