The free grant from nonprofit Hidden Star closes on October 31, and aspiring founders who haven’t launched yet can apply.
Photography by Chidera Faustina Okeke
The Galaxy Grant is accepting applications for its current $2,500 award. The deadline is October 31, 2026, and winners are announced the following week. The grant is free to apply for and the application takes about 30 seconds.
What the Grant Offers
The $2,500 grant is run by Hidden Star, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has supported women and minority business owners for more than nine years. The award amount changes from cycle to cycle. Recent winners on the program’s site include a $4,250 grant to a Brookshire, Texas business owner in July 2026 and a $25,000 grant to an Austin, Texas founder in October 2025. In total, Galaxy of Stars has awarded more than $420,000 to women and minority-owned businesses since 2016.
Who Can Apply
The grant is designed for businesses at every stage. It’s open to people thinking about starting a business, founders who just launched, and experienced owners. Applicants must be 18 or older, U.S.-based, and a woman or minority entrepreneur.
What the Application Asks
The form covers the basics. It asks for your name, email, zip code, gender, ethnicity, and whether you currently own a business or want to start one. Submitting creates a free Galaxy Starter account, which lets you list your business in the Galaxy Directory, join the community forum and access the Hidden Star Master Class.
There are also two details worth knowing. Galaxy Plus+ members don’t need to fill out the form because they’re entered automatically for every Galaxy Grant. Applicants can also list who referred them, and if a referred friend wins, both people win.
About Galaxy of Stars and Hidden Star
Galaxy of Stars is the entrepreneur platform run by Hidden Star. Beyond the grant, it offers a grant finder, a business directory, a community forum, Galaxy University and the Beating the Odds podcast for women and minority business owners.
How to Apply
Apply directly on the official Galaxy Grants page before October 31, 2026.
