Small business grants 2026: Where to find free money for your business

What is a small business grant?

A small business grant is money awarded to a business that does not have to be paid back. Grants are made by government agencies, corporations, or foundations. Most fund a specific objective, require a formal application, and are competitive. 

Grants can target businesses based on a variety of factors, including minority-owned businesses, veteran-owned businesses, women entrepreneurs or certain industries. Some business grants are available to a larger group of potential applicants, but that can also mean more competition. 

Can you get a grant to start a business with no money? 

The federal government does not offer grants to start or grow a typical business. The idea of “free government money to start a business” is a myth. Some startup grants exist, but they usually come from corporations, foundations or some state or local programs.

Because there are fewer startup-focused grants than those for established businesses, competition can be stiff. If you’re starting from zero, here’s what to realistically expect:

• Corporate contests open to new businesses. Several programs welcome pre-revenue or newly launched businesses, not just established ones. But they may require the business to be past the idea stage. 
• Programs that pair grants with training. Some grants come bundled with courses, coaching, or mentorship rather than a cash-only prize. This can be useful if you need money and guidance. 
• Local economic development programs. Cities and states sometimes fund new businesses, especially in target industries or underserved neighborhoods.
• Pitch competitions. Business plan contests and pitch competitions, often run by universities, accelerators, or local chambers of commerce, may award seed funding to businesses that haven’t launched yet. These can be an excellent opportunity to refine your business pitch and business plan, and network with potential investors. 

If a grant doesn’t come through, or if you can’t get enough money to fully fund your startup, look at other options. A startup business loan with no money down, a microloan, or crowdfunding may fill the gap while you keep applying for grants. 

Types of small business grants

Grants generally come from the following sources:

• Federal state or local governments
• Foundations
• Businesses

Government grants usually have the most involved application process, while grants made by businesses may include a competition aspect. 

Keep in mind the federal government does not give grants to start a new business.

Small business grants open now 

Nav has independently verified the grant information below. Information is valid as of Oct. 9, 2026 and subject to change.

NASE Growth Grant

Good for: Growing businesses

NASE Growth Grants are offered to members of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE). Grants are worth up to $4,000 and can go toward equipment, hiring help, or promotional material. Applications are reviewed quarterly, so you don’t have to wait for a single annual deadline. 

Halstead Jewelry Grant Award

Good for: Jewelry startups

Are you a jewelry artist? If so, submit your portfolio and business plan to Halstead for its annual jewelry grant award of $7,500 cash plus $1,000 in merchandise. Finalists get $1,000 cash and a $250 Halstead gift card. In addition to funds, Halstead aims to help jewelry artists develop their business, fine-tune their plans and hit their goals. The next deadline is May 1, 2027.

eBay Live x Up & Running Grants

Good for: eBay sellers, especially those building a livestream presence

eBay sellers with Above Standard or Top Rated status can compete for a share of $100,000 across 10 winners. The program was restructured in 2026 around eBay Live, so plan around the current terms rather than older figures you may have seen for this grant. The 2026 cycle has ended, and eBay hasn’t announced 2027 dates yet — check back before you build a timeline around it. 

Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Grant

Good for: Businesses willing to complete free coursework first

Verizon and LISC award $10,000 a month to 10 small businesses that complete Verizon’s free Digital Ready coursework. Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis through December 2026, which makes this one of the more frequent, accessible grants on this list. 

Comcast RISE

Good for: Small business in a current cycle’s eligible metro area

Comcast RISE awards roughly $5,000 plus a technology and marketing package to small businesses — but only to those located in that cycle’s designated metro areas, which rotate each round. The 2026 grants have already been awarded, and Comcast hasn’t announced 2027 dates. Confirm your city is on the current eligible list before you apply. 

Allstate Main Street Grants Program

Good for: Small businesses ready for structured growth support

Delivered through Hello Alice, this program awards $20,000 grants to small businesses in the US, DC, or Puerto Rico who also complete a structured growth program. It typically opens around June each year; 2027 dates haven’t been announced yet. 

Jobber Grants

Good for: Home service and trades businesses 

Jobber’s annual grant program awards up to $100,000 to a single top winner as part of a $250,000 pool split across nine winners. It’s open to home service and trades businesses in the US and Canada (excluding Quebec). The program typically closes in August; 2027 dates haven’t been announced yet. 

