Take Advantage Of These Small Business Grants For Coronavirus Relief

The COVID-19 pandemic has left the small business world reeling, with businesses forced to shut their doors, lay off staff, or change the way they operate. These sudden and unexpected changes have hit many business owners hard as they struggle to follow social-distancing guidelines and comply with government orders. Unfortunately, many small businesses are already struggling financially or could be in the near future.

Small business aid made available through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Support Act has been making headlines. However, many small business owners missed out on funding, do not qualify, or did not receive enough money to sustain their business for an extended period. The good news, though, is that many companies and organizations are offering millions of dollars in grant money to small business owners.

With most states having at least partially “reopened” at the end of June, many COVID-19 relief grant programs have wound down or are in the process of doing so. That said, with the economic damage still not fully assessed and the possibility of a second wave looming, you shouldn’t assume that the window of opportunity has closed for good. A few new programs are still coming online, and existing ones could restart with additional rounds of funding. Stick with us to stay up to date on the status of these popular grant programs.

Minnesota Small Business Relief Grants

• Eligibility Criteria: Minnesota for-profit businesses with 50 or fewer full-time workers that have been affected by COVID-19
• Open & Close Date: Applications are open until July 2, 2020

This program, offered through the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), provides $10,000 grants to businesses negatively affected by COVID-19. Grant funds received by businesses can be used for working capital to support payroll, rent, mortgage payments, utility bills, and other similar expenses that occur or have occurred since March 1, 2020, in the regular course of business.

A grand total of $60.3 million is available and will be awarded through a randomized selection process. Interested business owners can visit the Minnesota government site to apply or get more information.

Pennsylvania COVID-19 Relief Statewide Small Business Assistance

• Eligibility Criteria: Pennsylvania small businesses affected by COVID-19
• Open & Close Date: June 1, 2020-December 31, 2020

Small businesses in Pennsylvania can tap the $225 million the state has set aside for COVID-19 business relief by applying for this grant through a qualified CDFI. The program is comprised of three parts:

• Main Street Business Revitalization
• Historically Disadvantaged Business Revitalization Program
• Loan payment deferment and loss reserve

You can find more information about the program and how to apply through the state’s community development site.

Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)

LISC is managing a Small Business Relief Grant Program funded by grants from large corporations. These are all applied for through LISC’s website and contingent upon continued funding from the corporations in question.

Sam’s Club Small Business Relief Grants

• Eligibility Criteria: Small businesses that have been affected by COVID-19, particularly underserved communities
• Open & Close Date: Round 4 closed on June 17; round 5 TBD

Sam’s Club has provided a $1 million grant through the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) that will be distributed to small business owners affected by COVID-19. Through this program, small business owners can receive up to $10,000 to cover immediate expenses. Qualified uses for grant funds include payroll costs, rent, utilities, outstanding debts to vendors, upgraded tech infrastructure, and other operational expenses.

Any business that has been affected by COVID-19 can apply for the grant. Priority will be given to underserved communities, including businesses owned by women, minorities, and veterans as well as businesses that are particularly challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Four rounds of funding have already been closed. At the time of this update, round 5 has yet to be announced; however, LISC is encouraging interested parties to sign up for updates should any future rounds be announced. Interested business owners can visit the LISC website to learn more about this grant, sign up for email updates, or submit an application.

Lowe’s Small Business Relief Grant

• Eligibility Criteria: Small businesses that have been affected by COVID-19, particularly underserved communities
• Open & Close Date: Round 4 of funding closed on June 17, 2020; round 5 TBD

Lowe’s has donated $25 million in grant funding for distribution through LISC. Businesses may receive awards of up to $20,000 to use toward business expenses, including payroll, rent and utilities, and upgrading tech infrastructure.

Any small business that has been affected by COFI-19 is eligible to apply. However, priority is given to underserved communities that are unable to find funding elsewhere. Businesses most affected by the pandemic will receive priority.

