April Grant Round Up for Small Business Owners

MONEY

Mar 31

Happy April, bosses. 🌺

Spring is here and so is a fresh round of funding opportunities, and this month has something for nearly every type of founder: creatives, CPG brands, tech startups, women entrepreneurs, BIPOC business owners, and more. As always, we've done the digging so you can spend your time applying, not searching.

A few things to note before you dive in: read every eligibility requirement carefully before applying, and set calendar reminders: several of these close with no extensions. Now let's get into it!

ArtPrize Featured Public Project Grant — $25,000 | April 1 Deadline

Eligibility: Open to artists and designers 18+, including international applicants
Description: ArtPrize is awarding one artist or designer $25,000 to create a large-scale public artwork at a high-visibility outdoor location in downtown Grand Rapids, MI during the ArtPrize event (September 17–October 3, 2026). The grant covers artwork creation, installation, permits, transportation, and lodging. Applicants will be notified the week of April 13.
Link:Apply here

NYC Artadia Awards — $15,000 | April 1 Deadline

Eligibility: Visual artists based in New York City
Description: The Artadia Awards provide unrestricted cash support to NYC-based visual artists, plus access to the Artadia Network for professional connections, resource sharing, and Artist Registry visibility. Three awardees each receive $15,000. Past recipients have been featured in the Whitney Biennial and Prospect.6.
Link:Apply here

Creative Capital Award — Up to $50,000 | April 2 Deadline (3pm)

Eligibility: Individual artists in all 50 states working in Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Film, or Literature
Description: Unrestricted project grants up to $50,000 for new artistic works. Applicants are also automatically considered for the State of the Art Prize, which awards $10,000 to one artist in every U.S. state and territory. Includes professional development support, mentorship, and a national creative network.
Link:Apply here

Goldman Sachs Black in Business — Free Program + In-Person NYC Access | April 2 Deadline

Eligibility: Black women sole proprietors with at least one year in business and a minimum of $5,000 in revenue over the past 12 months. No full-time employees required.
Description: A free 12-week online business education program developed with NYU Stern covering marketing, financial planning, pricing, and access to capital. Includes an all-expenses-paid in-person learning day at Goldman Sachs HQ in NYC, a powerful alumni network, and strategic advisors. Applications open now for the Fall 2026 cohort (September–December).
Link:Apply here

NYC Cultural Development Fund (FY2027) — Varies | April 2 Deadline — 5pm ET, No Exceptions

Eligibility: 501(c)(3) nonprofits incorporated in New York State, administratively based in NYC, with at least two consecutive years of arts and cultural programming in the city
Description: The NYC Department of Cultural Affairs is funding nonprofit arts and cultural organizations for programming between July 1, 2026 and June 30, 2027. This is one of the most significant arts funding vehicles in New York. The 5pm hard deadline is absolute — do not miss it.
Link:Apply here

PeopleFund BIPOC Small Business Accelerator — $3,000–$5,000 + Training | April 2 Deadline

Eligibility: Texas-based entrepreneurs in low-to-moderate income communities. Open to startups and existing businesses. First 70 eligible applicants accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Description: PeopleFund's Q2 2026 BIPOC cohort runs weekly on Wednesdays from April 15–June 3. Participants receive business planning support, expedited loan access, and a $3,000–$5,000 grant upon graduation.
Link:Apply here

The Coramino Fund — $10,000 | April 6 Deadline

Eligibility: Small businesses in select cities — Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Houston, or Los Angeles — that have faced barriers to traditional capital
Description: A partnership between LISC and Gran Coramino Tequila, co-founded by Kevin Hart. This fund supports small businesses with capital plus national visibility.
Link:Apply here

Anonymous Was A Woman Environmental Art Grants — Up to $20,000 | April 7 Deadline

Eligibility: Women, transgender, and gender-nonconforming artists, 18+, based in the U.S. or U.S. Territories. Project must already be in development.
Description: Grants up to $20,000 for environmental art projects with a public engagement component — covering themes from climate change and clean energy to ecofeminism and interspecies relationships. Administered by NYFA.
Link:Apply here

