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Concerned about tariffs?
Many small-business owners are under increased economic stress and uncertainty following the latest tariff announcements. NerdWallet is here to help you find answers for whatever you're looking for. Here are some resources to help you get started:
- Need emergency funding? Consider a business line of credit.
- Looking for fast access to working capital? Discover the best working capital loans.
- Want tips on how to mitigate the impact of tariffs? Read our guide.
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 funding, 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.
How much do you need?
We’ll start with a brief questionnaire to better understand the unique needs of your business.
Once we uncover your personalized matches, our team will consult you on the process moving forward.
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
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
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.
To qualify, you must operate a for-profit business, have no more than 500 employees and meet other eligibility requirements.
USDA Rural Business Development Grant
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.
Businesses must have fewer than 50 new employees, less than $1 million in gross revenue and be located in an eligible rural area to qualify. Applications are accepted once per year through the USDA Rural Development’s local or state offices.
Program for Investors in Microentrepreneurs
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.
These organizations, such as the Maryland Capital Enterprises and Native CDFI Network, both of which were awarded grants in 2024, can be private nonprofits, or run by state, local or tribal governments.
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 rkriss@nerdwallet.com.
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
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
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
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 usually holds an annual small-business grant competition and provides contest updates on its website.
State Trade Expansion Program
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
NASE members can apply for monthly small-business grants worth up to $4,000, as well as an annual $3,000 college scholarship for members’ dependents. Grants are awarded year-round, with completed applications reviewed quarterly in January, April, July and October.
Freed Fellowship Grant
The Freed Fellowship awards a $500 microgrant to one U.S. small-business owner on a monthly basis. Grant recipients are then eligible to receive a $2,500 end-of-year grant. 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.
To qualify, you must be a micro- or small-business owner in the U.S. The Freed Fellowship particularly encourages underrepresented businesses to apply. Applications are accepted online on a rolling basis. To be considered for the grant in any given month, you must submit your application by 12:00 a.m. on the last day of that month.
Start.Pivot.Grow. Micro Grant
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.
To qualify, you must have at least two years in business, annual revenue of $50,000 or more and one to two employees (including the owner). You can apply for the microgrant on the company’s website.
Skip Small Business Grants
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.
To qualify, you’ll need to be a member of the Skip platform. Additional requirements may apply. To be eligible for an Instant grant, for example, you’ll need to be using the Skip app and tune in to a specific livestream video.
Get Nearshored Grant
Small U.S.-based manufacturing businesses may be eligible for the Get Nearshored grant. Three businesses will receive $5,000 to purchase inventory. To be eligible, your business must generate less than $5 million in annual revenue. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis — and reviewed on June 1st and November 1st. Winners are announced June 15th and November 15th each year.
Innovate Grant
Self-employed photographers and visual artists can apply for an Innovate Grant. Each quarter, two microgrants of $1,800 are awarded. Applications for the spring cycle are open until June 26, 2025.
Honeycomb Celebration Grant
The Honeycomb Celebration Grant offers $2,500 to entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses. The grant is open to all small-business owners, regardless of industry, location or stage of business. You can apply online through the IFundWomen website. Applications are open through June 27, 2025.
Verizon Small Business Grant
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. Applications for 2025 are now open through June 30, 2025.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce CO-100
The CO-100, formerly known as America’s Top Small Business Awards, recognizes a small business for its contributions to the U.S. economy and offers a grant of $25,000. The competition also awards smaller $2,000 grants to 10 additional businesses.
Although you must have an existing business to qualify, you only need to have been in operation for one year. Applications are currently open through July 7, 2025.
Breva Thrive Grant
The Breva Thrive Grant offers $5,000 to small-business owners on a quarterly basis. To qualify, you should have at least one year in business and be generating revenue (minimum of $35,000 in annual revenue is preferred). You must also demonstrate an impact on your community, such as creating new jobs, innovating new products or making products and services more accessible. Breva prefers businesses directly impacting underrepresented communities. Applications for the third quarter open on July 1 and run through July 31, 2025.
Allstate Main Street Grants Program
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.
To qualify, you must be a U.S.-based business that generated at least $25,000 in 2024. You must be willing to participate in the virtual Boost Camp starting in September 2025 and demonstrate a need for funding and business coaching. Applicants must be the leading executive of the business. Applications are now open through July 25, 2025.
Intuit QuickBooks and Mailchimp Small Business Hero Program
The Small Business Hero Program, presented by Quickbooks and Mailchimp, has expanded into a quarterly program. The program awards three businesses with a $20,000 grant each quarter. Winners also receive social media promotion and free access to QuickBooks and Mailchimp services.
To qualify, you must be a U.S.-based business that has been in operation for at least one year. You must be registered with your Secretary of State and have no more than 99 employees. Applications are now open through Aug. 14, 2025.
Progressive® Driving Small Business Forward Grant Program
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.
To qualify, you must have 10 or fewer employees and generate less than $5 million in annual revenue. Applications closed on June 20, 2025.
Amazon Small Business Grant
The annual Amazon Small Business Grant program offers free grants to small businesses that have an Amazon Business account and $1 million or less in annual revenue. The program offers grants to 15 businesses, ranging in amounts from $15,000 to $25,000.
Winners can also receive a one-year membership to Business Prime and free products from Eero Wifi and Kindle Scribe. Applications closed on May 23 and winners will be announced in July.
Seed Capital Pitch Competition
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. Finalists will also participate in a year-long business accelerator program that provides mentorship and free resources. Applications for 2025 are now closed.
Kirabo Grant
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. Eligible businesses must have generated less than $750,000 in gross profit over their company's lifetime. Applications are currently closed.
