Small Business Grants You Can Apply For in September 2026

Getting your hands on a grant for your small business provides an immediate boost. Maybe you want to try something new, like infuse your marketing strategy with AI, or upskill an employee. Or maybe, you want to start a completely new venture.

Either way, small business grants offer a vast amount of support. Of course, you’ll get your hands on cash you can implement directly into your business, but some grants include additional benefits, like one-on-one business advice or social media coverage.

Our round-up of small business grants in September includes who’s best positioned to apply, the amount you’ll get, and any deadlines. I’ve also dug into the application process of each grant to give you a head start on your application.

Encouraging Development, Growth, and Expansion (EDGE) Grant

• For: STEM (science/technology/engineering/math)-based companies and Entrepreneur Class (non-STEM) businesses
• Amount: Up to $750K split among STEM winners, up to $400K split among non-STEM winners
• Deadline to apply: September 11

This grant is a great choice for STEM businesses, though there is also a significant pot available for non-STEM entrants.

To apply for this grant, your business needs to be located mostly in Delaware. Likewise, you’ll need to have been in business for less than 7 years, have 15 or fewer full-time employees, have less than $700K in assets, and have a 3:1 match for funding.

Likewise, the website states funding “must be used to expand a business’s viability and sustainability.” The areas it picks out in particular are: market analysis assistance, advertising assistance, building infrastructure/cosmetic enhancements, essential equipment, website design, and rent assistance for lab space.

In terms of the application, you’ll be judged on business need case, competitive advantage gained, business viability and likelihood of permnance, job creation/revenue growth, and the quality of your pitch.

Apply here

High Five Grant

• For: Mom entrepeneurs looking to grow their business
• Amount: $10,000 grand prize (other prizes available)
• Deadline to apply: September 30

Being a mom is already an all-consuming job. But add a growing or new business into the mix, and the task can look downright impossible. This grant from The Mama Ladder is designed to help with a hefty $10,000 grand prize.

The beneficiary of the grant isn’t only the business that wins, however. $5,000 is given to the first runner-up, $2,500 is given for the second runner-up, and five honorable mentions also receive $1,000 each.

Unsurprisingly, applicants must be mothers or expectant mothers, who own at least 50% of a for-profit business. Likewise, you’ll have to have annual revenue between $10,000 and $500,000, and reside in the US or Canada.

The Mama Ladder recommends setting aside 30-60 minutes to complete your application. Think closely about the “why” behind your businesses, because you’ll need to share this on social media. Don’t forget to tag the title sponsor, @usbank, and @highfivegrant with the hashtag #highfivegrant.

Apply here

Business Freedom Grant

• For: Ambitious entrepreneurs looking to start, launch, or scale their business
• Amount: $1,000
• Deadline to apply: September 30

This grant is for passionate and ambitious individuals with a business idea. Coach Darcy, the founder of the grant, says she was inspired to help others “bridge the gap between surviving and thriving, between having a dream and finally getting the opportunity to build it.”

You can use the grant to launch essentials, accelerate growth, build capability, invest in knowledge, create operational foundations, and for financial stability.

Applying individuals should have: a clear business idea with an actionable plan, a business in any industry (product-based, service-based, or digital), and the commitment to complete a brief application sharing your vision.

Similarly, the website lays out a 10-point evaluation system for applications, which applying businesses should focus on. Structuring your application around these points is definitely a good start:

• Clarity of business idea (3 points)
• Feasability of the plan (3 points)
• Impact of the grant (2 points)
• Passion and commitment (2 points)

Apply here

The Freed Fellowship Grant

• For: Micro or small business owners
• Amount: $500
• Deadline to apply: Rolling basis (this round September 30)

Freed Fellows are selected on a monthly basis, and each month, micro or small business owners are invited to apply by Eastern US time on the last day of the month. Be aware, though, you’ll need $19 to apply for this one.

Selected fellows aren’t just given $500 to spend, but they’re also considered for a $2,500 grant given at the end of the year. Funds can be used for any business-related expense, whether that’s new hires or a new ecommerce set up.

Additionally, fellows receive access to a strategy call with a team of business experts, a one year membership to Freed’s online community, Freed Studio, and are typically features on the Freed Stories podcast.

Applications are assessed through what Freed calls its “5C Framework.” Again, keep these in mind when applying:

• Context – your market
• Content – your story
• Chemistry – your audience and community
• Chemistry – your product, people, and process
• Commerce – your business model

Apply here

The Benefits of a Small Business Grant

Given the difficulties facing small businesses today, a grant can be a real life line. It can help you develop your business in an area you haven’t been able to, such as training employees on AI systems.

Furthermore, plenty of grants offer support beyond some extra dollars. In some cases, you’ll get access to business experts or other professional services, or help with visibility such as social media coverage.

Being awarded a top grant also labels you a business to look out for, particularly to investors. If you’ve already been chosen for a grant, others will see you as a business to bet on.