For many small business owners, the search for grants, or what people often call “free money,” can quickly become overwhelming. Information online is often outdated, incomplete, or unclear, and business owners find themselves spending hours trying to sort through conflicting resources.
As trusted advisors to entrepreneurs, Community CPA is committed to helping you understand what funding opportunities actually exist in 2025 and beyond, and how they may fit into your broader financial and growth strategies. Whether your business operates in Iowa, Minnesota, or Texas, or you are exploring nationwide options, this guide highlights legitimate grant programs that may be worth your attention this year.
Understanding Small Business Grants in 2025
While grant funding is still available, it remains limited, highly competitive, and subject to economic and policy changes. Federal uncertainties, regulatory shifts, and tightened budgets have reduced certain programs, but meaningful opportunities still exist across:
- Federal grant programs
- State-level initiatives
- Corporate and private grants
- Nonprofit-funded competitions
Below, we break down what business owners should know.
1. Federal Grants for Small Businesses
Two of the most reliable federal funding sources for small businesses in 2025 are the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, together known as America’s Seed Fund. These initiatives are designed to support early-stage, high-risk innovation and help businesses move new technologies toward commercialization.
To qualify, your company must be a U.S. owned, for-profit business with fewer than 500 employees. If you are considering applying, SBIR.gov is the best place to begin exploring open opportunities and agency-specific requirements. Keep in mind that all federal grant applicants must register through SAM.gov before applying, and that process can take time, so it’s important to start early.
2. State Grants and Loan Programs
Iowa Programs
- State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI): Helps cover collateral requirements to secure loans.
- Iowa Innovation Acceleration Fund: Up to $1 million in support for technology and advanced manufacturing.
- Demonstration Fund: Up to $100,000 for market-ready products with strong commercialization potential.
Minnesota Programs
- Export Financing Program: Offers support with working capital and export-related risk.
- Promise Act Grants: $10,000–$50,000 for small businesses located in 20 designated southern counties.
- DOT Civil Rights Microgrant: Up to $3,500 in reimbursements for small businesses seeking state contracts.
Texas Programs
- Skills for Small Business Program: Workforce training reimbursements of $2,000 per new employee and $1,000 per existing employee through community colleges.
3. Private and Corporate Grant Opportunities
- Amplifier Grant
Funding: $5,000 (rolling)
Fee: $15
Focus: Social impact projects - DoorDash Local Business Relief Fund
Helps businesses recover from natural disasters
Deadline: January 5, 2026 - FedEx Entrepreneur Fund
Includes a 12-week accelerator plus grants up to $10,000
Deadline: November 21, 2025 - Amber Grant for Women
$25,000 monthly grants + $25,000 annual award
Fee: $15
Focus: Women-owned businesses - Wish Local Empowerment Program
Funding: $500–$2,000
Eligibility: Black-owned retail shops with <20 employees
4. Nonprofit-Based Grants
- Immigrant Entrepreneur Summit – Business Pitch Competition
Prize: $5,000
Deadline: October 31, 2025
For early-stage immigrant-owned businesses - NASE Growth Grants
Amount: $4,000
Requirement: Minimum 3-month NASE membership - Second Service Foundation
Supports veteran, spouse, and Gold Star family entrepreneurs
Rolling deadlines; amounts vary - Black Girl Ventures Pitch Competition
Funding: $5,000–$15,000
Deadline: November 7, 2025
For under-resourced women founders
Final Thoughts: Grants Are Helpful, But Not a Strategy
While grants can provide a meaningful boost, they should complement, not replace, a strong financial plan. In today’s environment, relying on grants alone is not sustainable. Instead, they work best as part of a well-rounded approach that includes budgeting, forecasting, tax planning, and sound business strategy.
About Community CPA
At Community CPA, our goal is to help entrepreneurs build resilient, financially healthy businesses. If you are exploring grants or preparing an application, we are here to support you with guidance on tax implications, documentation, and long-term planning. Schedule an appointment with a tax and accounting expert on our team and leave no financial opportunity uncovered.
