Central Florida
Business Challenge & Grant Opportunities
Toyota Ventures
Toyota Ventures is on a mission to explore what’s next by helping early-stage startups bring disruptive technologies and business models to market quickly. As they pursue this goal, they are committed to finding and funding the best entrepreneurs from around the world. Toyota Ventures value different approaches and points of view, and believe diversity drives innovation. Learn more about their portfolio, team, and approach on their website.
Global Impact Cash Grant Program
Cisco welcomes applications for Global Impact Cash Grants from community partners around the world who share our vision and offer an innovative approach to a critical social challenge. They identify, incubate, and develop innovative solutions with the most impact. Global Impact Cash Grants go to nonprofit organizations (NPOs) and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) that address a significant social problem. Cisco is looking for programs that fit within their investment areas, serve the underserved, and use technology to improve the reach and efficiency of services. Cisco accepts applications year-round from eligible organizations.
Previous Opportunities
The following information is for research and informational purposes only.
Please contact each contest host for more information about their grant and whether they will do it again this year.
Fast Break for Small Business
Now in its third season, Fast Break for Small Business is the largest grant program for small business owners.* The program aims to assist business owners with the tools and resources they need to start and grow their businesses—the perfect play. This opportunity is designed to support both established and budding business ventures with the most significant distribution of funding for small business owners in recent years.* Application Deadline: September 13th.
Black Ambition
Black Ambition finds, funds, and fuels the businesses of the future. Most importantly, we believe that the future looks like you. The Black Ambition Prize competition provides a platform for Black and Hispanic founders across the nation to access growth capital, coaching, and a curated community of innovators and mentors. Eligible applicants consist of Black and Hispanic innovators building early-stage ventures across five distinct categories. Application deadline: Friday, May 17, 2024.
Galaxy Grant
Enter for a chance to win our new $2,750 Galaxy Grant, brought to you by Hidden Star, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with an 8-year track record. Galaxy grants only takes 30 seconds to enter! Deadline to enter is March 31st, 2024 and the winner(s) will be announced the following week! Application deadline: Sunday, March 31, 2024.
FedEx Small Business Grant
The FedEx Small Business Grants Program is an exclusive benefit for our customers. You need to have opened a FedEx business account before September 1, 2023. If you’ve had a FedEx account for at least six months and meet these requirements, let’s go!
I’m based in the U.S.
My business has fewer than 99 employees.
I’ve been in business for at least six months.
I ship with FedEx.
Application deadline: Monday, April 1, 2024.
Gusto Impact Award
Hey Atlanta, Austin, and Orlando! Small businesses all around you benefit their communities—and it’s time they got some recognition. That’s why we’re kicking off the Gusto Impact Awards: to celebrate small businesses powering cities like yours. Share your small business story for a chance at a $50,000 advertising package, $10,000 cash, and one year of free Gusto payroll services (even if you’re not already on Gusto!). Application deadline: Thursday, March 14, 2024 at 7pm EST
UPS Store Small Biz Challenge
It’s time to enter your small business into The UPS Store Small Biz Challenge for an opportunity to compete to win a share of the total prize pool of $35,000 for your business, a feature in Inc. magazine and the opportunity to introduce your business to a national audience at a live event in Miami, Florida. To enter, tell us below about your business and what makes it unstoppable. Application deadline: Friday, March 8, 2024.
Barclays Small Business Big Wins
Small business ownership can be rewarding, challenging, liberating — a meaningful way to live out your dreams or play an important role in your community. What’s your small business story? Explain how your business is adjusting to the current economy. Demonstrate your perseverance, creativity and passion for your business. How do your business products or services impact others and/or the community? Winning stories will receive one of 60 cash prizes (not a grant) starting at $2,000, with a Grand Prize of $60,000. Application deadline: Monday, March 4, 2024.