Startup grants provide free funding that can help new businesses grow without taking on debt. Competition for small-business grants is fierce, however, and some awards require a minimum time in business — often at least one year.
Nevertheless, a number of corporate, nonprofit and community organizations offer opportunities specifically for startups. These programs can be harder to find, but knowing where to look can increase your chances of securing funding.
Below, find our list of the best business startup grants, plus alternative funding sources to consider.
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.
Did you know...
Startups may be able to qualify for small-business loans with just three months in operation. If you need more than grant funding can offer, explore our roundup of the best startup business loans.
Startup business grants from private companies and nonprofits
Many corporations and large nonprofits, like the National Association for the Self-Employed, offer startup business grants or organize grant competitions. Some national opportunities include:
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 grant is available to any U.S. small- or micro-business owner, regardless of time in operation. All applicants get feedback from the Freed Studio and recommendations on how to grow their business. They also receive two months of free mentoring in the Freed Studio virtual 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 is a digital platform that provides training and coaching to women-owned small businesses. The company offers the $1,000 Hustler’s microgrant each month that’s available to any small business in the U.S, including startups. To apply, you need to provide basic information about your business and explain how you would use the grant funds.
Awesome Foundation Grant
- Amount: $1,000.
- Deadline: Rolling applications; grants awarded on a monthly basis.
- Eligibility: Individuals, groups and organizations in the U.S.; preference for projects that contribute to their communities.
- Apply: Via the Awesome Foundation website.
The Awesome Foundation offers grants through individual foundation chapters, which are organized in different cities across the U.S. You can get an Awesome Foundation grant by submitting an application that details your “awesome” project. Eligible projects can include initiatives in a wide variety of areas such as arts, technology and community development, among others. You can browse examples of funded projects on the Awesome Foundation website.
Women Founders Grant
- Amount: $5,000.
- Deadline: Last day of the month.
- Eligibility: Women based in the U.S. that have a business idea or existing business that is at least 51% women-owned and operated.
- Apply: Via Women Founders grant website; $25 application fee.
This grant offers $5,000 to women that have a business or an idea for one. To apply, you’ll have to describe your business (or concept) and how you’ll use the funds. You can receive a $5 discount on the application fee for every applicant you refer.
» MORE: Business grants for black women
Seated Together Small Business Microgrant
- Amount: Up to $750; up to $1,000 for veteran-owned businesses.
- Deadline: Rolling; grants awarded quarterly.
- Eligibility: For-profit, U.S.-based small businesses.
- Apply: Via Seated Together website; $5 application fee.
This grant is offered by Seated Together, a veteran-owned restaurant company. Any U.S.-based businesses can qualify, but priority is given to those located in Volusia County, Florida, as well as those owned by veterans. To apply, you’ll need to describe your business, how you’ll use the funds and the impact the grant will have on your operations.
The Transform Business Grant
- Amount: $1,000.
- Deadline: Sept. 18, 2026.
- Eligibility: Business owners from systemically oppressed groups, such as BIPOC individuals, individuals who have a disability, formerly incarcerated individuals, as well as queer-, transgender- and nonbinary entrepreneurs.
- Apply: Via the Transform Business Grant website.
To qualify for this grant, your business or business idea should be social-impact-oriented and aligned with Transform’s values, such as antiracism and anticapitalism. You should also be able to demonstrate a financial need. In addition to funding, winners participate in a customized year-long growth-based mentorship program.
Her Agenda Breakthrough Grant
- Amount: $5,000.
- Deadline: Sept. 18, 2026.
- Eligibility: U.S.-based women entrepreneurs who are at least 18 years old and have been in business for at least one year.
- Apply: Via the Her Agenda website; $25 application fee.
You must be an active subscriber to the Her Agenda newsletter to qualify for this grant. Insider members receive a discounted application fee.
Outta Excuses Grant
- Amount: $3,000.
- Deadline: Sept. 30, 2026.
- 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 need to have a registered business and less than $125,000 in revenue in the last quarter. You should also demonstrate a need for funding and access to business coaching. Grants are awarded on a quarterly basis.
Secretsos Small Business Grant
- Amount: $2,500.
- Deadline: Sept. 30, 2026 for third 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 new entrepreneurs who are often overlooked for traditional investment sources. You can use your grant for a variety of purposes. Grants are awarded on a quarterly basis. Applications open on the first day of the quarter and close on the last day.
Breva Thrive Grant
- Amount: $5,000.
- Deadline: Fourth quarter applications will be accepted from Oct. 1 - 31, 2026.
