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.

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

Foundation

Updated daily

Yuma Food Business Incubator - Restaurant Startup Boot Camp

$145,000 grant (for program operations)

ARIZONA COMMUNITY COLLEGE COORDINATING · Rolling / Open Foundation

Yuma Food Business Incubator - Restaurant Startup Boot Camp Overview: A four-week intensive boot camp program designed to help aspiring food entrepreneurs grow their food business from ideation to…

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Yvette's Local Entrepreneur Scholarship Fund

Varies

DANE BUY LOCAL FOUNDATION INC · March 1, 2027 · Annual Foundation

Yvette's Local Entrepreneur Scholarship Fund Overview: The Dane Buy Local Foundation provides scholarships to support new high school graduates pursuing business, marketing, and entrepreneurship…

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ZenBusiness

Varies

Van Ness Group Inc · Rolling / Open Foundation

ZenBusiness Overview: Funding opportunity referenced by Van Ness Main Street. Contact for Information: - Email: info@vannessmainstreet.org - Phone: 202.421.7825 - Address: 3503 Connecticut Ave. NW…

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Zero Interest Loan Program (ZILP)

Up to $10,000 per building façade

MAIN STREET GETTYSBURG INC · Rolling / Open · Rolling (Quarterly) Foundation

Zero Interest Loan Program (ZILP) Program Type: Commercial revitalization program Funder: Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and Main Street Gettysburg Geographic Scope:…

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Zero Waste Grant Program

Varies

THE NEIGHBORHOOD RECYCLING CORPORATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Zero Waste Grant Program Funder: The Neighborhood Recycling Corporation (Eureka Recycling) Geographic Scope: Minnesota, US Status: Legislation proposed (HF2693) as of March 2023. Current status as of…

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ZooLabs Fund Grant

US $5,000 - US $50,000

ZooLabs · Rolling / Open Foundation

ZooLabs Fund Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: ZooLabs Amount: US $5,000 - US $50,000 Last Updated: July 28, 2025 Summary Zoo Labs Fund, established in 2013, empowers Bay Area artist teams through…

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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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