Small-Business Grants: Where to Find Free Funding
Federal and state agencies, as well as private companies, offer small-business grants. Here's a list of resources.
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Small-business grants provide free money for startups and existing businesses, including those impacted by the coronavirus pandemic or other hardships. Unlike small-business loans, grants offer access to capital that doesn’t need to be repaid.
It takes time and effort to research and apply for financing, but the payoff can be worth it if you secure a grant for your small business. To help you get started, here’s a list of federal, state and private small-business grants and resources.
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Federal government grants for small businesses
Government agencies are among the biggest distributors of business grants, supporting a range of enterprises from environmental conservation to child care services. Applying may seem intimidating, but federal business grants are great opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to grow.
Grants.gov
- Amount: Varies by grant program.
- Deadline: Varies by grant; deadlines are listed within each opportunity on the Grants.gov website.
- Eligibility: Open to all types of entrepreneurs.
- Apply: Register your business using the System Award Management (SAM) platform and get a unique entity identification number; create an account on Grants.gov to submit applications.
Grants.gov is a comprehensive database of government small-business grants administered by various federal agencies, such as the departments of Education and Veterans Affairs.
Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs
- Amount: Varies.
- Deadline: Varies by grant; deadlines are listed within each opportunity on the SBIR.gov website.
- Eligibility: Must operate a for-profit business, have no more than 500 employees and meet other eligibility requirements.
- Apply: Submit an application in response to a specific agency solicitation and technical topic, available through the SBIR/STTR solicitations page.
The SBIR and the STTR grant programs focus on research and development for technology innovation and scientific research. The programs help connect entrepreneurs with federal business grants and contracts from 11 government agencies.
USDA Rural Business Development Grant
- Amount: Varies.
- Deadline: Varies by state.
- Eligibility: U.S. businesses with 50 or fewer employees and less than $1 million in gross revenue; must be located in an eligible rural area.
- Apply: Through your USDA Rural Development state office.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) administers the Rural Business Development Grant program, which provides funding to strengthen and grow small businesses in rural communities.
Program for Investors in Microentrepreneurs
- Amount: Varies.
- Deadline: Announcements are usually posted in April or May each year.
- Eligibility: Must be a nonprofit microenterprise development organization run either privately, or by state, local, tribal governments, or Indian tribes.
- Apply: Via Grants.gov.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) doesn’t typically offer grants directly to small businesses. The Program for Investors in Microentrepreneurs (PRIME), however, offers federal grants to microenterprise development organizations so that they can provide assistance to disadvantaged microentrepreneurs.
We update this list of small-business grants on a regular basis. Check back often for deadline updates and new funding opportunities.
📣 Want to see your grant program listed? Email us the details at [email protected].
Regional government grants for small businesses
Because federal grants can be particularly competitive — and limited in number — you might also look into government small-business grants at the state and local levels. Start your search with options like these:
Economic Development Administration
- Amount: Varies.
- Deadline: Varies.
- Eligibility: Varies.
- Apply: Via your state’s economic development organization.
The U.S. Economic Development Administration provides business grants, resources and technical assistance for communities to support economic growth and encourage entrepreneurship and innovation.
Each state’s agency helps small businesses find financing (including state or regional grants), secure locations and recruit employees. You can search the economic development directory for regional offices and local resources.
Small Business Development Center
- Amount: Varies.
- Deadline: Varies.
- Eligibility: Varies.
- Apply: Contact your local SBDC to get connected with grant opportunities.
Your local Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides support for small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs. They’re often associated with local universities or a state’s economic development agency, and many can help connect you with small-business grants, as well as other business financing opportunities — plus, counseling, training and technical assistance.
Minority Business Development Agency centers
- Amount: Varies.
- Deadline: Varies.
- Eligibility: Varies.
- Apply: Contact your local center for help finding grants — or register your business on Grants.gov to apply for grants from the MBDA.
The MBDA runs a national network of business centers dedicated to growing and promoting minority-owned small businesses. These centers help business owners access capital, secure contracts and compete in emerging markets.
