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
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) · Rolling / Open Foundation

CDBG Economic Development Program Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Amount: Up to US $1,000,000 Last Updated: October 22, 2025 Summary The…

DISTRICT BRIDGES · Rolling / Open Foundation

Chevy Chase Main Street Small Business Grants Funder: District Bridges (Chevy Chase Main Street program) Geographic Scope: Chevy Chase area, Washington, DC (Connecticut Avenue and surrounding areas)…

CEDAR RAPIDS METRO · Rolling / Open Foundation

Child Care Business Incentive Grants Funder: Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) and Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Geographic Scope: Iowa (Cedar Rapids Metro region mentioned) Focus…

NORTHWEST MINNESOTA FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Child Care Finance Program Geographic Scope: Northwest Minnesota (12-county service area) Program Description: A financing program launched in July 2018 to assist child care providers and communities…

Seattle Good Business Network · Rolling / Open · One-time Foundation

Circular Innovation Challenge Program Type: Business pitch competition for manufactured products made from waste or recycled materials Geographic Scope: Open to all in Washington State Eligibility: -…

CAPITALIZE ALBANY CORPORATION · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

City of Albany Small Business Facade Improvement Program Status: Active - Round 7 application funding window opened April 1, 2025 Geographic Scope: City of Albany Focus Areas: Exterior renovations…

THE INDUSTRIAL COMMONS · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Civic Hub Business Grants Funder: The Industrial Commons (TIC) Overview: The Civic Hub Business Grants are designed to advance a charitable purpose by investing in local civic leadership and economic…

COLUMBIA RIVER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT · Rolling / Open · One-time Foundation

Clark County Main Street Support Program Status: Applications Closed Geographic Scope: Clark County, Washington Overview: Emergency grant program providing up to $10,000 each for businesses with 10…

US $500,000 - US $2,500,000
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity · Rolling / Open Foundation

Clean Energy Contractor Incubator Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Amount: US $500,000 - US $2,500,000 Last Updated: December 22, 2025 Summary…

Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) · Rolling / Open Foundation

Clean Energy Contractor Incubator Program NOFO (IL) Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Amount: US $500,000 - US $2,500,000 Last Updated:…

NEVADA BATTLE BORN GROWTH ESCALATOR INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

Climate Finance Overview: BBG Climate has partnered with Petros PACE Finance (PPF) to create a Fund to jump start support for Nevada's Small Businesses to invest in energy efficient technologies with…

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) · Rolling / Open Foundation

Climate-Critical Underrepresented Business Support Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) Amount: Up to US $800,000 Last Updated: March 27, 2026 Summary Overview…

$250,000,000
OEDIT Programs & Funding · Rolling / Open State

Working capital loans providing up to $250 million to Colorado small businesses negatively impacted by adverse economic conditions.

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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