Find government programs, banks, companies, and non-profit organizations that issue interest-free loans or free grant money to minority, veteran or women owned businesses. The small business or start up financial assistance is offered in every state. Each lender will vary in their application process, however the loans or grants will prioritize black owned businesses, women, LGTBQ+, Latinos, veterans, Black owned and disadvantaged groups. Get a free grant or loan in for MWBE or veteran businesses.
There are also funds for people that lack access to capital due to credit or other barriers. There may also be small business grants or funds for businesses or entrepreneurs with bad or limited credit histories. In general, the funds can be used by an existing small business to help them grow. Or some national lenders or organizations (such as non-profits) will provide loans or grants to entrepreneurs and start up companies. Generally, most of the organizations will also provide some type of free advice or mentoring services to help the business as well.
National free small business grants and loans offered today
Find an ongoing list below of different sources of funds for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) as well as MWBE (Minority/Women-owned) businesses. It will be updated with new announcements each and every day.
A number of organizations offer financial assistance to historically disadvantaged start ups or small businesses. Everything listed below, including from a non-profit or charity, is offered in every state. The goal is to ensure businesses owned by Black women or men, Hispanics, women, immigrants or veterans have the resources they need – including money from a grant or interest free loan.
February 2026
The Kitty Fund Mompreneur Grant is providing up to 20 “mom” owned businesses with $1,000 micro-grants. While businesses can apply in March (the window opens) this is another program that may be beneficial to women-owned small businesses. Find details on the grants from the Kitty Fund at https://foundersfirstcdc.org/kitty-fund
Inc. magazine and The UPS Store are providing in total $35,000 as part of their Small Biz Challenge. The grant program is available to apply to until February 22 with mentoring also provided as well. More information is at https://www.inc.com/theupsstore/small-biz-challenge
January 2026
Duke Energy Foundation is operating a grant program for qualified non-profits in Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, South Carolina and North Carolina. The money is aimed at nonprofits that operate workforce programs for veterans, educational/historical sites and other community groups. Look here for the link to applications to the grant program known as America 250. https://foundation.duke-energy.com/Request-for-Proposal
Capital One Accelerator 2026 Program Application is available with grant money focused on “mobility” type businesses in emerging technologies. This of rideshare or AI driven cars among other examples. Grant money and applications to the process will be available until January 2026, with details here https://capitaloneaccelerator.trainup.com/growth
Hiring Our Heroes is for veteran-owned small businesses. The money is offered in partnership with the FedEx Founder’s Fund. Veteran owned small businesses, and entrepreneurs, can apply with the link here. https://www.hiringourheroes.org/small-business-grant/
The $1,000 Business Freedom Grant is available to start ups or entrepreneurs. It will pay for a wide variety of expenses ranging from marketing material to equipment, website development and more. Anyone can apply, however a focus is on women owned businesses or startups with details here https://businessfreedomgrant.com/
Walmart Spark Good Local Grant is for non-profits that give back to their local communities. The non-profits can focus on any number of needs – culture, economic equality, businesses development or something else with details on the grant program here https://www.walmart.org/how-we-give/program-guidelines/spark-good-local-grants-guidelines
By Jon McNamara