Round 4 of funding concluded on June 17. If you’re interested in any possible future rounds, you can sign-up for updates from LISC. 

Verizon Small Business Recovery Fund

• Eligibility Criteria: Small businesses that have been affected by COVID-19, particularly underserved communities
• Open & Close Date: Currently closed

Verizon Wireless has donated $7.5 million in grant funding that will be distributed through LISC. Businesses may qualify to receive up to $10,000 to use for immediate operational expenses, including outstanding debts to vendors, rent and utilities, payroll costs, and other purposes.

Businesses that have been affected by COVID-19 can apply. However, priority will be given to business owners in underserved communities that are unable to secure funds elsewhere. Businesses that have been particularly challenged during the pandemic will also receive priority.

The grant funds were distributed through three rounds of funding. No additional rounds have been announced at this time. If you’re interested in this grant, you can apply, sign up for email updates, and learn more through LISC.

GoFundMe Small Business Relief Initiative

• Eligibility Criteria: Available to independently owned and operated businesses affected by COVID-19; all recipients must raise at least $500 through the GoFundMe platform
• Open & Close Date: Currently open; submissions will close when funds have been depleted

GoFundMe has launched its own fundraiser to help small business owners. The GoFundMe Small Business Relief Fund has raised over $2 million that will be used to provide matching grants of $500 to qualified business owners.

Any business is eligible to apply, provided it meets a few requirements. Businesses must be independently owned and operated. Businesses that are nationally dominant in their fields are not eligible to receive a grant. Furthermore, all recipients must have been affected by COVID-19 and must use funds to pay employees or ongoing operational expenses.

To be eligible for a $500 grant, all recipients must register to confirm their small business status. Recipients must also launch a GoFundMe fundraiser and raise at least $500 in funds. All fundraisers must include the hashtag #SmallBusinessRelief to qualify. Grants will continue to be distributed until all funds are depleted. The GoFundMe Small Business Relief Fund campaign page and the program FAQs provide all of the information you need to secure your grant.

FedEx #SupportSmall Grants

• Eligibility Criteria: For-profit businesses in the US that have been in operation for at least 12 months, have fewer than 50 employees, made less than $5 million in sales revenue in 2019, and have shipped or plan to ship
• Open & Close Date: Submissions are closed as of June 12, 2020

FedEx is showing its support of small businesses by providing a total of $1 million in grant funding to eligible applicants. The 200 recipients of this grant will each receive $5,000 plus a $500 FedEx Office credit that can be used for posters, banners, and other marketing and promotional materials.

To be eligible, all applicants must be at least 18 years old and operate a US-based business. Only for-profit businesses can apply. Qualifying businesses must have been in operation for at least 12 months, have less than $5 million in sales revenue from 2019, and have fewer than 50 employees. All applicants must also have shipped within the last 12 months or are planning to ship within the next 12 months. Franchises, resellers, independent consultants, nonprofits, and previous winners of FedEx Small Business Grants are not eligible.

The application period has closed, and applications are no longer being accepted. Interested business owners can read about the program here.

Nav’s Small Business Grant

• Eligibility Criteria: Any Nav customer with a social media account
• Open & Close Date:  A new submission period opens quarterly; the next round will open July 30

Nav’s Small Business Grant isn’t specifically for businesses affected by the coronavirus — any Nav customer can qualify. Every quarter, three recipients are selected to receive grants. The first prize winner gets a check for $10,000. The first runner-up receives a grant for $2,000, while the second runner-up receives $1,000.

To qualify for this grant, you must be a Nav customer. Then, you must create a post and share it on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. Your post should discuss a challenge that your business has faced and how you plan to use your grant. Nav encourages participants to get creative with their posts by including photos, creating videos, or recording audio. Nav must be tagged in the post for the submission to be considered.

This grant program is ongoing and accepts new submissions each quarter, so if you miss out on one round, don’t worry — you can take part in the next round. Check out past submissions, tips for creating your post, and learn more about this grant by visiting Nav.

