Money and programs you may qualify for, for students, parents, and business owners across DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Tell us a little and we narrow it to you, then apply on the official source.
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Community fit124 opportunities
Show returning & closedAmount varies
first generation
Deadline: October 21, 2026
This grant helps first-generation entrepreneurs develop technology or therapeutic solutions for military burn injuries. You get funding to grow your business idea in this specialized field.
Why it fits: Open to first-generation business owners, including many in our Habesha community.
Need- and merit-based scholarship; award amount varies
Full-time high school or undergraduate students in DC, Maryland or Virginia; students elsewhere in the U.S. can qualify if parents live and file taxes in the DMV; graduate and international students excluded
Deadline: October 23, 2026
Need- and merit-based scholarship for high school and undergraduate students in DC, Maryland, or Virginia. Award amount varies based on your financial need and academic performance.
Why it fits: Open to students in the DMV region and those whose parents live and file taxes here.
Up to $12,500
DC junior or senior in 2026-27; permanent U.S. resident; parent/guardian legal DC resident; active qualifying elected/appointed leadership role
Deadline: October 27, 2026
DC high school juniors and seniors get $12,500 for college plus a week in Washington if they have a leadership role and are interested in government or public service.
Why it fits: Open to DC residents with permanent U.S. residency, including many in our immigrant and refugee community.
Amount varies
african american
Deadline: January 1, 2099
The Austrian-American Partnership Fund gives business grants to help companies grow. If you qualify, you get funding to support your business operations and development.
Why it fits: This grant is specifically for African American business owners.
Amount varies
immigrant
Deadline: December 1, 2026
This grant supports construction safety and health research projects. It provides funding for organizations working on workplace safety innovations and translation of safety practices.
Why it fits: Open to immigrants, including those in construction work seeking to advance safety in their industry.
Amount varies
immigrant
Deadline: October 1, 2027
This grant helps organizations provide home study and support services for unaccompanied immigrant children after they're released from custody. It covers the cost of these essential services.
Why it fits: Directly serves unaccompanied immigrant children and their families in our community.
Amount varies
first generation
Deadline: January 11, 2027
This grant funds research into genetic causes of childhood cancers and birth defects. Researchers can get support to study these conditions and develop better treatments.
Why it fits: Open to first-generation applicants.
Amount varies
minority small business
Deadline: April 5, 2027
Federal grant for minority-owned small businesses to develop innovative health research projects. Funding supports early-stage research and development that could lead to commercial products in healthcare.
Why it fits: Open to minority-owned businesses, which includes many Habesha entrepreneurs building companies in the DMV.
Amount varies
minority small business
Deadline: April 5, 2027
This grant helps minority-owned small businesses develop and test new technology ideas. You get funding to research and commercialize your innovation through two phases of support.
Why it fits: Open to minority-owned small businesses.
Funding for eligible job-oriented WDCE career-path courses; limited funding
Must select an eligible career path, meet prerequisites and financial eligibility; non-Maryland resident surcharge is not covered
Deadline: May 14, 2027
This scholarship helps students in Montgomery County pay for job-focused career training courses through WDCE. You get funding to learn skills for specific jobs.
Why it fits: Open to Montgomery County, Maryland residents pursuing workforce training and career pathways.
Amount varies
first generation
Deadline: June 15, 2027
This grant funds research projects developing new sensor technology to study brain behavior and synchronization. It supports first-generation researchers and their teams in advancing neuroscience innovation.
Why it fits: Open to first-generation researchers and professionals.
Multiple Foundation scholarships; awards continue until funds are exhausted
HCC students with high school diploma/GED/equivalent, satisfactory academic progress, declared aid-eligible major, and enrollment in required credit classes
Deadline: June 30, 2027
Howard Community College Foundation offers multiple scholarships to help cover college costs. You get money to study at HCC if you have your diploma or GED and are making good progress in your classes.
Why it fits: Open to Howard County, Maryland residents attending Howard Community College.
Amount varies
first generation
Deadline: October 4, 2027
This grant funds research projects using brain imaging and neuroscience technology. It supports scientists developing new ways to study how the brain works at different scales.
Why it fits: Open to first-generation students and professionals pursuing careers in neuroscience research.
Amount varies
women owned business
Deadline: November 15, 2027
This grant funds research projects led by women-owned businesses focusing on health innovations for women, children, pregnant and lactating women, and people with disabilities. It provides funding to conduct clinical trials and develop new solutions.
