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Startup Business Grants: Best Free Funding Options
Startup grants are limited — especially for brand-new businesses — but some programs do accept early-stage applicants. Here are the best options.
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Rosalie Murphy has covered small-business banking, credit cards, insurance and lending at NerdWallet since 2021. She writes and edits the Starting Small newsletter, and her reporting has appeared in publications like the Associated Press, MarketWatch and Nasdaq. Rosalie is an MBA candidate at Kent State University and has a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Southern California.
Sally Lauckner is an editor on NerdWallet's small-business team. She has more than a decade of experience in online and print journalism. Before joining NerdWallet in 2020, Sally was the editorial director at Fundera, where she built and led a team focused on small-business content and specializing in business financing. Her prior experience includes two years as a senior editor at SmartAsset, where she edited a wide range of personal finance content, and five years at the AOL Huffington Post Media Group, where she held a variety of editorial roles. She is based in New York City.
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Startup business 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 startup businesses. 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:
Greatness Grant
Amount: $2,500.
Deadline: Dec. 13, 2025.
Eligibility: Entrepreneurs with a clear business idea or early-stage business.
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.
Business Freedom Grant
Amount: $1,000.
Deadline: Dec. 31, 2025.
Eligibility: Entrepreneurs with a business idea or existing business.
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.
Faire Small-Business Grant
Amount: $5,000 in Faire credit to buy inventory.
Deadline: Dec. 31, 2025 for fourth quarter applications.
Eligibility: Independent retail stores based in the U.S. or Canada who started their business in 2024 or plan to open soon.
Faire, an online wholesale marketplace, offers a new business grant for independent retailers to buy inventory for their stores. 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.
Outta Excuses Grant
Award: $3,000.
Deadline: Dec. 31, 2025 for fourth quarter applications.
Eligibility: U.S.-based businesses with an existing product or service.
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: Dec. 31, 2025 for fourth 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).
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.
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.
Intuit QuickBooks and Mailchimp Small Business Hero Program
Amount: $20,000.
Deadline: Four phases; phase three closes on Feb. 14, 2025.
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.
This grant program is available to startups who have at least one year in business. In addition to funding, winners also receive free services and social media posts from Intuit and Mailchimp. Nominations must explain how the company shows courage, perseverance and integrity while making a positive impact in your community.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hustler’s Microgrant
Amount: $1,000.
Deadline: Rolling applications; grants awarded monthly.
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.
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.
Galaxy Grants
Amount: $2,500.
Deadline: Applications are currently closed.
Eligibility: New, experienced or aspiring women and minority entrepreneurs.
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.
The Amplifier Grant
Amount: $5,000.
Deadline: Applications are currently closed.
Eligibility: Any U.S. small businesses working to make the world a better place.
The Outrage is an activism organization that offers a $5,000 new business grant to companies making a difference in their community. The Amplifier Grant is available on a bi-annual basis; funding is awarded in the summer (July/August) and winter (December/January).
Pathway to Opportunity (formerly known as the National Black Business Pitch) is a pitch competition that offers up to $5,000 for business-to-business companies. To qualify for the competition, you must be looking to sell your product or service to corporations and have at least three months in business.
To apply, you'll submit an information form, along with a three-minute video about your business. Finalists are selected to pitch their businesses in front of a virtual audience and three winners receive cash prizes.
Jobber Grant
Amount: $10,000.
Deadline: Applications are currently closed.
Eligibility: Home-service businesses in the U.S. or Canada.
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.
The Transform Business Grant
Amount: $1,000.
Deadline: Applications are currently closed.
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.
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.
ZenBusiness Grant Program
Amount: $5,000.
Deadline: Program is currently paused.
Eligibility: U.S.-based businesses offering products or services that contribute positively to their community; must have used ZenBusiness formation services within the previous three to six months.
This grant offers funding to new businesses that have previously used ZenBusiness formation services. In addition to a grant, winners receive access to the company’s Money Pro services, as well as “ask me anything” office hours with the ZenBusiness team. Applications are accepted and reviewed on a quarterly basis.
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.
Randa Kriss
Senior Writer, Small Business
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.
Small-business incubator programs
Business incubators or accelerators are designed to help companies in various phases of the startup stage — providing education, workspaces and mentorship. Some also provide funding in the form of grants, pitch competitions with cash prizes or access to investors upon completion of their program.
Although there are a range of programs for general startups, certain incubators target specific demographics, like underserved business owners. Head Boss in Charge Headquarters (HBICHQ), for example, is a Seattle-based nonprofit that serves women and minority-owned startup businesses. It offers merit-based grants for graduates of several of its educational programs.
Other programs are designed to offer support for certain industries. Union Kitchen, for instance, is an accelerator program designed to help food businesses, whereas Endless Frontier Labs supports early-stage science and technology based startups. These accelerators don’t provide startup grants, but can help businesses get funding as they work through the program.
To find these types of institutions near you, you can do an online search for “[Your City] business incubator.” Even if you don’t see a grant program, it can be helpful to sign up for their email newsletter or follow them on social media. Like SBDCs and MBDAs, startup incubators often provide business coaching, courses and lectures that can help you develop and grow your business idea.
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, you might consider these alternatives:
Startup business credit cards. 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.
SBA microloans. These loans offer up to $50,000 to help your business launch or expand. In fiscal year 2025, the average SBA microloan was $16,131
. 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 received 26.6% of all SBA microloans issued in fiscal year 2025
. You can find a lender in your state on the SBA's website.
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.
Friends and family funding. Asking friends and family to provide an investment for your business is a common form of startup funding, but it 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? 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? 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? How do I apply for a startup business grant?
To apply for a startup business grant, you’ll first need to make sure you meet all of the eligibility criteria. Then, you’ll need to take time to 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.
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