May Grant Round Up for Small Business Owners
Happy May, bosses. 🌺
May is National Small Business Month, and the funding world is showing up for it. This month's list is stacked with nearly $2 million in available funding across grants, fellowships, pitch competitions, and accelerator programs. Whether you're a founder in your first year or a seasoned operator ready to scale, there's something here with your name on it.
A few things to keep in mind before you dive in: read every eligibility requirement carefully before applying, and set calendar reminders — several of these deadlines are within days of each other and will not be extended. Now let's get into it!
Weekly Skip Grants — $1,000 | Rolling (Twice Weekly starting May 1)
Eligibility: U.S.-based entrepreneurs, 18+
Description: Watch live to win on Skip's platform. Grants are awarded twice weekly. Download the Skip App to receive your entry number and PIN code — if your number is called, enter your PIN to claim. Quick, low-barrier, and recurring.
Link:Apply here
Empromptu Builder Fund — $15,000 | May 3 Deadline (Extended)
Eligibility: U.S.-based founders, 18+, building a product or app with an AI component. No technical background or prior revenue required. Must create a free Empromptu account to qualify.
Description: A collaboration between Empromptu AI and The Well Work. One founder receives $15,000 to build, plus $500 in platform credits goes to 10 runners-up. Any stage, any industry welcome.
Link:Apply here
Blue Ridge Labs Founder Fellowship — $20,000 + Fellowship | May 3 Deadline
Eligibility: New or early-stage founders in the U.S. interested in building social impact tech ventures focused on economic mobility. No prototype or co-founder required.
Description: A 20-week fellowship run by Robin Hood's venture studio. Fellows advancing to the Build stage receive a $20,000 stipend plus mentorship, product support, and a final showcase for funders. First stage is primarily virtual.
Link:Apply here
Brooklyn Public Library PowerUP Business Plan Competition — Up to $20,000 | May 4 Deadline (Extended)
Eligibility: Aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs ages 18+ who live in Brooklyn and plan to start or grow a business there.
Description: Cash prizes of $20,000, $10,000, and $5,000, plus merit awards. Participants receive business planning classes, free counseling, and guidance on market research and financial projections. Must watch the on-demand orientation session before applying. CBN community — this one is in our backyard. Apply.
Link:Apply here
Sengo Live Pitch Competition — $1,000+ | May 5 Application Deadline · May 14 Live Pitch
Eligibility: U.S.-based founders and entrepreneurs, 18+. A pitch deck is required to apply. Free members get one reserved spot per cycle; Founder members ($30/mo) get priority access.
Description: Monthly live virtual pitch competition judged by investors, Fortune 100 executives, and exited founders. Apply by May 5, pitch live on May 14. Winners receive $1,000+ in prizes plus real-time feedback and investor introductions. Free to enter.
Link:Apply here
BGV Emerging Leaders Fellowship (ELF) 2.0 — $5,000 guaranteed + up to $15,000 in pitch prizes | May 6 Deadline
Eligibility: Women founders based in Austin, LA, or New York with at least 51% ownership, 2+ years in business, and revenue-generating. Commitment of 12 hours/month required, including in-person pitching.
Description: Black Girl Ventures' 12-week accelerator for founders moving from solo operator to CEO. Every fellow receives a guaranteed $5,000 stipend, with pitch prizes of $15,000 (1st), $10,000 (2nd), $5,000 (3rd), and $2,500 (Crowd Favorite). Over $40,000 in total potential capital per fellow. Program kicks off June 6, 2026.
Link:Apply here
Skip AI Builder Grant — $10,000 | May 6 Deadline
Eligibility: Developers, designers, and builders worldwide, 18+. Individuals or small teams. Must submit a working demo, prototype, or video walkthrough (Loom or live link). Up to 3 entries per applicant — each must be a distinct, working prototype.
Description: Skip is awarding $10,000 to one builder creating an AI tool for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Top submissions may also receive recognition, listing in the Skip marketplace, and access to Skip's distribution network of 1M+ entrepreneurs.
Link:Apply here
FuzeHub NY Manufacturing Grants — Up to $65,000 | May 7 Deadline
Eligibility: New York State nonprofits partnering with 1–5 small or medium-sized NY manufacturers (500 employees or fewer). Both established companies and startups are eligible.
