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AI founders: Got a game-changing startup?

Building the future of AI? Here's your shot at $50K to make it happen.

The Next Big AIdea pitch competition is live. If you've got an AI startup that's changing how businesses grow, we want to see it.

Record a 60-second pitch and you could win $50,000 cash, $25K in AWS credits, 600K Clay credits + Pro Plan, and exposure to millions through HubSpot Media's network.

Five finalists get flown to San Francisco to pitch live at INBOUND 2025 in front of 1,000+ industry leaders.

Your AI idea deserves more than just another LinkedIn post.

Submit your pitch today

 HubSpot “Million Dollar Pitch” @ INBOUND  SOUND AWESOME, but you need more opportunities?

Say no more….

• SaaStock Europe Global Pitch Competition – Dublin IE, 14-15 Oct 2025. Finalists vie for an investment package worth up to €1 million from leading VCs. 
  

• Alibaba CoCreate Pitch – Las Vegas NV, 4-5 Sept 2025 & London UK, 14 Nov 2025. Product-focused event sharing a US $1 million prize pool across two regional finals. 

  
  Allstate Main Street Grants Program

  • Amount: $20,000 grants + 12-week virtual Boost Camp

  • Deadline: July 25, 2025 at 6:00p.m. ET (still open today; closes this evening)

  • Apply:
    Hello Alice Application Portal
    Allstate Main Street Program Info
    (Tip: Apply before 5p.m. CT to meet cutoff!)
    

    American Express Backing Small Businesses Grant

  • Amount: $10,000 to 400 small businesses

  • Deadline: July 31, 2025 at 11:59p.m. CT

  • Apply:
    Main Street America x AmEx Application Portal
    Official Info
    

    
    Small Business Hero Program (QuickBooks + Mailchimp)

  • Amount: $20,000 grants (three per quarter, rolling nominations)

  • Deadline: Nominations through May 15, 2026 – available all year

  • Apply:
    Intuit QuickBooks Hero Program
    QuickBooks x Mailchimp Hero Application

    
    ZenBusiness $5K Grant Program

  • Amount: $5,000 grants

  • Deadline: Open through December 31, 2025 (must have formed business with ZenBusiness in past 3–6 months)

  • Apply: ZenBusiness Grant Portal
    
    

    
    Start.Pivot.Grow. Micro Grant

  • Amount: $2,500 (rolling, quarterly awards)

  • Eligibility: U.S. active for-profit, 2+ yrs, $50K+ annual revenue, max two employees, including founder(s)

  • Deadline: Rolling throughout 2025

  • Apply:
    Official Start.Pivot.Grow. Grant Page
    Direct Application Info (Grantaura)
    (Note: Most recent cycle open; confirm status on application page.)
    
    

    
    Federal SBIR/STTR (“America’s Seed Fund”)

  • Amount: Federal R&D funds;
    Phase I: $50,000–$275,000 | Phase II: up to $2M+

  • Open To: U.S. software/technology startups, <500 employees, other requirements vary

  • Deadline:
    Varies continuously—each agency (NSF, NIH, DoD, DOE, etc.) posts regular solicitations; software companies often apply to NSF, DoD, NIH, or DOE.

  • Apply:
    Main SBIR Application Portal & Open Opportunities
    NSF America’s Seed Fund (step-by-step)
    NIH SBIR/STTR Funding Opportunities
    
    

    
    Walmart Open Call 2025

    • What: Pitch event for U.S. companies with shelf-ready products (or manufacturing tech) made, grown, or assembled in the U.S.; chance for Walmart/Sam’s Club product deals & mentorship.

    • Prize: Retail contracts, mentorship (“Grow with US” program), and “Golden Ticket” fast-tracks.

    • Who: U.S.-based consumer product companies or manufacturing innovators (no alcohol, tobacco, pharma, etc.).

    • Event: October 7–8, 2025 (Bentonville, AR)

    • Deadline: July 25, 2025 (apply by end of day)

    • How to Apply:

      Apply via Walmart Open Call portal.

      Zendesk Tech for Good Impact Awards 2025

      • What: Grants ($5K–$50K) + free Zendesk software for nonprofits driving social impact.

      • Who: Nonprofits (not current/past Zendesk grantees; some country restrictions).

      • Deadline: August 15, 2025.

      • How to Apply:
        Apply here (Zendesk Tech for Good)

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