Securing funding is one of the biggest challenges entrepreneurs face, especially when trying to scale beyond their home country. While loans require repayment and investors often want equity, grants offer something rare, free funding to help you grow without giving up control. In 2025, more international organizations are offering business grants to support innovation, entrepreneurship and economic growth. Whether you run a tech startup, a small manufacturing firm, or a social enterprise, there’s likely a program tailored for you.
In this guide, we’ll break down 10 international business grant programs every entrepreneur should know in 2025, their eligibility criteria, and how to apply successfully.
Table of Contents
- What Are International Business Grants?
- Why Entrepreneurs Should Apply for Grants
- 10 International Business Grant Programs in 2025
- Tips for a Successful Grant Application
- Final Thoughts
What Are International Business Grants?
International business grants are non-repayable funds provided by governments, global organizations, or NGOs to help businesses grow and innovate. Unlike loans, grants don’t require repayment, but they often come with strict application processes and eligibility criteria.
Why Entrepreneurs Should Apply for Grants
- Free funding: No repayment required.
- Global recognition: Builds credibility for your business.
- Networking opportunities: Access to mentors and partners.
- Business growth: Helps with scaling, hiring, and innovation.
10 International Business Grant Programs in 2025
1. The Cartier Women’s Initiative Grant
- Who it’s for: Women entrepreneurs with sustainable businesses.
- Funding: Up to $100,000.
- Deadline: Typically early 2025.
- Website: Cartier Women’s Initiative
2. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Grant
- Who it’s for: Innovators addressing global health, education, and poverty.
- Funding: Varies by project.
- Website: Gates Foundation
3. Y Combinator Startup Grant
- Who it’s for: Early-stage startups with scalable ideas.
- Funding: $125,000 + mentorship.
- Website: Y Combinator
4. Global Innovation Fund (GIF)
- Who it’s for: Entrepreneurs solving global development challenges.
- Funding: Up to $15 million (staged funding).
- Website: Global Innovation Fund
5. African Development Foundation (USADF) Grants
- Who it’s for: African-owned businesses with high community impact.
- Funding: Up to $250,000.
- Website: USADF
6. Echoing Green Fellowship
- Who it’s for: Social entrepreneurs tackling urgent issues.
- Funding: $80,000 fellowship + leadership support.
- Website: Echoing Green
7. The Global Good Fund Fellowship
- Who it’s for: Entrepreneurs with a social impact mission.
- Funding: $10,000 leadership grant + mentorship.
- Website: Global Good Fund
8. WeWork Creator Awards
- Who it’s for: Innovators in various industries.
- Funding: $20,000 to $360,000.
- Website: WeWork Creator Awards
9. The GSMA Innovation Fund
- Who it’s for: Startups using mobile tech for social impact.
- Funding: Up to £250,000.
- Website: GSMA Innovation Fund
10. The Hult Prize
- Who it’s for: Students launching sustainable social enterprises.
- Funding: $1 million.
- Website: Hult Prize
4. Tips for a Successful Grant Application
- Research eligibility carefully: Don’t waste time applying for grants that don’t fit your business.
- Have a solid business plan: Show clear goals and measurable impact.
- Highlight innovation: Funders want unique, problem-solving ideas.
- Tell your story: Make your application human and relatable.
- Meet deadlines: Late submissions are automatically rejected.
Conclusions
Grants can be a game-changer for entrepreneurs in 2025. The key is to target the right opportunities, craft compelling applications, and leverage any additional benefits like mentorship or networking.
If you’re ready to take your business global, start researching these programs today, your next growth breakthrough could be one grant away.
