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
Foundation
Updated daily
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…

GREATER BAYBROOK ALLIANCE INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

Baybrook Retail Improvement Grant (BRIG) Funder: Greater Baybrook Alliance Inc (MD, US) Purpose: Offers business owners funding to significantly improve commercial building fronts along Baybrook's…

GREATER BAYBROOK ALLIANCE INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

Baybrook Revitalization Fund (BRF) Funder: Greater Baybrook Alliance Inc (MD, US) Purpose: The Baybrook Revitalization Fund's mission is to foster wealth creation and economic growth in underserved…

Up to $1,000
BEACON HILL MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

BBA Mini-Grant Funder: Beacon Business Alliance (Seattle, WA) Status: Limited 2023 funds available; accepting applications until funds are depleted Geographic Scope: Beacon Hill neighborhood,…

BCDA INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

BCDA Business Loan (Gap Financing) Program Program Type: Revolving loan fund providing gap financing Geographic Scope: Boone County, Nebraska Overview: BCDA does NOT offer traditional business loans.…

BLACK ECONOMIC ALLIANCE · Rolling / Open Foundation

BEA Entrepreneurs Fund Status: Active (launched May 20, 2021) Amount: $50 million evergreen investment fund Focus Areas: - Seed, start-up, and early-stage capital for Black-owned businesses -…

Full tuition scholarships available
Occidental Arts and Ecology Center · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

BeaverCorps Training Program Program Provider: OAEC WATER Institute in partnership with Beaver Institute Award Type: Full tuition scholarships (for limited time) Geographic Scope: California…

NEW YORK FARM VIABILITY INSTITUTE INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

Beginning Farmer Competitive Grant Program (NY): Track 1 Status: ACTIVE Funder: New York Farm Viability Institute Amount: US $5,000 - US $50,000 Last Updated: March 28, 2026 Summary Overview Note:…

NEW YORK FARM VIABILITY INSTITUTE INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

Beginning Farmer Competitive Grant Program (NY): Track 2 Status: ACTIVE Funder: New York Farm Viability Institute Amount: US $50,001 - US $200,000 Last Updated: March 28, 2026 Summary The Beginning…

Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) · Rolling / Open Foundation

Beginning Farmer Equipment and Infrastructure Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) Amount: US $1,000 - US $10,000 Last Updated: February 10, 2026 Summary Overview…

BELAIR-EDISON NEIGHBORHOODS INC · Rolling / Open · One-time Foundation

BENI Business Covid Relief Grant Status: Closed (was available early January 2021) Geographic Scope: Belair-Edison Main Street corridor, Baltimore, MD Funder: Belair-Edison Neighborhoods, Inc. (BENI)…

US $10,000 - US $150,000
FOUNDATION FOR THE CAROLINAS · Rolling / Open Foundation

Beyond Open Grants: Make Bold Moves Status: ACTIVE Funder: Foundation for the Carolinas Amount: US $10,000 - US $150,000 Last Updated: July 26, 2025 Summary The Beyond Open Grants program aims to…

EXELON FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Overview _NOTE: Applicants must be an existing BGE electric and/or gas customer in good standing with BGE._ About BGE BGE is Maryland’s largest natural gas and electric utility, providing safe and…

BIG SKY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Big Sky Trust Fund Grant - Job Creation Funder: State of Montana (administered by Big Sky Economic Development) Status: Active as of February 2020; current status unknown Geographic Scope: Montana…

BIG SKY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Big Sky Trust Fund Grant - Planning/Feasibility Funder: State of Montana (administered by Big Sky Economic Development) Status: Active as of February 2020; current status unknown Geographic Scope:…

Varies
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF HAWAII · Rolling / Open Foundation

BizBoost Funder: Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii (federally funded program) Program Type: Technical and financial assistance program for small businesses Target Participants: Small businesses…

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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