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Start here: how to use this issue
Searching for capital is hard. The options are scattered across bank websites, foundation pages, accelerator blogs and grant databases, and each one speaks its own language. This newsletter exists to put the options in one place, in plain English.
It is written for SMB owners, solopreneurs and founders. Each issue covers six sources of capital. They appear in a fixed order: debt first, equity second, then grants, PRIs and competitions at the bottom. Every entry follows the same layout: the type of capital, how much they write, what they look for, a one-line description, and a link to the source.
Skim for the type that fits your stage, then click through to confirm current terms, since programs change often.
Want help finding the right fit? If you'd like to be matched with capital partners through our service, book time with us.
Debt
1. SBA 7(a) Loans
Type: Debt
How much they write: up to $5 million, with terms of up to 25 years.
What they look for: a business that is small under SBA size standards, is creditworthy and can show a reasonable ability to repay.
About: the SBA's primary business loan program, which guarantees loans made by participating lenders. You apply through the lender.
Link: sba.gov/7a-loan-program
2. Kiva
Type: Debt
How much they write: $1,000 to $15,000 at 0% interest and no fees, with 12 to 36 month repayment terms.
What they look for: a US-based, legal and socially responsible business whose owner has community support. Kiva weighs character, the impact of the loan and the network willing to back you rather than leaning on a credit score. Borrowers must not be in bankruptcy or foreclosure, and a few states are excluded.
About: a nonprofit that crowdfunds zero-interest loans for US small businesses.
Link: kiva.org/borrow
Equity
3. Y Combinator
Type: Equity
How much they write: $500,000 per company: $125,000 for 7% on a post-money SAFE, plus $375,000 on an uncapped SAFE with a most-favored-nation clause.
What they look for: technology startups, with founders building a product, finding users and heading toward a larger raise.
About: a three-month accelerator that runs four times a year and has funded more than 5,000 startups since 2005.
Link: ycombinator.com
Grants, PRI and Competition
4. Amber Grant (WomensNet)
Type: Grant
How much they write: $10,000 monthly grants, plus $50,000 annual grants (three winners a year) for monthly winners.
What they look for: women-owned businesses at any stage, from startup to growth. One application enters you into all the grants you qualify for, and the program asks for an honest story about you and your business.
About: a grant program that has supported women entrepreneurs since 1998 and offers more than $510,000 in funding in 2026.
Link: ambergrantsforwomen.com
5. Columbus Foundation Equitable Small Business Fund
Type: PRI (program-related investment)
How much they write: roughly $250,000 to $750,000 per investment, with an ideal average of about $500,000.
What they look for: capital that strengthens financing for businesses owned by people of color in Columbus. Since May 2023 the foundation has prioritized intermediaries, CDFIs and entrepreneurial support organizations over individual businesses, so most owners reach this money through a lender that receives it.
About: a $5 million foundation fund that makes mission-driven investments, a good example of how PRIs work. A PRI is a foundation loan or investment made to advance a charitable purpose, often on gentler terms than a bank.
Link: columbusfoundation.org (check the page for current status)
6. Rice Business Plan Competition
Type: Competition
How much they write: 42 teams compete for more than $1 million in cash, investments and prizes.
What they look for: graduate student-led startups from universities anywhere in the world. Past guidelines have asked for at least two current students on the team and a venture that is seeking capital and looks like a viable investment. Applications for the 2026 event opened in November 2025, so watch for the next cycle.
About: billed as the world's largest and richest student startup competition, held each spring in Houston.
Link: business.rice.edu
Not sure where you fit?
Most owners are not shopping for one type of capital. A loan, a grant and a competition prize can sit in the same plan. If you'd like help sorting out which sources suit your business and getting introduced to the right capital partners, book time with us.
This issue is for educational purposes only and is not financial advice. Terms, deadlines and eligibility change, so confirm details on each program's website before you apply.