BRIC TV x NEA Film Funding — $7,500–$15,000 | April 10 Deadline (Extended)

Eligibility: NYC-based filmmakers and storytellers with production-ready scripted short film or pilot projects
Description: Two short films receive $15,000 each. Two pilots receive $7,500 each. Support includes editing suite access, equipment, and festival submission support. Special consideration for one project tied to NYC's history and the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Submit via email: pitches@bricartsmedia.org — Subject line: 2026 BRIC NEA Pitch / [Project Name]

Fast Pitch x Freelancing Females x Heartbeat — $5,000 | April 10 Deadline

Eligibility: Women founders, freelancers, and business owners ready to build or grow a community
Description: A pitch-style grant focused on community-driven businesses plus platform support from Heartbeat — courses, events, memberships, and payments in one place. Ideal if your work includes audience building, memberships, or education-based models.
Link:Apply here

Makers Mindset Grant — Spring 2026 — $10,000 × 3 Winners | April 10 Deadline

Eligibility: Majority women-owned U.S. CPG businesses in select sectors, operating at least one year, with annual revenue between $50,000 and $1 million
Description: Three women-led consumer brands each receive $10,000 in equity-free funding plus mentorship, office hours with Nancy Twine, community access, and promotional support. $30,000 total pool this cycle.
Link:Apply here

Open Pitch at Invest Fest — Atlanta — $125,000 | April 10 Deadline

Eligibility: Early-stage tech companies. Hundreds apply; five finalists pitch live on stage.
Description: The Open Pitch competition takes place August 7–9, 2026 in Atlanta, GA at Invest Fest. One winner receives a $125,000 investment prize after pitching live to VC investors and business leaders.
Link:Apply here

Neurodiverse Entrepreneur Program — $4,000 + Up to $19K in Services | April 15 Deadline

Eligibility: Entrepreneurs with developmental and/or cognitive differences including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and learning disabilities
Description: Selected companies receive a $4,000 microgrant plus over $15,000 in services including mentorship, business accelerator participation, and Innovation DuPage membership. In partnership with Autism Angels Group.
Link:Apply here

Kitty Fund Mompreneur Business Grant — $1,000 × 25 Winners | April 16 Deadline

Eligibility: Mother-owned U.S. businesses operating at least 1 year, with 2–100 employees and $5M or less in annual revenue. Must identify as CEO, President, or Owner.
Description: Founders First CDC awards 25 finalists a $1,000 micro-grant created in honor of Mother's Day and CEO Kim Folsom's mother. Winners also receive free access to the Passport Community or Zebra Leadership program.
Link:Apply here

Skip $10K Grants — $10,000 × 2 | April 17 Deadline

Elgiility: All U.S.-based entrepreneurs and small business owners, age 18+
Description: Two $10,000 grants available. One open to all eligible applicants. One open exclusively to Skip Plus or Pro members. Equity-free, no pitch required.
Link:Apply here

National Foster Care Innovation Challenge — Up to $100,000 | April 17 Deadline

Eligibility: Nonprofits and social enterprises developing solutions in foster care, family preservation, and youth transitions. Organizations led by people with lived experience are especially encouraged.
Description: An $800K dual-track opportunity. The nonprofit track offers $700K including four $100,000 first-place awards. The for-profit track offers a $100,000 equity investment in one mission-driven tech company.
Link:Apply here

I Be Black Girl Community Grant — $1,000 | April 19 Deadline

Eligibility: Nebraska-based organizations and projects led by and serving Black women, femmes, and girls in Omaha. No 501(c)(3) required.
Description: Funding supports public events that drive foot traffic, community pride, and local economic activity.
Link:Apply here

That Good Good Founder Grant — $1,000 | April 19 Deadline

Eligibility: Founders and co-founders of an active or launching (within 12 months) U.S.-based business, 18+
Description: Non-dilutive, no-pitch-deck-theater funding for builders. Merit-based selection focused on innovation, impact, feasibility, and founder commitment.
Link:Apply here

