Get Money Friday
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A free, source-checked list of business grants, awards, and grant-style opportunities with fall 2026 deadlines—plus the honest details that help you decide what is worth your time.
Deadlines, funding, and terms can change. Verify every detail on the linked official page before applying. PrettyGirlCEO is not affiliated with the outside funders listed here.
OCT
7
grant dates
NOV
1
grant dates
DEC
2
grant dates
Fall for funding
The fastest way to use this list: skip anything outside your geography or stage, then give the best-fit application a real deadline on your calendar.
01
Red Letter Grant
Women who own at least 51% of a new Wisconsin business in one of the program's 18 eligible counties.
The business must generally be three years old or younger. Nonprofits, franchises, and expansions of older businesses are not eligible.
Deadline / key date
October 12, 2026 · 11:00 PM CT
Award
Three $2,000 grants + one $4,000 grant per region
Cash grant
Region
18 counties in western Wisconsin
Application fee
Free
02
Illinois Arts Council
Illinois artists age 21+ with an active, sustained practice and qualifying work samples.
Applicants must have been Illinois residents before October 14, 2025 and cannot be enrolled in a degree program during the award period.
Deadline / key date
October 14, 2026 · 11:59 PM
Award
$10,000 taxable award
Individual artist award
Region
Illinois
Application fee
No fee stated
03
Central Eastside Together
Businesses with a physical location in Portland’s Central Eastside Industrial District.
The public event or placemaking project must engage at least three CEID businesses or organizations and be completed by September 1, 2027.
Deadline / key date
October 20, 2026 · 11:59 PM
Award
Up to $8,000
Project grant
Region
Portland, Oregon · CEID
Application fee
No fee stated
04
Virginia Beach Development Authority
Qualified Virginia Beach microbusinesses, with emphasis on underserved founders and veterans.
A valid city business license, at least one year of operation, a pre-application workshop, a business plan, and counseling sessions are required.
Deadline / key date
October 30, 2026 · end of business day
Award
Up to $10,000
Reimbursement grant
Region
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Application fee
No fee stated
05
Hidden Star / Galaxy of Stars
Women and minority entrepreneurs at the idea, startup, or established-business stage.
The application is short and creates a free Galaxy Starter account. The official page says winners are announced the following week.
Deadline / key date
October 31, 2026
Award
$2,500
Cash grant
Region
United States
Application fee
Free
06
Entreprenista + IT Cosmetics
Women-founded or women-led registered businesses with $100,000+ annual revenue and 12+ months in operation.
Sole proprietorships and unregistered businesses are excluded. This is a sweepstakes selected at random, not a scored grant competition.
Deadline / key date
November 30, 2026 · 11:59 PM ET
Award
$5,000 cash prize
Random-drawing sweepstakes
Region
United States + D.C.
Application fee
Free
07
WomensNet
Women age 18+ who own at least 50% of a business, including eligible startups and revenue-generating nonprofits.
One application is considered for the monthly Amber, Startup, and category grants when eligible. Monthly winners can qualify for a $50,000 year-end award.
Deadline / key date
December 31, 2026 · 11:59:59 PM ET
Award
$10,000 monthly
Monthly cash grant
Region
United States + Canada
Application fee
$15 · waiver available
08
HerSuiteSpot / Yva Jourdan Foundation
Under-resourced, 51% women-owned U.S. businesses with less than $1 million in gross revenue.
Applications close on the last day of each month. Review the application page for business-type exclusions before paying the nonrefundable fee.
Deadline / key date
December 31, 2026 · 11:59 PM ET
Award
$1,000 monthly
Monthly cash grant
Region
United States
Application fee
$15 administrative fee
09
National Association for the Self-Employed
NASE members seeking funds for hiring, marketing, equipment, software, or another specific business growth need.
Applications are accepted throughout the year and reviewed quarterly. Applicants must remain NASE members in good standing through the award date.
Deadline / key date
Rolling · Oct–Dec applications reviewed in January
Award
Up to $4,000
Quarterly business growth grant
Region
United States
Application fee
NASE membership required
Get ready
Read the official rules before you draft.
Gather ownership, revenue, tax, and registration documents.
Write one specific use-of-funds plan with a simple budget.
Submit early, save confirmation, and calendar the follow-up date.
Free funding-readiness check
See where your business stands and what to strengthen before you apply.