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Forbes
21-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
3 Small Business Grants To Apply For Before Spring Ends
Despite record-high entrepreneurial interest, small business women-owners (especially women of color) continue to face systemic barriers to financing opportunities. According to the 2024 State of Women's Small Business Report by Block Advisors, nearly half of women entrepreneurs who applied for a bank loan have never been approved; 39% cited a lack of collateral, 37% were denied due to poor credit, and 15% received no explanation at all. The funding gap is even wider for women of color. Based on responses from over 6,000 small business owners, the report found that nearly three-quarters of BIPOC women face challenges securing loans, leaving many shut out of traditional capital pathways. As a result, 89% rely on personal savings and credit cards to fund their businesses, a strategy that can strain long-term financial stability. While some women of color are turning to platform ownership, such as podcasting, to grow their businesses, gain financial control and visibility, the data underscores a broader reality: grants have become essential tools for growth. Unlike loans, they provide non-repayable capital and often include access to professional services, mentorship, and community support. With deadlines approaching, the following three grant opportunities I've researched present a timely chance for small business owners to stabilize and scale their ventures this year. Backed by Block Advisors by H&R Block, the Fund Her Future Grant is offering $100,000 in total funding to help close the gender and racial wealth gap in small business ownership. The program will award one $50,000 grant, five $10,000 grants to women-led businesses, and a year of free expert services designed to help founders build sustainable growth engines. Recipients will receive support in tax preparation, bookkeeping, payroll management and business structure analysis, which are critical tools for women navigating entrepreneurship without access to traditional infrastructure. The grant is open to U.S.-based small business owners, regardless of whether they are sole proprietors or operate with a small team. To qualify, businesses must have earned at least $20,000 in revenue in 2024, and applicants must be at least 18 years old (or 19 in Alabama and Nebraska). Nonprofits are not eligible. According to Latasha Randle, Strategy and Small Business Program Manager at Block Advisors, the grant was created in response to deep disparities identified in small business funding. 'As we began to talk to small business owners, we identified the funding gap between men and women. For women of color, the gap was even greater,' Randle said in our conversation in the Brown Way To Money podcast. She adds that while bank loans often require credit history and financial documents, which many new founders do not yet have, this grant is centered more on the founder's story, asking questions like why the business exists and how it impacts the community. From Randle's perspective, the most successful applicants clearly articulate their "why" and show how funding would fuel measurable growth. 'This grant doesn't just give money,' she says. 'It provides services, too. So applicants should communicate how they'd benefit from having someone guide them through tax compliance, payroll, and financial planning.' Applications for the Fund Her Future Grant are open through May 30, 2025. Finalists will be selected for live interviews to share their stories in greater detail. Find more information for their application here. Now in its fifth year, the Backing Historic Small Restaurants grant program, presented by American Express in collaboration with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, is awarding $50,000 to 50 historic, independently owned restaurants across the United States. The initiative recognizes these establishments' cultural and community value and seeks to help them remain anchored in their neighborhoods amid economic uncertainty. To be eligible, restaurants must be located in historic or older buildings or neighborhoods, contribute to the cultural identity of their community, and tell a compelling story of culinary tradition or local impact. The program is geared toward small establishments with fewer than 100 employees that have been disproportionately affected by economic challenges, disasters, or other disruptions. At least $40,000 of each grant must be used toward public-facing exterior improvements such as signage, lighting, murals, or outdoor seating areas. Up to $10,000 may be used for operations or unrestricted business needs, including digital upgrades. Technical assistance is available to help with project planning and preservation-sensitive improvements. If they obtain landlord approval for renovations, restaurants leasing their buildings can still apply. Applications and public nominations will be accepted through May 30, 2025, but only restaurant owner-submitted applications will be considered for funding. Strong community support, a straightforward historical narrative, and alignment with preservation goals will weigh heavily in the selection