Your local MBDA center can help you apply for debt-based financing as well as federal, state and local business grants. The agency also offers grant opportunities through Grants.gov.
State Trade Expansion Program
- Amount: Varies.
- Deadline: Varies.
- Eligibility: Varies.
- Apply: Via your state government.
The SBA funds state governments to implement the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) grant, which helps small businesses cover costs to start or expand into international markets.
The available funding amounts and eligibility criteria of these government small-business grants vary based on your state, but capital can be used to participate in export trade shows, design international marketing products, support website globalization and more.
Corporate and private grants for small business
Many corporations and large companies have a philanthropic component that includes small-business grants. While some provide grants to nonprofits servicing specific industries only, some also give to for-profit companies.
National Association for the Self-Employed Growth Grant
- Amount: Up to $4,000.
- Deadline: Rolling applications; reviewed on a quarterly basis (April, July, October and January).
- Eligibility: Member of NASE.
- Apply: Via the NASE website.
NASE offers small-business growth grants, as well as a $3,000 college scholarship for members’ dependents. To apply for a growth grant, you’ll need to be an active member of NASE, provide a business plan and explain how the funds will help your business grow.
Freed Fellowship Grant
- Amount: $500; recipients also considered for an additional $2,500 year-end grant.
- Deadline: Rolling applications; grants awarded monthly.
- Eligibility: U.S. small-business owners; women, minorities and other underrepresented entrepreneurs are especially encouraged to apply.
- Apply: Via the Freed Fellowship website; $19 application fee.
The Freed Fellowship awards a $500 microgrant to one U.S. small-business owner on a monthly basis. The organization also offers grant winners a one-on-one strategy with a business expert, as well as a year of membership to the Freed Studio, a virtual community of entrepreneurs.
Start.Pivot.Grow. Micro Grant
- Amount: $2,500.
- Deadline: Rolling applications; grants awarded quarterly.
- Eligibility: U.S. small-businesses with at least two years in operation and annual revenue of $50,000 or more.
Start.Pivot.Grow., a small-business accelerator program, offers a $2,500 microgrant on a quarterly basis. Winners receive a digital business growth planner and a prep my loan planner, in addition to their funds.
Skip Small Business Grants
- Amount: Varies.
- Deadline: Varies.
- Eligibility: Must be a member of the Skip platform; additional requirements may apply.
- Apply: Via the Skip website.
Skip is a marketplace that helps small-business owners find relevant grants and other resources. The company also offers its own grant opportunities, including instant grants, monthly grants and larger $10,000+ Skip grants.
Amex Shop Small Grants Program
- Amount: $20,000.
- Deadline: Applications open from Nov. 29, 2025 to Jan. 16, 2026.
- Eligibility: Businesses must have been in operation starting on or before Jan. 1, 2024, operate a physical "brick-and-mortar" location and have 20 or less full-time employees.
- Apply: Via the Main Street America submittable platform.
American Express is partnering with Main Street America to offer 250 grants of $20,000 each to eligible small business owners. Grant funds must be used to help your business grow and/or innovate and support your local community. Your application must include a project proposal which can be completed within six months.
Breva Thrive Grant
- Amount: $5,000.
- Deadline: Quarterly; Q1 applications open through Jan. 31.
- Eligibility: Open to all U.S.-based small businesses who can demonstrate an impact on their community.
- Apply: Via the Breva website.
To qualify for a quarterly Breva Thrive Grant, your business must already be generating revenue. Breva also prefers applicants who have at least one year in business and are impacting historically underserved communities.
Intuit QuickBooks and Mailchimp Small Business Hero Program
- Amount: $20,000.
- Deadline: Four phases; phase three closes on Feb. 14, 2026.
- Eligibility: U.S.-based businesses that have been operating for at least one year and have no more than 99 employees.
- Apply: Nominations can be submitted through the Intuit website; must be nominated by someone other than the business owner.
The Small Business Hero Program, presented by Quickbooks and Mailchimp, awards three businesses with a $20,000 grant in each phase. Winners also receive social media promotion and free access to QuickBooks and Mailchimp services.
