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.

986 grants
State/ Foundation
Updated daily
County of San Diego Black Chamber of · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Grants for Everyone Funder: County of San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce Geographic Scope: San Diego County, CA, US Program Overview: A grant program available to underrepresented businesses.…

· Rolling / Open State

Grants for Recycling Businesses This program provides small grants to recycling businesses to reduce the flow of solid waste to disposal facilities and encourage the sustainable recovery of materials…

Central Michigan University · May 13, 2026 · Annual Foundation

Great Lakes Bay Business Hub - Direct Grants to Small Business Geographic Scope: Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Isabella, Midland, and Saginaw Counties in Michigan Funding Amount: Varies by round.…

WEST BROADWAY BUSINESS AND AREA COALITION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Great Streets Facade Matching Grant Funder: West Broadway Business and Area Coalition (in partnership with Great Streets Matching Façade Program) Geographic Scope: Northside businesses (North…

GO-EDC FOUNDATION INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

Greater Oshkosh Capital Catalyst Fund Purpose: Helps support startup and emerging businesses growth in the greater Oshkosh area. Award Range: Program awards for any single business enterprise range…

GREATER OSHKOSH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT · Rolling / Open Foundation

Greater Oshkosh Capital Catalyst Fund Overview: The Greater Oshkosh Capital Catalyst Fund helps support startup and emerging businesses growth in the greater Oshkosh area. Award Amount: Program…

GREATER OSHKOSH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT · Rolling / Open Foundation

Greater Oshkosh Revolving Loan Fund Overview: The Greater Oshkosh Revolving Loan Fund is a flexible gap financing tool for area businesses engaged in high-income employment and job creation through…

GO-EDC FOUNDATION INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

Greater Oshkosh Revolving Loan Fund Purpose: A flexible gap financing tool for area businesses engaged in high-income employment and job creation through expansion and/or relocation projects. Award…

UNITED STATES HISPANIC CHAMBER OF · Rolling / Open Foundation

Green Builds Business Program Name: Green Builds Business – Greening Toyota's Supply Chain Funder: Toyota (via USHCC partnership) Overview: A business coaching program that offers proven green best…

THRIVE NEW ORLEANS · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Green Business Academy Overview: A 12-week curriculum offered by Thrive New Orleans designed for new and existing businesses that want to expand opportunities in the green infrastructure industry.…

DETROIT ECONOMIC GROWTH ASSOCIATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Green Grocer Program Geographic Scope: Detroit, Michigan Program Description: A DEGC-managed small business support program (specific details limited in provided materials) Program Focus: Grocery and…

CENTER ON RURAL INNOVATION INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

Green Mountain Accelerator Fund Status: Listed as investment vehicle but minimal details provided Overview: Referenced on CORI's website under "Rural startup investment" section alongside CORI…

Varies
CREATIVE WACO · Rolling / Open Foundation

Greenhouse Overview: Six months of business training, mentoring, and potential funding to help artists grow sustainable ventures in the creative sector. Type: Business development and artist support…

GROUNDSWELL CAPITAL · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Groundswell Growth Fund Status: Active as part of Transform Tucson: Changemakers Grant Program Geographic Scope: Tucson, Arizona Focus Areas: Supporting established businesses ready to scale Award…

GROUNDSWELL CAPITAL · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Groundswell Seed Fund Status: Active as part of Transform Tucson: Changemakers Grant Program Geographic Scope: Tucson, Arizona Focus Areas: Supporting new startup ventures and aspiring entrepreneurs…

GREATER ROCHESTER ENTERPRISE · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Grow-NY Food and Agriculture Business Competition Overview: An unprecedented business competition focusing on enhancing the emerging food and agriculture innovation cluster in Central New York, the…

Varies by loan; GIF loan approvals ranged from $372,000 to $1,015,000 in recent years
GREATER FARGO MOORHEAD ECONOMIC · Rolling / Open · Rolling (Quarterly) Foundation

Growth Initiative Fund (GIF) Overview: The Growth Initiative Fund is a loan program administered by the Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation that supports primary-sector business…

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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