Why it fits: Open to women-owned businesses.
Amount varies
first generation
Deadline: January 7, 2028
This is a research grant for studying genetic variants that cause birth defects. It funds scientists and researchers to screen and validate genomic data related to congenital anomalies.
Why it fits: Open to first-generation researchers and professionals.
Amount varies
minority small business
Deadline: April 5, 2029
This NIH grant helps minority-owned small businesses develop innovative health research projects. It provides funding to move your business idea forward with clinical trial options available.
Why it fits: Open specifically to minority-owned small businesses.
Amount varies
minority small business
Deadline: April 5, 2029
This grant helps minority-owned small businesses get their products ready to sell, especially in clinical trials. You get funding and support to move from development to commercialization.
Why it fits: Open to minority-owned small businesses.
Up to $50,000
Business operating at least 2 years; accelerator-graduate preference/requirement; expansion capital focus
VOLT Microloan Fund gives small business loans up to $50,000 to help minority-owned, woman-owned, or Veteran-owned businesses in Anne Arundel County expand. You need to have been operating for at least 2 years.
Why it fits: Supports minority-owned and woman-owned businesses in Maryland's Anne Arundel County service area.
Up to $7,395
Eligibility is determined through FAFSA and federal Pell rules; generally for undergraduates with financial need who have not earned certain degrees
Federal Pell Grant gives up to $7,395 per year to undergraduate students with financial need to help pay for college. You apply through FAFSA.
Why it fits: Helps low-income students afford college education.
Up to $3,000
Dependent of eligible NASE member; detailed current scholarship rules apply
Up to $3,000 scholarship for children of NASE members to use for college or postsecondary education in any field of study.
Why it fits: Relevant for families whose parents are self-employed business owners or entrepreneurs.
CPA exam and exam-review support; award varies by program
Eligible CPA candidates under current MACPA Foundation rules; applications accepted after completing each section
MACPA Foundation helps CPA candidates in Maryland pay for exam fees and review materials. You apply after completing each exam section.
Why it fits: Available to Maryland residents pursuing CPA certification.
Amount varies
minority small business
Deadline: November 4, 2026
NSF grants for minority-owned small businesses developing scientific instruments. Funding supports research and technology development through Phase I, Phase II, or Fast-Track programs.
Why it fits: Open to minority-owned small businesses.
Amount varies
minority small business
Deadline: November 17, 2026
This NSF grant helps minority-owned small businesses turn their research ideas into real products or services. You get funding to develop and test your innovation.
Why it fits: Open to minority-owned small businesses.
Amount varies
women owned business
Deadline: September 18, 2027
This Department of Defense grant supports women-owned businesses working on HIV/AIDS prevention. If your business qualifies, you can get funding to expand your prevention work.
Why it fits: This grant is specifically for women-owned businesses, which may include Habesha women entrepreneurs in our community.
$25,000–$1,000,000
Maryland business/startup; standard underwriting; 640+ personal credit typically required; statewide with fund-manager geography rules
VOLT Fund offers loans from $25,000 to $500,000 (up to $1,000,000 for real estate) to help small business owners in Maryland start or grow their businesses. You'll need a business plan and credit score around 640+.
Why it fits: Supports minority-owned, woman-owned, and Veteran-owned businesses in Maryland.
Amount varies
underserved community
Deadline: November 16, 2026
View opportunityThis grant helps businesses and organizations buy important research equipment and tools. If you're in an underserved community, you can apply for money to purchase the instruments your work needs.
Why it fits: Open to underserved communities.
Up to $3,000
Property improvement used exclusively for qualified day-care services; also available in certain cases to businesses with at least 25 employees
Deadline: April 1, 2027
Montgomery County gives day-care business owners up to $3,000 yearly back on taxes if you improve your property for childcare services. You apply once a year with tax documents.
Why it fits: Helps Habesha childcare entrepreneurs in Montgomery County reduce their business taxes.
Up to $750,000
Maryland early-stage technology business meeting economic-disadvantage ownership/management criteria; detailed requirements on current TEDCO page
TEDCO invests up to $750,000 in early-stage Maryland tech startups led by economically disadvantaged owners or managers. You get funding to grow your technology business.