Secretsos Small Business Grant
- Amount: $2,500.
- Deadline: March 31, 2026 for first quarter applications.
- Eligibility: U.S.-based entrepreneurs who are at least 21 years old and have a legally registered business. Must be a traditionally underserved business (i.e. denied a bank loan, woman-owned, veteran-owned, minority-owned or located in a low-income area).
- Apply: Via the Secretsos website; $15 application fee.
The Secretsos Small Business Grant program funds business owners who are often overlooked for traditional investment sources. Grants are awarded on a quarterly basis. Applications open on the first day of the quarter and close on the last day.
Outta Excuses Grant
- Award: $3,000.
- Deadline: Quarterly.
- Eligibility: U.S.-based businesses with an existing product or service.
- Apply: Via the Outta Excuses website; $15 application fee.
The Outta Excuses Grant provides financial support to aspiring and established small-business owners. To qualify, you must have a registered business and less than $125,000 in revenue in the last quarter. Grants are awarded quarterly.
Innovate Grant
- Amount: $1,800.
- Deadline: Quarterly.
- Eligibility: Visual artists and photographers 18 years and older.
- Apply: Via the Innovate Grant website.
Self-employed photographers and visual artists can apply for an Innovate Grant. Each quarter, two microgrants of $1,800 are awarded. To apply, you must include three to 10 images of your work.
Get Nearshored Grant
- Amount: $1,000.
- Deadline: Jan. 15, 2026.
- Eligibility: Businesses with under $5 million in annual revenue that produce a physical product and are actively looking to nearshore manufacturing.
- Apply: Via the Nearshore website.
Small U.S.-based manufacturing businesses may be eligible for the Get Nearshored grant. Three businesses will receive $1,000 to create samples, fund production, or purchase materials or packaging. Winners will also receive expert guidance and introductions to direct suppliers.
Verizon Small Business Grant
- Amount: $10,000.
- Deadline: Applications are currently closed.
- Eligibility: Must complete certain educational courses; additional requirements may apply.
- Apply: Via the Verizon Digital Ready website.
Verizon’s Digital Ready program gives business owners the opportunity to access free courses and educational materials, as well as apply for grant funding.
To be eligible for a $10,000 small-business grant, entrepreneurs must register through the Verizon website and complete at least two of the following: courses, live coaching or community events. Once these tasks are completed, you can submit a grant application.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce CO-100
- Amount: One $25,000 grant for the grand prize winner; ten $2,000 grants for additional finalists.
- Deadline: Applications are currently closed.
- Eligibility: U.S. residents who own a for-profit business that has been in operation for at least one year; must have fewer than 250 employees and gross revenues of less than $20 million over the last two years.
- Apply: Via the U.S. Chamber of Commerce website.
The CO-100, formerly known as America’s Top Small Business Awards, recognizes high-performing small businesses across the country. Grant funding is awarded to select winners.
Allstate Main Street Grants Program
- Amount: $20,000.
- Deadline: Applications are currently closed.
- Eligibility: U.S.-based business that generated at least $25,000 in the previous calendar year; must be willing to participate in a virtual bootcamp.
- Apply: Via the Hello Alice platform.
The Allstate Main Street Grants Program is presented in partnership with Hello Alice and the Global Entrepreneurship Network. The program offers small businesses participation in a 12-week Boost Camp accelerator and the opportunity to win a $20,000 small-business grant. 250 businesses are selected for the bootcamp and 63 of the 250 will receive grant funding.
Progressive® Driving Small Business Forward Grant Program
- Amount: $50,000.
- Deadline: Applications are currently closed.
- Eligibility: U.S.-based businesses with 10 or fewer employees that generate less than $5 million in annual revenue.
- Apply: Via the Hello Alice platform.
The Progressive Driving Small Business Forward Grant is an annual program that awards $50,000 to 20 businesses that have demonstrated a need for a commercial vehicle. Grant recipients are also invited to attend a 12-week virtual Boost Camp coaching program.
Amazon Small Business Grant
- Amount: 15 grants awarded, ranging in amounts from $15,000 to $25,000.
