Grant Resources That Help Entrepreneurs Understand Their Options
Grants can be valuable for small businesses, but they are rarely one-size-fits-all. Each opportunity comes with its own purpose, eligibility rules, deadlines, documentation, and expectations. SMARTstart helps Pasco County entrepreneurs explore available grant resources and think through whether a grant opportunity may fit their business needs.
Know What to Look For Before You Apply
Grant funding can support business growth, but it takes preparation. Entrepreneurs need to understand what the grant is designed to fund, who is eligible, how applications are reviewed, what documents may be required, and whether the opportunity fits the stage and goals of the business.
Learning About Grants
SMARTstart helps entrepreneurs identify grant opportunities that may be relevant to small businesses. These opportunities may come from business organizations, foundations, public agencies, private programs, or other sources that support entrepreneurship, growth, or specific business needs.
Every grant has its own requirements. Some may focus on business stage, industry, ownership type, location, revenue, intended use, or membership in a specific organization. Entrepreneurs should review eligibility carefully before spending time on an application.
Grant funds are usually tied to specific purposes. Depending on the opportunity, funds may support needs such as marketing, equipment, hiring, expansion, training, or other business activities. Business owners should confirm what each grant allows before applying.
A strong grant application often requires clear business information, a specific funding purpose, supporting documents, and a realistic explanation of how the funds will help the business. Entrepreneurs should be prepared to explain the need, the opportunity, and the expected impact.
Grant opportunities can open, close, renew, or change over time. Some programs may have rolling deadlines, while others may have fixed application windows. Entrepreneurs should use available grant listings as a starting point and confirm current details directly with the grant provider.
Grants are only one part of the funding landscape. Depending on the business need, entrepreneurs may also want to explore microloans, investment resources, traditional lending, or other support. SMARTstart can help business owners think through which funding path may make the most sense.
Available Grants
The purpose of this scholarship, funded by a grant from the Santander Consumer USA Foundation, Inc., is to support the local entrepreneur ecosystem specifically as it relates to women, Veteran and minority-owned businesses headquartered in Pasco County, Florida through a scholarship opportunity of up to $945.00 per recipient. Each applicant Is only eligible to receive one Santander Business Growth Scholarship.
Scholarships are awarded based solely on eligibility and availability of funds.
Receiving a scholarship does not imply endorsement of views, opinions, or guarantee success, of the recipient by either The Santander Consumer USA Foundation, Inc. or the Pasco Economic Development Council, Inc.
The National Science Foundation, through its America’s Seed Fund (also known as the NSF SBIR/STTR program), offers startups up to $2 million in non-equity seed funding. The capital is intended for high-tech startups to fund early research-and-development work.
Deadline: Rolling
Patagonia’s corporate grant program offers $10,000 to $20,000 to nonprofit startups that have a mission to protect the environment.
Deadline: Rolling
NASE members are eligible for a $4,000 grant to help grow their small business. The grants can be used for marketing, advertising, hiring employees, expanding facilities and other specific business needs, NASE says.
Deadline: Rolling (monthly)
Annual grants to have on your radar
Annual grants to have on your radar
Online payment firm Venmo offers an annual Venmo Small Business Grant, where startups can receive $10,000. Winners also get professional consulting services and promotion on the Venmo and PayPal websites and social profiles.
LegalZoom, in partnership with the NBA, WNBA and NBA G League, provides grants to startups through its Fast Break for Small Business initiative. It provides companies with $10,000 grants and up to $500 worth of LegalZoom products and services.
Amazon offers grants ranging from $15,000 to $25,000 to small businesses that have an Amazon Business account and $1 million or less in annual revenue. The annual grant programs awards prizes to 15 companies a year.
FedEx has been running its small business grant contest since 2012, where startups can win $30,000. It's open to companies with fewer than 99 employees that have a shipping need for their business.
The Incfile Fresh Startup Business Grant provides entrepreneurs $2,500 to put toward startup costs. Winners also receive free formation services from Incfile.
Explore Grant Opportunities With Better Preparation
SMARTstart can help entrepreneurs review available grant resources, understand what to look for, and prepare stronger questions before applying.
Explore Grant Opportunities With Better Preparation
SMARTstart can help entrepreneurs review available grant resources, understand what to look for, and prepare stronger questions before applying.