Securing funding for your small business doesn’t always mean spending weeks writing a comprehensive business plan. Many grant programs recognize that entrepreneurs need accessible funding options with simpler application processes. Whether you’re just starting out or already running a successful business, these eight grants offer opportunities to secure funding through video pitches, short answer questions, or streamlined applications — no lengthy business plan required.
Why Grants Without Business Plans Matter
Traditional business plans can take 20-40 hours to complete, and for many busy entrepreneurs, this time investment becomes a barrier to applying for funding. Grants without business plan requirements level the playing field by:
- Reducing application time from weeks to hours or even minutes
- Focusing on your story, passion, and vision rather than formal documentation
- Making funding accessible to early-stage businesses without extensive financial history
- Allowing you to apply to multiple opportunities efficiently
1. Skip Year-End Grant
Award Amount: $10,000
What Makes It Easy: Skip’s application process is intentionally straightforward, requiring only a link to your business information and answering one additional question. This minimal barrier makes it one of the most accessible grants available.
Eligibility: All U.S. entrepreneurs and small business owners aged 18 and older can apply, making this grant widely accessible regardless of business stage or industry.
Application Type: Extremely simple online form with minimal requirements
2. Pathway to Opportunity (Formerly National Black Business Pitch)
Award Amounts: $5,000 (1st place), $2,500 (2nd place), $1,250 (3rd place)
What Makes It Easy: Instead of a formal business plan, applicants submit a 3-minute video pitch about their business. This format allows you to showcase your personality, passion, and vision in a way written documents cannot.
Eligibility: Business-to-business (B2B) companies that are at least 51% owned by U.S. entrepreneurs and have been operational for 3 or more months.
Application Type: Application form + 3-minute video pitch, with finalists advancing to a virtual live pitch event
3. Freed Fellowship Micro-Grants
Award Amount: $500 monthly, with potential for an additional $2,500 end-of-year grant
What Makes It Easy: The Freed Fellowship offers monthly rolling applications with a simple online entry process. Recipients also receive personalized business feedback and two months of free mentoring through the Freed Studio virtual community.
Eligibility: Any micro or small business owner in the United States
Application Type: Short online application with monthly deadlines (apply by the last day of each month)
4. Hey Helen Microgrant
Award Amount: $10,000 unrestricted cash
What Makes It Easy: The Hey Helen Grant requires a straightforward application focused on your business story and vision. The unrestricted nature of the funds means you can use the grant for any business purpose without detailed spending plans.
Eligibility: Women entrepreneurs building impact-driven, for-profit businesses in the United States. Businesses must generate less than $1 million in annual revenue. Nonbinary applicants assigned female at birth or who feel aligned with the grant’s intent are also welcome to apply.
Application Type: Simple application form
Deadline: Applications accepted three times per year; current cycle open through December 30, 2025
5. Amber Grant for Women
Award Amount: Varies (monthly awards with an annual grand prize)
What Makes It Easy: The Amber Grant stands out for its refreshingly simple application process. Rather than requiring a formal business plan or pitch deck, applicants simply explain their business and describe what they’d do with the grant money. There’s no minimum time-in-business requirement, making it ideal for startup founders.
Eligibility: Women-owned businesses in the U.S. or Canada
Application Type: Simple online application with a $15 application fee
Frequency: Monthly contests with year-round applications accepted
6. Start.Pivot.Grow. Micro Grant
Award Amount: $2,500 quarterly, plus business planning resources
What Makes It Easy: This grant features short-answer questions about your business operations rather than requiring extensive documentation. Recipients also gain access to valuable business planning tools, growth planners, and loan preparation resources.
Eligibility: Businesses operational for at least two years with 1-2 employees (including the owner) and annual revenue of at least $50,000. This grant is perfect for established solopreneurs or very small teams looking to scale up.
Application Type: Online application with business-focused short answers
Frequency: Quarterly awards with rolling applications
7. Awesome Foundation Grants
Award Amount: $1,000 per month
What Makes It Easy: The Awesome Foundation prides itself on minimal bureaucracy. Applications require simply filling out information about yourself and your project — no strings attached. The foundation is organized into 84+ fully autonomous local chapters, each making independent funding decisions based on what they consider “awesome” for their community.
