Small business grants open right now

These three are live, verified on the funder’s own page, and genuinely open to an ordinary business right now. We list the catches the aggregators leave out — a fee here, a membership there — because that’s the honest way to do it.

Verizon Digital Ready — the best-designed one

Verizon Small Business Digital Ready (administered by the nonprofit LISC) awards $10,000 to ten businesses every month through December 2026. What makes it the strongest anchor of the year: you register free, complete any two short courses or events, and that unlocks a single application — submit it once and you stay eligible for every remaining monthly selection all year. For-profit US/PR/USVI businesses, owner 18+, one business per owner. Verizon publishes its selection mechanics (a drawing, then a balancing algorithm, then review), and taxes are yours (LISC issues a 1099). Roughly a 30-minute application for a year of chances.

Amber Grant — monthly, with a $15 fee

WomensNet’s Amber Grant gives three $10,000 grants every month to women-owned businesses in the US and Canada (pre-revenue and idea-stage welcome), plus three $50,000 year-end grants. One application covers every grant you qualify for; the next monthly cutoff is July 31, 2026. The detail most lists bury: there’s a $15 non-refundable application fee (a hardship waiver is available by email). It’s merit-judged, not a drawing.

NASE Growth Grants — members only

NASE Growth Grants award up to $4,000 to self-employed and micro-business owners, reviewed quarterly (applications from July–September are reviewed in October). The catch to know upfront: you must be a paid NASE member (monthly members need 90 days first) — so factor the membership cost in before you apply. Funds can’t cover existing debt or rent.

Business grants are generally taxable income — plan to set aside a portion of any win and consult a tax professional. We don't publish odds; treat these as competitive and apply in batches.