Top 5 Startup Grants

At BVDC, we believe that access to capital is a gateway to equity—but too many brilliant entrepreneurs from underserved neighborhoods face barriers simply because the system wasn’t built for them.

Below are five strong grant opportunities especially relevant for startups and ventures rooted in underserved communities. Each includes benefits and eligibility highlights (always check the current program website for full details & deadlines).

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#1 Amber Grant for Women

• Key Benefits
  Monthly award of $10,000 (and year-end $25,000 finalists) for women-owned ventures.

• Eligibility Highlights
  Women (18+), business must be at least 50% women-owned, based in U.S. or Canada; nonprofits can apply if women lead the org.

  Apply Today at Womens.Net

#2 Zen Business $5K Grant Program

• Key Benefits
  $5,000 grants awarded quarterly; plus access to business resources via ZenBusiness.

• Eligibility Highlights
  U.S.–based private entity formed via ZenBusiness in last 3–6 months; applicant 18+; business must offer community-benefitting goods/services.

  Apply Today at zenbusiness.com

#3 IFundWomen Universal Grant Application

• Key Benefits
  A flexible grant marketplace: one application connects you to many sponsored grants, coaching, and grant-match opportunities.

• Eligibility Highlights
  Applicants 18+; U.S.–based; eligibility varies by partner grant but great for early-stage and underserved founders.

  Apply Today at ifundwomen.com

#4 Small Business Hero Program (Intuit/ Mailchimp)

• Key Benefits
  $20,000 grant + one-year free QuickBooks Online + one-year Mailchimp Standard: for businesses with demonstrated courage/impact.

• Eligibility Highlights
  U.S.–based business, at least 1 yr in operation, fewer than 100 employees; nomination rather than self-entry.

  Apply Today at Quickbooks

#5 State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) – Technical Assistance / Capital Access Programs

• Key Benefits
  While primarily loan/credit support, many states deploy SSBCI funds for grants, technical assistance & equity for underserved entrepreneurs.

• Eligibility Highlights
  Businesses (profit or non-profit) located in historically underserved communities; eligibility depends on state program.

  Apply Today at SSBCI

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Here are some practical tips to improve your chances of winning startup grants:

1. Tell your story — Funders want to hear why you’re starting, who you serve (especially underserved communities), and how the funding will help you make impact.

2. Focus on community benefit — Many grants favour ventures that uplift or serve communities (especially those historically excluded).

3. Check fine print — Look for eligibility: profit vs nonprofit status, ownership share, geography, industry, time in business, revenue thresholds.

4. Leverage coaching/support — Use resources (like BVDC!) to refine your application, get feedback, and avoid common mistakes.

5. Apply broadly & early — Don’t wait; submit to multiple grants where you fit. Rejection is a normal part of this process.

6. Track use of funds — If you win be ready to explain how the grant money was spent and what outcomes you achieved (impact, jobs created, community served).

Don’t wait for “perfect” — your idea, your voice, your community matter right now. Let’s turn your vision into funding and impact.

BVDC is here to support you every step of the way. We’ll help you identify suitable grants for your business model and assist you in developing the application plan.
Email us to learn more: info@theBVDCenter.org