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
Economic Opportunity Grants · Rolling / Open State

Utah's APEX Accelerator helps Utah businesses find, bid, and win procurement opportunities with Department of Defense (DoD) federal, state, and local entities.

Arizona Public Service Company (APS) · Rolling / Open Foundation

APS Community Impact Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: Arizona Public Service Company (APS) Last Updated: September 01, 2025 Summary The APS Community Impact Grants aim to address diverse community…

THE NATURE CONSERVANCY · Rolling / Open Foundation

Arch Grants Growth Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: The Nature Conservancy Amount: US $100,000 Last Updated: March 17, 2026 Summary Overview Arch Grants Growth Grants The Arch Grants Growth Grants…

JOBS FOR FALL RIVER INC · Rolling / Open · One-time Foundation

ARPA Small Business Recovery Grant Funder: City of Fall River (managed by Bristol County Economic Development Consultants) Program Type: American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant funding Geographic…

$1,500 (75% match with $500 personal match required)
NORTH CENTRAL MASS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE · Rolling / Open Foundation

Artist Professional Development Mini Grants Funder: New Vue Communities and the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation Award Amount: $1,500 mini grant with personal match of $500 required (75%…

2 scholarships (amount not specified)
JACKSON ARTS COUNCIL · Rolling / Open Foundation

Artist Scholarship for CO.STARTERS Overview: The Jackson Arts Council offers scholarships for local artists to participate in CO.STARTERS, a 9-week entrepreneurship program that equips aspiring…

Arts Business Collaborative · May 12, 2026 · Annual Foundation

Arts Business Resource Fund Overview: The Resource Fund provides critical funding to small businesses and nonprofits to support capacity building initiatives. Funding is primarily awarded in…

Foundation for Rural Service (FRS) · Rolling / Open State

As part of its ongoing commitment to rural communities across the country, FRS provides annual grants for rural communities served by NTCA members. The goal of this program is to support local…

IGNITE CAPITAL INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

Ascend Fund Status: Active (expanding Ignite Fund's success) Geographic Scope: Baltimore and surrounding region (Baltimore Metro, Montgomery County mentioned) Purpose: Transform Baltimore's…

WISCONSIN COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Associated Bank Community Action Grant Program Funder: Associated Bank Amount: $118,500 (most recent round announced July 2023) Geographic Scope: Statewide - Wisconsin Focus Areas: - Homeownership…

Associated Bank · Rolling / Open Foundation

Associated Bank Community Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: Associated Bank Last Updated: December 13, 2024 Summary Associated Bank Community Grants focus on enhancing the well-being of communities…

GREATER AUSTIN PERFORMING ARTS CENTER · Rolling / Open · One-time Foundation

Austin Live Music Venue Preservation Fund Geographic Scope: City of Austin City Council Districts only Focus Areas: COVID-19 relief for live music venues Eligibility: - Located in a City of Austin…

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) · Rolling / Open Foundation

Automation Training Incentive Program Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Amount: Up to US $35,000 Last Updated: February 14, 2026 Summary…

UNITED STATES HISPANIC CHAMBER OF · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Avanzar Small Business Accelerator and Scaling Program Program Name: Avanzar ('Advance' in Spanish) Funder: United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) with investment from Wells Fargo &…

BSIDE CAPITAL · Rolling / Open Foundation

B:Side Credit Builder Program Overview: A lending program designed for entrepreneurs who need access to capital while working on improving their credit standing. Award Amount: $10,000 in working…

BSIDE CAPITAL · Rolling / Open · Rolling (Quarterly) Foundation

B:Side Fund SBA 504 Loans Overview: SBA 504 financing for small businesses through B:Side Capital, a Certified Development Company (CDC) and Lender Service Provider. Program Focus: Direct loans to…

BSIDE CAPITAL · Rolling / Open · Rolling (Quarterly) Foundation

B:Side Fund SBA 7(a) Loans Overview: SBA 7(a) financing for small business acquisition, working capital, equipment purchase, and other business needs through B:Side Capital, a Lender Service…

BSIDE CAPITAL · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

B:Side Lender Giveaway Program Overview: A promotional program for lending partners of B:Side Capital designed to incentivize loan submissions and approvals. Program Period: April 2024 – September…

MISSOURI RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Back to Business - Grant Fund Status: Interest form phase; application process pending Geographic Scope: Kansas City area Background: The City of Kansas City created the "Back to Business" Grant Fund…

ALLIANCE FOR DOWNTOWN NEW YORK INC · Rolling / Open · One-time Foundation

Back to Business Small Business Grant Program Status: Closed (applications closed December 13, 2012) Geographic Scope: Lower Manhattan small businesses located within Flood Zone A below Chambers…

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.

Ready to apply for these grants?

  • Assess your eligibility for this grant
  • Draft a tailored application narrative
  • Track the deadline and get reminders
  • Find similar grants from other funders