- Deadline: Applications are currently closed.
- Eligibility: U.S.-based business with an Amazon Business account and $1 million or less in revenue.
- Apply: Via the Amazon Business website.
The annual Amazon Small Business Grant program offers free grants to small businesses that have an existing Amazon Business account. First place receives $25,000, four finalists receive $20,000 and 10 semi-finalists receive $15,000.
Winners also receive a one-year membership to Business Prime, Business Prime rewards points and free products from Eero Wifi and Kindle Scribe.
Seed Capital Pitch Competition
- Amount: Five grants awarded, ranging in amounts from $50,000 to $200,000.
- Deadline: Applications are currently closed.
- Eligibility: U.S. businesses that have not received more than $1 million in previous funding; must create or have an account on Good Soil HQ community.
- Apply: Via the Hello Alice platform.
Business owners have the opportunity to pitch their business to investors as part of the Seed Capital Pitch Competition. The first-place winner receives a $200,000 investment. Second and third place get $100,000 and $75,000, respectively. A community vote winner and Dallas-based business will receive $60,000 and $50,000, respectively. Finalists will also participate in a year-long business accelerator program that provides mentorship and free resources.
Kirabo Grant
- Amount: $5,000.
- Deadline: Applications are currently closed.
- Eligibility: Historically underrepresented business owners; must have generated less than $750,000 in gross profit over the company’s lifetime.
- Apply: Via the Hello Alice platform.
This $5,000 grant program, offered by Kirabo Equity, a fintech platform, is open to historically underrepresented business owners, for example Black, indigenous or Hispanic entrepreneurs, as well as those located in rural areas.
Comcast Rise
- Amount: $5,000.
- Deadline: Applications are currently closed.
- Eligibility: Small-business owners in specific cities.
- Apply: Via the Comcast RISE website.
Comcast Rise is a small-business grant program that focuses on promoting business growth, particularly in the area of technology. The program awards small businesses with a $5,000 grant, business consultation services, education resources, creative production, media schedules and technology makeovers.
Pathway to Opportunity Pitch Competition
- Amount: $5,000 (first place), $2,500 (second), $1,250 (third).
- Deadline: Applications are currently closed.
- Eligibility: U.S. small-business owners; Black business owners encouraged to apply.
- Apply: Via the Pathway to Opportunity website.
Pathway to Opportunity (formerly known as the National Black Business Pitch) is a pitch competition that offers exposure and funding to business-to-business companies.
To apply, you’ll submit an application form, along with a three-minute video about your business. Certain businesses will be chosen to advance to phase two, where they’ll participate in a virtual live pitch. Three winners will receive business grants.
Venmo Small Business Grant
- Amount: $20,000.
- Deadline: Applications are currently closed.
- Eligibility: Businesses with 10 employees or fewer that generate less than $50,000 in annual revenue.
- must employ no more than 10 people and have less than $50,000 in annual revenue.
- Apply: Via the Venmo website.
The Venmo Small Business Grant program awards eligible entrepreneurs with $20,000 grants for their small businesses. It also offers public promotion on the Venmo website and social media accounts, as well as mentorship from industry leaders.To qualify, you must have a U.S. Venmo account and a valid business profile on Venmo in good standing.
Lenovo Evolve small-business grant
- Amount: Varies.
- Deadline: Applications are currently closed.
- Eligibility: Varies from year to year.
- Apply: Via the Lenovo website.
The Lenovo Evolve Small initiative is a program designed to support small businesses throughout the U.S. and Canada by offering grants and technology donations. In 2025, Evolve Small offered an AI business grant. Winners received $25,000 and a customized AI technology package valued at $10,000.
Grants to start a business
If you’re looking for startup business grants, you may have more difficulty finding available federal grants. Some state and local governments, as well as private companies, however, offer startup grants for small businesses.
Faire Small Business Grant
- Amount: $5,000 in Faire credit to buy inventory.
- Deadline: First quarter applications open Jan. 24, 2026.
- Eligibility: Independent retail stores based in the U.S. or Canada who started their business in 2024 or plan to open soon.
