The Time Is Now
Running a small business requires capital, but traditional loans aren’t your only option. Small business grants offer non-repayable funding that can transform your business without adding debt. The challenge? Finding grants with open applications and tight deadlines. Time is running out. We’ve identified seven grants with January 2026 deadlines—some closing within days. These opportunities offer between $5,000 and $20,000 in free funding, but you need to act now.Urgent Deadlines
Closing January 16, 2026 (11:59 PM CT): Amex Shop Small Grants + Braze Tech Grant Opening January 24, 2026: Faire Small Business Grant (Q1 applications) Closing January 31, 2026: Breva Thrive Grant + Amber Grant (monthly) Closing February 14, 2026: Intuit QuickBooks Small Business Hero (Phase 3)Quick Reference: All 7 Grants at a Glance
| Grant | Amount | Deadline | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amex Shop Small | $20,000 | Jan 16, 2026 | Brick-and-mortar with community projects |
| Braze Tech Grant | $10,000+ value | Jan 16, 2026 | Underrepresented founders, tech-enabled |
| Faire Small Business | $5,000 credit | Opens Jan 24, 2026 | New/opening retail stores |
| Amber Grant | $10,000 + $50K year-end | Jan 31, 2026 | Women-owned businesses |
| Breva Thrive | $5,000 | Jan 31, 2026 | Community impact, revenue-generating |
| R4R Program | $5,000 | Rolling (register now) | Disaster preparedness |
| Intuit QuickBooks Hero | $20,000 + resources | Feb 14, 2026 | Businesses with strong community impact |
Why Apply for Small Business Grants?
Before we dive into specific opportunities, let’s address the elephant in the room: grants are competitive. Only about 10% of applicants receive funding. But here’s why they’re still worth pursuing:- Zero debt: Unlike loans, grants never need to be repaid
- No equity loss: You maintain full ownership of your business
- Credibility boost: Grant awards validate your business model
- Growth capital: Fund expansion, equipment, marketing, or inventory without financial stress
1. Amber Grant for Women ($10,000 Monthly + $50,000 Year-End)
Award Amount: Three winners receive $10,000 each month; three annual winners receive an additional $50,000 Application Deadline: Rolling (monthly) Eligibility: Women-owned businesses (50%+ ownership), U.S. or Canada-based Application Fee: $15Why This Grant Stands Out
The Amber Grant has been supporting women entrepreneurs since 1998. What makes it particularly attractive is the simple application process—no lengthy business plan required. WomensNet awards three $10,000 grants monthly: one general Amber Grant, one Startup Grant (for businesses under $10,000 in revenue), and one Business Category Grant. Monthly winners automatically qualify for one of three $50,000 year-end grants, meaning you could receive up to $60,000 total.How to Apply
Submit your application online at WomensNet. Focus on:- Your passion and why you started the business
- Clear plans for growth
- Specific details on how you’ll use the grant money
2. Amex Shop Small Grants ($20,000)
Award Amount: $20,000 each (500+ grants available) Application Deadline: January 16, 2026 at 11:59 PM CT Eligibility: Independent small businesses, must be operational before January 1, 2024 Total Program Value: Over $10 millionWhy This Grant Stands Out
American Express and Main Street America are distributing over $10 million through this program. With 500+ grants available, your odds are better than many competitive grant programs. The grant supports projects that create or improve community-centric spaces—think patios, performance stages, or areas for community gatherings.How to Apply
Your application must include a “ready-to-execute” project plan with a detailed, itemized budget. All funds must be spent between April and September 2026. If your project costs less than $20,000, remaining funds can cover equipment, inventory, or marketing expenses. Key restriction: Grant funds cannot be used for payroll or staffing (except contracted labor from another business). Apply here: Main Street America Shop Small Grants3. Faire Small Business Grant ($5,000 in Inventory Credit)
Award Amount: $5,000 in Faire credit to purchase wholesale inventory Application Deadline: Q1 applications open January 24, 2026 (close March 31, 2026) Eligibility: Independent retail stores in U.S. or Canada that opened in 2024 or plan to open soonWhy This Grant Stands Out
If you run an independent retail store or plan to open one, this grant provides $5,000 in credit to purchase inventory from Faire’s wholesale marketplace. Faire connects retailers with thousands of independent brands, making it easy to stock your store with unique products. What makes this particularly valuable: you’re not just getting cash—you’re getting direct access to inventory that helps you generate revenue immediately.Eligibility Requirements