H&R Block Fund Her Future Grant

Good for: Women-owned U.S. businesses 

H&R Block awards $45,000 each to four women business owners — $180,000 total — through its Fund Her Future Grant. The program typically opens in September; 2027 dates haven’t been announced yet. 

Entreprinista Evolve Grant (presented by IT Cosmetics)

Good for: Established, women-led businesses ready to scale

The $5,000 grant is open to US-based, women-owned or led businesses generating $100,000 or more in annual revenue and operating for at least a year. It is available only to first-time recipients and — unlike most grants on this list — it runs quarterly, so there’s a new window to apply every few months. 

Small Business Readiness for Resiliency Program (R4R)

Good for: Businesses that want disaster funding

The US Chamber of Commerce Foundation and FedEx offer $5,000 grants to businesses with 500 or fewer employees that complete a preparedness checklist and pre-register. The grant itself only becomes available once a qualifying disaster is declared, so this program is about getting set up ahead of time, not applying for immediate funds. 

Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)

Good for: Technology companies with commercialization potential

The federal SBIR program funds entrepreneurs focused on technology innovations with real commercialization potential. Award amounts vary by participating agency and funding phase — check each agency’s specific solicitation for current figures and deadlines. 

Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR)

Good for: Businesses ready to formally partner with a research institution

STTR funds innovative research and development the same way SBIR does, with one key difference: participating small businesses must formally partner with a research institution throughout the project. Each agency sets its own guidelines and deadlines, so check current openings directly with the agency you’re targeting. 

Department of Defense (DoD) grants

Good for: R&D companies

The DoD offers funding for small businesses through the STTR and SBIR programs, along with initiatives like the Defense Enterprise Science Initiative. The Office of Naval Research, the Air Force Office, and the U.S. Army Research Institute are among the offices funding R&D that supports their mission needs. 

Department of Energy grants

Good for: Innovative technology companies

The DOE funds small businesses through the SBIR and STTR programs, often for technology developed in partnership with a university or a DOE National Lab. Check current openings directly with the department or Grants.gov. 

NIH grants

Good for: Biomedical technology businesses 

The National Institutes of Health, an agency within Health and Human Services, funds small businesses developing and researching biomedical technology through the SBIR and STTR programs. 

Department of Justice grants

Good for: Public safety projects

The DOJ allocates grant funding to projects supporting law enforcement, public safety activities, and improvements to the criminal justice system. Most funding in this category goes to state and local governments, tribal governments, and nonprofits rather than for-profit small businesses, so confirm eligibility closely before applying.

Department of the Interior grants

Good for: Conservation, tribal, and community programs

The DOI offers funding through several of its agencies, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Indian Affairs, and the National Park Service. As with DOJ funding, most recipients are governments, tribal entities, and nonprofits rather than typical for-profit small businesses — review each program’s eligibility criteria carefully. 

USDA Rural Development grants

Good for: Small rural businesses

The USDA offers a mix of loan and grant programs — including Rural Business Development Grants, REAP, and VAPG — to support businesses in rural areas and help create quality local jobs. These programs have seen funding disruptions over the past year, so confirm current availability before you plan around a specific award. 

NIFA grants

Good for: Agriculture and food businesses and nonprofits 

The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), a USDA agency focused on leadership and funding programs, offers grants throughout the year with support and guidance attached. Many of its awards go to nonprofits or larger organizations, so smaller for-profit businesses should review eligibility closely before applying. 

Amber Grant Program

Good for: Women-owned businesses at any stage

Women’sNet Amber Grant awards $10,000 every month, plus three $50,000 grants at year-end. A Startup Grant track is available for idea-stage businesses with under $10,000 in revenue. A $15 application fee applies, with waivers available for those who need them. 

Her Agenda Breakthrough Grant

Good for: Women entrepreneurs with an existing business

Her Agenda awards $5,000 to a woman entrepreneur once a year. Applicants need an existing business (not just an idea) and must subscribe to the Her Agenda newsletter to apply. The program typically opens around September. 

High Five grant

Good for: Mom business owners

The Mama Ladder High Five Grant awards a $10,000 grand prize plus runners up tiers ($5,000, $2,500, and five $1,000 awards) to moms who own at least 50% of a for-profit business generating between $10,000 and $500,000 and annual revenue, in the U.S. or Canada. Note the $35 early-application fee. The deadline falls on September 30 each year. 

