Quick Answer

Yes. Grants are funds that do not need to be repaid. They are provided by federal and state governments, nonprofit organizations, and private corporations to support small business growth, innovation, minority entrepreneurship, veteran-owned businesses, and specific industries. The tradeoff: grants have strict eligibility requirements, competitive application processes, and often restrict how funds can be used.

Free Money — No Repayment Required

Small Business Grants 2026

The complete database of federal, state, minority, women-owned, veteran, and industry-specific grants available to small businesses in 2026 — with eligibility requirements and how to apply.

50+ Grant Programs Updated July 2026 No Repayment Required All Industries
Important: Grants vs. Loans — Know the Difference

The SBA does not offer grants to for-profit businesses for general operations. Most "small business grants" target specific demographics (minority, women, veteran), specific industries (agriculture, R&D, tech), or specific communities (rural, low-income). If you need working capital now, grants are the wrong tool — the typical grant process takes 3–12 months. For immediate needs, see our Funding Options Guide or check your advance amount. Use grants for non-dilutive long-term capital, not emergency cash flow.

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Federal Grant Programs Minority-Owned Business Grants Women-Owned Business Grants Veteran-Owned Business Grants Corporate / Private Grants State Grant Programs Industry-Specific Grants Grant Application Strategy
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Federal Grant Programs

Federal
SBIR — Small Business Innovation Research
SBA / Participating Agencies (NIH, DOD, NSF, NASA, USDA)
$50,000 – $1,000,000+
Phase I: up to $50K–$275K to establish feasibility. Phase II: up to $750K–$2M for full R&D. Phase III: commercialization (no direct grant but supports gov't contracts). Over $4 billion distributed annually across 11 agencies. One of the largest small business grant programs in the US.
Eligibility: US-based for-profit small business, 500 employees or fewer, majority US-owned, must conduct research in response to a specific agency's program topics. Technology/science focus required.
Apply at SBIR.gov →
Rolling deadlines — varies by agency solicitation cycle
Federal
STTR — Small Business Technology Transfer
SBA / NIH, DOD, NSF, NASA, DOE
$50,000 – $1,000,000+
Similar to SBIR but requires formal collaboration with a university or research institution. At least 30% of the research must be performed by the small business and at least 30% by the research partner. Strong for businesses that can leverage university lab relationships.
Eligibility: Same as SBIR, plus must partner with a nonprofit research institution (university, federal lab). All partner institutions must be in the US.
Learn More →
Varies by agency — see SBIR.gov for current solicitations
Federal
Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG)
USDA Rural Development
Up to $500,000
Funds training and technical assistance for small rural businesses with 50 employees or fewer. Can be used for training, distance learning, business incubator development, economic development planning, and technology assistance.
Eligibility: Town or government entity, nonprofit corporation, institution of higher education, or Indian tribe — not typically direct to businesses. Businesses apply through eligible organizations.
USDA Program →
Annual — check USDA.gov for current cycles
Federal
Economic Development Administration (EDA) Grants
U.S. Department of Commerce — EDA
$100,000 – $10,000,000+
EDA funds economic development programs, infrastructure, incubators, and ecosystems. Most grants go to local governments, universities, and nonprofits — which then support small businesses. Check your local EDA district for small business programs they fund.
Eligibility: Primarily government entities, nonprofits, and universities. Small businesses benefit indirectly through EDA-funded incubators, revolving loan funds, and training programs.
EDA.gov →
Rolling
Federal
Grants.gov — Federal Grant Database
All Federal Agencies
Varies by program
The central portal for all U.S. federal grant opportunities. Over 2,000 grant programs. Search by eligibility (small business), category (commerce, agriculture, technology), and status (open). Filter by CFDA number for specific programs relevant to your industry.
Eligibility: Varies by program. Search for "small business" under Eligible Applicants to find programs you can apply for directly.
Search Grants.gov →
Rolling — new programs open continuously
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Minority-Owned Business Grants

Minority
Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Grants
U.S. Department of Commerce — MBDA
Varies by program
MBDA funds business centers nationwide that provide free consulting, market access, and capital connections to minority entrepreneurs. MBDA Business Centers (MBDCs) are directly accessible to minority-owned businesses at no cost. They can also help you identify and apply for other grants.
Eligibility: Minority-owned business (at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by minority individuals). Definitions vary — check your regional MBDC.
MBDA.gov →
MBDC services: ongoing. Grant programs: check MBDA.gov
Minority
SBA 8(a) Business Development Program
U.S. Small Business Administration
Access to $40B+ in federal contracts annually
Not a direct grant — but a 9-year certification program that gives minority-owned businesses access to set-aside federal contracts. 8(a) certified firms can receive sole-source federal contracts up to $4M ($6.5M for manufacturing). This can be more valuable than any single grant.
Eligibility: At least 51% owned by socially/economically disadvantaged individual(s). Qualifying groups: Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, Native Americans, and others. 2+ years in business, certain net worth limits.
SBA 8(a) Program →
Applications accepted year-round
Minority
NMSDC Corporate Plus® / Development Grant
National Minority Supplier Development Council
$5,000 – $250,000+
NMSDC connects certified minority business enterprises (MBEs) with corporate America. Members access procurement opportunities, capacity grants, and development programs. Corporate member companies collectively spend over $400 billion with certified MBEs annually.
Eligibility: US business with 51%+ minority ownership. Apply for MBE certification through regional NMSDC affiliate. Annual certification maintenance required.
NMSDC.org →
Certification: rolling. Grant cycles: varies by regional affiliate
Minority
JPMorgan Chase Diverse Business Grant Program
JPMorgan Chase / Advancing Black Pathways
$10,000 – $75,000
JPMorgan Chase has committed $30B to advance racial equity. The Advancing Black Pathways program provides grants and support to Black-owned businesses. Separate programs exist for Latino-owned businesses (La Comunidad). Programs are competitive and cycle-based.
Eligibility: Black-owned business (Advancing Black Pathways); Latino/Hispanic-owned business (La Comunidad). Location requirements vary. Must apply during open application window.
Learn More →
Watch for annual application windows
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Women-Owned Business Grants