Your business must:- Be an independent retail store (brick-and-mortar or online)
- Have started operations in 2024 or plan to open in 2025/2026
- Be based in the United States or Canada
- Create a Faire account to apply
How to Apply
Applications are accepted quarterly and close on the last day of each quarter (March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31). For Q1 2026, applications open January 24, 2026. Application Requirements:- Create a free Faire account
- Upload a short video (2-3 minutes) explaining:
- Your store vision and concept
- How you’re involved in your community
- How the $5,000 grant would help your business grow
- What makes your retail store unique
How to Stand Out
Faire awards grants to retailers who demonstrate:- Clear vision: Strong concept for your store and target customer
- Community connection: Active involvement in your local area
- Growth potential: Specific plans for how the grant will accelerate your business
- Authenticity: Genuine passion for retail and serving your community
4. U.S. Chamber of Commerce Readiness for Resiliency (R4R) Program ($5,000)
Award Amount: $5,000 disaster recovery grant Application Deadline: Rolling (register now to become eligible) Eligibility: Small businesses with 500 or fewer employees Activation: Only for qualifying, state-declared emergenciesWhy This Grant Stands Out
Here’s what makes this program unique: you pre-register now, and if a qualifying disaster strikes your area, you’re automatically eligible for funding. The program provides one grant per EIN per calendar year.How It Works
Complete the free FedEx and Red Cross disaster preparedness checklist and register with the Chamber. If a qualifying disaster occurs in your area, you’ll be positioned to receive immediate relief funding. This proactive approach means you’re prepared before disaster strikes—25% of small businesses never reopen after a disaster, making preparedness critical. Register here: R4R Program5. Breva Thrive Grant ($5,000)
Award Amount: $5,000 Application Deadline: Quarterly (Q1: Jan 1-31, Q2: Apr 1-30, Q3: Jul 1-31, Q4: Oct 1-31) Winner Announcement: 15th of following month Eligibility: U.S.-based small businesses with demonstrated community impactWhy This Grant Stands Out
The Breva Thrive Grant awards $5,000 every quarter to small businesses making measurable differences in underrepresented communities. What makes this opportunity special is its straightforward application process and quarterly availability—giving you four chances per year to apply.Eligibility Requirements
Your business must:- Be generating revenue (no pre-revenue startups)
- Operate for at least 1 year (strongly preferred)
- Demonstrate measurable community impact through job creation, innovative products, or improved accessibility to services
- Be formed under U.S. law and operating within the United States
- Preferably impact high-need ZIP codes or low-to-moderate income census tracts
What the Grant Covers
Funds can be used for:- Scaling operations
- Purchasing equipment
- Funding new hires
- Enhancing marketing efforts
- Any business development or community-impact projects
How to Stand Out
Focus your application on:- Specific, measurable community impact (jobs created, customers served, problems solved)
- Clear demonstration of how your business benefits underrepresented or underserved populations
- Concrete plans for using the $5,000 to amplify your community impact
- Evidence of sustainable business operations
6. Braze Tech for an Equitable Future Grant ($10,000+ Value)
Award Amount: $10,000+ in cash-equivalent value (platform access, mentorship, resources) Application Deadline: January 16, 2026 Eligibility: Underrepresented founders and mission-driven organizations (for-profit and nonprofit)Why This Grant Stands Out
Rather than a traditional cash grant, Braze provides enterprise-level customer engagement tools that would typically cost $10,000+ annually. For businesses that already have customers, this is essentially free software that can dramatically improve customer retention and growth.What Recipients Receive
- Free access to Braze’s customer engagement platform (12 months of enterprise software)
- Strategic mentorship from industry and product experts
- Educational resources and implementation support
- Community access to equity-focused founders and operators
Eligibility Requirements
Best suited for:- Underrepresented founders (women, Black, POC, other underrepresented groups)
- Technology-enabled businesses (any industry)
- Businesses with existing customers or users
- Mission-driven organizations seeking to scale customer engagement
- U.S.-based for-profit or nonprofit organizations
How to Stand Out
Applications are strongest when founders:- Clearly articulate how improved customer engagement will drive growth, retention, or community impact