Eligibility: Anyone — individuals, groups, and organizations alike. Projects should contribute to local communities and evoke surprise, delight, and positive impact. The foundation supports initiatives in arts, technology, community development, and more.
Application Type: Quick online application describing your project
Frequency: Monthly grants awarded by each chapter (apply to your local chapter or one that aligns with your project)
8. IFundWomen Universal Grant Application
Award Amount: Varies by partner (previous grants have ranged from $5,000 to $25,000)
What Makes It Easy: IFundWomen by Honeycomb Credit has revolutionized the grant application process with their Universal Funding and Grant Application. You submit one comprehensive application, and IFundWomen automatically matches your business with relevant opportunities as they arise from corporate partners. This “apply once, match many times” approach saves enormous time and effort.
Eligibility: While IFundWomen specializes in funding and coaching for women-owned businesses, their network includes opportunities for various entrepreneur demographics depending on the specific partner grant. Previous grant partners have included major corporations like Visa, Neutrogena, American Express, and Caress.
Application Type: Single universal application that gets matched to multiple grant opportunities
How It Works: When IFundWomen partners with a brand for a grant, they match the partner’s criteria to businesses in their database. If you’re a match, you’ll be notified and invited to apply. You’ll also be first to hear about new funding opportunities and receive additional resources from the IFundWomen community.
Tips for Success With Simplified Grant Applications
Even though these grants don’t require formal business plans, you can still maximize your chances of winning by following these strategies:
For Video Pitch Grants
- Keep it authentic — don’t over-produce or script every word
- Lead with your passion and the problem you’re solving
- Be specific about how you’ll use the grant funds
- Practice your timing to stay within the limit (usually 1-3 minutes)
- Ensure good lighting and clear audio quality
For Short Answer Applications
- Answer the question directly without rambling
- Include specific numbers and metrics when possible
- Show the impact the grant will have on your business and community
- Proofread carefully for grammar and clarity
- Tell a compelling story that connects emotionally with reviewers
General Application Strategies
- Apply early — don’t wait until the deadline
- Apply to multiple grants to increase your chances
- For monthly grants, apply consistently — persistence pays off
- Create a “grant resume” with common information to speed up applications
- Follow application instructions precisely
- Consider local or niche grants where there’s less competition
The Bottom Line
Securing grant funding doesn’t have to mean spending weeks crafting a comprehensive business plan. These eight grants prove that simplified applications focusing on your story, vision, and passion can be just as effective — and far more accessible for busy entrepreneurs.
Whether you’re just starting your entrepreneurial journey or looking to scale an established business, these opportunities offer real funding with minimal barriers to entry. From monthly micro-grants to substantial $10,000 awards, there’s a grant opportunity that fits your business stage and needs.
Remember, grant applications are competitive, but the simplified formats mean you can apply to multiple opportunities without overwhelming yourself. Start with the grants that best match your business profile, prepare your materials thoughtfully, and apply consistently. Your next funding opportunity could be just one short application away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really not need a business plan for these grants?
Correct. These grants have been specifically selected because they don’t require a formal, comprehensive business plan. However, you should still have a clear understanding of your business, your goals, and how you’ll use the funding.
How long does it take to apply for these grants?
Application time varies by grant. Some take as little as 15-30 minutes (like Skip’s Year-End Grant), while others requiring video pitches might take a few hours to prepare and record. None require the 20-40 hours typically needed for a full business plan.
Can I apply to multiple grants at once?
Absolutely! In fact, applying to multiple grants significantly increases your chances of receiving funding. Many successful entrepreneurs apply to 5-10 grants simultaneously.
Are these grants taxable?
In most cases, yes. Small business grants are typically considered taxable income. However, tax treatment can vary depending on the grant type and your business structure. It’s best to consult with a tax professional or business attorney for your specific situation.
What if I’m just starting my business?
Several of these grants welcome early-stage businesses. The Amber Grant, for example, has no time-in-business requirement. The Freed Fellowship and Awesome Foundation are also accessible to new ventures. However, grants like Start.Pivot.Grow require at least two years of operation, so read eligibility requirements carefully.
*For more information find our database with over 300+ Grants here
