From seed capital to scale-up funding, these international opportunities could take your Pakistani startup to the next level but only if you act before the deadlines.
startup in Pakistan have a golden window of opportunity this August and September 2025. From microgrants to million-dollar pitch competitions, this season brings a diverse range of funding programs for women-led startups, social impact ventures, e-commerce innovators, creatives, and more.
Grants for Women-Led Startups
1. Her Agenda Breakthrough Grant; Her Agenda
About the Organization:
Her Agenda is a digital media platform empowering millennial women through career resources, mentorship, and funding. It aims to close the gap between ambition and achievement for women entrepreneurs.
What You Get:
Equity free grant of $5,000 to help scale or launch a women led business.
How to Apply:
https://heragenda.com/p/her-agenda-launches-the-breakthrough-grant-to-support-women-entrepreneurs/
Deadline: August 17, 2025
2. Hey Helen Microgrant; Hey Helen
About the Organization:
Hey Helen is a community driven organization providing capital, mentorship, and exposure to purpose led women founders.
What You Get:
$5,000 unrestricted microgrant with no equity or strings attached.
How to Apply:
https://www.helengrant.org/about-helen
Deadline: August 29, 2025
3. Women Founders Grant
About the Organization:
Women Fund supports women entrepreneurs with straight forward, no red tape funding to accelerate growth and impact.
What You Get:
A flexible $5,000 grant for women led startups, no reporting or pitch deck required.
How to Apply:
https://womenfoundersgrant.com/
Deadline: August 31, 2025
4. StartHER Grant Program; Texas Woman’s University
About the Organization:
TWU’s Center for Women Entrepreneurs supports early stage women led startups in Texas and beyond with access to funding, resources, and education.
What You Get:
A $5,000 equity free grant to support business growth.
How to Apply:
https://twu.edu/center-women-entrepreneurs/starther/
Opens: August 26, 2025
Deadline: September 30, 2025
5. AT&T #ShesConnected Contest; AT&T
About the Organization:
AT&T launched the #ShesConnected initiative to support women entrepreneurs through funding, digital tools, and national exposure.
What You Get:
$50,000 in funding plus promotional spotlight across AT&T’s platforms and partner networks.
How to Apply:
https://grantexec.com/grants/1ee89e32-898d-4d33-a7ff-596bd99ec971
Deadline: September 30, 2025
Grants for Social Impact & Community-Focused Startups
6. Intuit Small Business Hero Program; Intuit
About the Organization:
Intuit, the maker of QuickBooks and TurboTax, supports small businesses that make a difference in their communities.
What You Get:
$20,000 cash grant to fund business expansion or social initiatives.
Deadline: August 14, 2025
7. PayPal Small Business Impact Awards; PayPal
About the Organization:
PayPal invests in businesses that demonstrate innovation, equity, and sustainability in their business models.
What You Get:
$25,000 grant to grow your impact driven business.
Deadline: August 15, 2025
8. Sky Is Not the Limit Social Impact Grant; Sky Is Not the Limit
About the Organization:
A creative agency supporting underrepresented, mission driven founders with strategic branding and marketing.
What You Get:
$10,000 in in kind services for branding, design, and marketing support.
How to Apply:
https://grantexec.com/grants/d7c08781-f699-4b06-bcfc-5405cd169aa2
Deadline: August 19, 2025
9. Operation SecretSos Small Business Grant; SecretSos
About the Organization:
A nonprofit initiative supporting overlooked entrepreneurs in need of help with operations, marketing, or scaling.
What You Get:
$2,500 microgrant to support business continuity or development.
How to Apply:
https://grantexec.com/grants/ac827fa6-17aa-451d-bd95-e07e3952aaa4
Deadline: September 30, 2025
Grants for Creatives and Filmmakers
10. Voices With Impact Film Grant; Art With Impact
About the Organization:
Art With Impact supports emerging filmmakers telling stories around mental health and social justice.
What You Get:
$7,500 grant to create a short film focused on mental health themes.
How to Apply:
https://www.voiceswithimpact.com/production-grant
Opens: August 1, 2025
Deadline: September 9, 2025
Grants for Product-Based Startups & E-Commerce Founders
11. Alibaba Co-Create Pitch Competition; Alibaba.com
About the Organization:
Alibaba is a global B2B e-commerce platform helping startups scale product innovation through funding and manufacturing support.
What You Get:
Up to $1,000,000 in funding and product development resources.
How to Apply:
https://pitch.alibabacocreate.com/
Deadline: August 15, 2025
12. Blueprint Breakthrough Grant; Blueprint
About the Organization:
Blueprint is a digital platform helping entrepreneurs organize, plan, and track their startup journey with tools and funding.
What You Get:
$5,000 grant to purchase tools or services to support your business.
How to Apply:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DMi3tm2PNLA/
Deadline: September 1, 2025
Grants for Food & Hospitality Startups
13. IRC Innovator Awards; Independent Restaurant Coalition (IRC)
About the Organization:
IRC advocates for independent restaurants and bars across the U.S. especially those that prioritize creativity and community.
What You Get:
$25,000 to support your hospitality business and innovative programming.
How to Apply:
https://www.independentrestaurantcoalition.com/innovator_awards
Deadline: August 27, 2025
14. Amika Rooted in Growth Grant; Amika
About the Organization:
Amika is a beauty brand focused on inclusivity and sustainability. This grant is for founders of color in the haircare industry.
What You Get:
$50,000 + mentoring and brand exposure.
How to Apply:
https://behindthechair.com/articles/amikas-rooted-in-growth-grant-program-opens-for-second-round-of-applications/
Deadline: August 22, 2025
Pro Tips to Increase Your Chances
- Tailor your application to match the grant’s mission.
- Quantify your goals and expected outcomes.
- Prepare a strong pitch deck (especially for competitions).
- Apply early to avoid last minute errors.
- Track deadlines and document requirements in a spreadsheet or CRM.
Need Help With Applications?
Explore these platforms for support:
- Impact Funding Solutions: Grant strategy, writing, and reporting.
- Hello Alice, Personalized grant matching: https://helloalice.com
- SCORE, Free business mentoring: https://www.score.org
Conclusion
From $2,500 microgrants to $1M pitch contests, there’s a grant for every type of founder this season. These aren’t just checks, they’re growth accelerators. Apply early, stay organized, and go build something incredible.
FAQ
Yes. Most programs allow you to apply to several grants simultaneously. Just ensure you meet the eligibility for each and tailor your application accordingly.
Not necessarily. While many grants are U.S based, some like the Alibaba Co Create Pitch Competition are open to international applicants. Always verify the eligibility criteria.
You may need:
- Personal/business ID documents
- A business summary or pitch deck
- Proof of business registration
- Financial projections or use of funds
- Website and social media links