Comcast Rise
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. Applications for 2025 are now closed; recipients will be announced in August.
Pathway to Opportunity Pitch Competition
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 qualify, you should be looking to sell your product or service to corporations, be at least 21 years of age, be at least 51% owned and operated by U.S.-based entrepreneurs and be operational for at least three months.
To apply, you’ll submit an application form, along with a three-minute video about your business. Thirty businesses will be chosen to advance to phase two, where they’ll participate in a virtual live pitch. Three winners will receive business grants. First place receives $5,000, second place receives $2,500 and third place receives $1,250. Applications for 2025 closed on June 9.
Visa Everywhere Initiative
The Visa Everywhere Initiative is a grant competition that offers free capital to tech-forward startups across five different regions around the globe. Applicants must show how they’ve developed a product or service that creatively involves Visa’s products.
Visa will select a top finalist in each region, and these businesses will move forward to a global finals event. The overall winner of the competition is awarded a $100,000 small-business grant.
Additional grants are awarded to second- and third-place finalists, audience favorites, as well as regional and local winners. Applications for the 2025 contest have not yet been announced.
Venmo Small Business Grant
The Venmo Small Business Grant program awards 20 eligible entrepreneurs with $10,000 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. You also must have less than $50,000 in annual sales and 10 employees or fewer. Applications for 2025 have not yet been announced.
Lenovo Evolve small-business grant
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.
This year, Evolve Small offered an AI business grant. Winners received $25,000 and a customized AI technology package valued at $10,000. Applications closed in February.
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
Entrepreneurs that own a new independent retail store — or plan to open one this year — may qualify for the Faire Small Business Grant. This business grant offers $5,000 in Faire credit to independent retailers based in the U.S. or Canada. The $5,000 award can be used to buy inventory through Faire.com. Applications are open now through June 30, 2025.
FedEx E-Commerce Learning Lab
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 be a U.S.-based business with at least six months in operation. You must currently sell a packaged, shelf-stable product with the appropriate legal permits to produce and sell that product. You must also have earned less than $500,000 in annual revenue in 2024. Applications are now open through July 3, 2025.
The Spark Grant
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 businesses can apply to win one of two runner-up grants worth $1,000 each. Applications are open until July 8, 2025.
Greatness Grant
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.
To qualify, you must have a clear business idea or be operating an early-stage business. Your application will be judged based on the clarity of your business idea, your passion and the potential impact of your business on your community.
The UPS Store Small Biz Challenge
The UPS Store Small Biz Challenge offers a grand prize grant of $25,000 to one U.S. small business with nine or fewer full-time employees. The winning company also receives a feature in Inc. Magazine. Two additional finalists are awarded $5,000 each. Applications for the latest cycle closed Feb. 19, 2025.
HoneyBook Breakthrough Grant
HoneyBook, a clientflow management platform, offers a business grant designed specifically for early-stage marketing and creative consultants. To qualify, you must be an independent business owner selling your skills and expertise as a consultative service — and you must have been in business for less than three years.
Winners of the Breakthrough Grant will receive a $18,000 cash award, a three-year HoneyBook Premium membership and $4,600 worth of expert support from the HoneyBook Pros. Applications are currently closed.
Hello Alice grant 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
WomensNet offers the $10,000 monthly Amber Grant, the $10,000 monthly startup grant and awards three $25,000 grants on an annual basis. The foundation also gives additional free funding throughout the year. 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
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
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, as well as have had an active Etsy seller account in good standing for at least one year.
Etsy Emergency Relief grants are available in amounts of $2,000. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and funds are issued quarterly.
DoorDash Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund
Restaurants that have experienced a natural disaster may be able to get a small-business recovery grant from the DoorDash Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund. This program offers $10,000 business grants to brick-and-mortar restaurants that have been impacted by a federally or state-declared disaster, such as a wildfire, hurricane or earthquake.
To qualify, you’ll also need to have three restaurant 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.
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. You can apply for the latest cycle of funding until July 7, 2025.
Small Business Readiness for Resiliency Program
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, you can apply for grant eligibility.
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. You’ll also need to have fewer than 500 employees, among other requirements, to qualify for this small-business hardship grant.
Binc Foundation emergency financial assistance grants
The Binc Foundation awards small-business hardship grants to bookstore owners, booksellers and comic store owners who have unforeseen emergency financial needs. To qualify, you 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.
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.
American Express Backing Small Businesses Disaster Recovery Grant
The Backing Small Businesses grant program is a collaboration between American Express and Main Street America. The program is currently offering $10,000 grants to 100 small businesses affected by FEMA-declared disasters on or after Jan 1, 2024. Applications for 2025 are closed.
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.
- 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.
- 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 operates two free education programs that help small-business owners get access to affordable capital. The Rural Women-Led Business Fund Education program focuses on women and non-binary business owners, while the Fortaleza Fund Education program is designed for immigrant entrepreneurs. After completing the education program, business owners are eligible to receive grant funding.
See our full list of Colorado 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.
- Enterprise 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.
- 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 and currently close on Sept. 1.
See our full list of Georgia 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.
- JobsOhio Inclusion Grant: The JobsOhio Inclusion Grant is designed to provide up to $50,000 for small- to medium-sized businesses in distressed communities, as well as those that are minority-owned, woman-owned, veteran-owned or owned by an individual with a disability. Eligible companies must have at least part of their operations devoted to business-to-business activities.
- 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 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 $1,800 for each new employee being trained and $900 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. Nominations for the 2025 cycle are now open through Nov. 14, 2025.
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
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.
Former NerdWallet writer Steve Nicastro contributed to this article.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.