corporate grants for you!
It is the first day of December. While the government grant portals are slowing down for the holidays, the corporate world is doing the opposite. Major Fortune 500 companies have tax incentives to distribute their grant funding before the fiscal year ends.
This means that right now, companies like FedEx, Walmart, and Faire are actively looking for small businesses to fund. These are not loans. This is “Corporate Social Responsibility” (CSR) money. They get a tax write-off and good PR; you get a check to grow your business.
If you have been searching for corporate small business grants 2026 or private company grants for startups, this list is your immediate action plan. These opportunities are distinct from the federal grants we usually discuss—they are faster, have less paperwork, and often come with valuable mentorship.
1. The Faire Small Business Grant
Deadline: December 31, 2025
Faire is the massive online wholesale marketplace that connects local retailers with independent makers. They are aggressively funding the “Shop Local” movement.
This grant is specifically for independent retailers. If you own a boutique, a gift shop, or an online store that sells physical goods, you are their target. The award typically comes as “Faire Credit”—often $5,000 to $10,000—which allows you to stock your shelves for free.
Strategy: Focus on your “Curation Story.” Why do you sell what you sell? They want to fund tastemakers, not just generic resellers.
2. The Secretsos™ Small Business Grant
Deadline: December 31, 2025
This is a newer grant that has gained traction in late 2025. It is designed for businesses that are “scaling.”
The award is $2,500 in unrestricted cash. That means you can use it for rent, marketing, or payroll. Unlike government grants that require strict budget proposals, Secretsos wants to see “Ambition.” They are looking for owners who are ready to take the next step but are blocked by a small cash hurdle.
Strategy: Be honest about your hurdle. “I need $2,500 to buy a new espresso machine so I can serve 50% more customers” is a winning pitch.
3. Walmart “Spark Good” Local Grants
Deadline: December 31, 2025 (Quarterly Cycle)
This is the hidden gem of corporate funding. Walmart store managers have discretionary budgets to award local grants ranging from $250 to $5,000.
This is not a national lottery; it is a local relationship game. These grants support organizations that benefit the community. If your business has a social angle—like a bakery that donates to shelters or a gym that runs youth programs—you qualify.
Strategy: Go to the store. Talk to the community liaison. Mention that you know the “Quarter 4 cycle” is closing and you would like to apply. The personal touch wins here.
4. Verizon Small Business Digital Ready
Deadline: Rolling (Year-End Review)
We mention this often because it is the most accessible “big money” grant. Verizon awards $10,000 checks, but you have to “earn” the right to apply.
You must register on their portal and complete two short learning modules (videos) to unlock the application. Many business owners are lazy; they sign up but don’t watch the videos. By simply finishing the coursework, you put yourself in a much smaller, higher-probability pool of applicants.
Strategy: Complete the courses this week. Submit your application before the holiday freeze. Focus your essay on “Digital Transformation”—how the money will help you upgrade your tech.
5. FedEx Small Business Grant (Preparation Mode)
Status: Opens Early 2026 (Get Ready Now)
The FedEx grant is the “Super Bowl” of small business grants. They award massive sums, often $20,000 to $50,000, to ten winners annually.
While the portal opens in Spring 2026, the smart money is preparing now. The application requires a video and a detailed shipping/logistics plan. The winners are almost always businesses that have a unique product and a need to ship globally.
Strategy: Spend December filming your “Day in the Life” video. Get high-quality footage of your packaging process. When the application drops in a few months, you will have a polished submission while everyone else is scrambling.
The “Corporate” Application Mindset
When applying for corporate grants, remember their motivation: Public Relations.
Make Them Look Good.
Your application should highlight how your business helps the community. Corporations want to put your photo in their annual report. Give them a story that makes them look like heroes for funding you.
Use Their Buzzwords.
If applying to Verizon, use words like “Connectivity” and “Digital Access.” If applying to FedEx, talk about “Global Reach” and “Logistics.” Mirror their mission statement back to them.
Speed Matters.
These portals often close once they hit a certain number of applications. Do not wait until New Year’s Eve. Submit your applications this week to ensure your file is on the top of the stack. https://job.gterahub.com/grants-for-food-businesses/