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
VertueLab · Rolling / Open Foundation

BizLite Online Learning Overview: BizLite Online Learning is a free, self-paced online course designed for early-stage and new entrepreneurs to provide foundational knowledge on building and growing…

URBAN LEAGUE OF METROPOLITAN SEATTLE · Rolling / Open · One-time Foundation

Black Business Prosperity (BBP) Grant Overview: Direct cash assistance grant program for Black and minority-owned small businesses impacted by COVID-19. Status: Past program (2020); May have future…

50% cost reimbursement
FOOD EXPORT USA - NORTHEAST · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Branded Program Organization: Food Export USA–Northeast and Food Export Association of the Midwest USA Overview: The Branded Program provides 50 percent cost reimbursement for a wide variety of…

VANCOUVERS DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Bricks & Clicks Grant Program Status: Active, ongoing since 2024 Geographic Scope: Downtown Vancouver, WA - Priority given to Main Street businesses from 5th to 15th Street; secondary priority to…

MICHIGAN MUNICIPAL LEAGUE FOUNDATION · July 24, 2026 · Annual Foundation

Bridge Builders Main Street Microgrants Focus: Placemaking activities for downtown areas and main streets Purpose: Fund mini placemaking activities that bring together community residents, local…

AMERICAN FARMLAND TRUST · Rolling / Open · One-time Foundation

Brighter Future Fund Overview: The Brighter Future Fund provides grants to farmers across the country to assist in successfully improving resilience, enhancing farm viability, and accessing land.…

$96,000 total distributed
ASPEN COMMUNITY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open · One-time Foundation

Bringing Back Businesses Basalt Fund Overview: COVID-19 relief fund providing restaurant and small business support in the Town of Basalt. Funded by local donors to help businesses mitigate economic…

WEST BROADWAY BUSINESS AND AREA COALITION · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Broadway Beautiful Grant Funder: West Broadway Business and Area Coalition (WBC) Program Year: 2026 Geographic Scope: Properties within 100 feet of West Broadway Avenue Eligible Applicants: Business…

BROOKLYN ALLIANCE CAPITAL INC · Rolling / Open · Rolling (Quarterly) Foundation

Brooklyn Alliance Capital, Inc. Micro-Loans Overview: Brooklyn Alliance Capital, Inc. is a federally certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) providing financing to under-served…

BROOKLYN ALLIANCE INC · Rolling / Open · Rolling (Quarterly) Foundation

Brooklyn Alliance Capital, Inc. Micro-Loans Overview: Financing program for under-served minority and immigrant entrepreneurs and low-income small business owners to increase financial stability and…

JAMESTOWN RENAISSANCE CORPORATION · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Building and Business Improvement Program (BBIP) Funder: Jamestown Renaissance Corporation Geographic Scope: Downtown Jamestown, New York Program Status: Program was announced in 2021; current status…

$14,000 (example award)
Central Michigan University · Rolling / Open Foundation

Business Accelerator Fund (BAF) Program Status: Active funding program Funding Purpose: Provides legal and marketing services support to early-stage technology companies and startups Award Example:…

VALLEY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

Business Accounting & Legal Grant Award Amount: $8,000 Overview: Register for a 6-part course and check eligibility to receive the $8,000 grant. Geographic Scope: Not specified Contact Information: -…

DOWNTOWN ASHEBORO INC · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Business Boost Grant Program Organization: Downtown Asheboro Inc. Geographic Scope: Downtown Asheboro Historic District (physical storefront location required) Program Vision: Foster a downtown…

SHENANDOAH COMMUNITY CAPITAL FUND INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

Business Bootcamp Overview: An entrepreneurship support program offered by SCCF as part of their business support services. Program Details - Type: Accelerator program for entrepreneurs - Geographic…

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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