process. Find more information about this small business grant here. As part of its ongoing commitment to small business resilience, Verizon is awarding 50 small businesses $10,000 grants this year through its Digital Ready platform, in partnership with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC). Since 2021, Verizon has invested $13.5 million in small business grants awarded to skincare businesses, beauty e-commerce, and others. This round aims to further equip founders with both capital and access to education. To unlock the application, business owners must complete any two eligible courses or virtual events on the Digital Ready platform between January 1 and June 30, 2025 which can take about 30 minutes to one hour to complete. The platform offers hundreds of free tools tailored to small business growth, including marketing, financial management, and operations workshops. Once that requirement is fulfilled, applicants may submit their grant proposals through June 30, 2025. The grant is open to for-profit, U.S.-based businesses owned by individuals 18 or older. Nonprofits are not eligible, and applicants must be able to verify business and financial information if selected. While previous Digital Ready grant recipients may reapply, priority is given to first-time applicants. By blending educational access with real financial support, this grant program creates a meaningful pipeline for entrepreneurs looking to enhance their operations, expand their knowledge, and increase sustainability in a changing market. Find more information about this small business grant here. The bottom line is that programs like Fund Her Future, Verizon Digital Ready, and Backing Historic Small Restaurants go beyond writing checks; they deliver targeted support, visibility, and long-term growth potential. For small business owners ready to take the next step, these opportunities offer more than funding; they represent recognition, validation, and a tangible path forward. With application deadlines rapidly approaching, now is the time to act.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
H&R Block's ‘Fund Her Future' Grant Returns to Empower Women-owned Small Businesses
Block Advisors by H&R Block has announced its second annual 'Fund Her Future' grant for U.S. women-owned small businesses. The program will highlight six women-owned small and midsize businesses that have both high growth and community impact — with $100,000 of total money awarded and a year of SMB services from Block Advisors, which is valued at nearly $30,000. More from WWD Gabriela Hearst, Willy Chavarria and Padma Lakshmi Turn Up for ACLU Event Tariffs, Inflation and Rising Debt: The Perfect Storm Pressuring U.S. Consumers and Small Businesses Black Fashion Fair Readies for Its First Symposium This year's grant will fund one SMB $50,000 and the other five potential recipients will receive $10,000 in grant money. The 2025 program will award up to one SMB owner a grant package of $50,000. Up to five additional recipients will receive a $10,000 grant. All recipients will receive a year of access to Block Advisors' SMB services. H&R Block is especially looking to award businesses that have demonstrated a commitment to their communities. Authors of Block Advisor's '2024 State of Women's Small Business Report,' found that women entrepreneurs face more barriers than men in accessing capital and resources. The report found that 42 percent of women business owners who applied for bank loans were never approved and nearly 90 percent of women reported relying on their own personal finances and credit cards to help fund their businesses as a result of inaccessible funding. 'Amplifying women-owned businesses is about more than just supporting entrepreneurs — it's about fostering innovation, diversity and resilience in every industry,' said Lastasha Randle, strategy and SMB program manager at Block Advisors by H&R Block. 'When we uplift women, we create opportunities for fresh perspectives and solutions that benefit everyone. By championing these businesses, we're not only driving economic growth but also inspiring the next generation of leaders to dream big and break barriers.' Block Advisors by H&R Block said that last year's program received more than 6,000 applications and was awarded to five women whose businesses achieved growth with the company's resources. Grant winners from last year include Heather Jiang, owner of Allégorie, a New York-based small-batch accessories brand that turns food waste into fashion; Erica Cole, owner of No Limbits, a Richmond, Va.-based accessible apparel brand for people with lower limb difference, limited hand and arms dexterity, sensory processing challenges and wheelchair users and Ameka Coleman, owner of Strands of Faith, a Pearl, Miss.-based brand who created nontoxic hair care products for textured hair. 'I never envisioned becoming an entrepreneur, but I created No Limbits when I saw a gap in the disability market,' Cole said. 'After losing my leg in a car accident, I struggled with dressing myself and began altering my clothes to fit around my prosthetic, which soon turned into helping others with limb differences. With the Fund Her Future grant from Block Advisors, I've been able to scale the business and introduce our adaptive apparel to a wider audience, helping more people in the disability community.' With the support, Cole said she used it to scale her business, including launching her collection in Walmart and was acquired by adaptive apparel company Buck & Buck. 