- Demonstrate they can immediately utilize the platform (existing customer base)
- Show alignment between their mission and equity-focused outcomes
- Explain specific customer engagement challenges the platform would solve
7. Intuit QuickBooks x Mailchimp Small Business Hero Program ($20,000)
Award Amount: $20,000 cash + $19,308 in additional resources (Total value: $39,308) Application Deadline: February 14, 2026 (Phase 3) Eligibility: U.S.-based businesses with fewer than 99 employees, operational for at least 1 yearWhy This Grant Stands Out
This is a nomination-based program, which means someone else nominates your business—a customer, supplier, community member, or fellow business owner. Three winners are selected each quarter, and Phase 3 closes February 14, 2026. What makes this exceptional is the total value: $20,000 cash PLUS free QuickBooks and Mailchimp services, social media promotion on major platforms, and blog features.What Recipients Receive
Cash Grant: $20,000 Marketing Exposure:- Instagram post on @quickbooks account (valued at $3,000)
- Instagram post on @mailchimp account (valued at $4,000)
- Feature on QuickBooks Blog (valued at $500)
- QuickBooks Online Advanced (valued at $2,208)
- Mailchimp Standard Marketing Plan (valued at $9,600)
Eligibility Requirements
Your business must:- Be U.S.-based (all 50 states including Washington D.C.)
- Have been established for at least one year
- Have no more than 99 W-2 employees
- Be a for-profit entity or 501(c)(3) organization
- Be active and lawful with proper licenses and registrations
- Not have won the program in the past two years
How to Stand Out
Since this is nomination-based, you need someone else to submit your application. Here’s how to maximize your chances: Ask the Right Person to Nominate You:- A loyal customer who can speak to your impact
- A community leader who knows your work
- A business partner or supplier
- Anyone over 18 who is NOT a relative, employee of Intuit, or government official
- Community Impact (60%): How does your business make a measurable difference?
- Nominator’s Passion (40%): Does the nominator genuinely believe in your business?
- Specific examples of community impact (jobs created, people served, problems solved)
- Stories that demonstrate courage, perseverance, and integrity
- Data on how your business has grown and helped others
- Clear explanation of how the $20,000 grant would accelerate your growth
How to Maximize Your Grant Success
Now that you know which grants are accepting applications, here’s how to improve your chances:1. Match Your Business to the Right Grants
Don’t waste time on grants where you don’t meet the eligibility criteria. Focus on opportunities that align with:- Your business type and industry
- Your geographic location
- Your demographic (women-owned, veteran-owned, etc.)
- Your business stage (startup vs. established)
2. Prepare These Materials in Advance
Most grant applications require:- Business description and history
- Financial statements or revenue information
- Detailed budget for grant funds
- Business goals and growth plans
- Tax ID or EIN
- Proof of business registration
3. Write a Compelling Application
Grant reviewers read hundreds of applications. Make yours stand out by:- Starting with impact: Lead with why your business matters
- Being specific: Vague plans don’t win grants. Detail exactly how you’ll use funds
- Showing passion: Authenticity resonates more than corporate jargon
- Quantifying results: Use numbers to demonstrate potential impact
- Proofreading: Typos and errors hurt credibility
4. Apply to Multiple Grants
With only a 10% success rate on average, applying to just one grant isn’t a strategy. Submit applications to multiple programs—especially those with rolling deadlines like the Amber Grant.5. Follow Up and Learn
If you don’t win, many programs provide feedback. Use this information to strengthen future applications. Some grants also allow reapplication after a waiting period.Additional Grant Resources to Explore
While the seven grants above are accepting applications now, keep these resources bookmarked for ongoing opportunities:- Grants.gov: Federal grant database with thousands of opportunities
- GrantWatch: Nearly 1,600 viable business grants currently accepting applications
- State and Local Programs: Many states offer specific programs (like North Carolina’s One NC Small Business Program)
- Corporate Grant Programs: Companies like Amazon, Google, and others run seasonal grant competitions
Industry-Specific Grants
Depending on your industry, specialized grants may offer better odds:- SBIR/STTR Programs: For scientific research and development
- State Trade Expansion Program (STEP): For export-focused businesses
- Green/Sustainability Grants: For environmentally focused businesses
- Arts and Culture Grants: For creative industries