Hey Helen Grant Program

Good for: Women-owned businesses under $1 million in revenue

Hey Helen awards a $10,000 unrestricted grant each month to U.S. for-profit businesses that are at least 50% women-owned with under $1 million in revenue. Nonbinary applicants are welcome to apply. Winners are announced on the last day of each month.

HerRise MicroGrant

Good for: Women of color-owned businesses with community impact

HerSuiteSpot’s HerRise MicroGrant awards $1,000 monthly to businesses that are at least 51% woman-owned with under $1 million in revenue, with an emphasis on women of color and community impact. Winners are announced on the last day of each month.

The Big Idea Grant (yippidydo)

Good for: Women-owned or planned businesses

This grant awards $1,000 a month, plus a $2,500 annual bonus, to U.S.-based applicants 18 or older who own or are planning a women-owned business — including those who haven’t launched yet. 

The Transform Business Grant

Good for: Business owners from systemically marginalized groups

TRANSFORM awards $1,000 plus a year-long mentorship program to US-based business owners from systematically marginalized groups who can demonstrate financial need. The mentorship component makes this a good fit if you want ongoing support, not just a one-time check. The deadline falls around September 30 each year. 

Winter 2027 Camelback Fellowship (Cohort 18)

Good for: Early-stage founders in education or “conscious tech”

Camelback Ventures awards $50,000 plus coaching and network access to early-stage entrepreneurs building in education or “conscious tech,” with people of color and women prioritized. The fellowship runs in cohorts, with the application window for the round opening around September. 

The Freed Fellowship Grant

Good for: Micro and small business owners who want ongoing feedback

The Freed Fellowship Grant awards $500 a month to micro and small business owners in the US, paired with community support and feedback rather than funding alone. It’s one of the more accessible grants on this list, thanks to its monthly cadence and lower award threshold. 

Etsy Disaster Relief Fund Grant

Good for: Etsy sellers recovering from a declared disaster

Administered by CERF+, this $2,000 grant is available to Etsy sellers in a federally declared disaster area who’ve been active on Etsy for at least a year and are in good account standing. Applications are reviewed quarterly. 

Makers Mindset x The Equity Studio Grant

Good for: Small business owners watching for the next open cycle

Makers Mindset runs this grant in cycles, with award amounts and specific eligibility details varying each round — check the current program page for this cycle’s terms. The program is expected to return, though a firm date for the next cycle hasn’t been announced. 

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Small business grants by amount

$5,000 and $10,000 grants are the most common award sizes from corporate programs and tend to be the easiest to find, while larger awards typically come from a smaller number of corporate contests or from federal research funding. Here are some popular grants by size:

Up to $5,000 grants

• Comcast RISE — $5,000 + tech/marketing package, limited to that cycle’s eligible metro areas. 
• Entreprenista Evolve Grant — $5,000 for established women-led businesses ($100K+ revenue) 
• Small Business Readiness for Resiliency (R4R) — $5,000, requires pre-registration ahead of a declared disaster
• Her Agenda Breakthrough Grant — $5,000, annual, one woman business owner
• NASE Growth Grants — up to $4,000, NASE members
• Etsy Disaster Relief Fund Grant — $2,000 Etsy sellers after a declared disaster

Up to $10,000 grants

• Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Grant — $10,000/month, requires completing free coursework first
• The Amber Grant — $10,000/month, $15 application fee
• Hey Helen Grant Program — $10,000/month, women-owned, under $1M revenue
• eBay Live x Up & Running Grants — $10,000 winner, requires active eBay seller account in good standing
• High Five Grant - $10,000 top prize + smaller runner-up tiers
• Halstead Jewelry Grant Award — $7500 cash + $1,000 merchandise (under this tier) 

Up to $25,000 and larger grants

• Jobber grants — up to $100,000 top prize, $250,000 total pool
• Winter 2027 Camelback Fellowship — $50,000 + coaching/network access
• H&R Block Fund Her Future Grant — $45,000 x 4 winners
• Allstate Main Street Grants Program — $20,000, entry point into this tier
• SBIR / STTR (federal) — the largest funding source overall with grants through agencies like the Department of Defense, Department of Energy, and NIH. Amounts vary by agency, grant, and phase. 

Federal and government small business grants

The US Small Business Administration (SBA) and other government agencies do not make grants to start or grow a business. The federal money that is available to small businesses is mostly research and development money through the SBIR and STTR programs, plus a small number of other program-specific grants.