Women
SBA Women's Business Centers (WBC)
U.S. Small Business Administration
Free resources + grant access
Nearly 150 WBCs nationwide provide free training, counseling, and access to grants and capital for women entrepreneurs. Not a direct grant — but WBCs help you find and apply for grants, SBA microloans, and other programs. Often have their own micro-grant programs funded by state or corporate partners.
Eligibility: Women entrepreneurs at any stage — startup to established. Free services regardless of income or business stage.
Find Your WBC →
Ongoing services
Women
Amber Grant Foundation
WomensNet.net
$10,000/month + $25,000 year-end
One grant per month ($10K) to a woman-owned business. One $25,000 annual grant awarded from monthly winners. Relatively low competition compared to federal programs. Application is simple — share your business story. Winners are selected based on need and entrepreneurial spirit.
Eligibility: Women-owned business (any industry, any stage). US-based. Simple online application. $15 application fee (waived for financial hardship).
Apply at AmberGrant.net →
Monthly — last day of each month
Women
Cartier Women's Initiative
Cartier Foundation
$100,000 (first prize) / $30,000 (fellow)
Global entrepreneurship program for women-led businesses with social impact focus. 7 regional finalists (Science & Technology for Equity, and 7 geographic regions). First place: $100K grant + 12 months of coaching. Fellow rank: $30K grant. Very competitive but high prestige.
Eligibility: Women-led for-profit business, operating for 1–6 years, positive social/environmental impact. Any country. Pitch in person at ceremony.
Learn More →
Annual — applications open Q4 each year
Women
WBENC Certification + Corporate Partner Grants
Women's Business Enterprise National Council
Varies by corporate partner
WBENC-certified women business enterprises (WBEs) gain access to corporate procurement, grant programs, and development programs from Fortune 500 companies. Corporate WBENC members (AT&T, Bank of America, Amazon, Walmart) run grant and development programs specifically for WBENC-certified businesses.
Eligibility: US business with 51%+ women ownership, management, and control. Annual certification process through regional partner. Fee-based certification.
WBENC.org →
Certification: rolling
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Veteran-Owned Business Grants

Veteran
Boots to Business (SBA)
U.S. Small Business Administration
Free entrepreneurship training
Not a direct grant — a free two-day entrepreneurship education program offered on military installations and online. Covers business concept evaluation, market analysis, financial projections, and funding options. Completion qualifies you for follow-on programs and SBA Veteran-owned small business resources.
Eligibility: Active duty transitioning service members, veterans, National Guard/Reserve members, military spouses.
SBA Veterans →
Ongoing
Veteran
StreetShares Foundation Veteran Small Business Award
StreetShares Foundation
$4,000 – $15,000
Quarterly grant competition for veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs. Video pitch required. Winners selected by community vote plus expert judges. One of the most accessible veteran business grants due to low application complexity and quarterly availability.
Eligibility: Veteran, active duty, National Guard, reservist, or military spouse. Business can be at any stage. US-based.
Apply →
Quarterly competitions
Veteran
VBOC — Veteran Business Outreach Centers
U.S. Small Business Administration
Free consulting + grant connections
22 VBOCs nationwide provide free pre-business plan workshops, mentoring, and business development assistance to veterans. Like WBCs, VBOCs connect you to available grant programs, SBA microloans, and capital access programs specifically for veteran entrepreneurs.
Eligibility: Veterans, service members, military spouses. Free services.
Find Your VBOC →
Ongoing
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Corporate & Private Foundation Grants

