Small Business Grants in California
Last updated October 1, 2026
There are 10 active small business grants tagged to California, part of 1,034 active small business grants listed nationwide. Updated daily.
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| ★ | Grant |
|---|---|
| Recycled Glass Processing Incentive Grant Program (FY 2026-27) Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery · State October 22, 2026 · $100M – $400M The fundamental goal of the Program is to stimulate an increase of furnace-ready glass cullet in the making of new glass beverage containers within the State of California. | |
| California Pollution Control Financing Authority (CPCFA) Exempt Facility Bond Financing Program State Treasurer's Office · State Rolling · From $150M The Pollution Control Tax-Exempt Bond Financing Program facilitates low cost capital through private activity, tax-exempt bonds. | |
| Replacing, Removing, or Upgrading Underground Storage Tanks Grant State Water Resources Control Board · State Rolling · Varies RUST grants may be used to finance up to 100 percent of the costs necessary to upgrade, remove, or replace UST project tanks to comply with the requirements of Health and Safety Code sections 25284.1, 25292.05, 25292.4, 25292.5, or 41954. | |
| Replacing, Removing, or Upgrading Underground Storage Tanks Loan State Water Resources Control Board · State Rolling · Varies RUST loans may be used to finance up to 100 percent of the costs necessary to upgrade, remove or replace project tanks, including corrective actions, to meet applicable local state, or federal standards, including, but not limited to, any… | |
| Recycling Market Development Zone Revolving Loan Program Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery · State Rolling · Varies The Recycling Market Development Zone (RMDZ) program combines recycling with economic development to fuel new businesses, expand existing ones, create jobs, and divert waste from landfills. | |
| Greenhouse Gas Reduction Loan Program Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery · State Rolling · Varies The GHG Reduction Loan Program provides funds to support new or expanded organics infrastructure, such as composting and anaerobic digestion facilities, as well as for facilities that manufacture fiber, plastic or glass waste materials… | |
| CCI San José Creative Economy Fund Center for Cultural Innovation · Foundation Rolling · Up to $8K Center for Cultural Innovation (CA) administers the San José Creative Economy Fund (up to $8,000) for San José creative-sector small businesses. 2026 cycle closed July 17, 2026; recurring annual. | |
| CA Green Business Network Efficiency & Electrification Mini-Grants California Green Business Network · Foundation Rolling · Varies The California Green Business Network runs mini-grant programs (Intuit Efficiency Mini-Grants; 2025 Electrification Mini-Grants) supporting CA small businesses' sustainability projects; the Intuit program has assisted 62 businesses. | |
| Sales Tax Exclusion (STE) Program State Treasurer's Office · State Rolling · Varies CAEATFA supports California's mission to provide financial incentives to cutting-edge companies by offering a sales and use tax exclusion to manufacturers purchasing equipment to promote alternative energy, advanced transportation and… | |
| Underground Storage Tank Cleanup Fund State Water Resources Control Board · State Rolling · $100 – $100M The Underground Storage Tank (UST) Cleanup Fund's mission is to (1) establish a mechanism to meet Financial Responsibility requirements for owners and operators of petroleum USTs, and (2) reimburse eligible corrective action costs incurred… |
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About small business grants in California
Small business grants provide free funding you never have to repay — unlike loans. Federal agencies, state economic development offices, and private foundations offer grants for everything from startup costs to expansion, research, and hiring. Competition can be stiff, but the payoff is significant: non-dilutive capital with no interest or equity cost.
Small Business Grants in other states
Other grant categories in California
Frequently Asked Questions
Are small business grants really free money?
Yes. Unlike loans, grants do not need to be repaid and unlike venture capital, they require no equity. However, most grants come with reporting requirements and must be used for the stated purpose. Some grants reimburse expenses rather than providing upfront cash.
What is the easiest small business grant to get?
Local and state-level grants tend to have less competition than federal programs. Look for community development grants from your city or county, state small business innovation programs, and foundation grants targeted at your specific industry or demographic. Micro-grants under $5,000 often have simpler applications.
Can startups apply for small business grants?
Absolutely. Many grants specifically target early-stage companies. The SBIR and STTR programs fund R&D startups, while foundations and state programs offer startup-specific grants. Some require an existing business entity, while others fund pre-revenue ventures.
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