Description: Part of the Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund, these grants support technology transfer, new manufacturing processes, and product development. If you're a NY-based product business or manufacturer, this is significant money.
Link:Apply here
Intuit QuickBooks x Mailchimp Small Business Hero Program — $20,000 | May 15 Deadline
Eligibility: U.S. small business owners 18+. Open to nominations — anyone can nominate a business making a difference in their community. Self-nominations accepted.
Description: Three winners are chosen each quarter and each receives a $20,000 grant plus resources to grow their business. Judges look for courage, perseverance, and integrity.
Get Nearshored Manufacturing Grant — $1,000 × 3 Winners | May 15 Deadline
Eligibility: U.S.-based product businesses under $5M in annual revenue that are actively looking to move production to the U.S., Canada, Latin America, or Europe.
Description: Three $1,000 grants to help small product businesses nearshore their manufacturing. Winners also receive access to a vetted supplier network and expert guidance. Funds can be used for finished products, materials, packaging, tooling, or setup fees.
Link:Apply here
Verizon Small Business Super Pitch — $20,000 + FIFA World Cup Tickets | May 18 Phase 1 Deadline
Eligibility: Small business owners registered on Verizon Digital Ready who complete a course or event in the "Winning Customers" category between January 1 and May 18, 2026.
Description: Post a ~60-second video on social media explaining how Verizon Digital Ready helps your business win, tag @VerizonBusiness with #SMBSuperPitch, and submit your application. 20 semi-finalists compete at one of four regional pitch events (Kansas City, Houston, LA, Philadelphia — travel included). Finalists head to New Jersey for the World Cup Final pitch event. Grand prize: $20,000 + a meeting with Carli Lloyd.
Link:Apply here
Women Founders Network Fast Pitch Competition — $25,000 | May 31 Deadline
Eligibility: Women-led startups across two tracks: Tech/Tech-Enabled OR Consumer/CPG/Other Non-tech.
Description: Ten finalists compete at a live event at UCLA in October. All finalists receive pitch coaching, financial mentorship, and investor access throughout the program. Grand prize is a $25,000 cash grant.
Link:Apply here
Famous Amos Ingredients for Success — $50,000 × 3 Winners | June 1 Deadline
Eligibility: U.S. Black-owned businesses. A partnership between Ferrero North America and the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc.
Description: The sixth annual Ingredients for Success initiative awards three winners $50,000 each, plus mentorship, networking, and educational resources. One of the largest Black business grants available right now — don't sleep on this one.
Link:Apply here
Rolling Deadlines
Kickstarter x Google Next Wave Fund — $10,000 Pledge + Google Training | Rolling (Up to 1 Year)
Eligibility: Entrepreneurs or small businesses with fewer than 20 full-time employees. Project must focus on technology or digital gaming. At least one team member must be a U.S. citizen, resident, or O-1 visa holder. Primary contact must be 18+.
Description: Selected founders receive a $10,000 pledge toward their Kickstarter campaign, hands-on guidance from Kickstarter's Design & Technology team, no-cost access to Google AI training and Grow with Google workshops, and promotion on Kickstarter's channels. Recipients must launch their Kickstarter project within six months of selection.
Link:Apply here
Wish Local Black Business Empowerment Fund — $500–$2,000 | Rolling Deadline
Eligibility: Black-owned Wish Local partner stores in the U.S.
Description: Wish has dedicated a $2,000,000 fund to provide financial support to Black-owned small business partners, with individual awards ranging from $500 to $2,000 to promote equality and diversity in American business.
Link:Apply here
Quick Tips for May
Before you apply to anything on this list, make sure you can answer these three questions in one sentence each:
What does your business do?
Who exactly does it serve?
What changes because of it?
Programs, fellowships, and pitch competitions aren't just evaluating your idea — they're evaluating how clearly you can communicate it. Most applicants don't lose because they aren't doing something impressive. They lose because the reviewer couldn't understand it fast enough. Get those answers tight before you hit submit.
Get This Money For 2026!
That's a wrap on May. 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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