Rural entrepreneurs and small business owners heading into 2026 are navigating unique challenges, including limited access to capital, workforce constraints, and the need to compete in an increasingly digital economy. Below are several small business grants designed to help rural entrepreneurs start, expand, and modernize their operations while strengthening our local communities. Bookmark this page and check back often for updated information as new funding opportunities become available.
Intuit Quickbooks offers $20,000 grant program
The Intuit Quickbooks & Mailchip Small Business Hero Program recognizes small-business owners who have shown “courage, perseverance and integrity” in their communities with a $20,000 grant. Three businesses will be recognized with grants and also will receive access to Quickbooks and Mailchimp services. Applicants must be U.S.-based businesses that have been in operation for at least a year, be registered with their local secretary of state, and have no more than 99 employees. Applications are accepted across four “phases” throughout the year, with the next application deadline February 14, 2026, and the following one on May 15, 2026.
Follow this link for additional information: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/offers/small-business-hero-program/
Thrive Grant
The Thrive Grant is offered on a rolling basis throughout the year. The winner is given a $5,000 grant. The next application cycle closes on Jan. 31, 2026, followed by April 30, July 31 and October 31, with winners typically notified usually within 45 days. Applicants must have demonstrated an impact on the surrounding community, such as new jobs, new products or making services more accessible. Applicants are strongly preferred to have been in operation more than a year and must be generating revenue prior to the grant.
Follow this link for additional information: https://www.breva.ai/thrive-grant
Amber Grant gives out $50,000 a month
The Amber Grant created in 1998 to empower women-business owners, and every month WomensNet and the Amber Grant award a $30,000 grant and three $10,000 grants to women-owned businesses. $50,000 grants are given to one of the monthly award-winners at the end of the year. As long as the business is 50% or more women-owned and operates in the United States and Canada, it is eligible to apply. The deadline is the last day of the month by midnight.
Follow this link for additional information: https://ambergrantsforwomen.com/get-an-amber-grant/apply-now/
Verizon’s Small Business Digital Ready Program:
Business owners who sign up for the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready online community will be eligible to apply for grants throughout the year. The company provides up to $1 million in grant funding a year.
Follow this link for additional information: https://digitalready.verizonwireless.com/
Hey Helen Grant Program
The Hey Helen grant program offers a $10,000 grant to women entrepreneurs building mission-driven, for-profit businesses in the United States. Eligible applicants must be 100% women-owned businesses, generate less than $1 million in annual revenue, and have a U.S.-based business bank account. Nonprofits are not eligible, and applicants must be at least 18 years old and legal U.S. residents. Applications are due by April 30, 2026.
Additional information can be found at this link: https://visionaries.co/helen-grant/