- Eligibility: Open to all U.S.-based small businesses that can demonstrate an impact on their community.
- Apply: Via the Breva website.
To qualify for the Breva Thrive Grant, your business must be legally registered and generating revenue. Breva also prefers startups with at least one year in business, as well as those in low-income areas. Grants are awarded on a quarterly basis.
Galaxy Grants
- Amount: $2,500.
- Deadline: Oct. 31, 2026.
- Eligibility: New, experienced or aspiring women and minority entrepreneurs.
- Apply: Via the Galaxy Grants website.
Hidden Star, a nonprofit supporting underserved founders, offers grants to help you fund any stage of your business journey. To apply, you fill out a simple form with basic information about you and your business.
Shophand Small Business Boost Grant
- Amount: $5,000 total ($2,500 cash + $2,500 in Shophand technical support/services).
- Deadline: Nov. 30, 2026 (current cycle; awarded twice per year).
- Eligibility: U.S.-based, for-profit small businesses with fewer than 50 employees and under $5 million in annual revenue.
- Apply: Via the Shophand platform.
This grant is designed to help small businesses overcome technology and operational challenges. Startups are eligible, as long as they’re operational, have fewer than 50 employees and under $5 million in annual revenue. In addition to these criteria, you’ll also have to follow Shophand on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and X to be eligible.
Business Freedom Grant
- Amount: $1,000.
- Deadline: Dec. 31, 2026.
- Eligibility: Entrepreneurs with a business idea or existing business.
- Apply: Via the Business Freedom Grant website.
This grant program is designed to help aspiring or existing entrepreneurs cover essential operational costs, such as startup costs, marketing or equipment. Applications are evaluated based on the clarity of the business idea, feasibility of the plan, impact of the grant and passion and commitment.
Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Grant
- Amount: $10,000.
- Deadline: December 2026.
- Eligibility: Must complete certain educational courses; additional requirements may apply.
- Apply: Via the Verizon Digital Ready website.
To qualify for this grant from Verizon, you must register your business and complete two free courses or events in 2026. Once these are complete, you’ll receive access to the grant application.
Each month, 10 small businesses will be selected for grants. If you’re not chosen in any particular month, your application will remain eligible through the end of the year.
Amber Grant
- 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. Although startups are eligible for all grants, one of the monthly $10,000 grants is specifically geared toward new businesses. Filling out one application makes you eligible for all Amber Grants.
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; all business owners, including startups.
- Apply: Via the NASE website.
The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) provides grant funding and educational resources for new and established businesses. To apply for a 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.
IFundWomen Universal Grant Application Database
- Amount: Varies by grant program.
- Deadline: Varies by grant program.
- Eligibility: Varies by grant program.
- Apply: Fill out a universal application on the IFundWomen website to receive automatic notifications when you’re eligible to apply for a grant.
IFundWomen partners with other corporations to administer business grants. The company generally focuses on small-business grants for women, but also offers startup grants, crowdfunding and coaching, among other resources.
Jobber Grant
- Amount: $10,000 to $100,000.
- Deadline: Applications are currently closed.
- Eligibility: Home-service businesses in the U.S. or Canada.
- Apply: Via the Jobber website.
Jobber, an operations management software company, offers grants to home-service businesses, such as landscaping, painting, cleaning and plumbing companies. Grant funds can be used for any business purpose. Sign up on Jobber’s website for information on the next grant cycle.
Greatness Grant
- Amount: $2,500.
- Deadline: Applications are currently closed.
- Eligibility: Entrepreneurs with a clear business idea or early-stage business.
- Apply: Via the Greatness Grant website.
Every quarter, the Greatness Grant provides funding to an aspiring- or early-stage entrepreneur. Applications are judged based on the clarity of your business idea, your passion and the potential impact of your business on your community.
Nerdy Perspective
Can I get a grant to launch my business?
I’ve been researching and writing about small-business grants for half a decade — in that time, I’ve seen very few grant programs that accept businesses that haven’t been started yet. If you need money to get your business off the ground, I’d recommend looking into pitch competitions.
In my city of New York, for example, the public library holds an annual business plan pitch competition. Early-stage entrepreneurs attend training and meet with a business advisor in order to complete and submit a business plan. Three winners receive cash prizes between $7,500 and $15,000. Similar competitions are also held annually in Brooklyn and Queens.
In my city of New York, for example, the public library holds an annual business plan pitch competition. Early-stage entrepreneurs attend training and meet with a business advisor in order to complete and submit a business plan. Three winners receive cash prizes between $7,500 and $15,000. Similar competitions are also held annually in Brooklyn and Queens.
