June 26, 2020 By SmartBiz Team

SmartBiz Grant Program
Empowering entrepreneurs across the United States

Apply for a $5,000 grant from SmartBiz

At SmartBiz®, we understand the playing field is not level for all small business owners, especially when it comes to financing. We're proud to facilitate over 60% of funded loans from our bank network to minority-owned, woman-owned and veteran-owned businesses, and we're excited to continue supporting businesses that need our help.

The SmartBiz Grant Program will offer five $5,000 grants for a total of $25,000 to eligible minority, woman or veteran-owned businesses in the U.S.

Check your eligibility and fill out the form below to submit your application by 12am PST on November 30, 2022.

Applications will be reviewed based on criteria designed to prioritize businesses that are facing challenges, and the final grantees will be randomly selected from the top-scoring applicants.

Eligibility Requirements

Business owner(s) must have:

Applied for financing through SmartBiz between January 1, 2022 and September 30, 2022
Less than 50 employees (Sole Proprietorships are also eligible)
Valid business license
Minority, veteran, or woman-owned business
At least two years in operation
An ability to complete an interview about impact and use of funds after distribution
Signed the media release form
Submitted the grant application before 12am PST on November 30, 2022

For more information, view the grant rules and FAQ here.

Grant Application

First Name ^*

Last Name ^*

Phone Number ^*

Email ^*

Business Name ^*

Website

Business Address ^*

How long have you been in business? ^* 1+ year 2+ years 3+ years 4+ years 5+ years

How many employees does your business have? ^*

What need does your small business have that you haven't been able to finance? ^*

How would the grant funds be used? ^*

I acknowledge that all of the information provided in this application is valid and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I also acknowledge that I have read and understood the Eligibility Requirements of a SmartBiz SmallBiz Grant recipient and consent to their fulfillment if I am awarded a grant by SmartBiz Loans. ^*

I agree

Applications have now closed. Thank you for your interest!

First Name ^*

Last Name ^*

Phone Number ^*

Email ^*

Business Name ^*

Website

Business Address ^*

How long have you been in business? ^*
1+ year2+ year3+ year4+ year5+ year

How many employees does your business have? ^*

Please check all that apply:
Minority ownedVeteran ownedWoman owned

What need does your small business have that you haven't been able to finance? ^*

How would the grant funds be used? ^*

I acknowledge that all of the information provided in this application is valid and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I also acknowledge that I have read and understood the Eligibility Requirements of a SmartBiz Grant recipient and consent to their fulfillment if I am awarded a grant by SmartBiz Loans. ^*

SmartBiz Grant Program Rules

Eligibility: Applicants may apply for one business only and must be 18 years of age to apply for the SmartBiz Grant Program ("Program"). For owners with multiple businesses, please submit the application based on your largest business. Each grant is limited to one individual/business. Sole proprietors are eligible.

Awards will be available to qualified businesses, and eligibility is based on accurate and complete submission. Priority will be given to enterprises in historically under-served communities who traditionally have less reliable access to capital.

Non-profit organizations are ineligible for the Program.

Privacy: Information provided through the application process is the responsibility of each applicant. Applications remain confidential to the public and fellow applicants. Applicants will not hold SmartBiz®, its affiliates, members, partners, and staff liable for any losses, damages, costs, or expenses, of any kind relating to the use or the adequacy, accuracy, or completeness of any information in the form.

Conflict of Interest: Current directors, officers, employees and contractors of SmartBiz and such individuals' family members (spouse, parents, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and spouses of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren) are not eligible to apply for this grant.

Publicity: Once funds are distributed, SmartBiz will promote across our social media channels and in other SmartBiz communications, including but not limited to, customer newsletters, news media, emails, and social media. Applicant grants to SmartBiz a perpetual license to use such information without additional compensation (except where prohibited by law), and without any right to review and/or approve such content.

Monitoring: SmartBiz will conduct interviews with business owners who receive funds about the impact of the grant to be used in other SmartBiz communications, including but not limited to, customer newsletters, blog posts, news media, and social media.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my application once it’s been submitted?

No. Applications are final and may not be changed once submitted.

Do applicants receive confirmation once the application has been submitted?

Each completed application should trigger a confirmation screen that says the application was successfully submitted.

How will I be contacted or know if I received the grant?

SmartBiz will primarily use email to contact recipients. Please check your Inbox, as well as your Spam folders to avoid miscommunication.

When will recipients be notified?

On or about December 20, 2022 with an expectation of confidentiality until SmartBiz announces the winners in January 2023.

When will funds from the grant be distributed?

Grant funds will be scheduled to issue within 2 weeks of recipients receiving notification. SmartBiz is not responsible for mail delays.

When do funds from the grant need to be used?

By December 31, 2023.

What can funds be used for?

Repairs, inventory, new hires, marketing, etc. are acceptable uses of grant funds.

Does anything need to be repaid?

No, these grants do not need to be repaid. However, any taxes associated with the acceptance and/or uses of the funds are the sole responsibility of the individual grantee. Cash awarded will be reported to the IRS as SmartBiz deems necessary according to applicable law.

Is this grant taxable?

Yes, the grant is taxable. Please consult with your tax professional for further information. SmartBiz will require a W9 from the recipient.

SmartBiz Grant Program