October 2025: Small Business Grants & Funding Opportunities for Women & Diverse Business Owners
Written by: Nicole Grimes. Posted: October 1st, 2025. 4:17 pm ET.
October is packed with incredible funding opportunities for entrepreneurs, particularly women and diverse business owners. We've rounded up the best grants and programs with approaching deadlines to help you secure the capital you need to grow your business. Whether you're running a restaurant, launching an AI solution, or scaling an e-commerce brand, there's something here for you.
Quick-Closing Opportunities (Act Now!)
Entreprenista x BILL Giveaway
Deadline: October 1, 2025
Award: $2,500
Entreprenista Media has partnered with BILL to launch a sweepstakes specifically for U.S.-based e-commerce businesses. This $2,500 cash prize is designed to celebrate and support small e-commerce businesses across the country. If you're running an online store, this is a quick and easy opportunity to apply for funding with no strings attached.
Amazon Web Services AI Pitch Competition
Deadline: October 1, 2025 at 1 PM HT
Award: $25,000 in AWS and PREDICTif services
Got an innovative AI-driven business concept? This competition is your chance to shine. Finalists will present their ideas to a panel of expert judges, and top concepts will be recognized for their creativity, impact, and potential. The prize includes $25,000 worth of AWS and PREDICTif services to help launch your AI solution.
The Fifteen Percent Pledge Runway to Revenue Accelerator
Deadline: October 3, 2025
Award: $10,000 + potential for $50,000 more
Victoria's Secret & Co., in partnership with the Fifteen Percent Pledge, has launched a groundbreaking 12-week accelerator program designed specifically for BIPOC and women-owned businesses. This isn't just about the money—though the $10,000 grant funding is significant. Participants will also receive:
Expert-led workshops
Valuable networking opportunities
Mentorship and guidance
The chance to pitch for up to an additional $50,000 at Victoria's Secret & Co. headquarters in Columbus, Ohio
This is a first-of-its-kind program that combines funding with the education and connections you need to truly scale your business.
Mid-Month Opportunities
Stephen L. Tadlock Veteran Business Grant
Deadline: October 7, 2025
Award: $1,000 (20 winners)
Created in honor of U.S. Navy Veteran Stephen L. Tadlock, brother of Founders First CEO Kim Folsom, this grant celebrates military service by supporting veteran-led small businesses. With 20 grants of $1,000 each available, this program provides both funding and resources to help veteran entrepreneurs build stronger, more sustainable companies. If you're a veteran business owner, this is an excellent opportunity to receive support from an organization that understands your unique journey.
Walmart Spark Good Local Grants
Deadline: October 15, 2025
Award: Up to $5,000
The Walmart Spark Good Local Grants program, provided by Walmart and Sam's Club, offers grants ranging from $250 to $5,000 for organizations addressing unique community needs. While this program is geared toward nonprofits and community organizations, it's worth noting if you're involved in community-focused initiatives. Eligibility is determined by Tax ID status, with 501(c)(3) charities, public entities, and educational institutions qualifying. Organizations must be Deed verified and have a Spark Good account to apply.
Skip $10,000 Growth Grant
Deadline: October 15, 2025 at 11:59 PM ET
Award: $10,000
The Skip $10,000 Growth Grant is open to all U.S.-based entrepreneurs and small business owners aged 18 and over. This grant emphasizes business preparedness—they want to ensure your business has solid foundations including a website, business plan, and even an AI agent. This is more than just free money; it's an opportunity to demonstrate that your business is ready for growth and has the infrastructure to scale successfully.
Toast Changemakers Program
Deadline: October 17, 2025
Award: $10,000 (15 recipients)
Restaurant owners, this one's for you! Presented by Toast in partnership with Hello Alice and GEN, the Toast Changemakers Program empowers restaurant owners to deepen their community impact. With $150,000 in total funding distributed among 15 restaurants, this initiative specifically supports establishments working to reduce food insecurity. If your restaurant is making a difference in your community by addressing hunger and food access issues, this grant could provide the capital you need to expand your impact.
Late October Opportunities
The 2025 Capital Elle Business Impact Award
Deadline: October 28, 2025
Award: $50,000 in cash and services
Attention Canadian entrepreneurs! The Capital Elle Business Impact Award is designed to "flip the script on who gets funded in Canada." Backed by 29 partners and led by Erin Sisko, founder of The Elleiance Network, this national initiative will award $50,000 in cash and services to 10 Canadian women entrepreneurs building powerful businesses in the country's most underfunded industries.
This is a significant opportunity for women business owners who are breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated or underfunded sectors. The combination of cash and services makes this award particularly valuable for scaling your operations.
Freed Fellowship Micro-Grant
Deadline: October 31, 2025
Award: $500
Every month, Freed selects a business owner in the United States as a Freed Fellow, awarding a $500 micro-grant to invest in their existing business. What makes this opportunity special? No strings attached. No equity required. This is straightforward funding you can use however you need to move your business forward. While $500 might seem modest compared to other grants on this list, it's unrestricted capital that can make a real difference for early-stage businesses or specific business needs.
International Opportunity!!
Comcast Innovation Fund
Deadline: Rolling
Award: $3,000 - $150,000
The Comcast Innovation Fund supports technology and public policy research that contributes to the betterment of the Internet and the continued evolution of connectivity products and services. This fund provides grants to technologists, researchers, and academics to support Internet and connectivity-focused projects within the fund's areas of interest, which are updated annually.
What makes this unique? It's open to applicants outside the United States, making it one of the few international opportunities on this list. If you're working on innovative tech projects related to Internet connectivity, this could be your chance to secure substantial funding.
Tips for Successful Grant Applications
As you review these opportunities, keep these tips in mind:
Start Early: Don't wait until the last day to apply. Give yourself time to gather materials, craft compelling narratives, and review your application.
Read Requirements Carefully: Each grant has specific eligibility requirements. Make sure you qualify before investing time in an application.
Tell Your Story: Grants for diverse and women business owners often want to understand your unique journey and impact. Don't be afraid to share what makes your business special.
Quantify Your Impact: Whenever possible, use numbers and data to demonstrate your business's success and potential.
Follow Up: After submitting, follow up appropriately and stay engaged with the organizations offering these grants.
Get This Money For 2025!
These October grants represent just a fraction of the funding opportunities available to diverse business owners throughout the year. The key is staying informed and ready to apply when opportunities arise.
Want to stay in the know about funding opportunities like these? Join the CBN Business Directory and never miss a chance to secure the capital your business deserves.
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 the most up-to-date information on grants and more opportunities, visit www.caribbiznetwork.com/grants
Note: This post was created with the assistance of genAI with human editing and additions.