Since this is Small Business Month, we thought it would be the ideal time to call attention to some of the resources out there for the small business. With an increase in awareness of how important small businesses are to the local and national economies, large businesses are getting into the groove and pledging their support to help small businesses too.

TikTok Gives Ad Credits
In celebration of Small Business Month, TikTok has unveiled a $1 million advertising credit program aimed at helping U.S. small businesses grow their presence on the platform. The initiative is designed to give entrepreneurs the tools they need to broaden their audience and strengthen their marketing efforts.

Here’s what the campaign includes:

• U.S.-based small businesses can apply for ad credits to boost their visibility on TikTok.
• Starting May 15, weekly Small Biz Fest TikTok Academy Webinars will offer practical tips and expert insights on building successful advertising strategies.
• A new video podcast series, “100 Ways to Grow on TikTok,” will feature stories and advice from business owners who’ve thrived using the platform.

Additionally, TikTok will spotlight small businesses at state capitol events in New York and Texas, creating opportunities for dialogue between entrepreneurs and local legislators about the platform’s economic influence.

To learn more or join these efforts, visit tiktoksmallbizfest.com.

Stamps.com Grant
Stamps.com is rolling out the Small Business Flexibility Grant, offering $25,000 to a qualifying U.S. service-based small business. The goal is to assist businesses in solving operational bottlenecks—particularly those tied to manual mailing and shipping tasks.

Key Details

Eligibility Requirements:

• U.S.-based service-oriented small businesses
• A minimum of three employees
• At least two years in operation

Timeline:

• Application Period: May 1–31, 2025
• Grant Winner Announced: June 2025
• Grant Usage: Fully unrestricted; funds can be applied wherever they’re needed to improve flexibility and streamline processes

Applicants will answer questions detailing how their business operates and how the grant could help address process inefficiencies. The program is designed to help automate labor-intensive tasks and increase overall productivity.

For more information or to submit an application, visit www.stamps.com/grant.

Walmart’s “Grow with US” Program
Walmart has introduced its Grow with US initiative to help small businesses expand their operations and gain exposure to a nationwide customer base. The program is part of Walmart’s $350 billion commitment to support American-made, grown, or assembled goods through 2030, with a projected impact of over 750,000 jobs.

Program Overview

Grow with US is a voluntary, four-step framework designed to support business scaling:

1. Education – Walmart’s Supplier Academy offers 30 e-learning courses divided into four paths: Welcome to Walmart 101, Retail Readiness, Business Fundamentals, and Advanced Topics.
2. Product Discovery – Small businesses can promote their products via Walmart’s U.S. Open Call, RangeMe platform, and online Marketplace.
3. Mentorship – Participants are paired with experienced Walmart mentors for guidance on navigating retail processes.
4. Financing – Walmart offers early payment options and funding opportunities through its Bridge Marketplace.

Participation Details

U.S.-based small businesses may join the program by providing SBA certification or requesting validation through Walmart.

Upcoming Opportunities:

• Open Call Event: Applications open June 24, 2025. This annual event on October 7–8 in Bentonville, Arkansas allows businesses to pitch directly to Walmart and Sam’s Club buyers.
• Road to Open Call Events: Pop-ups in cities such as Orlando, Kansas City, Baltimore, Austin, Columbus, and Atlanta will take place in May and June, offering early engagement and potential fast-tracks to the main event.

Verizon’s Small Business Accelerator and Grant
Verizon is committing $5 billion over the next five years to support U.S. small businesses, including through its newly launched Small Business Supplier Accelerator. The program aims to bring more small and veteran-owned businesses into Verizon’s procurement system, offering mentorship, training, and more adaptable procurement processes.

Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program

In collaboration with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), Verizon is continuing its Small Business Digital Ready platform, which includes:

• No-cost online learning covering digital marketing, operations, and financial planning
• Expert-led coaching and networking events
• Access to $10,000 grants for eligible participants

Grant Eligibility and Application Process

To apply for the $10,000 grant, businesses must:

• Be a for-profit company based in the U.S.
• Register through the Digital Ready portal: https://digitalready.verizonwireless.com/onboarding
• Complete two learning activities (courses, coaching, or events) between January 1 and June 30, 2025
• Submit the application before June 30, 2025, at 11:59 PM PT

Looking for more support? There’s no such thing as too many resources when running a small business. For an extended list of opportunities, check out the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s comprehensive guide.