- Apply: Via the Faire website.
Entrepreneurs that own a new independent retail store — or plan to open one this year — may qualify for the Faire Small Business Grant. Grants are awarded on a quarterly basis; applications close on the last day of the quarter (March, June, September, December). To apply, you need to create a Faire account and upload a short video that explains your store vision, community involvement and how a grant would help your business.
Greatness Grant
- Amount: $2,500.
- Deadline: Quarterly.
- Eligibility: Entrepreneurs with a clear business idea or early-stage business.
- Apply: Via the Greatness Grant website.
The Greatness Grant is a $2,500 business grant given out every quarter by entrepreneur Nehemiah Davis. The grant program is designed to help aspiring or new business owners who need financial support to kickstart their journey. Applications are judged based on the clarity of your business idea, your passion and the potential impact of your business on your community.
Hustler’s Microgrant
- Amount: $1,000.
- Deadline: Rolling applications; grants awarded monthly.
- Eligibility: U.S. small businesses.
- Apply: Via the HerSuiteSpot website; $15 application fee.
HerSuiteSpot, a digital resource for training and coaching women-owned small businesses, provides a $1,000 microgrant each month. The grant is open to U.S. small businesses of all stages, including startups. To apply, you’ll submit general information about your business and explain how you would use the grant funds.
FedEx E-Commerce Learning Lab
- Amount: $5,000.
- Deadline: Applications are currently closed.
- Eligibility: U.S.-based businesses with at least six months in operation that earned less than $500,000 in the previous year.
- Apply: Via the Accion Opportunity Fund website.
The FedEx E-Commerce Learning Lab is a program created by Accion Opportunity Fund and FedEx to help small-business owners develop and expand their e-commerce operations. The program offers a $5,000 business grant and participation in a four-month educational cohort. To qualify, you must currently sell a packaged, shelf-stable product with the appropriate legal permits to produce and sell that product.
The Spark Grant
- Amount: $3,000.
- Deadline: Applications are currently closed.
- Eligibility: Open to all small-business owners; preference for underrepresented communities.
- Apply: Via the Honeycomb Credit website.
A partnership between Sengo, a business finance platform, and Honeycomb Credit, a crowdfunding platform, the Spark Grant is open to early-stage businesses. To qualify for the first-place $3,000 grant, you must be a current Sengo subscriber (it costs $15 per month), but any business can apply to win one of two runner-up grants worth $1,000 each.
The UPS Store Small Biz Challenge
- Amount: $25,000 for grand prize; two finalists receive $5,000 each.
- Deadline: Applications are currently closed.
- Eligibility: U.S. small business with nine or fewer full-time employees.
- Apply: Via the UPS Store website.
The UPS Store Small Biz Challenge offers funding and support to U.S.-based small-business owners. Semifinalists are paired with mentors, who provide entrepreneurial advice. Three finalists are then chosen for competition in front of a live audience. These finalists receive grant funding and the winning company also receives a feature in Inc. Magazine.
Hello Alice grant platform
- Amount: Varies.
- Deadline: Varies.
- Eligibility: Varies.
- Apply: Via the Hello Alice platform.
Hello Alice partners with a variety of companies, such as Progressive and DoorDash, to offer different grants for small businesses, including startups. You can create an account to receive notifications about new opportunities and apply for the grants that are relevant to your business.
Amber Grant for women
- Amount: $10,000 monthly Amber Grant; $10,000 monthly Startup Grant; $10,000 Business Category Grant; $50,000 annual Amber Grant (three issued at year end).
- Deadline: Applications accepted year-round; awards issued monthly and annually.
- Eligibility: U.S. or Canadian businesses that are at least 50% women-owned.
- Apply: Via the Amber Grant website; $15 application fee.
WomensNet gives three $10,000 Amber Grants each month and three $50,000 grants annually.To qualify for any of the grants offered by WomensNet, businesses only have to fill out a single application. Startups and existing women-owned businesses are eligible.
Small-business hardship grants
Small-business hardship grants can help you recover after an emergency situation, like a natural disaster or public health crisis. These grants may be available from the government, nonprofits or corporations, among other sources.
