Small business owners can apply for $2,500 in cash plus $2,500 in hands-on tech and operations support from Shophand. Applications close November 30.
The Shophand Small Business Boost Grant is accepting applications through November 30, 2026. Shophand, a small business support platform that pairs simple tech tools with live human help, awards the $5,000 Boost Grant twice a year to help owners take on their biggest tech or operational challenge. The application is free, with no fees, subscriptions or required purchases, and solopreneurs are welcome to apply.
What the Winner Receives
Each Boost winner receives $2,500 in no-strings-attached cash and a $2,500 credit for Shophand technical support and services. The service credit can go toward tech setup, AI tools and automation, operations support, marketing and sales systems, creative and media help, software setup, and training or done-for-you support, along with a personal Shophand who works with the owner one on one. Most of that support is delivered within four to eight weeks of the winner’s onboarding call.
Who Can Apply
The grant is open to U.S.-based, for-profit small businesses that are actively operating, have fewer than 50 employees and bring in under $5 million in annual revenue. Businesses that are still only an idea are not eligible, and nonprofits do not qualify. Applicants must also follow Shophand on Instagram, X, LinkedIn and Facebook. The grant is built for owners facing challenges in creative and media, development and IT, finance, management, marketing and sales, or operations and customer experience.
Applications are reviewed for a clear business story, a meaningful challenge, how much the cash and support could help, and the owner’s commitment to strengthening the business. Shophand states that it does not weigh applications by revenue, social following or popularity. Using one of Shophand’s paid services is not required, though applicants who have used one during the current cycle may receive preference. Owners who do not win can apply again in the next cycle.
Timeline
- Current round opened: June 1, 2026
- Applications close: November 30, 2026
- Winner announced: December 15, 2026
- Next round opens: December 1, 2026
How to Apply
Applications are submitted through Shophand’s member hub, and owners can create a free Shophand account to log in. The application takes 10 to 15 minutes and asks for basic business information, a description of the business, its biggest challenge and how Shophand could best support it. Full details are on the Shophand Small Business Boost Grant page.
For more open funding, see Bacon Magazine’s list of grants for women-owned businesses.
