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
Up to $32.7 million in nondilutive loans
OCAST Funding (Science & Tech) · Rolling / Open State

Provides nondilutive loans with flexible terms to support businesses throughout Oklahoma. Funds administered through TEDC Creative Capital.

$500 - $400,000
GROW SOUTH DAKOTA · Rolling / Open · Rolling (Quarterly) Foundation

Business Loan Program Overview: GROW South Dakota provides financing for both new and existing businesses across South Dakota. Program Details - Geographic Scope: South Dakota - Eligible Businesses:…

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

USHCC Business Matchmaking Program Program Name: Procurement – Business Matchmaking Funder: United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Overview: A unique forum for Small Business Enterprises (SBEs)…

BOWLING GREEN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open · Rolling (Quarterly) Foundation

Business Revolving Loan Fund Overview: The City's Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) provides loans to businesses for start-ups and expansions which result in more jobs for low- and moderate-income persons.…

CARAVANSERAI PROJECT · Rolling / Open Foundation

Business Training and Funding Program Type: Eight-week online business training program Overview: Eight-week online programs that provide early-stage entrepreneurs with the basic tools and…

BURLINGTON DOWNTOWN CORPORATION · July 15, 2026 · Quarterly Foundation

Business Up-Fit Grant Funder: Burlington Downtown Corporation, Burlington, NC Geographic Scope: Downtown Burlington, NC Program Type: Business Development grant for business owners Focus Areas:…

THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR NORTHERN · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Business Women's Giving Circle Overview: A giving circle comprised of accomplished business women in Northern Virginia that supports programs and organizations in the region. Geographic Scope:…

Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection · Rolling / Open Foundation

Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection Amount: Up to US $50,000 Last Updated: August 05, 2025 Summary The Buy…

Coalition of Asian American Leaders · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

CAAL Ignite Fund Status: Active grant program. 2025 cohort has been awarded; next cycle deadlines unknown. Geographic Scope: Minnesota (39+ cities and regions reached) Funder: Coalition of Asian…

Dependant on number of submissions received, application process, etc.
Department of Forestry and Fire Protection · May 20, 2026 State

CAL FIRE Business and Workforce Development CAL FIRE's Wood Products and Bioenergy team seeks to maintain and enhance the wood products infrastructure of California to promote healthy resilient…

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) · Rolling / Open Foundation

CAL FIRE Business and Workforce Development Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Amount: US $10,000 - US $5,000,000 Last Updated: March 08,…

Fresno Metro Black Chamber of Commerce · Rolling / Open Foundation

California Dream Fund Micro-Grants Funder: California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) Award Amount: Up to $10,000 per grant Program Overview: The Fresno Metro Black Chamber of…

MICROENTERPRISE COLLABORATIVE OF INLAND · Rolling / Open · Ongoing Foundation

California Paid Family Leave Small Business Grant Funder: California Employment Training Panel (ETP) and California Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA) Award Amount: $1,000 - $2,000 per…

Fresno Metro Black Chamber of Commerce · Rolling / Open Foundation

California Relief Grant Program Funder: State of California, administered by California Office of the Small Business Advocate Award Amount: Direct grants ranging between $5,000 and $25,000 Program…

MICROENTERPRISE COLLABORATIVE OF INLAND · Rolling / Open · Rolling (Quarterly) Foundation

California State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Grant Funders: GO-Biz and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Award Amount: Up to $10,000 Geographic Scope: California Target Beneficiaries: Small…

US $500 - US $10,000
California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development · Rolling / Open Foundation

California STEP Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development Amount: US $500 - US $10,000 Last Updated: June 04, 2025 Summary The California STEP…

California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery · Rolling / Open Foundation

CalRecycle- Beverage Container Redemption Innovation Grant Program Status: ACTIVE Funder: California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery Amount: US $150,000 - US $3,000,000 Last Updated:…

OEDIT Programs & Funding · Rolling / Open State

Lending opportunity for social equity licensed cannabis businesses to receive capital to build and improve their current business operations.

OEDIT Programs & Funding · Rolling / Open State

Mentorship and funding opportunity for social equity cannabis businesses who have reached critical business development milestones and demonstrated readiness to seek external investments.

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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