Any investment helps when you’re a small business owner, especially when you consider the turbulent times of the current business landscape.
Grants give you the opportunity to grow and solidify your business, often as you see fit, without the worry of repayment. You can invest in new technologies like AI or grow your team numbers, for example.
Below is a roundup of small business grants with deadlines in October. I’ve not only included core details, but have also provided top tips for each grant to help your application stand out.
Small Business Grants in October 2026: Roundup
- The Kenneth B and Stephen L. Tadlock Veteran Business Grant: $1,000 for US military veterans or spouses, apply by October 15
- The 500 Fellowship: Up to $50,000 for ambitious tech founders, applications accepted on a rolling basis
- Thrive Grant: $5,000 for contractors and trade subcontractors, apply by October 31
- Amber Grant: Up to $10,000 for women-owned businesses, apply by October 31
The Kenneth B and Stephen L. Tadlock Veteran Business Grant
- For: US military veterans or veteran spouses running employer-based small businesses
- Amount: $1,000
- Deadline to apply: October 15
This grant offers support to veteran-led or military spouse owned small businesses, giving them the support they need to grow into strong and sustainable companies.
25 finalists are selected overall, which gives you a good shot. On top of the $1,000 grant, you’ll also be able to join one of two busines programs, either with a focus on marketing, sales, operations, and finance, or on leadership skills.
Keep an eye on the additional eligibility requirements for this one. You must be a CEO, President, or Business Owner, have at least 1 year in business, have an annual revenue that doesn’t exceed $5 million, have between 2 to 100 employees, and an active US-based business.
This just in! View
the top business tech deals for 2026 👨💻
To apply, head over to their website and complete the online application.
The 500 Fellowship
- For: Early-stage founders building for the US
- Amount: Up to $50,000
- Deadline to apply: Rolling basis
This grant says it’s for the top 0.1% of founders, “who’ve started building and thinking globally already.” It targets founders who are ready to put in the work.
You’ll spend four months in San Francisco with the rest of your cohort and learn from expert mentors and founders. This presents networking and mentorship opportunities, as well as an initial investment of up to $50,000 which can later become up to $1 million as you progress.
As well as an online application, you’ll also have to interview for a place.
Thrive Grant
- For: Contractors and trade subcontractors
- Amount: $5,000
- Deadline to apply: October 31
As well as a $5,000 grant, you’ll also get one year of free access to Breva, a construction pay app and cash flow software. This is ideal for construction contractors managing their own financial operations.
Similarly, you’ll be introduced to the general contractors and owners that are already a part of Breva’s platform, giving you opportunity to network. Plus, you’ll be featured on an episode of Breva’s show, which is provides some added exposure.
The focus for this application is demonstrating community impact. The grant also encourages nonprofits and associations that serve construction businesses to apply, alongside the other eligibility requirements. You can apply via online application.
Amber Grant
- For: Women-owned businesses
- Amount: $10,000
- Deadline to apply: October 31
This grant supports women-owned businesses. As well as receiving up to $10,000 as a monthly grant winner, you’ll also be eligible to receive one of three $50,000 annual grants as well, so the payoff is plenty.
Overall, the judges want to know about you, and your business dream. It advises to “share from the heart” and discourages corporate speak. All in all, authenticity seems to be at the heart of this fund.
You can apply online via the application portal. However, there is a $15 application fee to note.
How a Small Business Grant Helps Your Business
Running a small business in 2026 is expensive, and a little extra money in the bank goes a long way. Yes, a grant levels up your business in this sense, but there are plenty of other benefits to receiving one.
Firstly, the additional cash might allow you to expand your business in ways you haven’t been able to yet. For example, you may be able to better your marketing strategy, or implement AI to level up your hiring process.
Similarly, the networking opportunities are aplenty. While some grants accept several cohorts of businesses each round, others give you access to industry professionals and mentorship schemes.
Likewise, receiving a grant may help put your business on the radar of investors. Naturally, your reputation will increase and this will establish yours as a business to bet on. Really, there’s nothing to lose, and I’d encourage you to apply.
