Top 10 Grants for Side Hustlers You Can Apply for in 2025

 

Grants for Side Hustlers


Fuel Your Passion Projects: Discover the Top 10 Grant Opportunities for Side Hustlers Available in 2025

 

In 2025, more people than ever are turning to side hustles to boost their income or turn passion projects into real businesses. But what many don’t know is that there are grants specifically designed to support side hustlers— yes, even if you're running a part-time gig!

 

Whether you're freelancing on weekends, selling on Etsy, or launching an online coaching business, this list of 10 grants for side hustlers can help you access free funding — no repayment required.

 

 

What Is a Side Hustle Grant?

A side hustle grant is non-repayable financial assistance given to individuals who are starting or growing a side business. These grants can come from government programs, nonprofits, private companies, or business accelerators.

 

You don’t need to be a full-time entrepreneur. Side hustle grants are perfect for:

- Freelancers

- Gig workers

- Creators and artists

- E-commerce sellers

- Coaches, consultants, and solopreneurs

 

 

2025's Top 10 Grants for Side Businesses

1. The Amber Grant for Women

- Amount**: $10,000 monthly + $25,000 annual grant 

- Who Can Apply: Women with any kind of business or side hustle 

- Deadline: Monthly 

- Website: ambergrantsforwomen.com

 

This grant helps women turn their ideas into reality, whether it’s a part-time Etsy shop or a coaching service. Every month, one winner receives $10,000, and one of those winners gets a $25,000 bonus grant at year’s end.

 

 

2. NASE Growth Grant

- Amount: Up to $4,000 

- Who Can Apply: NASE members with a micro-business or side hustle 

- Deadline: Quarterly 

- Website: nase.org

 

The National Association for the Self-Employed offers this grant to help with marketing, hiring, or purchasing equipment. Membership is required, but the application is simple and perfect for growing side gigs.

 

 

3. Kinetic Black Business Support Fund

- Amount: $2,500 in funding plus complimentary business services

- Who Can Apply: Black-owned side hustles or businesses in eligible states 

- Deadline: Rolling 

- Website: business.windstream.com

 

Offered by Kinetic by Windstream, this program supports Black entrepreneurs running part-time or full-time businesses. Includes both funding and technical support.

 

 

4. Freed Fellowship Grant

- Amount: $500 monthly 

- Who Can Apply: Emerging entrepreneurs, including side hustlers 

- Deadline: Monthly 

- Website: freedfellowship.com

 

Great for solo entrepreneurs and creators. Monthly winners also get business coaching and connections to additional capital.

 

 

Funding for Part-Time Business

5. Caress Dreams Fund

- Amount: Up to $5,000 

- Who Can Apply: Women of color launching creative or wellness-based side hustles 

- Deadline: Spring/Summer 2025 (expected) 

- Website: ifundwomen.com

 

This program, which is administered in collaboration with IFundWomen, focuses on side entrepreneurs creating products that have an effect. Ideal for coaches, product creators, or influencers.

 

 

6. Hello Alice Small Business Growth Fund

- Amount: $5,000–$25,000 

- Who Can Apply: Entrepreneurs with clear growth plans 

- Deadline: Rolling deadlines through 2025 

- Website: helloalice.com

 

Hello Alice is a hub for grants and tools. Their Small Business Growth Fund is open to part-time business owners with potential. You'll need a solid plan and story to apply.

 

 

7. Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Grants

- Amount: $10,000 

- Who Can Apply: Anyone completing a free Verizon business course 

- Deadline: Quarterly 

- Website: verizon.com/smallbusinessdigitalready

 

After completing two short, free training courses, you can apply for their $10K grants. Perfect for side hustlers working evenings or weekends.

 

 

8. Black Founder Startup Grant (by SoGal Foundation)

- Amount: $5,000–$10,000 

- Who Can Apply: Multiracial Black women or nonbinary businesswomen

- Deadline: Rolling 

- Website: sogalventures.com

 

This grant helps fund early-stage ideas, including side hustles, especially in underserved communities. Ideal if you’re building a service, app, or e-commerce brand.

 

 

9. Resilia Microgrant Program

- Amount: $500–$2,000 

- Who Can Apply: Creators and community-based side hustlers 

- Deadline: Varies 

- Website: resilia.com

 

Targeted at social entrepreneurs and small creative projects, this microgrant is great for anyone working on a mission-driven or arts-based hustle.

 

 

10. Local City & State Grants

- Amount: Varies ($500–$25,000+) 

- Who Can Apply: Local small business owners and side hustlers 

- Deadline: Rolling, depending on your area 

- Where to Look: Local chamber of commerce, SBA resource center, or grantwatch.com

 

Many cities and counties offer grants to support local side hustlers—from food vendors to dog walkers. Do a quick Google search: 

> “[Your City] + small business grant 2025”

 

 

How to Increase Your Chances of Winning a Grant

 

Getting approved isn’t just about having a great idea. Here’s how to stand out:

 

- Tell a personal story: Highlight the purpose behind your side hustle 

- Be specific: Explain exactly how youll use the money 

- Stay organized: Track deadlines and save copies of your applications 

- Start small: Apply for microgrants before bigger ones 

- Dont stop at one: Apply to 35 grants to boost your odds

 

 

Final Thoughts

There’s never been a better time to fund your side hustle with free money. Whether you're running a digital service, crafting handmade goods, or coaching clients after hours, these grants can help you grow—without debt.

 

Start by applying to 2 or 3 of the grants listed above. And keep in mind that every major company began as a little side gig. 🧠💰

 

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