Why it fits: Open to economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs and Maryland-based businesses.
$100,000–$750,000
Maryland principal place of business; at least one full-time employee; majority of workforce in Maryland; at least 50% of founders demonstrate economic disadvantage
TEDCO gives early-stage tech startups in Maryland investment money starting at $100,000 to grow. You need your main office in Maryland, at least one full-time worker, and at least half your founders facing economic hardship.
Why it fits: Open to entrepreneurs with economic disadvantage who are building tech businesses in Maryland.
Up to $500,000
Eligible DC-based businesses seeking to acquire and owner-occupy commercial property; intended occupancy at least 7 years
DC-based businesses can get up to $500,000 to help buy commercial property they'll use for their own business for at least 7 years.
Why it fits: For DC entrepreneurs and business owners looking to own their commercial space in the District.
$50,000–$250,000
Technology company serving cybersecurity/national-defense industries; fewer than 100 employees; less than $5M gross revenue
Next Stage Tech Fund gives loans between $50,000 and $250,000 to small technology businesses in Maryland that work in cybersecurity or national defense. You need fewer than 100 employees and less than $5 million in yearly revenue.
Why it fits: Open to Maryland-based technology entrepreneurs and business owners.
Up to $150,000
Small and underserved Maryland businesses; must show creditworthiness, ability to repay, and difficulty obtaining traditional financing
Maryland Economic Adjustment Fund gives small Maryland businesses loans up to $150,000 to grow. You need to show you can repay and have trouble getting regular bank loans.
Why it fits: Open to small Maryland businesses, including those underserved and having difficulty accessing traditional financing.
Up to $150,000
Business signing first commercial office lease or expanding existing lease by at least 500 square feet; qualifying lease generally 36+ months; business must be in good standing
Montgomery County gives office businesses $8-$15 per square foot (up to $150,000) when you sign or expand your first commercial lease by at least 500 square feet. Money helps cover your new office space costs.
Why it fits: Available to business owners in Montgomery County, MD.
Up to $100,000
Businesses/property owners improving exterior commercial properties in eligible revitalization districts
Get a 0% interest loan up to $100,000 to improve the outside of your commercial property in Anne Arundel County's revitalization areas. No interest means you pay back only what you borrowed.
Why it fits: Available to business owners in Anne Arundel County, Maryland revitalization districts.
Up to $100,000
Established high-growth businesses with innovative products expanding markets, increasing sales and creating jobs
VOLT Growth Fund offers loans up to $100,000 for established businesses with innovative products that are growing and creating jobs in Maryland's Anne Arundel area.
Why it fits: Available to business owners in the Maryland service area who are expanding their operations.
$25,000–$50,000
Eligible uses include leasehold improvements, equipment, working capital and human-capital increases for expansion/startup
FSC First gives business loans between $25,000 and $50,000 to small business owners in Prince George's County for equipment, improvements, working capital, or hiring.
Why it fits: Supports immigrant and refugee entrepreneurs starting or growing small businesses in the DMV.
Small-business loans; amount/terms depend on underwriting and current program rules
Eligible small businesses in Montgomery County and Maryland under VLT loan-program rules
ACE offers small-business loans to entrepreneurs in Montgomery County and Maryland. The loan amount and terms depend on your business and current program rules.
Why it fits: Supports underserved communities and small business owners in Maryland, including the DMV area.
Small-business financing using Maryland VLT proceeds
Small businesses in targeted areas surrounding Maryland casinos and statewide under 50/50 VLT allocation rules
FSC First VLT Small Business Flex Fund gives small business owners financing using Maryland casino money. You get a loan to start or grow your business if you're in targeted areas around Maryland casinos.
Why it fits: Available to small business owners in Prince George's County and other targeted casino areas across Maryland.
Loans, equity and other financing; program includes SSBCI capital
Maryland small businesses; financing can support working capital, equipment, real estate, leasehold improvements and contracts
Maryland offers loans and financing to help small business owners pay for equipment, real estate, working capital, and other business needs. They focus on helping economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs get the money they need to grow.
Why it fits: Open to Maryland small business owners, including economically and socially disadvantaged entrepreneurs.
SSBCI-backed financing through existing lending/equity programs; amount depends on component
Small businesses unable to obtain adequate financing on reasonable terms; component-specific rules apply
Maryland SSBCI financing helps small business owners get loans or investment when banks won't lend on fair terms. The amount depends on which program you use.
