By Andy Medici
Small businesses are increasingly optimistic about the future, at least according to a survey by CNBC and SurveyMonkey, and there are several new business grant opportunities in March that can help them capitalize on growth opportunities.
It found about 28% of small-business owners said the economy was currently “excellent” or “good,” up from 23% during the fourth quarter of 2023. And about 35% of small-business owners expressed confidence in the Federal Reserve to control inflation — the highest it has been in two years.
Meanwhile, small-business owners, while worried about having enough skilled workers, are less worried about high interest rates hurting their bottom line — down from 61% in August of 2023 to just 33%, according to a recent survey by CBIZ Main Street Index. Meanwhile 44% are concerned about the implications of a possible recession, while just 31% are positive or very positive about the use of AI tools within their business.
But for businesses looking for fresh capital we have dug up some small business grants that businesses can apply for in March. We also have a more complete list of small business grants, loans and assistance programs for all of 2024.
The FedEx Small Business Grants Program
Every year, FedEx offers one small business a $50,000 grant and nine others a $20,000 grant to help grow their businesses. So far, the company has given away about $1.9 million in grants since 2012. Applicants must be existing FedEx customers with a valid shipping account that has been open at least six months.
The application window opens at noon on March 1, 2024, and closes at noon on April 1, 2024. Grants will be announced on May 16, 2024.
$10,000 grants from the NAACP and L’Oreal
The NAACP, the Hispanic Federation and L’Oreal USA will provide 40 one-time grants of $10,000 to small business and entrepreneurs in the beauty industry. Business can use the money to grow their inventory, refine marketing strategies and open new retail locations. This is the second round, and the deadline to apply is March 29, 2024, at 6 p.m.
Barclays offers up to $60,000 for small-business stories
London-based multinational bank Barclays PLC has rolled out its Small Business, Big Wins grant contest, in which small businesses from across the United States can provide a 500 word or less story about their business, alongside a photo, for the chance to win cash prizes.
Businesses need to demonstrate energy, enthusiasm and passion for their business and articulate their positive impact on their community. To be eligible businesses must have fewer than 100 employees and have less than $10 million in annual revenue — and nonprofits are not eligible to participate.
Barclays will award one $60,000 cash prize, one $40,000 cash prize, one $20,000 cash prize and seven $5,000 cash prizes along with 50 prizes of $2,000 each. Applications are due 5p.m. on March 4, 2024.
LegalZoom expands $3 million small-business grant program with NBA, WNBA
LegalZoom’s Fast Break for Small Business grant program, in partnership with the NBA and WNBA, will be awarding $1.5 million in grants to 150 small business owners and $1.5 million in products and services to 3,000 entrepreneurs looking to start their own business.
Small businesses that have been in operation for at least three months are eligible to apply for the individual $10,000 grants or up to $500 in LegalZoom products and services. Entrepreneurs are eligible to apply for up to $500 in LegalZoom products and services.
Winners will first be announced on social media and Action Opportunity Fund will administer the grant awards. Grant applications close on September 13, 2024 at 8 p.m.
Additional small-business grant opportunities in March:
- The UPS Store Small Biz Challenge, in partnership with Inc. Magazine, aims to give out $35,000 in prizes as part of a competition. Deadline is March 8, 2024.
- $10,000 grants from the Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund by DoorDash and Hello Alice. Deadline: March 29, 2024.
- Hello Alice offers $1,000 in “American Dream” grants to small businesses. Deadline: April 30, 2024.
- Women-owned businesses can apply for a $10,000 grant from Papaya Reusables. Deadline: March 31, 2024.
- $2,500 small business growth grant from Start.Pivot.Grow small business accelerator. Deadline: March 31, 2024.
- 2024 Halstead Grant for silver jewelry businesses offering more than $8,500. Deadline: May 1, 2024.
- The $2,750 Galaxy Grant Giveaway by Hidden Star Resources Master Class. Deadline: March 31, 2024.
Business owners looking for more grants, resources, technical assistance or loans to grow their business can check out our more extensive resource page too.
That includes grants with “rolling” admissions in which there is no application date, as well as additional SBA and government resources.