Common Grant Application Mistakes to Avoid
Learning from others’ errors can save you time and improve your chances:Missing Deadlines
Set calendar reminders for application deadlines and aim to submit at least 24 hours early. Last-minute technical issues are common.Incomplete Applications
Read requirements carefully. One missing document can disqualify an otherwise strong application.Misusing Grant Funds
If you win, use funds exactly as proposed in your application. Misuse can require repayment and disqualify you from future opportunities.Ignoring Eligibility Requirements
If you don’t meet even one requirement, don’t apply. Focus your energy on grants where you truly qualify.Generic Applications
Customize each application to the specific grant program. Copy-paste applications are obvious and rarely successful.Understanding the Grant Timeline
Here’s what to expect when applying for business grants: Application Phase: 1-4 hours per grant (varies by complexity) Review Period: 2 weeks to 3 months Award Notification: Winners typically notified by email or phone Funding Distribution: 2-8 weeks after acceptance Reporting Requirements: Ongoing (varies by program) Most grants require recipients to report on fund usage, so maintain detailed records of all grant-related expenses.Grants vs. Loans: Making the Right Choice
While this article focuses on grants, sometimes a combination of funding sources works best: Choose Grants When:- You have time for a competitive application process
- You meet specific eligibility criteria
- You don’t want debt or to give up equity
- Your business aligns with a grant’s mission
- You need funding immediately
- You have strong credit and can handle debt payments
- You don’t fit specific grant demographics
- You need larger amounts than grants typically offer
Take Action This Week
You now have seven grant opportunities with January and early February deadlines, offering awards ranging from $5,000 to $20,000. Here’s your action plan: Today:- Review all seven grants and identify which ones match your business
- URGENT: If eligible, apply for Amex Shop Small and Braze Tech (both close January 16)
- Gather required documents (EIN, financial statements, business registration)
- Start drafting your business description and grant fund usage plan
- Complete and submit applications for Amex Shop Small and Braze Tech (both close January 16)
- Submit Amber Grant application (monthly deadline January 31)
- Apply for Breva Thrive Grant (closes January 31)
- Find someone to nominate you for Intuit QuickBooks Hero Program (closes February 14)
- Set calendar reminders for R4R Program registration (ongoing, but act now)
- Prepare video application for Faire Grant (opens January 24)
- Apply to multiple grants each month
- Refine your applications based on feedback
- Network with past grant winners for insights
Final Thoughts
Small business grants represent free money that can accelerate your growth without adding debt. While competitive, the effort invested in strong applications pays off for thousands of businesses each year. These seven grants all have January or early February deadlines—and the most urgent close January 16. The Amex Shop Small and Braze Tech grants both have hard deadlines on January 16 at 11:59 PM CT. Don’t wait until the last minute when systems crash and applications get rejected for technical reasons. Start with the grants that best match your business profile, prepare your materials carefully, and submit compelling applications that showcase why your business deserves funding. Remember: you can’t win if you don’t apply. Take that first step today—before these deadlines pass.Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay back small business grants? No. Grants are non-repayable funds, unlike loans. However, you must use funds as specified in your application. Can I apply for multiple grants at once? Absolutely. In fact, we recommend it. Apply for every grant where you meet eligibility requirements. What’s the average small business grant amount? Most small business grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, though some specialized programs offer more. How long does it take to hear back about a grant? Review periods vary from 15 days (San Francisco Accessibility Grant) to 3+ months for federal programs. Are grants taxable? Generally yes, business grants are considered taxable income. Consult your tax advisor for specific guidance. What happens if I don’t use grant funds as proposed? Misuse can require repayment and disqualify you from future grants. Always use funds exactly as outlined in your application.Ready to start applying? Bookmark this page and share it with other entrepreneurs who could benefit from grant funding. The more small businesses that succeed, the stronger our economy becomes. Last updated: January 2026