Why it fits: Supports disadvantaged entrepreneurs and small business owners in Maryland.
Up to $1,000
Business must be at least 51% women-owned, registered in the U.S., and have less than $1 million in gross revenue; focused on under-resourced women including women of color
HerRise gives $1,000 monthly grants to women-owned small businesses making under $1 million yearly. You apply online with your business info.
Why it fits: Supports women of color entrepreneurs and under-resourced women business owners.
Up to $4,000
NASE member meeting program requirements; grants support hiring, marketing, equipment, software and other business-growth needs
NASE gives $4,000 grants four times a year to self-employed people and small business owners for hiring, marketing, equipment, or software to grow their business.
Why it fits: Relevant for Habesha entrepreneurs and self-employed business owners in our community looking to expand.
Multiple scholarships with varying awards; Fall 2026 scholarship cycle announced as opening soon
Paid NSBE membership; scholarship-specific academic/residency criteria; GPA generally 2.5+
Deadline: February 26, 2027
NSBE offers multiple engineering and STEM scholarships for high school through graduate students with a 2.5+ GPA. You need NSBE membership and must apply through their portal by February 2027.
Scholarship amount not stated on application page reviewed
Current Loudoun County resident; application centers African-American or Afro-descendant heritage, community involvement and leadership
Deadline: May 31, 2027
Rho Kappa Sigma Scholarship supports high school seniors in Loudoun County who show community involvement and leadership. The scholarship amount isn't listed, but it helps cover education costs.
Why it fits: Open to African-American and Afro-descendant students in Loudoun County, VA, which includes part of the DMV region.
Up to $10,000
NSBE member; U.S. citizen; specified classifications and majors; 2.0 minimum GPA
Four $10,000 scholarships for high school students studying business, civil engineering, or technology. You need to be an NSBE member with at least a 2.0 GPA.
Why it fits: Supports students pursuing STEM fields and requires NSBE membership.
Up to $5,000
NSBE member; U.S. citizen; qualifying classification and major; 3.0 minimum GPA
Two $5,000 scholarships for high school and undergraduate students studying computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, or technology. You need a 3.0 GPA and NSBE membership to apply.
Why it fits: Open to Black students pursuing STEM fields through the National Society of Black Engineers.
Up to $1,000
NSBE Jr. member/high-school senior; U.S. citizen or permanent resident; 2.5 minimum GPA
NSBE Jr. Bridge Scholarship gives $1,000 to high school seniors pursuing STEM fields. You need to be an NSBE Jr. member, U.S. citizen or permanent resident, with at least a 2.5 GPA.
Competitive summer enrichment support; exact program benefit depends on placement
DC students meeting OSSE Scholars academic/program criteria; two-part application process
Deadline: November 6, 2026
DC high school students can apply for competitive summer enrichment support through OSSE Scholars. The program offers academic enrichment opportunities, with specific benefits depending on your placement.
Why it fits: Open to DC students, including those in our DMV community.
More than 400 scholarship opportunities through one application
Admitted Montgomery College students; scholarship-specific criteria; many awards consider good academic standing and financial need
Deadline: January 1, 2027
Over 400 scholarships available through one application for students admitted to Montgomery College. Awards help cover college costs based on academic standing and financial need.
Why it fits: Open to Montgomery College students in Montgomery County, MD, with many scholarships considering financial need.
Multiple academic scholarships; awards vary by fund
Maryland college students pursuing accounting/CPA careers; fund-specific requirements apply
Deadline: February 28, 2027
MACPA Foundation offers multiple scholarships for Maryland college students studying accounting or preparing for CPA certification. Award amounts vary depending on which specific fund you apply to.
Why it fits: Open to Maryland college students, including those in the DMV region pursuing accounting careers.
Covers barriers such as transportation, childcare, and materials for CTE program activities
FCPS juniors and seniors enrolled in CTE programs who need support completing internships, externships, clinicals or related program requirements
This scholarship helps Fairfax County high school juniors and seniors in career and technical education programs by covering costs like transportation, childcare, and materials needed to complete internships and clinicals.
Why it fits: Open to FCPS students in Fairfax County, VA.
