Square Rolls Out Small Business Grant Program - Here’s What You Should Know

Staff Writer
Aug 24
2 min read

In a welcome move for Main Street entrepreneurs, Square has just launched a new grant program aimed at supporting small business owners who need an extra boost to grow, evolve, or simply stay afloat in a competitive economy.

While Square has long been known for simplifying payments and embedded financial tools like loans and cash advances, this new Cornerstone Grant Program initiative shifts the focus from lending to giving. And for many early-stage or underfunded businesses, a grant, not a loan, is exactly what’s needed.

What We Know About Square’s Small Business Grant Program

Square’s grant initiative is focused on:

Direct financial assistance to eligible small businesses
Supporting diverse entrepreneurs and underserved communities
Helping business owners invest in growth, technology, or operations

This reflects a growing recognition: not all small businesses need more debt—they need opportunity.

How to Apply for Small Business Grants (Including Square’s)

Whether you're applying for Square's grant or exploring others, most applications follow similar patterns:

Check Eligibility
Tell Your Story
Submit Financials or a Plan
Watch the Deadline

Pro Tip: Keep a running document about your business (mission, needs, achievements) you can tweak and reuse across grant applications.

Other Notable Small Business Grant Programs

Here are five major grant programs worth exploring:

1. FedEx Small Business Grant Contest

Annual competition offering cash prizes and services to U.S.-based small businesses.

2. Amazon Black Business Accelerator

Designed for Black-owned businesses selling on Amazon, includes financial grants, mentorship, and marketing support.

3. Venmo Small Business Grant

Offers $10,000 grants plus promotion for Venmo Business profile users.

4. Comcast RISE

Grants and marketing/tech support for minority- and women-owned businesses in select markets.

5. NASE Growth Grants (National Association for the Self-Employed)

Quarterly $4,000 grants for NASE members to invest in business needs.

Why This Matters

For businesses that aren’t ready for loans—or want to avoid interest altogether—grants are a smart alternative. And as major fintechs like Square get involved, this model is becoming more accessible than ever.

Brokers, advisors, and lenders who understand this space can better guide entrepreneurs through stepping stones to credit-readiness.

Final Word

Square’s new Cornerstone Grant Program is a strong signal: financial services companies are realizing they need to support small businesses beyond lending. If you're running a business, now is a great time to explore grants as part of your funding strategy.

One timely grant could mean: