Small Business Grants

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.

1,009 grants
State/ Foundation
Updated daily
District of Columbia: Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development · Rolling / Open Foundation

DC Emerging Retail Initiative Grant Program Status: ACTIVE Funder: District of Columbia: Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development Amount: Up to US $20,000 Last Updated:…

District of Columbia: Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development · Rolling / Open Foundation

DC Great Streets Retail Grant Program Status: ACTIVE Funder: District of Columbia: Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development Amount: US $65,000 - US $85,000 Last Updated:…

District of Columbia: Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development · Rolling / Open Foundation

DC Locally Made Manufacturing Grant Program Status: ACTIVE Funder: District of Columbia: Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development Last Updated: February 26, 2026 Summary The…

Van Ness Group Inc · Rolling / Open Foundation

DC Security Camera Rebate Program Overview: Rebate program for security cameras referenced by Van Ness Main Street. Type: Rebate program Geographic Scope: Washington, DC Contact for Information: -…

DOWNTOWN EXCELSIOR PARTNERSHIP INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

DEP Facade Grant Program Funder: Downtown Excelsior Partnership Inc (DEP) Geographic Scope: Excelsior Springs, Missouri Focus Areas: Facade improvements and exterior renovations for Downtown…

Commerce Department · Rolling / Open State

Department of Commerce - Grants The Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources produces a list of state and federal funding opportunities on a regular basis. The list includes…

Grants to help scale businesses (specific amount not stated)
RaiseFashion Inc · Rolling / Open Foundation

Designer Fellowship Program and Funding for BIPOC Brands and Designers Status: Active program announced in 2022; current status and application timeline unknown Geographic Scope: Not explicitly…

DETROIT ECONOMIC GROWTH ASSOCIATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Detroit Capital Hub Geographic Scope: Detroit, Michigan Program Description: A new capital access initiative launched in partnership with local lenders to increase access to capital for Detroit…

Up to $50,000
WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY RESEARCH AND · Rolling / Open Foundation

Detroit Elevate Overview: A competition program for established businesses to compete for funding. Award Amount: Up to $50,000 Geographic Scope: Detroit, Michigan area Eligibility: Established…

$15,000 - $50,000 per business
DETROIT ECONOMIC GROWTH ASSOCIATION · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Detroit Legacy Business Project (DLBP) Geographic Scope: Detroit, Michigan (all seven council districts) Program Description: The inaugural Detroit Legacy Business Project aims to sustain…

DETROIT ECONOMIC GROWTH CORPORATION · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Detroit Legacy Business Project (DLBP) Status: Active program, inaugural awards distributed March 2025 Geographic Scope: City of Detroit, Michigan (all seven council districts) Program Focus: The…

DETROIT ECONOMIC GROWTH ASSOCIATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Detroit Means Business Geographic Scope: Detroit, Michigan Program Description: Detroit Means Business is a DEGC-led initiative focused on business assistance and support for Detroit small…

WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY RESEARCH AND · Rolling / Open · One-time Foundation

Detroit Small Business Stabilization Fund (DSBSF) Overview: Emergency COVID-19 relief grant program launched March 18, 2020, to provide immediate financial support to small businesses impacted by the…

Up to $300,000 (Round 2 distributed $300,000 to 13 startups)
DETROIT ECONOMIC GROWTH ASSOCIATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Detroit Startup Fund Geographic Scope: Detroit, Michigan Program Description: A DEGC-administered grant program supporting innovative startups in Detroit. Round 2 was launched to fuel job creation…

DOWNTOWN GREENSBORO INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

DGI Catalyst Grant Overview: The DGI Catalyst Grant Program is designed to support the economic vitality of Greensboro's Central Business District by providing financial assistance for the…

Up to $5,000
DOWNTOWN GREENSBORO INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

DGI Facade Grant Overview: The DGI Facade Grant Program is designed to provide an economic incentive for renovating building facades. Funding Purpose: - Encourage quality design and construction…

DOWNTOWN GREENSBORO INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

DGI First Friday Micro Grant Overview: The DGI First Friday Micro Grant Program is designed to support small businesses located downtown in activating their storefronts and enhancing their presence…

DIAMOND EMPOWERMENT FUND INC · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Diamonds Do Good Entrepreneurship Grant Organization: Diamonds Do Good (formerly Diamond Empowerment Fund Inc) Status: Active annual program Geographic Scope: Global focus on natural…

Environment Dept Funding · Rolling / Open State

Federal program designed to reduce diesel emissions from existing diesel fleets that do not meet recently adopted federal emission standards. New Mexico Clean Diesel Program reduces air pollution…

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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