Top 10 Grants for Side Hustlers You Can Apply for in 2025
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.
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 you’ll
use the money
- ✅ Stay organized: Track deadlines and save copies of your
applications
- ✅ Start small: Apply for microgrants before bigger ones
- ✅ Don’t
stop at one: Apply to 3–5 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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