The Global Arts Prize for Innovation — $10,000–$30,000 | April 20 Deadline

Eligibility: Open to all arts and humanities initiatives leading innovative work, regardless of size, discipline, or stage of development
Description: The Global Arts Prize celebrates artists and creative ventures spearheading innovative approaches to the relevance of arts in our time. Funds are unrestricted — use the award for whatever best supports your vision.
Link:Apply here

USDA Value-Added Producer Grant — Up to $200,000 | April 22 Deadline

Eligibility: Agricultural producers in the U.S. A 1:1 funding match is required. Priority given to beginning farmers, small family farms, and cooperative/regional food system projects.
Description: USDA funding to help farmers and food producers create and market value-added products. Planning grants up to $50,000; working capital grants up to $200,000. If you're in food, beverage, or agriculture, this is significant money.
Link:Apply here

LA2050 Grants Challenge — Up to $75,000 | April 22 Deadline (Part 1)

Eligibility: Social impact organizations working in Los Angeles across local news, economic opportunity, or arts and culture. Both nonprofits and individuals are eligible.
Description: The Knight Foundation's LA2050 Grants Challenge is a $5 million open call with a public voting component — LA residents help decide funding priorities. Part 1 (screening) due April 22. Final awards announced October 2026.
Link:Apply here

Inclusive Beauty Fund by L'Oréal x NAACP — $25,000 × 6 Winners | April 23 Deadline

Eligibility: New or existing beauty businesses of all kinds — salons, spas, barber shops, stylists, makeup artists, startup founders, haircare specialists, and beauty schools
Description: Backed by L'Oréal, Deed, and NAACP. Six winners each receive $25,000 plus support to scale operations and expand access in the beauty industry. $150,000 total going directly into beauty businesses.
Link:Apply here

NBCUniversal Local Impact Grants — $30,000–$300,000 | April 24 Deadline

Eligibility: 501(c)(3) nonprofits with total expenses between $100K–$1M and revenue over $100K, operating in one of 11 NBC/Telemundo markets across the U.S. Must have been active for at least one year. Fiscally sponsored organizations are eligible.
Description: Comcast NBCUniversal funds organizations with unrestricted general operating grants across three categories — Youth Education and Empowerment, Next Generation Storytellers, and Community Engagement. Grant award will not exceed 30% of the organization's total expenses.
Link:Apply here

3pts Artists & Makers Impact Fund — $3,500 | April 27 Deadline

Eligibility: U.S.-based mid-career artists and makers who produce tangible objects or goods and have a legally registered business. Must be 18+. Note: $10 registration fee.
Description: Funding can go toward materials, equipment, workspace, production expenses, or professional development. Built for makers who are treating their creative practice like a business.
Link:Apply here

Enthuse Foundation Grant — $2,500–$5,000 | April 27 Deadline

Eligibility: U.S.-based woman entrepreneur with an established consumer packaged goods (CPG) business
Description: Targeted microgrants for specific business needs — digital marketing, business tools, insurance, sustainability, healthcare, and more.
Link:Apply here

LDCENY Opportunity Fund — East New York — $10,000 | April 30 Deadline

Eligibility: Aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses (5 years old or less) based in East New York, Brownsville, Canarsie, Starrett City, or Cypress Hills in Brooklyn
Description: In partnership with HSBC, the Brooklyn Women's Business Center, and EBBID — 10 finalists receive accelerated business training and pitch coaching, then compete at a live showcase where judges award funding. CBN community — this one is in our backyard. Apply.
Link:Apply here

Hey Helen Grant — $10,000 | April 30 Deadline

Eligibility: Women founders building impactful, mission-driven businesses in the U.S.
Description: $10,000 in flexible funding — can be used for operations, growth, marketing, hiring, or infrastructure. Note: there is a $15 application fee.
Link:Apply here