Depending on the emergency, certain business hardship grants may only be available within a specific time frame, so it’s particularly important to check their funding deadlines.
Here are some options to consider:
State and local small-business recovery grants
- Amount: Varies.
- Deadline: Varies.
- Eligibility: Businesses in certain areas suffering applicable hardships.
- Apply: Via your state or local government.
Your state and local governments can be great places to find small-business hardship grants, as well as emergency business loans and other options for financial relief and assistance. In the wake of a crisis — like the COVID-19 pandemic, for example — states and cities often create grant programs specifically to help small businesses.
Some states and cities also run ongoing small-business grant programs to assist business owners when they suffer from damages as the result of fires, floods and hurricanes, among other disasters.
Etsy Emergency Relief Fund
- Amount: $2,000.
- Deadline: Rolling applications; funds issued quarterly.
- Eligibility: Etsy sellers whose accounts have been active for at least one year and are in good standing.
- Apply: Via Etsy website.
Etsy partners with the nonprofit organization, CERF+, to provide its sellers with financial relief after they’re affected by a disaster. To qualify for this small-business hardship grant, you’ll need to have experienced a federally declared natural disaster within the last year.
DoorDash Local BusinessDisaster Relief Fund
- Amount: $5,000 to $15,000.
- Deadline: Quarterly.
- Eligibility: Local businesses with three locations or fewer, 50 or fewer employees, been in business for at least six months and made $3 million or less per location in the last year.
- Apply: Via the Hello Alice platform.
Local businesses (e.g. restaurants, flower shops, convenience stores, pet stores) that have experienced a natural disaster may be able to get a small-business recovery grant from the DoorDash Local Business Disaster Relief Fund. This program offers business grants to brick-and-mortar businesses that have been impacted by a federally or state-declared disaster, such as a wildfire, hurricane or earthquake.
Applications are accepted on a quarterly basis but they must be submitted within 12 months of the declared disaster. Recipients will be notified within 30 days after the application period closes. Priority is given to businesses on the DoorDash platform.
Small Business Readiness for Resiliency Program
- Amount: $5,000.
- Deadline: Varies.
- Eligibility: U.S. businesses that have experienced a disaster; must have fewer than 500 employees, among other requirements.
- Apply: When contacted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
The Small Business Readiness for Resiliency (R4R) Program is a two-part initiative that strives to help businesses prepare for and recover from unexpected disasters. To participate in the program, you must complete a preparedness checklist (which includes an emergency action plan), register in the R4R database — and then, in the event of a disaster, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation will contact you to apply for a grant.
Emergency relief grants are issued in amounts of $5,000 and you must be able to show that you incurred disaster-related damages or losses that equal or exceed that amount.
Binc Foundation emergency financial assistance grants
- Amount: Varies.
- Deadline: After a hardship has occurred.
- Eligibility: Must be located in the U.S. or one of its territories and have experienced a qualifying event, such as a natural disaster, man-made disaster, serious medical expense or domestic violence, among others.
- Apply: Via Binc Foundation website.
The Binc Foundation awards small-business hardship grants to bookstore owners, booksellers and comic store owners who have unforeseen emergency financial needs.
You can fill out an inquiry form on the Binc Foundation website at any time to connect with the organization and apply for emergency assistance.
State grants for small businesses
Some state and local governments, nonprofits and private companies offer business grants that are unique to their communities. Click on your state below to find small-business grants in your area.
California small-business grants
- Route 66 Extraordinary Women Micro-Grant Program: This program offers small-business grants to women-owned businesses located along U.S. Route 66 (from Santa Monica through Los Angeles and San Bernardino to Needles, California). Grants are available in amounts up to $2,000. To qualify, you must have fewer than 20 full-time employees.
- Restaurants Care Resilience Fund: Restaurants Care runs an annual grant program to support independently owned restaurants in California. Eligible restaurant owners can receive $5,000 small-business grants to upgrade their kitchen equipment or retain employees. To qualify, restaurants must be located in California and owned by a California resident, have under $3 million in annual revenue and have been open for at least one year. You must also be a customer of SoCalGas, Pacific Gas and Electric or San Diego Gas & Electric.