COVID-19 Business For All Grants

• Eligibility Criteria: Any US-based business affected by the coronavirus
• Open & Close Date: This contest is open from March 26, 2020, through July 16, 2020

The Hello Alice resource platform has partnered with companies such as eBay and Verizon to distribute funds through the COVID-19 Business For All Grant program. Through this program, qualifying small businesses can receive a $10,000 grant.

Qualifying for this grant is easy. The program is open to any US-based business that does not engage in illegal or illegitimate activities. All entrants must sign up for a Hello Alice account and complete the online application. Winners will be selected based on their need for funds and how grant funds will be used. You can learn more about this grant and submit your application through Hello Alice.

Supermaker’s Entrepreneurial Dream Project

• Eligibility Criteria: New businesses or businesses that haven’t yet launched, less than $2.5 million in gross annual revenue, and an active business website and social media account
• Open & Close Date: Applications are closed as of June 22, 2020

Supermaker’s Entrepreneurial Dream Project is aimed at new businesses or businesses that haven’t even gotten off the ground yet that have been impacted by the coronavirus. Two winners will be selected to split a grant of $100,000. Ten additional winners will be chosen to receive mentoring through the Supermaker Mentor Network.

Businesses that made their products available in 2019 or later are eligible. Businesses that have not yet launched may also apply. Existing businesses must have less than $2.5 million in gross annualized revenue. Products must currently be sold or ready to sell within six months of applying to qualify. Eligible entrants must also have a US-based business, an active website, and social media accounts showing entrepreneurial activity.

Winners will be picked based on certain criteria, including the business’s mission statement, sustainability, and proposed use of funds. Winners will be announced in July.

The Conductor Foundation

• Eligibility Criteria: Nonprofit organizations
• Open & Close Date: Applications currently closed, will reopen spring 2021

The Conductor Foundation grant program is different than other grants on this list. First, it’s open to nonprofit organizations. It also isn’t a monetary grant but does offer more opportunities for growth and online visibility.

Winners of this grant will receive Conductor Searchlight SEO technology, Keyword Discovery Services, and ongoing support from the team at Conductor.

Applicants do not have to be affected by COVID-19 to qualify, and this contest is ongoing. Interested nonprofits can learn more and submit a one-page application directly through The Conductor Foundation.

Amazon’s Neighborhood Small Business Relief Fund

• Eligibility Criteria: Small businesses with less than $7 million in annual revenue or fewer than 50 employees and that are located in select neighborhoods in Seattle and Bellevue
• Open & Close Date: Applications are currently closed

Amazon has created the $5 million Neighborhood Small Business Relief Fund to provide financial assistance to small businesses located in select Washington State neighborhoods. The amount of each award varies and will be determined based on information received during the application process. Funds should be used to cover day-to-day operational expenses and to improve cashflow.

Businesses must be located within close proximity to Amazon’s offices in Regrade, South Lake Union, and Bellevue to qualify. All eligible entrants must have less than $7 million in annual revenue or fewer than 50 employees. The grant program is open to any business that is open to the public and relies heavily on foot traffic.

PBA COVID-19 Relief Fund

• Eligibility Criteria: Licensed beauty professionals unable to work as a result of COVID-19
• Open & Close Date: Ongoing until funds are depleted

Licensed beauty professionals that have been unable to work due to the coronavirus can apply for a grant through the Professional Beauty Association COVID-19 Relief Fund. Eligible entrants will receive a $500 Visa gift card that can be used to purchase supplies or cover immediate expenses.

A lottery process is used to determine winners of this grant. To date, over $1 million has been distributed to help beauty professionals, and the contest will be ongoing until funds are depleted.

Interested applicants must submit an application. The PBA also offers FAQs that give more details on this funding opportunity.

CND x BCL Nail Professional Relief Grant

• Eligibility Criteria: Licensed nail professionals employed for at least 12 months that are currently not receiving an income
• Open & Close Date: Submissions will be accepted through June 30, 2020

Beauty Changes Lives, through a donation by CND Creative Nail Design, will be awarding grants to nail professionals that have lost their income as a result of COVID-19. Each winner will receive temporary financial relief through a one-time $1,000 grant.