Full or partial support for economically disadvantaged university students
Program focuses on economically disadvantaged university students in Ethiopia, including women and students with disabilities
Active program / intake details require verification
Full or partial scholarship for economically disadvantaged university students in Ethiopia. Covers tuition and educational costs for students with financial need.
Why it fits: Supports Ethiopian students and prioritizes women and students with disabilities.
Amount varies
african american
Newly found / verify cycle
This grant provides operational funding for business activities through American Corners Portugal. It supports eligible applicants with resources to run and maintain their business operations.
Why it fits: Open to African American business owners and entrepreneurs.
Up to $5,000
NSBE member; Region 4; U.S. citizen; sophomore, junior or senior; Mechanical Engineering; 2.8 minimum GPA
Catalog active / cycle timing through NSBE
Two $5,000 scholarships for undergraduate mechanical engineering students. You need to be an NSBE member in Region 4, a U.S. citizen, and a sophomore, junior, or senior with at least a 2.8 GPA.
Why it fits: Supports students pursuing STEM careers through a professional engineering organization.
Up to $1,000
Maryland resident high-school senior planning to attend an HBCU; scholarship intended to help narrow opportunity gaps affecting African-American students
2026 cycle / current application page
Pearl/Golden Membership Scholarship gives $1,000 to Maryland high school seniors planning to attend an HBCU. You need a 2.5 GPA and submit an online application with a 500-word essay.
Why it fits: Designed to support African-American students and help close opportunity gaps in education.
Amount varies
african american
Newly found / verify cycle
This grant supports business projects in Italy with a focus on public affairs work. It's for African American entrepreneurs and business owners looking to develop initiatives in the Italy region.
Why it fits: Open to African American applicants.
Amount varies
Individuals, businesses, initiatives and nonprofits serving Black & Brown DMV communities
Discovered / verify cycle
Collective 365 gives money to individuals, businesses, initiatives, and nonprofits working in the DMV area. If you're serving Black and Brown communities here, you can apply for funding to support your work.
Why it fits: Open to organizations and initiatives serving Black and Brown communities in the DMV region.
Amount varies
african american
Newly found / verify cycle
This grant supports research infrastructure projects in social and behavioral sciences. It provides funding for African American researchers and organizations to build capacity and resources for their work.
Why it fits: Specifically designed for African American researchers and organizations.
Up to $500
Student athletes
Discovered / verify cycle
View opportunityBig Sun Athletics Scholarship gives $500 to student athletes. This money helps cover education costs for students who play sports.
Covers one year of AFP global and DC chapter membership; 22 scholarships available during 2026
Applicants demonstrate financial need and career applicability; volunteer on AFP DC committee; categories include general, young professional, emerging leaders and IDEA
Rolling after priority deadline until exhausted / verify remaining
Get one year free membership to AFP's global and DC chapter networks. This covers professional development in fundraising and nonprofit work for 22 selected applicants who show financial need.
Why it fits: Open to DC Metro residents and those in the DMV region seeking professional development in nonprofit work.
Up to $5,000
Legal Northern Virginia resident pursuing postgraduate study/career in physical therapy; academic excellence, leadership, references, citizenship and community involvement considered
Recurring / application timing requires verification
One $5,000 scholarship for graduate students in Northern Virginia studying physical therapy. Covers one year of postgraduate education costs for those committed to the field.
Why it fits: Open to legal Northern Virginia residents pursuing graduate physical therapy studies.
$1,000–$2,000
Preference for nontraditional students such as part-time students, full-time workers, delayed enrollment, independent students, parents or GED holders; preference for NOVA students
Recurring / application timing requires verification
One-time scholarship of $1,000-$2,000 for adult college students in Northern Virginia who are balancing work, family, or other responsibilities while pursuing education.
Why it fits: Designed for nontraditional students including working adults, parents, and GED holders in the Northern Virginia area.
Up to $1,500
Herndon High School senior athlete with varsity participation, no athletic scholarship/grant toward college, strong sportsmanship/teamwork and 2.5+ GPA
Recurring / application timing requires verification
Two $1,500 scholarships yearly for Herndon High School senior athletes (one for girls, one for boys) heading to college without athletic scholarships. You need a 2.5 GPA, varsity sports experience, and strong sportsmanship.
Why it fits: Available to Herndon High School seniors in Northern Virginia (DMV area).