'The grant from Block Advisors by H&R Block boosted my confidence and gave me validation at just the right time,' Coleman said. 'It was a powerful reminder to keep believing in myself and my vision, even when things get tough. Since receiving the grant, we've on boarded two hospital networks and expanded our reach — proving that when you bet on yourself and have the right support, anything is possible. Beyond the grant, Block Advisors' small business support has been invaluable.' Coleman also shared that her company is projecting a 400 percent increase in revenue — all thanks to the onboarding of the additional hospital networks with support from the grant. Applications for the 'Fund Her Future' grant program are open now until May 30. 'As a small business owner myself, I understand the unique challenges that independent entrepreneurs face every day. Real support — both financial and human — can make all the difference and that is what makes this grant so special,' Randle concluded. Best of WWD The Definitive Timeline for Sean 'Diddy' Combs' Sean John Fashion Brand: Lawsuits, Runway Shows and Who Owns It Now What the Highest-paid CEOs at U.S. Fashion and Retail Companies Make Confidence Holds Up, But How Much Can Consumers Take? Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Block Advisors by H&R Block Now Accepting Entries for Second Annual ‘Fund Her Future' Grant Program Created to Help Female Founders Thrive, Fuel Small Business Growth
The Block Advisors program will grant $100,000 total and a year of small business services to six women-owned businesses dedicated to improving their communities KANSAS CITY, Mo., April 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Block Advisors by H&R Block today announced the return of its Fund Her Future grant program. Starting today, applications are being accepted through May 30, 2025. In its second year, the 2025 program is recognizing six women-owned small businesses with high growth and community impact potential. Grant recipients will receive a combined award of $100,000 in funding plus a year of small business services from Block Advisors valued at nearly $30,000. Despite women being one of the fastest-growing segments of new small business owners, female entrepreneurs face more hurdles compared to male entrepreneurs when it comes to accessing capital and resources. The 2024 State of Women's Small Business Report by Block Advisors found that 42% of women business owners who applied for a bank loan were never approved, and nearly 90% of women reported relying on personal finances and credit cards to fund their ventures due to the lack of accessible funding. "We understand the challenges entrepreneurs face as they grow their businesses. They need more than just capital; they need trusted expertise that saves them time and puts their mind at ease," said Jamil Khan, Chief Small Business Officer at H&R Block. "That's why Fund Her Future provides not only financial support but also access to Block Advisors year-round small business services, including such business-critical services as tax preparation, payroll, bookkeeping and business structure analysis.' Fund Her Future Entries Now Open The 2025 program will award up to one small business owner a grant package of $50,000. Up to five additional recipients will receive a $10,000 grant. All winners will receive a year of access to Block Advisors small business services. To apply, applicants must be over 18 years old and an owner of a United States-based business. Other eligibility requirements can be found on the Fund Her Future website. Businesses that demonstrate community impact are especially encouraged to apply. Submissions to the 2025 Fund Her Future small business grant program are being accepted from April 28 through May 30. Recipients will be notified by the end of July. Driving Impact, Fueling Growth: The Success Stories of Fund Her Future 2024 Last year's Fund Her Future grant program received more than 6,000 applicants and awarded grants to five entrepreneurs whose businesses were poised to achieve growth with the right resources. Grant recipient Heather Jiang, who owns Allégorie, a NYC-based small-batch accessory line that turns food waste into fashion, leveraged her grant winnings to expand her product lines and hire additional staff. The Block Advisors services Jiang received as part of the grant package helped her position her company for long-term success. 'There is a sense of relief in handing off my bookkeeping to a Block Advisors expert,' Jiang explained. 