Find real small business grants — federal programs from Grants.gov, state economic-development programs, and recurring corporate and foundation grants. Grants are free money for your business: no repayment required, no equity given up.
Small business grants come from three main sources: federal programs (SBA, SBIR/STTR, USDA — searchable on Grants.gov), state economic-development agencies, and recurring corporate and foundation grants (Amazon, FedEx, Amber Grant, Cartier Women's Initiative). Grants require no repayment and no equity. Federal applications require SAM.gov and Grants.gov registration.
For Black-owned businesses through the Business Accelerator program
Annual grants for minority-owned businesses with community impact
Contest-based funding with multiple $10,000+ consolation prizes
Rural business development grants up to $500,000
Community Advantage grants for underserved markets
Average state small business grant across all 50 states
Federal agencies are the largest source of small business grants, available through Grants.gov, with programs designed to support startup funding, business expansion, and job creation.
Supports small businesses in underserved markets with loan guarantees and grant components
Agency: Small Business Administration
Funds rural businesses creating jobs and supporting economic development
Agency: US Department of Agriculture
Federal R&D funding for small businesses developing innovative technologies
Agency: Multiple Federal Agencies
Supports organizations providing business training to veteran entrepreneurs
Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs
Infrastructure and business development grants for economically distressed areas
Agency: Department of Commerce
Major corporations offer millions in small business grants annually as part of their community investment and diversity initiatives. These grants often have less competition than federal programs.
Awards grants to Black-owned small businesses through the Black Business Accelerator program
Contest-based grants for small businesses demonstrating growth potential and community impact
Local grants supporting community programs and small business development
Multiple programs supporting small business growth and community development
Grants helping small businesses adopt technology and digital solutions
Every state offers small business grant programs to support local economic development. These grants often have lower competition and faster processing times than federal programs.
Specialized grant programs provide targeted funding for women-owned, minority-owned, and veteran-owned businesses to promote diversity and inclusion in entrepreneurship.
Monthly $10,000 grants for women entrepreneurs, plus annual $25,000 award
Global competition for women-led businesses with high social and environmental impact
Supports women-owned businesses through research and advocacy programs
Grants for Black-owned businesses demonstrating community impact and growth potential
Minority Business Development Agency grants supporting minority business enterprises
Educational and business development grants for African American entrepreneurs
Small business grants are free money provided by government agencies, corporations, and foundations to support business development and job creation. Unlike loans, grants never need to be repaid and don't require giving up equity. They are available through federal programs like SBA grants, USDA rural business grants, and SBIR/STTR (all searchable on Grants.gov), as well as state economic development programs. Grant amounts vary widely by program, from a few thousand dollars to several million for qualifying businesses.
$10,000 grants are available through several recurring programs. The Amber Grant for Women awards $10,000 monthly. Amazon and Comcast RISE run small-business grant programs for eligible businesses. The FedEx Small Business Grant Contest awards larger amounts to selected winners. State economic-development agencies and local chambers of commerce also run periodic grant programs. Most require a business plan, financial statements, and a demonstration of community or economic impact. Always confirm current program details with the awarding organization.
The best startup grants for 2025 include: 1) SBA startup grants ($5,000-$50,000) for new businesses, 2) SCORE startup grants ($1,000-$10,000) with mentorship, 3) Amber Grant for Women ($10,000 monthly), 4) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants ($50,000-$2.5M) for tech startups, 5) National Association for the Self-Employed grants ($4,000), 6) State startup grant programs varying by location, and 7) Local economic development grants through chambers of commerce. These grants specifically target new business formation and early-stage development.
Yes, multiple federal agencies offer startup grants. The Small Business Administration provides startup grants through Community Advantage and Growth Accelerator programs. USDA offers Rural Business Development Grants ($10,000-$500,000) for rural startups. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration grants support startup ecosystems. SBIR/STTR programs offer $50,000-$2.5M for technology startups. Veterans Administration provides startup grants for veteran entrepreneurs. These federal programs focus on job creation, innovation, and economic development in underserved areas.
Small business hardship grants help businesses facing economic difficulties. The SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan program includes grant components. State hardship grants vary by location but typically offer $5,000-$50,000 for businesses affected by natural disasters, economic downturns, or other qualifying hardships. Corporate hardship grants from companies like Walmart, Home Depot, and local utility companies provide emergency funding. Community development financial institutions (CDFIs) offer hardship grants with flexible requirements. Nonprofit organizations like the Red Cross and Salvation Army also provide business hardship assistance.
Grant applications typically require: 1) Complete business plan with financial projections, 2) Tax returns and financial statements for the past 2-3 years, 3) Bank statements and cash flow analysis, 4) Detailed budget showing how grant funds will be used, 5) Business licenses and registrations, 6) Proof of business need or impact, and 7) Owner background and qualifications. Submit applications through Grants.gov for federal programs, state economic development websites for state grants, and directly to organizations for private grants. Allow 2-4 weeks to prepare a comprehensive application.
Common eligibility requirements include: business must be for-profit, fewer than 500 employees (SBA definition), owner must have majority control, business must be registered and in good standing, demonstrate financial need or growth potential, operate in eligible geographic area, and meet any demographic requirements (women, minority, veteran-owned). Some grants require specific industries, revenue limits, or years in business. Most federal grants require US citizenship and business location. State grants typically require business registration in that state.
Grants are free money that never needs to be repaid, while loans must be repaid with interest. Grants don't require collateral or personal guarantees, but loans typically do. Grant applications focus on business impact and community benefit, while loan applications emphasize creditworthiness and ability to repay. Grants are more competitive with lower approval rates (10-25%) compared to loans (70-80%). Grants often have specific use restrictions, while loans provide more flexibility in fund usage. However, grants take longer to receive (2-6 months) compared to loans (2-4 weeks).