See our full list of California small-business grants.
Colorado small-business grants
- Office of Economic Development and International Trade grants: The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade offers a wide range of business grant opportunities. There are grant options for technology businesses, cannabis businesses, arts and film initiatives, among others. Depending on the individual program, funding amounts can range from up to $10,000 to up to $350,000.
- First Southwest Community Fund education programs: First Southwest Community Fund offers grant funding to qualified rural Colorado small-business owners who successfully complete select educational workshops.
See our full list of Colorado small-business grants.
Florida small-business grants
- City of Orlando Business Assistance Program: Businesses located in Orlando, FL can get matching grants of up to $20,000 to locate, expand or redevelop within the city. These grants can be used to cover development fees, as well as make improvements such as sidewalk repairs, water line construction, landscaping and street lighting, among others. You must get city approval and the appropriate permits for your project before you can get funding.
- Select Florida Trade Grants: Florida export businesses can apply for a variety of government business grants through the Florida Export Diversification and Expansion Program. In order to qualify, businesses must have been in operation for at least two years; must employ between three and 500 workers; and must have at least $250,000 in annual sales in the previous calendar year. Each individual grant has additional eligibility requirements.
See our full list of Florida small-business grants.
Georgia small-business grants
- Cobb County Entrepreneurship Grant Program: Small businesses in Cobb County, Georgia can access grants of up to $10,000 through this program. To qualify, you must be a licensed Cobb County business, participate in an entrepreneurial program, commit to keep your business in the county and not have any outstanding debts with Cobb County. Business owners can use grant funds for marketing, equipment purchases, operational costs and building improvements or renovations.
- Go Georgia Global grants: These business grants provide reimbursement to eligible Georgia exporters for pre-approved export activities, such as website globalization, international travel costs for trade shows and export consultancy services, among others. To qualify, you must operate your business in Georgia, have been in business for at least one year and meet SBA size standards. Applications are accepted annually.
See our full list of Georgia small-business grants.
New York small-business grants
- New York Public Library StartUP! Business Plan Competition: The New York Public Library runs an annual small-business grant competition for startup entrepreneurs located in Manhattan, the Bronx and Staten Island. Applicants enter a business plan and then must attend training workshops and meet with a business advisor and business librarian during the competition. Entrepreneurs can win $7,500, $10,000 or $15,000 to start their business. The Brooklyn Public Library and the Queens Economic Development Corporation both run similar grant programs for startup businesses located in those boroughs.
- Wayne County Annual KickStart Adult Pitch Competition: This annual program allows startups or growing businesses (with less than three years in operation) to pitch their business plan for the chance to win a $20,000 grant. A second business will be awarded a “boost” grant of $5,000. To qualify, you must be a for-profit business located in Wayne County with less than three years in operation and less than $250,000 in annual revenue. Small-business owners are also required to complete business classes from SCORE, a nonprofit organization of business mentors and SBA resource partner, in order to apply.
Ohio small-business grants
- JobsOhio Small Business Grant: The JobsOhio Small Business Grant is designed to provide up to $50,000 for small businesses looking to grow their operations. To qualify, you must have at least one year in business, at least $100,000 in annual revenue and be engaged in JobsOhio’s targeted industries and business functions.
- Montgomery County Economic Development/Government Equity (ED/GE) Grant Program: Small businesses located in Montgomery may be able to get grants to finance permanent improvement projects, such as renovations, power upgrades or parking. These funds are available twice per year. Applications are submitted by local jurisdictions on behalf of businesses.
See our full list of Ohio small-business grants.
Texas small-business grants
- Texas Workforce Commission Skills for Small Business Program: Small businesses in Texas with newly hired workers can receive grants to cover employee training. The program offers up to $2,000 for each new employee being trained and $1,000 for existing employees per 12-month period. Training must be provided by a public community or technical college, or the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service. To qualify, your business must have fewer than 100 employees.
