Small-business grants offer free funding for startups and established businesses, including those affected by challenges like the coronavirus pandemic or other hardships. Unlike loans, grants provide capital that doesn’t need to be repaid.
While researching and applying for grants requires time and effort, the potential benefits make it worthwhile if your business secures funding. To help you begin, here’s a list of federal, state, and private small-business grants, along with helpful resources.
Federal Government Grants for Small Businesses
Government agencies are some of the largest providers of business grants, supporting industries ranging from environmental conservation to child care services. While the application process can seem daunting, federal grants are excellent opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses.
Grants.gov
Grants.gov is a comprehensive database of federal small-business grants offered by various government agencies, including the Departments of Education and Veterans Affairs.
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs
The SBIR and STTR programs focus on funding research and development for technology innovation and scientific research. These programs connect entrepreneurs with federal grants and contracts from 12 government agencies.
To qualify, businesses must operate for profit, have no more than 500 employees, and meet additional eligibility criteria.
USDA Rural Business Development Grant
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers the Rural Business Development Grant to help small businesses grow in rural communities. To qualify, businesses must have fewer than 50 new employees, less than $1 million in gross revenue, and be located in an eligible rural area. Applications are accepted annually through USDA Rural Development’s state or local offices.
Program for Investors in Microentrepreneurs (PRIME)
While the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) typically doesn’t provide direct grants to small businesses, the PRIME program awards grants to microenterprise development organizations. These organizations, in turn, assist disadvantaged microentrepreneurs.
Eligible organizations, such as Maryland Capital Enterprises and the Native CDFI Network (both recipients of PRIME grants in 2024), may be private nonprofits or entities run by state, local, or tribal governments.
Regional Government Grants for Small Businesses
Federal grants are often highly competitive and limited in availability, so it’s worth exploring small-business grant opportunities at the state and local levels. Here are some options to consider:
Economic Development Administration (EDA)
The U.S. Economic Development Administration supports communities with business grants, resources, and technical assistance to promote economic growth, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
State-level economic development agencies help small businesses secure financing (including state or regional grants), find suitable locations, and recruit employees. You can use the economic development directory to locate regional offices and resources.
Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Local Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) offer support for small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs. Often affiliated with universities or state economic development agencies, SBDCs can help you find small-business grants, access other financing opportunities, and provide counseling, training, and technical assistance.
Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Centers
The MBDA operates a national network of business centers focused on fostering the growth of minority-owned small businesses. These centers assist with securing capital, obtaining contracts, and competing in emerging markets.
Your local MBDA center can guide you in applying for debt-based financing and federal, state, or local grants. The MBDA also hosts an annual small-business grant competition, with updates available on its website.
State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)
Funded by the SBA, the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) provides grants to state governments to help small businesses expand into international markets.
Grant funding amounts and eligibility requirements vary by state. STEP grants can be used for activities like attending export trade shows, creating international marketing materials, supporting website globalization, and more.
Corporate Small-Business Grants
Large corporations often have philanthropic initiatives that include grants for small businesses. While some focus exclusively on nonprofit organizations, others extend their support to for-profit companies. Here are some notable corporate grant programs:
National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) Growth Grant
NASE members can apply for monthly grants of up to $4,000 and an annual $3,000 college scholarship for dependents of members. Applications are reviewed quarterly in January, April, July, and October.
Freed Fellowship Grant
This program awards a $500 monthly microgrant to one U.S. small-business owner, with recipients eligible for a $2,500 end-of-year grant. Winners also receive strategy sessions with a business expert and a year of membership in the Freed Studio entrepreneur community. Applications are accepted online on a rolling basis, with monthly deadlines at midnight on the last day of the month.
Start.Pivot.Grow. Micro Grant
This accelerator program offers a $2,500 microgrant each quarter, along with business growth tools like a digital planner and loan preparation assistance. To qualify, businesses must be at least two years old, earn $50,000 or more annually, and employ one to two people. Applications are available on the program’s website.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce CO-100
The CO-100 (formerly America’s Top Small Business Awards) provides a $25,000 grant to one standout small business annually, with additional $2,000 grants awarded to 10 finalists. Eligible businesses must be operational for at least one year. Visit the CO-100 website for updates on the 2025 competition.
