February 2026: $1K–$35K in grants open right now!
This month is the 100th anniversary of Black History Month.
In honor of this important centennial milestone, we hope you take a few moments to explore some of the amazing trailblazing Black women entrepreneurs throughout our history. Black Girl Ventures has you covered with this article: Breaking Barriers: 6 Daring Black Women Entrepreneurs from the 19th Century
We encourage intentionality in supporting local, Black-owned businesses all through the year. If you’re not sure how to find Black-owned businesses in your area, check out the US Black Chambers’ ByBlack Directory as a starting point.
February will be finished in a flash, so let’s get into the other important things you need to know:
💰 Grant Applications: 5 open grants are linked below, and don’t forget to check our Grants Database for more!
🗓️ Upcoming Webinar: Mark your calendars for Thursday March 12th, where we’ll give an inside look at how we use AI day-to-day.
🎥 15 minute video: 7 tips to prep your business for financial success in 2026 from CPA and financial educator, Jamie Trull.
📚5-7 minute read: A thoughtful Substack on the power of non-dilutive funding and how to use it well from Angel Investor, Susan Montgomery.
🩵 Launcher Naijean Bernard, Ph.D’s best tip for fellow women business owners to consider in February.
💰 GRANT DEADLINES
For any questions about the below grants, including eligibility, please reach out to the granting organization directly.
[$1K] Greatness Grant. Online entrepreneur, influencer, and philanthropist, Nehemiah Davis, is giving out multiple $1K grants to early-stage businesses. DEADLINE: FEB 16th 11:59pm EST
[Up to $35K] The UPS Store 2026 Small Business Challenge. All you gotta do is share what makes you unstoppable as a business owner for this multi-stage grant & mentorship program. DEADLINE: FEB 20TH
[$10K] Amber Grant: Health & Fitness. A simple $15 application fee enters you for their grant of the month–February is for Health & Fitness businesses!–and a shot at their $50K annual grant. DEADLINE: FEB 28TH
[$25K] AI Glasses Impact Grants. Kinda niche, but if you’re using Meta’s AI glasses in your business, consider giving this grant a peek. DEADLINE: MARCH 9TH
[$2500] SecretSOS Grant. SecretSOS offers a $2500 quarterly grant, along with a platform that’s especially helpful for franchisee businesses. NEXT DEADLINE: MARCH 31ST
💥 POWER PICKS
Your monthly shortcut to better decisions: handpicked listens, curated reads, and expert events that will level up your thinking and skills.
🗓️ Upcoming Webinar: How We Use AI at Ladies Who Launch. Ever wondered how folks are actually using AI in the real world? Join us on Tuesday March 17th for an inside look at our day-to-day processes to give you some inspiration!
📚 Non-Dilutive Funding Options for Startups in 2026. The most important variable in any business? Ownership. This Angel’s perspective on when and why to give it up is a 5-7 min must-read.
🎥 How to Finalize 2025 Books and Prep for 2026 Tax Season. This 15 min video from CPA and financial educator, Jamie Trull, has great information on how to understand both your business performance, and quarterly liabilities.
🎧 Spoiler Alert: Confidence is Not the Opposite of Self-Doubt. This rich conversation between Grace Beverly and Dr. Shadé Zahrai explains what to focus on when your mind is second-guessing itself.
🩵 LAUNCHER SPOTLIGHT
We celebrate women-owned businesses in motion: the decisions they’re making, the challenges they’re navigating, and what other founders can learn along the way. Be sure to give your fellow Launcher some love online!
NAIJEAN BERNARD, PhD of @jeanyscaribbeanelixirs
2024 Funded & Fearless Attendee
2022 Launch Program Grant Recipient
“This past year as an entrepreneur, I found that I had been neglecting my health, in particular, physical fitness. In addition to daily walks with my Labradoodle, I signed up for an all-women kickball league here in Austin, Texas. I haven't played since middle school!
I was so sore after the first game, I almost decided not to go back. However, I decided to keep going, to show up for myself, just like I do for my business every day. The message to my fellow women in business is, sometimes showing up is half the battle.”