Breva Thrive Grant — $5,000 | April 30 Deadline (Q2 Window)

Eligibility: U.S.-based small businesses with demonstrated community impact. Legally registered and generating revenue. Preference for businesses with at least one year in business or operating in low-income areas.
Description: Quarterly grants for entrepreneurs making a measurable difference in underrepresented communities — through job creation, product innovation, or improved accessibility. Apply early — this one fills up.
Link:Apply here

Galaxy Grants — $3,500 | April 30 Deadline

Eligibility: Entrepreneurs at any stage
Description: A quick-entry grant powered by Hidden Star, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has been supporting women and minority business owners for over 9 years.
Link:Apply here

O'Shaughnessy Fellowships & Grants — $10,000–$100,000 | April 30 Deadline

Eligibility: Bold individuals working on transformative ideas across science, technology, arts, and culture
Description: A one-year, equity-free program. Ten fellows receive $100,000 each. Twenty grant recipients receive $10,000 each. Designed to give researchers, builders, and creatives the financial freedom to pursue ambitious, world-changing projects. No equity taken, no committee approvals, 100% ownership retained.
Link:Apply here

Knight Cities Challenge — Up to $200,000 | April 30 Deadline

Eligibility: Nonprofits and individuals in Knight Foundation's 26 communities with projects focused on local news, economic opportunity, or arts and culture. Projects must be completable within one year.
Description: A $5 million open call from the Knight Foundation. Grants up to $200,000 available. If your work touches community, media, or economic development — this is a major opportunity.
Link:Apply here

Mass Cultural Council Creative Experiences Grants — $2,500–$5,000 | April 30 Deadline

Eligibility: Massachusetts-based organizations, schools, businesses, and government entities. Priority given to BIPOC-centered organizations, first-time applicants, and those serving low-income communities.
Description: One-year grants funding arts, humanities, and science activities taking place July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027. An accessible entry point for anyone in Massachusetts running cultural programming.
Link:Apply here

Weekly Skip Grants — $1,000 | Rolling (Twice Weekly starting April 3)

Eligibility: U.S.-based entrepreneurs, 18+
Description: Watch live to win on Skip's YouTube at 3pm ET on specified dates. Download the Skip App to see your entry number and PIN code. If your number is announced during the live stream, enter your PIN code in the comments to claim your prize.
Link:Learn more

AAUW Career Development Grants — Up to $8,000 | Applications Open April 1 — Check AAUW for Deadline

Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a bachelor's degree seeking accredited certificate, credential, or training programs (minimum 400 instructional hours) in STEM or leadership/executive development
Description: AAUW supports women taking the next step in their STEM careers through targeted education grants. Programs must lead to clear career advancement or industry-recognized certification.
Link:Learn more

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Intuit QuickBooks Small Business Hero Program— $20,000 | Phase 4 Closes May 15

Eligibility: U.S.-based businesses operating at least one year with no more than 99 employees. Must be nominated by someone other than the business owner.
Description: Three winners are chosen each quarter to receive $20,000 plus resources to grow their business. Start working on your nomination now — you'll need someone to submit it on your behalf.
Link:Learn more

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Halstead Grant for Jewelry Artists — $7,500 + $1,000 Gift Card | May 1 Deadline

Eligibility: Jewelry artists who can submit a design portfolio and answer business questions demonstrating creative and entrepreneurial vision
Description: Top winner receives $7,500 plus a $1,000 Halstead gift card and industry exposure. Finalists receive smaller cash prizes and professional support.
Link:Apply here

Get This Money For 2026!

That's a wrap on April. Bookmark this page, set your reminders, and share it with a founder who needs it. The best grant application is the one you actually submit.

Remember: These deadlines are approaching fast. Review the opportunities that align with your business, gather your materials, and get those applications submitted. Your next growth phase could be just one grant away.

For additional information on rolling grants and more opportunities, visit www.caribbiznetwork.com/grants

Note: This post was created with the assistance of genAI with human editing and additions.

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Nicole Grimes