Private
Amazon Small Business Grant
Amazon / Seller-Focused Programs
$10,000 – $250,000
Amazon periodically runs grant programs for small business sellers, Black-owned businesses, and women entrepreneurs. Programs vary by year — "Amazon Black Business Accelerator" and "Amazon Seller Community Grants" are examples. Check Amazon's newsroom for current open grant programs.
Eligibility: Varies by program. Generally: small business, US-based, selling or planning to sell on Amazon. Some programs are demographic-specific.
Amazon Seller Grants →
Watch for announcements — programs cycle
Private
Comcast RISE Small Business Grant
Comcast Corporation
$10,000 cash + marketing services
Comcast RISE (Representation, Investment, Strength, and Empowerment) awards cash grants plus TV advertising and technology resources to small businesses owned by people of color. Focus on minority-owned businesses in cities where Comcast operates. Multiple cohorts per year.
Eligibility: Businesses majority-owned by people of color. At least 3 years in operation, 25 employees or fewer, located in Comcast service area, minimum $1,000/month in revenue.
ComcastRISE.com →
Multiple application windows per year
Private
FedEx Small Business Grant Contest
FedEx Corporation
$50,000 (grand prize)
Annual grant contest for US small businesses. Grand prize: $50,000 + $7,500 in FedEx printing services. Runner-up prizes of $20,000 and $10,000. Applications include a pitch video. Community voting component. High visibility — past winners featured in national media.
Eligibility: US-based small business, fewer than 99 employees, 6+ months in operation, not a franchise. All industries eligible.
FedEx Grant →
Annual — watch for Q1 announcement
Private
Visa Everywhere Initiative
Visa Inc.
$100,000 (global prize)
Annual fintech/commerce startup challenge. Not for traditional small businesses — aimed at startups building financial services technology. If you're building a payments, lending, or financial access startup, this is a top target.
Eligibility: Early-stage startups in payments, financial services, or commerce technology. Global competition with regional tracks.
Learn More →
Annual competition
Private
Hello Alice Small Business Emergency Grant
Hello Alice Platform
$500 – $10,000
Hello Alice aggregates emergency and growth grants from corporate sponsors. Grants range from $500 to $10,000. The platform notifies matched users of open grants. Free membership connects you to ongoing grant opportunities from Mastercard, HP, Chase, and others.
Eligibility: US small business owner. Create a free account. Platform matches you with eligible grants based on your profile.
Hello Alice →
Rolling — new grants added continuously
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State Grant Programs

Every US state has its own small business grant and incentive programs. Search your state's economic development agency website for current programs. Common types include:

Grant Application Strategy: How to Win

  1. Get certified first. Before applying for grants, get certified: SBA 8(a) (minority), WBENC (women), NMSDC (minority), or veteran certification (VOB). Certification opens doors to a much larger grant pool and government contracting.
  2. Start local. Local and community grants have less competition than national programs. Contact your city's economic development office, local SBDC, and chamber of commerce. These often have grants nobody is applying for.
  3. Stack Hello Alice with email alerts. Create a free Hello Alice account and enable email alerts. Grant opportunities from corporate sponsors appear regularly and close quickly. Speed matters.
  4. Apply to Amber Grant monthly. The application is simple. Monthly habit builds familiarity and improves your pitch each month. Women-owned businesses have no reason not to apply every month.
  5. Don't wait for grants alone. Grant timelines are 3–12 months. If you need capital in the next 30–90 days, combine grant applications with fast-moving options. Most successful businesses use grants for growth capital and working capital advances for operational needs.
  6. Tell a story, not a resume. Grant applications are not evaluated on credentials alone. Judges respond to personal narrative, clear mission, community impact, and specific use-of-funds plans. The strongest applications are specific: "This $20,000 will fund two new hires and purchase $8,000 in inventory for Q4."
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Industry-Specific Grants

Can't Wait for a Grant? Get Funded in 24–72 Hours

Grants take 3–12 months on average. If your business needs capital now — payroll, inventory, equipment — a working capital advance can fund in 24–72 hours. Free application, no obligation to accept any offer.

Apply for Fast Working Capital → See All Funding Options

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the SBA offer grants to small businesses?
Mostly no — the SBA does not offer grants to for-profit small businesses for general startup or expansion costs. SBA grant money flows to nonprofit resource partners (SBDCs, WBCs, VBOCs, SCORE chapters) that provide free services to small businesses. The exception: SBA administers SBIR/STTR research grants for technology-oriented small businesses. For for-profit businesses seeking SBA capital, the SBA's loan programs (7(a), 504, microloan) are the right vehicles — not grants.
What is the most money a small business can get in a grant?
SBIR Phase II grants can reach $1.5–$2 million or more, but are restricted to businesses doing R&D aligned with specific government agency priorities. For general small businesses, federal economic development grants (EDA, USDA) can reach $500K–$10M but flow through organizations, not directly to businesses. Private grants typically cap at $50,000–$250,000. Most accessible small business grants are in the $5,000–$50,000 range.
How long does a grant application take?
From application submission to receiving funds, federal grants typically take 6–18 months. State programs: 2–6 months. Private/corporate grants: 1–4 months. The Amber Grant (monthly, women-owned) is among the fastest — 4–6 weeks. Plan grant applications as a long-term strategy, not a short-term cash flow solution.
Can I use a grant and a loan at the same time?
Yes, in most cases. Using a grant for capital improvements or equipment while using a working capital advance for operations is a common and smart strategy. The two don't conflict. Be sure to read grant terms — some restrict how funds can be used, and mixing purposes could create compliance issues.

More free resources for small business owners:

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