10 Christian Business Grants you should Apply for in 2025

Running a business as a believer

1. Arise ‘N’ Shine

Arise 'N' Shine Christian Women's Business Grants Network awards grants to women-owned businesses twice a year. Every six months, three grant awards are given to women who have demonstrated excellence in business planning or execution.

Eligible women must be 18 years old or older, live in the U.S., and have a business that is at least 6 months old. The business must be up and running with potential for expansion. Grant awards are based on how well the business solves a problem, shows future potential, or leverages a new idea from an existing product or service.

Grants are awarded each year at the end of March and the end of September. Applications may be submitted online. The grant money may be used for business purposes that include programs designed to help business grow.

Read: Biography of Minister Deborah Billyben

The grants are provided by Arise 'N' Shine Christian Women's Business Grants Network. The organization was formed to help provide financial assistance to women small business owners. They do not provide grants for start-ups; the grants are designed to help existing women-owned businesses. Unlike loans, the grants do not have to be repaid.

For more information, visit ariseandshinegrants.org/grant-rules.html

Verified Business Grants for Christian-Owned Enterprises (2025 Edition)

Christian entrepreneurs often seek funding avenues that align with their values and mission. Below is a curated list of verified grants and funding opportunities tailored for Christian-owned businesses, both within Nigeria and internationally.(Investopedia)

🇳🇬 Nigerian-Based Grants for Christian Entrepreneurs

1. Goshen Impact Fund Entrepreneurship Programme

Overview: An initiative by the Kingdom Summit, this program supports Christian entrepreneurs with innovative and scalable business ideas.
Benefits: Access to capital, market opportunities, mentorship, and investor readiness training.
Eligibility:
- Nigerian entrepreneurs aged 21 and above.
- Graduates from universities, polytechnics, or colleges of education/technology.
- Startups and early-growth businesses across all sectors.
Application: Details were available for the 2023 cycle; applicants should check for updates on upcoming editions. (Funds for Companies)

2. International Billionaire Christian Conference (IBCC) Startup Fund

Overview: Launched during the IBCC 2024 conference, this fund aims to bridge the gap between Christian youths with innovative business ideas and access to capital.
Benefits: Startup funding, scholarships, and mentorship opportunities.
Eligibility: Christian youths with promising business ideas.
Application: Beneficiaries are selected through a rigorous pitch deck session evaluated by the IBCC-Startup Management Board. (Independent, outlooknigeria.com)

🌍 International Grants Supporting Christian-Owned Businesses

3. Ocean Accelerator

Overview: Based in Cincinnati, USA, Ocean Accelerator integrates faith and business by supporting startups with a Christian ethos.
Benefits: Seed investments of $50,000, business mentorship, and spiritual guidance.
Eligibility: Open to entrepreneurs of any or no faith, with a focus on instilling "Christ leadership" principles.
Application: Participants present their products during a public Demo Day to potential investors. (WIRED)

4. Benefact Trust

Overview: A UK-based charitable trust (formerly Allchurches Trust) that funds projects making a positive difference through churches and Christian charities.
Benefits: Grants supporting church repairs, community outreach, and initiatives reflecting Christian values.
Eligibility: Churches and Christian charities in the UK, Ireland, Canada, and Australia.
Application: Applicants should refer to the Benefact Trust's official website for detailed guidelines. (Wikipedia)

5. Five Talents

Overview: An international organization partnering with churches to provide financial services and business training in developing countries.
Benefits: Support for savings groups, financial literacy, and business skills training.
Eligibility: Communities in Burundi, Bolivia, DR Congo, Indonesia, Kenya, Myanmar, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Application: Engagement typically occurs through local church partnerships. (Wikipedia)

👩‍💼 Grants for Women-Led Christian Initiatives

6. Giving Joy Grants

Overview: A global initiative awarding micro-grants to women-led projects that empower women, girls, and families.
Benefits: One-time grants ranging from $250 to $500.
Eligibility:
- Women aged 18 and above from any part of the world.
- Projects must focus on women, girls, and families and align with the Giving Joy mission.
Application: Applications are accepted in any language translatable by Google Translate. (Connectnigeria Articles)

🏛️ General Grants Accessible to Christian Entrepreneurs in Nigeria

7. Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme

Overview: A pan-African initiative supporting entrepreneurs with seed funding, training, and mentorship.
Benefits: Up to $5,000 in seed funding.
Eligibility: African entrepreneurs with viable business ideas or businesses under three years old.
Application: Applications are submitted online through the foundation’s portal. (Tech Africana)

8. Bank of Industry (BOI) Youth Entrepreneurship Support (YES) Programme

Overview: A Nigerian government initiative providing funding and training to young entrepreneurs.
Benefits: Up to ₦10 million in funding.
Eligibility: Nigerian entrepreneurs aged 18 to 35 with viable business ideas.
Application: Applications are submitted through the BOI website. (Tech Africana, Know Nigeria)

9. Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF)

Overview: A Lagos State Government initiative supporting entrepreneurs with access to low-interest loans and skills training.
Benefits: Up to ₦5 million for MSMEs.
Eligibility: Lagos residents with registered businesses.
Application: Applications are submitted through the LSETF online portal. (Tech Africana, LearnSkills)

10. YouWin! Connect

Overview: A Nigerian government program providing grants to young entrepreneurs through a business plan competition.
Benefits: Up to ₦10 million in grants.
Eligibility: Nigerian youth with innovative business ideas.
Application: Applicants submit business plans evaluated by the Enterprise Development Center of The Pan-African University. (Wikipedia)

Conclusion

Christian entrepreneurs have access to a variety of grants that align with their faith and business objectives. By leveraging these opportunities, they can advance their missions while contributing positively to their communities. It's advisable to regularly check the respective organizations' websites for the most current application details and deadlines.