Grants You Can Still Apply For Before December 31

When money is tight, free funding is a lifeline—not a luxury. Right now, there are multiple small business grants still open through the end of December that can help you launch, stabilize, or scale your company before 2026. For Black entrepreneurs who have historically faced discriminatory lending and underinvestment, these opportunities can make the difference between a stalled dream and a growing business.

Below are several grants and programs still accepting applications in December, plus how to plug into Black Pages International so you never miss chances like this again.

Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Grant – Up to $10,000

Verizon’s Small Business Digital Ready program combines free online courses and coaching with the chance to apply for a $10,000 grant. To qualify, you must register for the portal and complete at least two learning modules or live coaching sessions before applying. This is especially powerful for service-based and online businesses looking to improve their digital marketing and e-commerce.

Hiring Our Heroes Small Business Grant – $25,000

The Hiring Our Heroes Small Business Grant offers up to $25,000 to small business owners, with a focus on veterans and military-connected entrepreneurs. Black veteran business owners in particular should prioritize this, as it blends capital with visibility through a national network.

Nearshored Manufacturing Grant – $10,000

If your business produces physical products, the Nearshored Manufacturing Grant can provide $10,000 and introductions to verified manufacturers. Winners also get expert guidance on supply chain and scaling—perfect for Black-owned brands trying to go from small-batch to national distribution.

Faire Small Business Grant – $5,000

For retailers and product-based businesses, the Faire grant offers $5,000 in credits to stock your shelves via its wholesale marketplace. This is ideal for boutique owners, gift shops, and concept stores that want to bring in more Black-owned brands or expand inventory without immediate out-of-pocket costs.

Microgrants & Founder-Specific Awards

Several smaller but powerful grants also close on December 31, including Darcy’s Business Freedom Grant for startup costs or marketing, Threadneedle Alley Foundation grants for entrepreneurs over 40 from underserved communities paired with mentorship, and Women Founders Grants for majority women-owned businesses at any stage. Individually, they may seem small, but stacked together over a year, they can fund real growth.

Where Black Pages International Fits In

Here’s how to turn this list into lasting momentum, not a one-time scramble. Use Black Pages International’s platform as your command center for funding. Create or update your BPI profile so decision makers, customers, and partners can easily find you once you win a grant or launch a new product. After securing funding, immediately list your products or services on BPI so new customers can support your growth. Share BPI’s content and resources with other Black entrepreneurs so more of us compete for and win these grants together. Before December 31, pick at least one grant from this list and apply. Then, make sure your business is listed on Black Pages International so every new opportunity you unlock has a clear home where people can discover and support you.