Small business grants provide crucial funding that doesn’t need to be repaid, but securing these opportunities can be highly competitive. To help you navigate the current landscape, we’ve curated five small business grants currently accepting applications in February 2026. Each offers unique benefits and eligibility criteria, ensuring there’s an opportunity for various types of business models.
Let’s explore these funding opportunities that could give your business the boost it needs to thrive this year.
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- For Community-Focused Businesses
- For Small Teams
- For Overlooked Entrepreneurs
- For Retail Stores
- For Ambitious Startups
1. Intuit QuickBooks x Mailchimp Small Business Hero Program
The Intuit QuickBooks and Mailchimp Small Business Hero Program is currently in its third phase, awarding grants to U.S. small businesses that demonstrate courage, perseverance, and integrity. Three winners are chosen each quarter to receive significant funding and resources to help grow their business.
Award and Benefits
- $20,000 grant to support your business goals.
- Social media promotion to increase visibility.
- Free access to QuickBooks and Mailchimp services to streamline operations.
Key Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a U.S.-based small business owner aged 18 or older.
- Business must have been operating for at least one year.
- Must have 99 or fewer employees.
- Winners are selected based on their story of resilience and community impact.
Deadline
Feb. 14, 2026
2. The UPS Store Small Biz Challenge
The UPS Store Small Biz Challenge is an exciting opportunity for entrepreneurs ready to showcase their business skills. This competition offers substantial financial rewards and the chance to gain national exposure.
Award and Benefits
- $25,000 grand prize for the winner.
- Two finalists receive $5,000 each.
- Mentorship opportunities with business experts.
- A feature in Inc. Magazine for the winning company.
Key Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a U.S.-based small business.
- Must have nine or fewer full-time employees.
- Finalists must be willing to compete in front of a live audience.
Deadline
Feb. 22, 2026
3. Secretsos™ Small Business Grant
The Secretsos™ Small Business Grant is designed to help entrepreneurs overcome challenges and accelerate their growth. This grant specifically targets business owners who are often overlooked by traditional funding sources, such as women, minorities, and veterans.
Award and Benefits
- $2,500 in funding with full discretion on how to use it.
- Support for businesses at any stage, from startup to growth phase.
Key Eligibility Criteria
- Business owner must be at least 21 years old.
- Must operate a legally registered business in the U.S.
- Must be a traditionally underserved business (e.g., denied a bank loan, woman-owned, minority-owned, or located in a low-income area).
Deadline
March 31, 2026 (Q1 application window)
4. Faire Small Business Grant
The Faire Small Business Grant program continues to support independent retailers. This grant is specifically designed to help new retail businesses stock their shelves with high-quality inventory without the upfront cost burden.
Award and Benefits
- $5,000 in Faire.com credit to purchase wholesale inventory.
- Access to a wide range of wholesale brands to help build your store’s product selection.
- Credit must be used within six months.
Key Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a U.S. or Canada-based independent retail store owner.
- Store must have opened within the last year or plan to open this year.
- Applicants must provide business details and a short video about their store vision.
Deadline
March 31, 2026 (Applications close on the last day of each quarter.)
5. 500 Global Flagship Accelerator Program
Startups and small businesses can apply year-round to the 500 Global Flagship Accelerator program. This is a robust opportunity for businesses seeking not just capital, but intensive mentorship and scaling support in San Francisco.
Award and Benefits
- $150,000 investment for your business.
- Participation in a four-month accelerator program.
- Mentorship and resources from a global network of experts.
Key Eligibility Criteria
- Open to startups and small businesses with high growth potential.
- Program is based in San Francisco.
- Applicants are evaluated on their business model and scalability.
Deadline
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Start Growing with Small Business Grants
With careful preparation and a strong application, you could secure the funding needed to transform your business in 2026. Each of these grants offers unique advantages, from inventory credits to unrestricted cash, so consider applying to the programs that best align with your business model.
For additional help with your application process, reach out to your local Small Business Development Center. SBDC experts can provide guidance on grant writing, business planning, and application strategies.
