Advantage Valley Inc · Rolling / Open Foundation
Business Certification Program Overview: Advantage Valley has launched a program to help entrepreneurs obtain the business certification needed to grow their company. The program provides…
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
State/ Foundation
Updated daily
$5,000 per award
UNITED WAY OF GREATER CHARLOTTESVILLE · July 18, 2026 · Annual Foundation
Business Development Grants Funder: United Way of Greater Charlottesville in partnership with Minority Business Alliance of the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce Status: Active; accepting…
GREATER PORTLAND INC · Rolling / Open Foundation
Business Expansion Program (BEP) Program Type: Cash-based incentive program Overview: The Oregon Business Expansion Program (BEP) is a cash-based incentive program based on the estimated increase in…
$2,500 - $10,000
Veteran Womens Enterprise Center · Rolling / Open · Rolling (Quarterly) Foundation
Business Growth & Access to Capital (BGAC) Loan Fund Overview: A partnership between the Veteran Women's Enterprise Center (VWEC) and PeopleFund to support business growth and access to capital for…
Varies
BRIDGEWAY CAPITAL INC · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation
Business Growth Accelerator Status: Active, accepting applications for 2025 cohort Overview: A comprehensive support program for entrepreneurs offering expert-driven education, coaching, and…
Varies
BRYAN DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation
Business Improvement Grant Funder: Bryan Development Foundation Geographic Scope: Downtown Bryan, Ohio Purpose: Help building owners make improvements and protect their investments through matching…
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:…
Varies
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…
Varies
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:…
Up to US $50,000
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…
Varies
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 · Closed 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…
US $10,000 - US $5,000,000
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,…
Up to $10,000
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…
$1,000 - $2,000 per employee
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…
Between $1,500,000 and $550,000,000
State Treasurer's Office · Rolling / Open State
California Pollution Control Financing Authority (CPCFA) Exempt Facility Bond Financing Program The Pollution Control Tax-Exempt Bond Financing Program facilitates low cost capital through private…
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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