Funding Season Is Here: What’s Open for November Applicants

Here on the East Coast, temperatures are inching ever closer to below-freezing – which means that fall is undeniably here. The days are shorter. The chill is setting in. And, for many entrepreneurs, the pressure is on. We’re deep into Q4, budgets are tight and whispers of a looming recession aren’t helping anyone. It’s a smart time to look ahead and lock in support. Fall tends to be packed with open applications for grants and accelerators designed to help entrepreneurs grow (or just stay afloat).

Now’s the time to get your applications in. Deadlines are approaching fast!

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Techstars Anywhere Accelerator

As a remote-first program, the Anywhere Accelerator is designed for innovative founders across any industry. Participants join a three-month virtual program with three in-person offsite gatherings in major startup hubs.

Applications close on November 19th.

The Catalyst Accelerator

Robin Hood’s Catalyst Accelerator helps early-stage founders grow tech solutions for social impact. Participants receive $100,000 in funding along with mentorship, coaching and access to Robin Hood’s network of investors and partners. The 16-week program runs through June 2026 in Brooklyn, NY, with in-person sessions, founder lunches and a showcase at SXSW. Eligible startups should focus on areas like housing, health, education and financial access, and must have under $200K in annual revenue and less than $500K in funding (excluding grants).

Applications for the next cohort are due November 21st at 11 p.m. ET.

FedEx Entrepreneur Fund and Boost Camp

In partnership with Hello Alice and the Global Entrepreneurship Network, the FedEx Entrepreneur Fund and Boost Camp program offers small business owners a 12-week digital accelerator focused on growth and sustainability. Participants receive business education, mentorship and networking opportunities — and select participants will receive $10,000 in grant funding to help scale their businesses.

Applications close on November 21st.

D-Prize Competition

The D-Prize Global Competition invites entrepreneurs to take on specific global development challenges, from expanding access to health care and clean energy to improving education and public services. Applicants choose one of the designated focus areas (or propose their own custom challenge) and design a distribution model to bring proven solutions to communities in need. Winners receive up to $20,000 in seed funding to launch and scale their organization in a low- or middle-income country. D-Prize supports both nonprofit and for-profit ventures, particularly first-time founders and entrepreneurs based in developing regions.

The early deadline for this year’s competition is November 23rd, followed by the regular deadline on December 14th and the extension deadline on January 4th.

The Sephora Beauty Grant

The Fifteen Percent Pledge and Sephora have opened applications for the 2026 Sephora Beauty Grant, offering $100,000 in unrestricted funding to support underrepresented founders in the beauty industry (including women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ founders, or first-generation entrepreneurs). Alongside financial support, the program provides mentorship, pro bono consulting and recognition at the Fifteen Percent Pledge Gala in Los Angeles. Eligible applicants must have a U.S.-based beauty business with at least $100,000 in annual revenue and a minimum of one year in operation.

Applications close on November 28th.

Hello Tomorrow Global Challenge

Startups developing new technology or scientific innovations can apply for the Hello Tomorrow Global Challenge, one of the leading international competitions for early-stage deep tech ventures. The program offers visibility, networking and access to funding for founders working on solutions that address major industrial, environmental and social challenges. The Challenge will award €100,000 in equity-free funding to top startups selected from around the world. Participants will also have the opportunity to connect with investors, industry leaders and global media at the Hello Tomorrow Summit, taking place in Amsterdam on June 11th – 12th, 2026.

Applications are open until November 30th.

Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Grant

Through the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready program, fifty small businesses based in the U.S., Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands will receive $10,000 each. To qualify, applicants must complete at least two eligible courses or virtual events on the Digital Ready platform before the final deadline.

Submissions close on December 10th at 11:59 p.m. PST.

Hey Helen Grant

The Hey Helen Grant awards $10,000 in unrestricted funding to women founders building impactful, mission-driven businesses across the United States. Created in honor of the founder’s grandmother, the grant celebrates women who lead with grit, generosity and purpose. Applicants must own 100 percent of a U.S.-based, for-profit business generating under one million in annual revenue. There is a $15 administrative fee to apply, and one recipient will be selected each cycle. The funds can be used for anything that supports business growth, from marketing and hiring to operations or infrastructure.

The next round closes on December 30th, with winners announced in early 2026.

Faire Small Business Grant

Faire’s Small Business Grant awards $5,000 in Faire credit to help new independent retailers stock their shelves with products from the platform’s wholesale marketplace. The program is open to U.S. and Canadian store owners who opened their business in 2024 or plan to open soon. Applicants must submit a short video outlining their store’s concept, their community impact and how the grant would support their goals. The grant funds can only be used toward inventory purchases on Faire.com and expire six months after being issued.

Applications are due December 31st at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Secretsos Small Business Grant

The Secretsos Small Business Grant awards $2,500 each quarter to U.S.-based business owners who demonstrate passion, integrity and a commitment to growth. Designed to help entrepreneurs overcome financial hurdles, hire staff, or implement new strategies, the grant supports business owners ready to make a meaningful impact in their industries or communities.

This quarter’s deadline closes on December 31st. Applications include a $15 fee.

Her Agenda’s Breakthrough Grant

Her Agenda’s Breakthrough Grant awards $5,000 to one woman entrepreneur ready to take her business to the next level. The program supports women founders across industries and is open to those actively subscribed to the Her Agenda newsletter.

Applications close January 18th, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST, and the winner will be announced in March.

If you’re still hunting down grants and accelerators for entrepreneurs, don’t miss our September roundup for even more opportunities.