SBIR and STTR 

Through America’s Seed Fund, the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs fund entrepreneurs working on technology with commercialization potential. 

STTR specifically requires small businesses to formally partner with a research institution throughout the project, which sets it apart from SBIR. There are twelve participating federal agencies, including the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).  

Award amounts vary by agency and funding phase. Check each agency’s specific solicitation for current figures. Currently these grants are authorized through fiscal year 2031.

USDA Rural Business Development Grants

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers Rural Business Development Grants (RBDG) to promote the development and expansion of small and emerging private businesses in rural areas. Deadlines typically fall around June each year. 

Individuals and for-profit businesses cannot apply. Instead, the grants are awarded to non-profits, local governments, or rural coops which then use those funds to advance the goal of supporting businesses. In other words, your business can’t get the funding, but it may benefit from a grant indirectly. 

Grants.gov

Grants.gov is the federal government’s central landing page and search engine for grant opportunities across federal agencies. It’s comprehensive, but set your expectations appropriately. Most listings are for nonprofits, or state and local governments. You’ll need to filter carefully to find what grants may be a fit for your business. 

It’s worth spending some time on the site — and it’s free to sign up and search. Just keep in mind that:

• Grants are not offered for starting a business
• Grant money isn’t available to pay off debt or cover general operating expenses
• State and local government grants provided by the federal government may be awarded to organizations that assist with economic development.

As we just discussed with USDA business grants, your business may be able to benefit indirectly rather than through direct funding. 

State and local small business grants

Some of the most accessible government grants come from states, cities, and local communities. These programs may fund things like storefront improvements, moving into exporting, disaster recovery, or even equipment. 

What’s especially appealing about local grants is that they may be less competitive and more accessible than federal grants. On the other hand, they may be harder to find because they aren’t advertised widely. 

To find state and local grants:

• Check your state or local economic development office website. Most states maintain a running list of active grant and incentive programs.
• Contact your city’s small business office (if available). Mid-size and larger cities often run their own programs and also help to get the word out about local programs. 
• Talk to your local Small Business Development Center (SBDC). These organizations are funded with tax dollars and work in partnership with the SBA and a local university to help support small businesses. They often have visibility into what’s available in your area. 

Grants for women, veterans, minority-owned businesses, and other groups 

Some grants are designed to support specific groups of entrepreneurs who may have had trouble getting access to grants or financing in the past. If one of these applies to you, it’s worth reviewing the dedicated programs for that group. 

• Women-owned businesses. A number of programs — including some listed above — are focused on businesses owned by women. That usually means 51% + woman-owned. See our full guide to small business grants for women for a more complete list, including programs for Black women-owned businesses. 
• Veteran-owned businesses. These grants may be available to businesses owned by veterans or their spouses. See Nav’s guide to business grants and loans for veterans. 
• Minority-owned businesses. Some programs specifically support minority business owners. See Nav’s guide to minority-owned business grants. 
• Formerly incarcerated entrepreneurs. Business owners with criminal records may have trouble accessing funding. Some programs are designed to fill that gap. See Nav’s guide to small business grants and loans for felons. 
• Hardship and disaster grants. Most hardship or disaster-specific grants for businesses are tied to a declared disaster or a local relief fund such as the Etsy Disaster Relief Fund or the Readiness for Resiliency (R4R) program. Businesses that have been impacted by a federally declared disaster may be eligible for an SBA Disaster Loan. 

Nav is not a lender or a credit bureau. Credit information is provided by third-party sources.

How to find small business grants

A quick search can pull up a large list of small business grants, which can make it hard to know where to start. These resources can help you narrow the field and, in some cases, assist with the application itself. 

Grants.gov is the federal government's landing page for grants across agencies. It’s a useful resource, though small businesses will find a limited number of options available.  

OpenGrants offers a large dataset of public and private grant funding in the US. The free membership lets you search the database and hire grant writers for a fee. The paid membership adds alerts, note-taking, and personalized matching. 

GrantWatch is a subscription-based database covering federal, state, and local government grants as well as foundation and corporate grants. It’s updated regularly with closed grants archived, and you can filter by category to find programs targeting small businesses. 

Grantable is an AI-powered grant-writing assistant. It also lists grant opportunities. 