- Amegy Bank Small Business Boost Program: Through this program, Amegy Bank partners with the Houston Texans to provide $5,000 grants to local small businesses. To qualify, businesses must have under 500 employees, be independently owned and operated and operate primarily in the Houston area.
See our full list of Texas small-business grants.
Specialty small-business grants
To help spread entrepreneurial success across demographics, many organizations focus their free business funding efforts on specific communities.
We’ve put together lists of:
How to get a small-business grant
1. Research and identify the right grants. Narrow down online search results by using keywords that are specific to your business or searching by location.
2. Prepare your grant applications. Verify that you meet all eligibility requirements and gather the necessary paperwork.
3. Submit and track your applications. Make sure you submit your applications by the appropriate deadline. Set up a tracking document to monitor different grant timelines.
4. Consider hiring a grant writer. Professional grant writers can provide expertise to help you get funding. They can draft proposals, track eligibility requirements and manage deadlines.
Alternatives to small-business grants
Finding and applying for the right grants for your small business can be difficult, as well as time-consuming. If you don't qualify for certain grants, there are other ways to fund your business. Here are some avenues to explore:
- Small-business loans. Compare loan options — including bank loans, SBA loans, business lines of credit, term loans and equipment financing — plus, learn how to choose the right financing for your needs.
- Small-business credit cards. Explore dozens of cards and find the best choice for funding your everyday business purchases — and earn rewards in the process.
- Crowdfunding for business. Raise money for your small business by tapping into the power of the internet and promoting your product or service through a crowdfunding campaign.
Frequently asked questions
How do you find grants for a small business?
You can find small-business grants at government agencies, state organizations and private corporations. A few good places to start your search include the government database Grants.gov, your local Small Business Development Center and nonprofits such as the Local Initiatives Support Corp.
What kind of grants are available for small businesses?
Some of the most common types of small-business grants include government grants, such as federal, state and local grants, nonprofit grants, corporate or private grants, as well as hardship and emergency grants.
How do you qualify for a small-business grant?
Business grant qualifications will depend on the awarding organization. Priority may be given to businesses in rural or low-income locations or those run by women or minority groups, for example. Read a grant's complete eligibility criteria before applying to understand if your business qualifies.
Can your business get an SBA grant?
The U.S. Small Business Administration doesn’t typically offer grants directly to small businesses. Instead, the agency issues funding to state, local and tribal governments, as well as nonprofit organizations, to be used to support small-business initiatives. SBA loans are an available alternative to SBA grants.
Are business grants taxable?
A business grant is typically considered taxable income, meaning the money you receive from a small-business grant (regardless of the source) is taxed as income on your federal tax return. Additionally, although state tax laws vary, you may also have to report grant funds as income on your state tax returns.
There are exceptions to this in the tax law, however. Suppose you're a member of a federally recognized American Indian tribe, for example, and you receive a grant from the tribe to expand your business on or near reservations. In that case, you do not have to include those funds as taxable income.
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On this page
- Federal government grants for small businesses
- Regional government grants for small businesses
- Corporate and private grants for small business
- National Association for the Self-Employed Growth Grant
- Freed Fellowship Grant
- Start.Pivot.Grow. Micro Grant
- Skip Small Business Grants
- Amex Shop Small Grants Program
- Breva Thrive Grant
- Intuit QuickBooks and Mailchimp Small Business Hero Program
- Secretsos Small Business Grant
- Outta Excuses Grant
- Innovate Grant
- Get Nearshored Grant
- Verizon Small Business Grant
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce CO-100
- Allstate Main Street Grants Program
- Progressive® Driving Small Business Forward Grant Program
- Amazon Small Business Grant
- Seed Capital Pitch Competition
- Kirabo Grant
- Comcast Rise
- Pathway to Opportunity Pitch Competition
- Venmo Small Business Grant
- Lenovo Evolve small-business grant
- Grants to start a business
- Small-business hardship grants
- State grants for small businesses
- Specialty small-business grants
- How to get a small-business grant
- Alternatives to small-business grants
- Frequently asked questions
