10 grants entrepreneurs can apply for in Oct. 2026

Entrepreneurs seeking funding for equipment, marketing or their next stage of growth have several grant opportunities to pursue this October. Programs accepting applications range from $500 microgrants to $10,000 awards, with options for established businesses, women founders, veterans and entrepreneurs still developing their ideas.

While finding the right fit starts with eligibility, some programs require paid membership or an application fee, and others offer free entry after completing educational activities. Several close Oct. 31, but others accept applications beyond October.

Here are 10 grant opportunities entrepreneurs can apply for this month, based on information checked against grant providers’ websites Oct. 5, 2026.

1. Kenneth B. and Stephen L. Tadlock Veteran Business Grant

Award: $1,000 plus business program access
Deadline: Oct. 15, 2026

Founders First CDC’s Tadlock grant combines funding with training for veteran business owners and military spouses. The organization lists a $25,000 fund supporting 25 finalists, each receiving a $1,000 microgrant and free access to either its Passport Community or Zebra Leadership program.

Applicants must own or lead an active U.S. business that has operated for at least one year, employs between two and 100 people and generates no more than $5 million in annual revenue. The cash can support needs such as equipment, operations, staffing or growth. Review eligibility and apply through Founders First CDC.

2. WomensNet Amber Grant

Award: Three $10,000 grants monthly, with additional year-end awards
Deadline: Oct. 31, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern

WomensNet’s Amber Grant gives women entrepreneurs an opportunity to secure funding through a short application explaining their business and plans for the money. Applicants must be women age 18 or older who own at least 50% of a business based in the United States or Canada. Idea-stage businesses are eligible.

One application also enters qualifying businesses into WomensNet’s separate $10,000 Startup Grant and Business Category Grant. October’s category is creative arts. Monthly winners can qualify for an additional $50,000 year-end award. The application costs $15, with a hardship waiver available by request. Explore WomensNet’s grants and review the official application rules.

3. HerRise MicroGrant

Award: $1,000
Deadline: Oct. 31, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

HerSuiteSpot’s HerRise MicroGrant supports under-resourced women entrepreneurs, including women of color, who face challenges accessing capital. The program selects one recipient each month, and previous recipients have used funding for computers, equipment, marketing materials, software and website development.

Eligible businesses must be at least 51% women-owned, registered in the United States and generating less than $1 million in gross revenue. Applicants share their business story and pay a nonrefundable $15 administrative fee. Review the HerRise requirements and apply.

4. Galaxy Grant

Award: $2,500
Deadline: Oct. 31, 2026

The Galaxy Grant offers women and minority entrepreneurs a free application for a $2,500 award. Hidden Star, the nonprofit behind Galaxy of Stars, welcomes aspiring entrepreneurs, new founders and experienced business owners, making this an option for applicants at different stages of development.

The application asks for basic information, including business status, and creates a free Galaxy of Stars account. The provider says winners will be announced the week following the deadline. A paid Galaxy Plus membership is available, but the listed grant application is free. Apply for the Galaxy Grant.

5. Hey Helen Grant

Award: $10,000
Deadline: Oct. 31, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern

Visionaries’ Hey Helen Grant supports women founders building businesses with a clear purpose and growth plan. Eligible businesses must be at least 50% women-owned, legally registered in the United States and generating less than $1 million in annual revenue. The program also welcomes qualifying nonbinary applicants and pre-revenue ventures.

Applicants explain their business vision and how they would use the money over the next six months. A $15 administrative fee applies, and one application remains under consideration for 12 monthly grant rounds. Recipients must complete verification and publicity requirements. Review the Hey Helen Grant and start an application.

6. Women Founders Grant

Award: $5,000
Deadline: Oct. 31, 2026

Women Founders Grant accepts applications from businesses ranging from early ideas and side ventures to established companies. Its eligibility information calls for a female majority founder and welcomes both consumer-facing and business-to-business companies.

The application centers on two questions, with reviewers assessing the founder’s passion, potential and business impact. A nonrefundable $25 application fee applies. Cannabis, vice-related and hate-based businesses are excluded. Entrepreneurs should read the provider’s current requirements before submitting. Review eligibility and visit the October application page.

7. Freed Fellowship Grant

Award: $500, with consideration for an additional $2,500 year-end grant
Deadline: Oct. 31, 2026, by midnight Eastern

The Freed Fellowship awards a monthly grant to a U.S. small business owner and provides feedback to applicants. Its review considers factors such as the market opportunity, business story, community, differentiation and revenue model.

U.S. microbusiness and small business owners can apply, with the program particularly encouraging entrepreneurs who are underrepresented or overlooked. The $500 award can cover business expenses without repayment or an equity exchange. Applications cost $19, and monthly recipients are considered for an additional $2,500 year-end award. Nonprofits are ineligible. Review the Freed Fellowship and apply.

8. Shophand Small Business Boost Grant

Award: $2,500 cash plus $2,500 in services
Deadline: Nov. 30, 2026; applications are open in October

Shophand’s Small Business Boost Grant combines cash with technical and operational support. Although the package totals $5,000, half is a service credit that can support areas such as software setup, marketing systems, automation and operations.

Applicants must operate a U.S. for-profit business with fewer than 50 employees and less than $5 million in annual revenue. Solopreneurs qualify, but businesses still at the idea stage do not. Entry is free, and applicants must follow Shophand on its listed social channels. Shophand gives preference to applicants who have used a “Your Shophand” service during the application cycle, although a purchase is not required. Review the Boost Grant and apply.

9. NASE Growth Grants

Award: Up to $4,000
Review cycle: Rolling; October through December submissions are reviewed in January 2027

The National Association for the Self-Employed offers Growth Grants to eligible members seeking funding for specific business needs. Approved uses include marketing, equipment, software, part-time hiring and training. Funds cannot cover existing debt or rent and mortgage payments.

Applicants must maintain membership in good standing. Annual, veteran and gold members can apply immediately, while monthly members must complete 90 days of membership. Required materials include a grant-use statement, business plan, recent tax return or profit-and-loss statement, and a photo. Paid membership is required to access the application. Review NASE’s Growth Grant requirements.

10. Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Grant

Award: $10,000
Application window: Open in October, with monthly reviews through December 2026

Verizon and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation are selecting 10 small businesses each month for $10,000 grants from June through December 2026. Applicants submit once and remain eligible for later selections during the year if they are not initially chosen.

Owners must be at least 18 and operate a for-profit small business in the United States, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands. To unlock the free application, entrepreneurs must register for Digital Ready and complete two qualifying courses or events. The program’s FAQ lists Dec. 7, 2026, as the cutoff for completing those activities to unlock the grant applications. Review the Verizon grant details and get started.

Before applying, identify a specific business need and explain what the award would accomplish. A clear budget for equipment, a defined marketing project or a plan to improve operations gives reviewers more useful information than a general request for help. Check each provider’s current terms, account for any application costs and submit before the deadline.