Government startup business grants and resources
Some government programs offer direct funding for startups, while others provide guidance, resources or application support.
Grants.gov
Government agencies routinely post new grant opportunities on this centralized database. If you see an opportunity relevant to your business idea, you can check if startups are eligible.
Many of these grants deal with scientific or pharmaceutical research, though, so they may not all be relevant to Main Street businesses.
State and local government grants
The federal government awards a variety of grant funding to other governments, like states or cities, or to nonprofit economic development organizations. Those entities then offer grants to local businesses. Plugging into your local startup ecosystem can help you stay on top of these opportunities. For example, New York state’s website offers a consolidated list of business grants and incubators organized by region.
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs
These federal grant programs are designed for businesses with innovative technology or scientific research ideas. Federal agencies list the types of research they’re hoping to fund, and if you think your idea qualifies, you can submit a proposal. Unsolicited proposals aren’t allowed.
Small Business Development Centers
Funded by the Small Business Administration, these resource centers offer business coaching, education, technical support and networking opportunities. They may also be able to help you apply for small-business grants, develop a business plan and level up your business in other ways.
Minority Business Development Agency Centers
The MBDA, which is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, operates small-business support centers similar to SBDCs. The MBDA doesn't give grants to startup businesses directly, but these centers can connect you with grant organizations, help you prepare applications and secure other types of business loans.
Alternatives to startup business grants
Finding and applying for new business grants can be difficult and time-consuming — plus, not all startups will qualify. If you’re looking for other ways to fund your business, check out these alternatives:
- If you want to cover daily costs ➡️ consider a startup business credit card. You can qualify for a business credit card using your personal credit score and basic business details. These cards often earn rewards and work well for everyday expenses, but they aren’t ideal for large purchases — especially if you can’t pay the balance off quickly, since interest can add up fast. You’ll also likely need to sign a personal guarantee, meaning you’re responsible for the debt if your business can’t repay it.
- If you can’t qualify for traditional loans and need less than $50,000 ➡️ consider SBA microloans. These loans offer up to $50,000 to help your business launch or expand. So far in fiscal year 2026, the average SBA microloan is $16,094. SBA microloans are issued by nonprofit intermediary lenders, so requirements vary by lender. Many intermediaries are willing to work with startups, however. In fact, startup businesses have received nearly 29% of all SBA microloans issued so far in fiscal year 2026. You can find a lender in your state on the SBA's website.
- If you want to leverage an existing network ➡️ consider crowdfunding. If you have a dedicated customer base, they can help finance your business through crowdfunding. In exchange for capital, businesses usually offer something for their supporters, like debt notes, equity shares or access to an exclusive event. You can compare a variety of crowdfunding platforms that offer different terms, such as Kickstarter, Indiegogo and StartEngine, to find the model that works best for you.
- If you need money quickly and can’t wait on an application ➡️ consider friends and family funding. Borrowing from people you know can be faster than any formal application process. You may be able to negotiate a lower interest rate, or no interest at all. But, this type of startup funding can strain relationships if expectations aren’t clear. You should decide whether someone’s contribution is a loan or equity, outline any rates and repayment terms and put all agreements in writing whenever possible.
Frequently asked questions
What is a business startup grant?
A business startup grant provides free capital specifically for new businesses, which can be used for a variety of purposes. Unlike small-business loans, grants offer access to funds that don’t need to be repaid.
Where can I find grants for a small-business startup?
You can find startup business grants at government and state agencies, private corporations and nonprofit organizations. In general, grants for startups can be more difficult to find, so it can be helpful to reach out to local business development centers for assistance.
How do I apply for a startup business grant?
To apply for a startup business grant, you should make sure you meet all of the eligibility criteria. Then, complete the application. Every awarding organization will have specific requirements and a unique application. You may decide to hire a grant writer to help you with the process.
Can you get a startup business grant with no revenue?
Yes. Some organizations offer grants to startup businesses that are pre-revenue. The Amber Grant, for instance, doesn’t set a revenue requirement. It accepts startups or entrepreneurs with a business idea. If you’re pre-revenue, look closely at potential requirements to determine whether you’ll qualify.
Article sources
NerdWallet writers are subject matter authorities who use primary, trustworthy sources to inform their work, including peer-reviewed studies, government websites, academic research and interviews with industry experts. All content is fact-checked for accuracy, timeliness and relevance. You can learn more about NerdWallet's high standards for journalism by reading our editorial guidelines.
- 1.Empire State Development. Division of Small Business. Accessed Sep 8, 2026.
- 2.U.S. Small Business Administration. Microloans Summary Report.