Your library may provide access to grant directories, and your research librarian may help you find grants that could work for your business. 

Free help with grant applications

Finding a grant is just the first step. Applying — and winning — is the next. There are free resources that can help you refine your pitch. 

Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs and SCORE) are resource partners of the Small Business Administration (SBA), and offer free business mentoring. They can help you build a business plan and a compelling pitch for how you will use the grant money. They often also have visibility into local grants and other types of funding. 

State agencies often provide free resources for business owners, too. Check your state’s Department of Corporations website (or the equivalent in your state) and get on their mailing list. Many alert business owners when new state business grant programs open. 

Common grant myths

There are a lot of misunderstandings about how grants work. Here are the most common ones, cleared up. 

Myth #1: You can use a grant however you want

Many small business owners believe that you can use the money however you want, but this isn’t always true. Unrestricted grants allow you to use the money as you choose, but many grants are given out for a specific use. Federal grants are particularly strict. You’ll need to report on your progress, and you’ll need to fill out reports to the grant provider.  Failing to do so could mean the grant is taken away from you, you’ll be fined, or worse.  

Myth #2: Grant applications are simple to put together

A solid grant proposal takes time. You’ll need to find eligible grants, assess if you’re a good fit, and create a compelling application. Give yourself plenty of time to put the application together.

Myth #3: Grants are easy to get

Many grant programs are extremely competitive, which means they can be more difficult to get than other types of small business funding. Some grants have thousands of applications, so it’s important to make sure you put together the best possible version of your application before submitting to increase your chances.

Myth #4: The business with the largest need is most likely to get a grant

Grants are actually usually awarded to the business that will most likely fulfill the grant agency’s goals, not necessarily the ones that need it the most. Grantors look at credibility, a clear plan for the funds, and commitment to the business goals above financial need.

How to apply for a small business grant

Work smart and hard. Instead of filling out an individual grant application, do what every job applicant does and create a resume for your business that outlines your answers to the common questions business grant-givers ask of their applicants. While grants are technically free money, that doesn’t mean they come without hard work on your part. 

Some applications will vary based on what’s required. For example, a local government grant will likely require an explanation of how your business’s growth and development will benefit local commerce directly, while a grant from a private company like FedEx may require a persuasive video.

Here are a few common details you may need to provide when applying for a business grant:

1. Time in business
2. Number of employees
3. Monthly or annual revenue
4. How the funds will be used
5. Your business’s “elevator pitch”
6. Your employer identification number (EIN)
7. Your business's social media handles (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.)
8. A photo of you (and, if applicable, your partners or offices). Tip: A professional photo can go a long way, especially for companies looking to use your image on their site when announcing awards.
9. A business plan that reflects the current health of your business and where you plan to go down the road.
   For a full walkthrough of the application process, see Nav’s full guide on how to apply for a small business grant. 

Grant application mistakes to avoid

Here are five pitfalls to avoid:

• Skimming instructions: Details matter. Not following instructions can instantly remove you from the running. 
• Not reading the funder’s guidelines: Make sure you understand the purpose of the grant. 
• Making spelling mistakes: Proofread your grant application to make sure there are no spelling or grammatical errors. 
• Not making a clear case for using the funds: Be clear about how you’ll use the funds if you win. 
• Missing the deadline: Many grantors refuse to accept applications after the deadline passes, so make sure you get yours in early.

Business grants vs. business loans: What’s the difference?

Grants and loans can both put money in your business, but they work very differently. The core distinction: loans must be paid back while grants do not require repayment.

Alternatives to small business grants

Grants take time and can be hard to find, so you may want to expand your search. 

There are lots of other small business loans and funding options worth investigating. If your business is established and you have excellent credit, you might qualify for a bank or SBA loan with lower interest rates. If you want access to some funds as you need them, look for a line of credit.

For businesses that only need a small amount of funding (usually $50,000 or less), a microloan can be a good option. 

If your business has strong revenue but not strong credit, a merchant cash advance or invoice financing can be worth exploring. 

Small business credit cards are another option, and many are available to new businesses. 0% intro APR credit cards may give you up to a year to pay the balance with no interest. 

If you’re looking for funding that doesn’t have to be paid back, you may want to explore rewards-based crowdfunding. The process can be similar to applying for a grant in that you will have to put together a campaign to appeal to backers willing to support your endeavor.

Frequently asked questions