Small Business Grants & Workshops
We understand the challenges and aspirations small businesses have that form the vibrant heart of our Downtown community. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, this resource list captures the variety of funding and workshop opportunities available for our small business community.
Updated as of 4/2/2026
Workshop Opportunities
How to Take Product Photos for Your EâCommerce Site
Ongoing
Whether youâre a beginner or looking to improve your existing photography skills, this webinar will provide you with valuable insights and practical advice.
Building Your Digital Footprint
Ongoing
Learn how to enhance your online visibility with Google Search & SEO tips.
Managing Your Online Presence & Developing a Marketing Plan
Ongoing
Discover how to keep your profiles updated and create a winning marketing strategy.
Cultivating the Entrepreneurial Mindset
Ongoing
Cultivate a growth mindset to better handle challenges and seize opportunities.
How to Master Soft Skills for Small Business Success
Ongoing
Boost your productivity with essential tools and skills like Google Workspace, AI, and more.
Top 10 Google Tools to Grow Your Business
Ongoing
Whether you’re just starting out or you’re looking to take your business to the next level, you’ll learn valuable insights that you can use to grow your business in this Small Biz Digital Trainers webinar.
Understand Your Customer Using Google Tools
Ongoing
In this Small Biz Digital Trainers webinar, you’ll learn to use AI to simplify your work, develop your messaging and voice, create buyer personas, and more.
Increase Your Holiday Sales with Google Tools
Ongoing
In this Small Biz Digital Trainers webinar, learn tools to increase your holiday sales for free, even if you donât have an e-commerce website or a website at all.
Communicate with Calendar and Gmail
Ongoing
Learn how to connect Google Calendar and Gmail to optimize communication with your team.
Making Your Website Work For You
Ongoing
Learn how to optimize your website using Google tools.
Get Your Local Business on Google Search and Maps
Ongoing
Learn how to get your business listed on Google search and maps.
Make Better Business Decisions with Analytics
Ongoing
Learn how to improve your small business using data and analytics.
How to Do a Virtual Tour of Your Physical Store
Ongoing
Discover the basics of how to create an engaging virtual tour that showcases your physical store and connects with customers online.
Sell Online with EâCommerce Tools
Ongoing
This webinar explores how retailers can leverage powerful digital tools to expand their online reach and boost sales.
Make Your Website Work For You
Ongoing
Discover how to create a search-friendly website that drives user action and supports their goals.
Basics for Branding Your Business
Ongoing
This webinar will guide you through the basics of branding for your small business. Learn how to define your brand, build awareness, and maintain consistency across all touch-points.
General Grants
Awesome Foundation – $1,000 Grant
Ongoing
Foundation distributes $1,000 grants, no strings attached to projects and their creators. At each fully autonomous chapter, the money is pooled together from the coffers of ten or so self-organizing âmicro-trusteesâ. Awarded monthly.
The Intuit Quickbooks and Mailchimp Small Business Hero Program – $20,000 Grant
Apply by May 15
Three businesses who have shown âcourage, perseverance and integrityâ in their communities will be recognized with grants and also will receive access to Quickbooks and Mailchimp services. Applicants must be U.S.-based businesses that have been in operation for at least a year, be registered with their local secretary of state, and have no more than 99 employees.Â
Novae Grants Database
Ongoing
Novae Grants database is intended for small businesses with 6-100 employees, though some are also intended for larger businesses and sole proprietor startups.
Minority Grants
Black and Brown Fund Empower Growth Microgrant – $5,000 Grant
Ongoing
The Empower Growth Micro-Grant aims to provide a financial boost to two underrepresented entrepreneurs who have already demonstrated business success by generating annual revenue in the last 12 months. This grant is designed to help scale, stabilize, or systematize their business growth.
Minority Business Circle
Ongoing
Supportive network for diverse entrepreneurs in various industries, offering opportunities like grants, loans, significant discounts on essential business products, and a comprehensive step-by-step guide with customized tools to track progress and foster growth.
NAACP x LâOrĂ©al Inclusive Beauty Fund – $25,000 Grant
Apply by April 23
The NAACP and the LâOrĂ©al Inclusive Beauty Fund are aiming to award six grants of $25,000 each to entrepreneurs in the beauty industry. Applicants must be for-profit businesses that include but are not limited to salons, spas, barber shops, stylists, makeup artists, entrepreneurs, startup founders, hair-care specialists and beauty schools.
Women-Owned Grants
EmpowerHer Grant – Boundless Futures Foundation – Up to $25,000 Grant
Ongoing
The Boundless Futures Foundation awards grants to U.S.-based female entrepreneurs and nonprofits that support female entrepreneurship. The EmpowHer Grant offers entrepreneurs up to $25,000, with funds provided as reimbursements for business expenses upon proof of payment.
The Kitty Fund Mompreneur Business Grant – $1,000 Grant
Apply by April 14
This program awards $20,000 in $1,000 micro-grants to 20 moms who own businesses. To be eligible, the businessâ annual revenue should not be more than $5 million, and it should have between two and 100 employees. All founders must identify as mothers.