April Grant Round Up for Small Business Owners

MONEY
Written By Nicole Grimes

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 and older, 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

Breva Thrive Grant — $5,000 | April 1–30 (Q2 Window Opens April 1)

  • Eligibility: U.S.-based small businesses generating revenue, legally registered, preferably operating at least one year and/or serving low-to-moderate income communities

  • Description: A quarterly $5,000 grant for businesses making a measurable difference in their communities. The Q2 2026 application window opens April 1. Apply early — this one fills up.

  • Link: Learn more

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

  • 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. The next application round opens April 1, 2026.

  • Link: Learn more

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 $25,000 in revenue over the past 12 months. No full-time employees.

  • 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 are open now for the Fall 2026 cohort (September–December).

  • Link: Apply here

NYC Cultural Development Fund (FY2027) — Varies | April 2 at 5pm ET (Deadline — 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 — if you're eligible, do not miss the 5pm hard deadline.

  • 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. If you're in Texas, this is a strong one.

  • 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. If you're building in tech, this is a major stage.

  • 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 will each receive $10,000 in equity-free funding plus mentorship, office hours with Nancy Twine, community access, and promotional support. Total pool is $30,000. Built specifically for women in the product space.

  • Link: Apply here

Kitty Fund Mompreneur Business Grant — $1,000 (x20 Winners) | April 14 (Deadline)

  • Eligibility: Mother-owned U.S. businesses operating at least 1 year, with 2–100 employees and $5M or less in annual revenue

  • Description: Founders First CDC awards 20 finalists a $1,000 micro-grant plus free access to either the Passport Community (weekly scaling sessions) or Zebra Leadership (6-session CEO/team-building program). A $20,000 investment in mom-owned businesses doing the work.

  • Link: Apply here

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

  • Eligibility: Startups and small businesses led by neurodiverse founders including those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, or 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. Celebrates neurodiversity as a driver of innovation.

  • 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. Deadline is April 17.

  • 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 — turning raw commodities into higher-value goods. 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)

  • 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) is due April 22. Final awards announced October 2026.

  • 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) — $15 Application Fee

  • Eligibility: Women founders building impactful, mission-driven businesses in the U.S.

  • Description: $10,000 in flexible funding for women founders — can be used for operations, growth, marketing, hiring, or infrastructure. Note: there is a $15 application fee. Funds can be used however you need them most.

  • Link: Apply here

O'Shaughnessy Fellowships — $100,000 | April 30 (Deadline)

  • Eligibility: Researchers, builders, and creatives with ambitious ideas. No equity taken.

  • Description: One of the most interesting opportunities on this list — $100,000 with 100% ownership retained. No corporate control, no thesis requirements, no committee approvals. Designed to fund bold, unconventional projects. Researchers, artists, technologists, and builders should all take a look.

  • 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. Applications opened April 1 and close April 30. 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. If you're in Massachusetts and run any kind of cultural programming, this is an accessible entry point.

  • Link: Apply here

Intuit QuickBooks Small Business Hero Program — $20,000 | Rolling — 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. Phase 4 closes May 15, 2026. Start working on your nomination now — you'll need someone to submit it on your behalf.

  • Link: Learn more

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
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