Up to $1,500
Graduating FCPS senior who has overcome significant personal obstacles; academic ability, attendance, leadership/mentoring, financial need, school involvement and work/life experience considered
Recurring / external application timing
Four scholarships up to $1,500 per year for Fairfax County high school seniors who've faced real hardship. Awards consider grades, attendance, leadership, and financial need.
Why it fits: For Fairfax County Public Schools seniors with financial need.
Up to $550
Healthcare community or healthcare-facility staff; passion for healthcare industry and VSHE mission; need and drive considered
2026 program / verify current application state
This scholarship covers your conference registration and travel costs up to $550 to attend the Virginia Society of Healthcare Engineers Annual Conference. It's for healthcare facility workers who want to grow in their field.
Why it fits: Open to healthcare facility staff in Virginia.
Up to $300
South Lakes High School senior enrolled in a qualifying dual-enrollment class
Rolling / verify available funding
Get up to $300 to help pay for dual-enrollment classes at South Lakes High School. This scholarship supports seniors taking college courses while still in high school.
Why it fits: Available to South Lakes High School seniors in the Reston area of Northern Virginia.
Amount varies
first generation
Newly found / verify cycle
This grant supports businesses working on climate issues. It's for first-generation business owners who want to start or grow their climate-focused company.
Why it fits: Open to first-generation entrepreneurs, including many in our Habesha community starting their first businesses.
Institution-administered award amounts for 2026-27; funding allocations may vary
Special eligibility categories established by Maryland law; exact category and award administration should be checked with institution
2026-27 institutional allocation cycle
Maryland scholarship for college students in any field of study. Award amounts vary by school and are handled through your college's financial aid office.
Why it fits: Available to Maryland residents attending college.
Amount varies
first generation
Newly found / verify cycle
LSAMP gives grants to first-generation minority-owned businesses to help them grow and succeed. You get funding and support to build your business.
Why it fits: Open to first-generation and minority-owned businesses, which includes many in our Habesha community.
Endowed scholarship for technical/trade training and licensing
Individuals seeking technical or trade training and/or earning a license in those fields
Fund established / application cycle not yet public
This scholarship helps students in Northern Virginia pay for technical or trade training and licensing programs. You get money to learn a skilled trade and earn your license.
Why it fits: Open to Northern Virginia residents pursuing skilled trades and vocational training.
Amount varies
women owned business
Newly found / verify cycle
This grant helps women-owned businesses learn how to secure their supply chains. The 2027 YSEALI Regional Workshop offers training and resources to strengthen your business operations.
Why it fits: Open to women-owned businesses.
Amount varies
minority small business
Newly found / verify cycle
This grant helps minority-owned small businesses develop research and innovation projects focused on sustainability. It provides funding to support business growth through collaborative research efforts.
Why it fits: Designed specifically for minority-owned businesses, which includes many Habesha entrepreneurs in our community.
Amount varies
minority small business
Newly found / verify cycle
This grant helps minority-owned small businesses grow and succeed. If your business is minority-owned, you can apply for funding to support your operations and expansion.
Why it fits: Open to minority-owned small businesses.
Amount varies
women owned business
Newly found / verify cycle
This grant supports women-owned businesses in the region. It provides funding to help your business grow and succeed.
Why it fits: This is for women who own businesses.
Amount varies
women owned business
Newly found / verify cycle
This grant helps women-owned businesses build or construct state veterans homes. If your business qualifies, you can get funding to support this construction work.
Why it fits: Open to women-owned businesses, including those that are also veteran-owned.
Amount varies
minority small business
Newly found / verify cycle
This grant helps minority-owned small businesses get funding and support. If your business is minority-owned, you can apply for money to grow and strengthen your company.
Why it fits: Open to minority-owned small businesses, which includes many Habesha entrepreneurs in our community.
Legal, accounting and financial advisory assistance through approved providers
Designed for very small businesses and businesses owned/controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals applying for qualifying capital programs
Active through partner providers / verify availability
Virginia gives free legal, accounting, and financial advice to very small business owners and disadvantaged entrepreneurs preparing to apply for capital. This helps you get ready for loans or funding.
Why it fits: Open to socially and economically disadvantaged business owners in Virginia, including immigrant and refugee entrepreneurs.
