need grants? read through!
We are in the final stretch of the year. For most people, late November is about turkeys and holiday shopping. For smart business owners, it is about capitalizing on “budget flush” season.
Corporate grant programs and non profit foundations often operate on a calendar year budget. If they do not award their allocated funds by December 31st, they lose that money for the next year. This creates a unique phenomenon where acceptance rates for grants can actually increase in the final six weeks of the year.
If you have been searching for small business grants due December 2025 or emergency business funding year end, this list is for you. These are not the famous grants that everyone applied for in January. These are the year end opportunities that you can still catch if you act immediately.
1. The “Skip” Year End Grant
Skip has become a major player in the small business ecosystem. They have announced a final $10,000 grant to close out their 2025 funding cycle. The deadline is tight, often landing in mid December.
The application is designed to be fast. They want to know how you will use the funds to start 2026 strong. The key to winning this one is specificity. Do not say “marketing.” Say “I will spend $5,000 on Google Ads to drive 500 leads in Q1.” They want to see a return on investment.
2. The https://www.google.com/search?q=Alibaba.com Manifest Grants Program
Alibaba is aggressively courting US small businesses. Their grant programs often pop up quarterly, but their year end “Manifest” series is particularly notable. They usually award substantial sums, sometimes up to $10,000, along with logistics support.
This is ideal for product based businesses. If you sell physical goods and are looking to optimize your supply chain, this is your grant. Your proposal should focus on “innovation” in your product line.
3. The Awesome Foundation (December Chapter)
The Awesome Foundation is unique because it is hyper local. They have chapters in dozens of cities worldwide, from Boston to Berlin. Each chapter gives out a $1,000 grant every single month, with no strings attached.
The December grant is often less competitive because people are busy with holidays. Their criteria is simply that the project must be “awesome.” It does not need to be a traditional business. It could be an art installation, a community garden, or a neighborhood event. If your business has a creative or community angle, apply here.
4. Verizon Small Business Digital Ready
This is not just a check; it is a full ecosystem. Verizon runs rounds of $10,000 grants for small businesses that complete their free online courses.
To be eligible for the year end round, you typically need to complete two “courses” (which are short video modules) on their platform. The trick is that many people register but fail to watch the videos. By simply finishing the coursework, you put yourself in a much smaller pool of eligible applicants.
5. Tecvas “Boots on the Ground” Grant
While known for cowboy boots, Tecvas has a history of supporting entrepreneurs with “grit.” Their grant cycles often align with the holiday season to support businesses going into the New Year.
They look for storytelling. They want to hear about the late nights, the failures, and the hard work. This is a “personality” grant. If you are a blue collar entrepreneur or a maker, this brand aligns with you.
6. Local Chamber of Commerce “Shop Small” Grants
This is a hidden gem. Many local Chambers of Commerce receive funding from American Express or other sponsors to run “Shop Small” campaigns in November and December.
They often have micro grants of $500 to $2,000 to help local storefronts with holiday decorations or marketing. These are rarely advertised online. You have to walk into your local Chamber office or check their specific website. The competition is virtually zero because only locals know about them.
7. The “Incfile” (now Bizee) Fresh Start Business Grant
This grant is specifically for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to start a business but lack the funds for incorporation fees and initial setup.
If you have a business idea but haven’t launched yet, this is perfect. The deadline often falls in the winter. It covers your formation costs and gives you cash for a website. It is the perfect “New Year’s Resolution” grant.
The “Budget Flush” Strategy
Winning these grants requires a specific mindset shift.
Speed Over Perfection
Do not spend three weeks writing an essay for a grant due in three days. Write a solid draft, proofread it once, and submit. Volume matters.
Focus on “2026 Growth”
Grant committees are looking forward. Frame your request as “fuel for 2026.” Show them that their money will be the spark that ignites your best year yet.
Check Your Spam Folder
It sounds silly, but many grant notifications go to spam. Ensure you are checking every folder so you do not miss a request for an interview or further information.
The money is there. The budgets must be spent. The only missing piece is your application. https://job.gterahub.com/scholarships-oppurtunity/