It can be incredibly difficult to find available small business funding.

This is especially for the self-employed, like hair stylists, personal trainers, and other service providers.

So, we rolled up our sleeves and dug around the internet to create this guide to small business grants for 2023.

(As we hear about more opportunities, we’ll update the list.)

Chances are… you qualify for more business grants than you’d expect, so take a look!

2023 Best Small Business Grants for Service Providers & the Self-Employed

In this list:

Federal & State Small Business Grants (General) 

PPP

Amount: Varies 

Here’s a detailed breakdown of what PPP is — and why you may qualify even if you think you don’t. 

Economic Development Administration (EDA)

Amount: Varies

Each state has their own economic development resources, so be sure to visit the EDA website to find grants in your area.

Shuttered Venue Operators Grant

Amount: Varies

Specifically targeted at live venues, such as theaters and museums, the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant is also for talent representatives and more.

This grant program offers eligible applicants a qualification for SVO Grants equal to 45% of their gross earned revenue.

Private Small Business Grants (General) 

GoFundMe Small Business Relief Fund 

Amount: $500 matching grants 

As part of GoFundMe’s Small Business Relief Initiative: The GoFundMe.org Small Business Relief Fund provides micro-grants to qualifying small businesses negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

FedEx Small Business Grant

Amount: $15,000 – $50,000

The annual FedEx Small Business Grant application offers a grand prize winner $50,000 with two additional grants for a second and third business.

To qualify, you need to create a pitch and follow FedEx’s application instructions.

Small Business Grants for Hair & Beauty Professionals and other Service Providers 

National Association for the Self-Employed Growth Grants

Amount: $4,000

Though grants are awarded on a rolling basis, you have to be a NASE member to apply for a NASE Growth Grant.

There are additional restrictions based on the type of membership and the amount of time you’ve been a member.

That said, professional organizations are a great way to build your business.

Check out a few beauty and skincare associations, or become a member of these hair and barbering organizations.

Beauty Changes Lives

Amount: Varies

Beauty Changes Lives has given away over $3.1 million to upcoming beauty professionals and licensed pros, including barbers, cosmetologists, nail techs, and estheticians.

Check out their calendar for upcoming opportunities!

Small Business Grants for Women and BIPOC Businesses 

Amber Grant 

Amount: $10,000 awarded monthly and one $25,000 grant at year-end

From the Amber Grant qualifications page: “Applying is simple. Just take a few minutes to tell us about yourself and your business dream. No long, complicated forms to fill out.” 

The Do You Fund

Amount: $5,000 plus access to mentorship and support. 

The Do You Fund, from digital undivided, supports Black & Latinx women entrepreneurs.

In 2021, the team announced a new fellowship program that ties funding to business mentorship. 

The next application round for 2023 hasn’t been announced yet, but keep an eye on their page for dates.

Fearless Fund

Amount: $10,000

Built to help women of color business owners, the Fearless Fund gives away eleven $10K grants each year! You can apply directly on their website, too.

Where to Find More Small Business Grants 

Other Small Business Funding and Loans

Funding and Relief Loans by City/State

The Tory Burch foundation has a fantastic round-up of regional loans. 

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