Verizon Small Business Grant
Through the Digital Ready program, Verizon offers $10,000 grants to entrepreneurs who complete specific tasks like online courses, live coaching, or community events. Once these are completed, applicants can submit a grant application. The latest funding round closed on December 13, 2024.
Amazon Small Business Grant
Amazon awards 15 grants ranging from $15,000 to $25,000 annually to small businesses with Amazon Business accounts and annual revenues under $1 million. Winners also receive Business Prime memberships and technology products. Applications for the latest cycle closed in May, with winners announced in July.
Visa Everywhere Initiative
This global competition provides grants to tech-forward startups that creatively integrate Visa’s products. The overall winner receives $100,000, with additional grants for regional and local finalists. Applications for the North America region are currently closed.
FedEx Small Business Grant Contest
FedEx offers a $50,000 grand prize and nine additional $20,000 grants through its annual competition. Eligible businesses must be for-profit, U.S.-based, and employ fewer than 99 people. Applications for the next contest can be tracked on the FedEx website.
American Express Backing Small Businesses
In partnership with Main Street America, this program awards $10,000 grants to 500 small businesses, with 25 additional $30,000 grants for specific use cases. Businesses in historic or commercial districts are eligible. Applications are currently closed.
Venmo Small Business Grant
This program offers $10,000 grants to 20 eligible entrepreneurs, along with mentorship and promotional opportunities. Businesses must have annual sales under $50,000, fewer than 10 employees, and a Venmo business profile.
Lenovo Evolve Small-Business Grant
Lenovo’s Evolve Small initiative supports businesses in the U.S. and Canada with $25,000 grants and AI technology packages valued at $10,000. Applications open soon; updates are available on Lenovo’s website.
Comcast Rise
This program offers $5,000 grants, consultations, media resources, and technology upgrades. In 2024, 500 recipients were recognized. The next application window will be announced soon.
Skip Small Business Grants
Skip provides instant, monthly, and larger grants to small-business owners who join its platform. Eligibility requirements vary depending on the grant type.
Grants for Startup Businesses
Startups may face limited federal grant opportunities, but state, local, and corporate grants can offer support:
Secretsos Small Business Grant
This quarterly $2,500 grant supports businesses that meet certain criteria, such as being minority- or women-owned, veteran-owned, or located in economic development zones. Applications for the next cycle reopen soon.
HoneyBook Breakthrough Grant
Targeted at creative consultants and marketers in business for less than three years, this grant provides $18,000 cash, a HoneyBook Premium membership, and expert support.
The UPS Store Small Biz Challenge
This contest awards a $25,000 grant to one small business with nine or fewer employees, plus two $5,000 runner-up prizes.
Hello Alice Grant Platform
Hello Alice collaborates with companies like Progressive and DoorDash to provide grants for various small businesses. Create an account for notifications about new opportunities.
Amber Grant for Women
WomensNet offers monthly $10,000 Amber Grants and annual $25,000 grants to women entrepreneurs. Startups and existing businesses are eligible.
SubSummit Pitch Competition
Subscription-based startups less than two years old can compete for a $10,000 grant and $40,000 in business services.
Small-Business Hardship Grants
These grants assist businesses recovering from crises:
State and Local Recovery Grants
Local governments often offer grants for businesses impacted by natural disasters or emergencies.
Etsy Emergency Relief Fund
Etsy provides $2,000 grants to sellers affected by federally declared disasters.
DoorDash Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund
This program awards $10,000 to restaurants impacted by disasters. Applications are accepted quarterly.
Small Business Readiness for Resiliency (R4R) Program
This program offers $5,000 grants for businesses with disaster-related damages.
Binc Foundation Emergency Assistance
Bookstore and comic store owners can receive grants for emergencies like natural disasters or medical crises.
By all means this list is not exhaustive and while we try to ensure it stays up-to-date, it is tricky to stay on top of the updates. It becomes far easier to know what grants are out there when you get industry and category specific, so reach out and let us know more about your business so we can dive deeper into the grants you could look to apply to.