This program is open to licensed beauty professionals that have been employed for at least 12 months as of March 16, 2020. Eligible applicants must also reside in the US and must not currently be receiving an income.

In addition to submitting an application, entrants must also write an essay of more than 200 words and provide documentation proving identity, number of dependents, licensure, and other information. Submissions will be accepted through the end of May 2020, and winners will be selected through July. Check out Beauty Changes Lives to learn more about this program and to sign up for a chance to win.

The Red Backpack Fund

• Eligibility Criteria: Woman-owned businesses and nonprofits affected by COVID-19
• Open & Close Date: Application rounds will open on June 1, July 6, and August 3

The Spanx by Sara Blakely Foundation has donated $5 million and partnered with GlobalGiving to help female entrepreneurs through The Red Backpack Fund. This fund will provide a minimum of 1,000 grants of $5,000 each to female entrepreneurs impacted by the coronavirus. Recipients will also receive an All-Access Pass to MasterClass for mentorship opportunities.

This grant program is open to US-based businesses that are at least 51% women-owned. Eligible entrants must have an EIN, at least one employee but no more than 50, and annual revenue that does not exceed $5 million.

There will be multiple rounds of funding for these grants. Application periods are June 1-June 8, July 6-July 13, and August 3-August 10. If your business is interested, check out the FAQs or submit your application. If the fund currently isn’t accepting applications, you can sign up for email updates to be notified when the next round of submissions is open.

The Doonie Fund

• Eligibility Criteria: Black female entrepreneurs affected by COVID-19
• Open & Close Date: Undetermined

The Doonie Fund was launched by digitalundivided CEO Kathryn Finney to support and empower black female entrepreneurs. The fund was launched on April 5, 2020, and has helped over 500 women to date.

To qualify, all entrants must be an entrepreneur that identifies as both black and female. Eligible recipients must also have been impacted by COVID-19. Recipients will receive $100 to help their business. This is an ongoing fund with no announced submission deadlines, although it appears you can no longer apply for the COVID-19 program through the site.

You can check out The Doonie Fund page to learn more about the program.

Grants Worth Watching

While some grant programs aren’t currently accepting submissions, there are a few that may offer more funding opportunities in the future.

Visa Foundation COVID-19 Emergency Relief

The Visa Foundation has committed $10 million to provide immediate relief to organizations on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. So far, the foundation has distributed $8.8 million in grant funds to organizations, including UNICEF, Feeding America, and Red Cross.

Visa Foundation Small & Micro Business Program

The Visa Foundation has also committed $200 million over the next five years to support small businesses, micro-businesses, and the economic advancement of women. Of these funds, $60 million will be allocated to non-government organizations worldwide that support small businesses and micro-businesses. The remaining funds will be allocated to investment partners that generate returns for these businesses.

Facebook Small Business Grants Program

Facebook is providing small business grants for up to 30,000 recipients through its Small Business Grants Program. The two-week window to submit an application for a portion of this $100 million fund is closed to US businesses. However, businesses in other nations may still be eligible to apply. Additional resources may be made available in the future.

Horst Rechelbacher Relief Fund

The Horst Rechlebacher Relief Fund provides $1,000 grants to unemployed licensed beauty professionals or students enrolled in a licensing program. Although the submission deadline has already passed, interested professionals can keep an eye on the Beauty Changes Lives website for updates.

Other Resources For Coronavirus-Affected Businesses

If you need immediate funding or don’t qualify for any of these grants, you still have options to keep your business afloat during this pandemic. An abundance of resources are available through our COVID-19 hub, including industry-specific survival guides, emergency funding options, credit card payment assistance, and more. We’re continually updating and adding new content to make sure that business owners like you have the financial support and resources needed to weather this storm. Good luck!