Good morning, and welcome back to Inc.’s 1 Smart Business Story! Today, we’re sharing actionable insights for anyone exploring creative funding opportunities for a small business. Inc. staff writer Brian Contreras reviewed the many grants currently open for application and highlighted 12 of the best opportunities to fit your business’s unique needs. 

In this piece, you will find: 

Fundraising is never easy, especially for small businesses or those just getting started. Share how you’ve successfully raised capital at [email protected].

These business grant programs won’t cost your company any equity—but deadlines are approaching fast.

BY BRIAN CONTRERAS, STAFF WRITER

If you run a business, you already know how important capital is for keeping things running smoothly and scaling up. But getting new liquidity through a venture capital raise or private equity deal always comes with strings attached—mainly on your cap table or in your boardroom.

That’s why so many entrepreneurs love grants, which offer a typically non-dilutive cash source you can plug straight into your growing enterprise. As we start off the new year, here are 12 exciting grant opportunities, for which your business might be eligible.

(Want to craft the perfect grant application? Click here for Inc.’s guide to being competitive in your pursuit of this more or less free money.)

WomensNet, an entrepreneurial network for women, gives away at least $30,000 every month in honor of Amber Wigdahl, a 19-year-old who passed away before achieving her entrepreneurship dreams. WomensNet also offers more specific grants for startups and specific business categories as well as three $50,000 end-of-year grants. Winners are announced by the 21st of a given month, with the next application period ending on January 31. One application can enter you for all relevant business grants.

This program by the small business coaching, funding and risk monitoring company Breva offers a $5,000 small business grant every quarter to “an entrepreneur who is having a positive impact in an underrepresented community.” Applicants must have demonstrated that impact through something like job creation, product innovation or improved accessibility.

The Freed Fellowship offers a $2,500 small business grant that comes with business feedback and two months of mentorship. Additionally, the program offers monthly $500 Freed Fellow grants to American business owners, with no strings attached and no equity lost. 

HerSuiteSpot, a community for female entrepreneurs, and Deja Vu Parker of the New York City radio station WBLS are offering $1,000 business grants, with applications open each month for “a passionate entrepreneur with big dreams and a small business in need of support.” Applicants must describe how they’d use the grant money and share their revenue; there’s also a nonrefundable $15 administrative fee.

This year-long initiative aims to support “entrepreneurs who demonstrate courage, perseverance, and integrity,” three of whom it’ll award a $20,000 grant each quarter. People can nominate their “small business hero” online.

Click here to read six more small business loans to apply to this year.

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