'It frees up my time to focus on other aspects of the business. They ensure everything is handled properly. The recognition from the grant has been amazing, as well. We've seen a 50 percent increase in online traffic to our website since the 2024 grant was announced.' Erica Cole is the owner of Richmond-based No Limbits, an accessible apparel brand for people with lower limb differences, those with limited dexterity in their hands and arms, individuals with sensory processing challenges and wheelchair users. When asked about the impact of winning a Fund Her Future grant, Cole shared 'the funding and small business support from Block Advisors has allowed me to scale my business. It enabled me to launch my sensory-friendly collection in Walmart and acquire Buck & Buck, a leader in adaptive apparel.' Ameka Coleman, owner of Strands of Faith based in Pearl, MS, is a former healthcare professional who started her company after noticing many healthcare patients lacked access to non-toxic haircare products that celebrated their textured hair. 'This grant allowed us to onboard two more hospital networks, which significantly increases demand for our products. We're looking at a 400% increase in revenue from this workstream,' said Coleman. To learn more, including how to apply to the 2025 Fund Her Future Grant program, visit For more information about Block Advisors and its year-round services for small businesses, visit About H&R BlockH&R Block, Inc. (NYSE: HRB) provides help and inspires confidence in its clients and communities everywhere through global tax preparation services, financial products, and small-business solutions. The company blends digital innovation with human expertise and care as it helps people get the best outcome at tax time and also be better with money using its mobile banking app, Spruce. Through Block Advisors and Wave, the company helps small-business owners thrive with year-round bookkeeping, payroll, advisory, and payment processing solutions. For more information, visit H&R Block News. Media Contacts Media Relations: Erika O'Shea, (816) 585-6058, Media Desk: Mediadesk@ Investor Relations: Jordyn Eskijian, (816) 854-5674,
Associated Press
27-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Block Advisors by H&R Block to Provide Timely Support for The Home Depot's Pro Xtra Loyalty Members
KANSAS CITY, Mo., March 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Block Advisors by H&R Block and The Home Depot, the world's largest home improvement retailer, have collaborated for the 2025 tax season to help hardworking Pro customers offload stressful administrative business tasks. This robust collaboration offers significant benefits to Pro Xtra members, such as discounted services, including tax preparation, empowering them to focus on growing their business. 'Our initiative with The Home Depot helps Pro Xtra members navigate the complexities of running a business, such as taxes and bookkeeping,' says Jamil Khan, Chief Small Business Officer at H&R Block. 'Having experts that understand the tax codes relevant to the industry helps Pro Xtra members keep more of their hard-earned money.' The service launched earlier this month ahead of the fast-approaching April 15 tax filing deadline. Block Advisors is backed by 70 years of H&R Block expertise and has category-specific knowledge to help Pro Xtra members lower their tax liability. A Block Advisors tax pro can help business owners understand and leverage such deductions and credits as: 45L Tax Credit: This tax credit is available to eligible businesses who build or substantially renovate energy-efficient homes and offers significant tax-time upside. Deductions for equipment and property: With a Section 179 deduction, companies can capture tax savings on some big-ticket expenses like property purchases, office renovations, and necessary equipment. Professional materials deduction: The cost of materials and supplies can be deducted, depending on the timing of the usage. This often applies to things like cleaning supplies, production expenses, and shipping costs. Vehicle and mileage deductions: The costs of driving and maintaining a vehicle for business use can add up fast. Owners can write off many expenses related to the business use of a vehicle. As part of the collaboration, Pro Xtra members benefit from a special offer* on Block Advisors tax preparation and year-round services, including: $50 off tax preparation with a Small Business Certified Tax Pro $25 off DIY online tax preparation $25 off business formation services First month free, plus 10% off bookkeeping and payroll services The Home Depot Pro Xtra members can learn about Block Advisors' offer at The Home Depot Pro Desks and can also visit for more information on Block Advisors' tax preparation and year-round business services. *Discounts valid online or at participating Block Advisors or H&R Block U.S. offices. Additional restrictions apply. See The Home Depot Pro Desks for details. Void if transferred and where prohibited. No cash value. OBTP#B13696-BR ©2024 HRB Tax Group, Inc. About H&R Block H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE: HRB) provides help and inspires confidence in its clients and communities everywhere through global tax preparation services, financial products, and small-business solutions. The company blends digital innovation with human expertise and care as it helps people get the best outcome at tax time and also be better with money using its mobile banking app, Spruce. Through Block Advisors and Wave, the company helps small-business owners thrive with year-round bookkeeping, payroll, advisory, and payment processing solutions. For more information, visit H&R Block News.