$5,000–$100,000
Private employers retaining jobs or creating jobs/capital investment in Montgomery County; priority based on economic impact
Program / application timing to verify
Montgomery County offers loans of $5,000-$100,000 (sometimes more) to business owners in tech, manufacturing, or revitalization areas who create or keep jobs in the county. You need financial records and a business plan.
Why it fits: Available to entrepreneurs and job creators in Montgomery County, Maryland.
Up to $50,000
Fairfax County early-stage, high-growth startups; detailed Cohort 4 criteria and dates to be published
Cohort 4 planned for 2027
Fairfax County gives early-stage startups up to $50,000 in grant money plus free business help. You keep full ownership—no equity given away.
Why it fits: Open to Fairfax County entrepreneurs starting high-growth businesses.
Up to $50,000
Business located within or along border of an eligible Great Streets corridor and in good standing with relevant DC/federal agencies
Recurring / verify current cycle
DC gives up to $50,000 yearly to fix up storefronts in 13 Great Streets neighborhoods. If your retail shop is in one of these corridors, you can use the money for improvements.
Why it fits: Open to small business owners with brick-and-mortar stores in DC's Great Streets corridors.
Up to $2,500
Physical Prince George's County location; currently operating; no more than 10 employees excluding owner; minimum 3 years in business
Application portal / current availability needs recheck
This grant gives up to $2,500 to help small business owners in Prince George's County pay for technology upgrades. You need to be running a business with 10 or fewer employees that's been open at least 3 years.
Why it fits: Open to microbusiness owners in Prince George's County, Maryland.
Up to $1,500
DC residents who are returning citizens and/or justice-involved, do not hold an active DC basic business license, and are in business concept/ideation stage
2026 intake / verify current capacity
DC's Aspire Prep Program gives DC residents starting a small business up to $1,500 in milestone-based payments to help develop your business idea from concept to launch.
Why it fits: Designed for DC residents who are returning citizens or justice-involved and ready to start their own business.
Startup/expansion funding; amount depends on current round
Eligible new and expanding small businesses in designated Sustainable Communities
Recurring / verify cycle
Business Boost gives startup or expansion funding to small business owners in Maryland's designated Sustainable Communities. The amount varies by funding round.
Why it fits: Open to small business owners and entrepreneurs in specific Maryland communities.
Amount varies
underserved community
Newly found / verify cycle
View opportunityThis grant supports materials research projects in underserved communities. It provides funding to help businesses and organizations develop new materials and technology solutions.
Why it fits: Open to underserved communities.
Amount varies
underserved community
Newly found / verify cycle
View opportunityThis grant helps businesses in underserved communities recover and rebuild after disasters. It provides funding to support economic recovery and business resilience.
Why it fits: Open to underserved communities, which often include immigrant and refugee-owned businesses.
Microloans for startups and small businesses; current loan limits and terms should be confirmed with program operator
Designed for startups and small businesses that may not qualify for traditional bank financing; particularly useful for underserved entrepreneurs
Active expansion announced / intake to verify
Fairfax County offers microloans to help startup and small business owners get funding when banks won't lend to them. You'll need to apply directly with the program operator.
Why it fits: Supports underserved entrepreneurs in Fairfax County, VA who face barriers to traditional financing.
Microloans delivered through county partners including Latino Economic Development Center and Life Asset
Start-ups, newly established or growing small businesses and certain nonprofit childcare centers
Active program family
Montgomery County offers small business loans through partner lenders to help startups and growing businesses get funding. You apply through their partner organizations.
Why it fits: Available to small business owners and entrepreneurs in Montgomery County, Maryland.
Amount varies
underserved community
Newly found / verify cycle
View opportunityThis grant supports engineering business development in underserved communities. It provides funding to help you start or grow an engineering-related business.
Why it fits: Open to people from underserved communities who want to build engineering businesses.
Competitive R&D funding; amounts vary by agency/program
Small businesses meeting individual federal program requirements
Recurring / verify cycle
The SBA offers competitive research and development funding to help small business owners develop innovative technology solutions. Award amounts vary depending on which federal program you apply to.
Why it fits: Open to entrepreneurs and small business owners interested in STEM and technology innovation.
Direct loans, microloans, child-care financing, loan support and other programs
Eligibility varies by financing program
Active program family
Virginia Small Business Financing Authority offers direct loans, microloans, and other financing to help small business owners start or grow their businesses across Virginia.
Why it fits: Available to entrepreneurs and small business owners in Virginia.
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