GrantTrek

Self-employed grants

Grants for Self-Employed Business Owners

Self-employed owners often need smaller, simpler grants rather than complex federal programs. This list focuses on recurring and broad opportunities that may fit solo or very small businesses.

This page is curated from official source pages. GrantTrek does not guarantee eligibility, deadlines, or awards. Verify every opportunity with the funder before applying.

Quick facts

Last updated2026-06-27
AudienceSelf-employed owners and microbusinesses
Verified grants6
Source ruleOfficial funder pages only

Selected grants

1
active Main Street General Business

NASE Growth Grants

The National Association for the Self-Employed offers Growth Grants worth up to $4,000 for NASE members' small business needs such as marketing, hiring, facilities, equipment, and training. Applications are accepted year-round and reviewed quarterly, but applicants must meet NASE membership requirements.

Best for Self-employed owners with practical business growth expenses.
Why it fits NASE Growth Grants are explicitly connected to the National Association for the Self-Employed.
Watch out NASE membership is required.
Up to $4,000 Award range Applications accepted year-round and reviewed quarterly; NASE membership required Deadline
2
active Main Street General Business

Freed Fellowship Monthly Small Business Grant

Freed Fellowship runs a monthly small-business grant program for US micro and small business owners. Each selected Freed Fellow receives a $500 no-strings-attached grant and is considered for a $2,500 year-end grant.

Best for Solo and microbusiness owners seeking a small recurring grant.
Why it fits The official program is designed for US micro and small business owners.
Watch out The grant is small and the application page lists a fee.
$500 monthly grant; selected fellows considered for $2,500 year-end grant Award range Monthly rolling application; official page lists an application fee Deadline
3
active Main Street General Business

WomensNet Amber Grant

WomensNet's official Amber Grant page says it awards a $10,000 Amber Grant each month, and one of the 12 monthly recipients receives an additional $25,000 Amber Grant.

Best for Self-employed women business owners who can apply monthly.
Why it fits Amber Grant has a recurring monthly rhythm and explicitly supports women-owned small businesses.
Watch out Women-owned eligibility and current monthly application rules should be verified.
$10,000 monthly grant; one annual $25,000 grant for a monthly recipient Award range Monthly application cycle Deadline
4
active Main Street General Business

IFundWomen Universal Grant Application

IFundWomen by Honeycomb Credit presents an official grant application page for startups, small businesses, founders, and entrepreneurs to apply for grants and be matched with funding opportunities.

Best for Solo founders who want a broad grant matching path.
Why it fits The universal application can match founders to opportunities as they become available.
Watch out Submitting a universal application does not mean a grant is currently available.
Varies by matched IFundWomen grant opportunity Award range Rolling universal application; individual grant deadlines vary Deadline
5
active Main Street General Business

Verizon Small Business Digital Ready 2026 Grants

Verizon Small Business Digital Ready offers free small-business courses, coaching, networking, and 2026 grant opportunities. The official page says applications for 2026 $10,000 grants are open and asks businesses to register to learn more.

$10,000 grant opportunities Award range Open now; register on official Verizon Digital Ready page for current grant windows Deadline
6
active Main Street General Business

Galaxy Grants for Women and Minority Business Owners

Galaxy Grants is a small-business grant program from Hidden Star, a 501(c)(3), for women and minority business owners. The official page lists a current $4,250 grant, free application, and July 31, 2026 deadline.

$4,250 current grant Award range 2026-07-31 Deadline

How we selected these grants

  • The program must plausibly fit a solo owner, self-employed owner, or very small business.
  • Membership, fee, or profile requirements must be called out.
  • Complex research grants are excluded unless they have a clear solo-founder path.

Important caveats

  • Self-employed grants are often smaller than state or federal awards.
  • Some grants require membership, platform registration, or recurring applications.
  • Keep tax and business records ready even for simple grants.

FAQ

Can a self-employed person get a business grant?

Sometimes. The best fits are often private, foundation, membership, or local programs rather than complex federal grants.

Are self-employed grants large?

Usually not. Many realistic self-employed grants are microgrants or smaller recurring awards.

Are the grants on Grants for Self-Employed Business Owners guaranteed?

No. A grant listing is not a guarantee of eligibility, funding, or approval. GrantTrek uses official-source evidence to curate options, but the funder controls the current rules and award decisions.

Why does GrantTrek include recurring or forecasted grants?

Some useful small-business programs open in cycles. GrantTrek includes recurring or forecasted opportunities only when the official source gives enough evidence to explain the status and caveats.

What should I verify before applying?

Verify the current deadline, applicant type, location rules, eligible expenses, award amount, application steps, reporting requirements, and whether registration or membership is required.

What if a grant on this list is closed?

Treat closed or forecasted programs as planning signals, not open applications. Check the official page for the next cycle and compare active alternatives before spending time on an application.