Are you a small business owner looking for funding to start or grow your venture? To help you in your search, we’ve compiled a comprehensive resource of grants specifically designed for small businesses.
Our list includes a wide range of grant programs from various organizations, all aiming to support the growth and success of small businesses. While there are more grant programs than are listed here, we have chosen to exclude any that require a fee to help you focus on the most accessible opportunities.
Verizon Small Business Grant
The Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Grant, a partnership between Verizon and LISC, aims to support small businesses by providing them with the necessary tools and resources to succeed in the digital economy. This grant program is part of Verizon’s commitment to empowering small businesses and benefiting local communities.
Verizon, in collaboration with LISC, awards $10,000 grants to eligible small business owners annually who are over the age of 18. To qualify, applicants must have a free account on Verizon Small Business Digital Ready and complete any combination of two courses or virtual events offered through the program.
Fast Break for Small Business Grant
Accion Opportunity Fund, in partnership with LegalZoom, the NBA, WNBA, and NBA G-League, has launched a grant program to support entrepreneurs across the United States. The program aims to provide small business owners with the necessary tools and resources to start and grow their businesses.
Each year, the program awards 150 small businesses with $10,000 grants and a LegalZoom product of their choice, valued up to $500. Eligible businesses must be U.S.-based, in operation for at least 3 months, have an annual revenue under $1 million, and maintain an active business bank account. Certain industries are ineligible for this program.
SBIR STTR Grant Programs
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are highly competitive grant programs coordinated by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). These programs encourage domestic small businesses to engage in Federal Research/Research and Development (R/R&D) with the potential for commercialization.
SBIR/STTR grants are available to U.S.-based, for-profit businesses with no more than 500 employees, focusing on technological innovation and research with the intent of commercialization. Phase I awards range from $50,000 to $250,000, while Phase II awards are generally $750,000.
America’s Seed Fund
America’s Seed Fund, powered by the National Science Foundation (NSF), is a program that provides research and development (R&D) funding to startups across the United States. The program aims to transform scientific and engineering discoveries into products and services with commercial and societal impact, focusing on deep technologies that show promise but have not yet been validated.
To be eligible for funding, companies must be small businesses with fewer than 500 employees, located in the United States, and have at least 50% of their equity owned by U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The program does not fund companies that are majority-owned by multiple venture capital firms, private equity firms, or hedge funds. Each year, America’s Seed Fund awards over $200 million in R&D funding to approximately 400 startups.
Grants.gov
Grants.gov is a centralized, no-cost federal resource that consolidates over 1,000 different grant programs from various federal grant-making agencies. By bringing together federal grant opportunities in a single platform,
The website offers a wide range of grant opportunities for individuals, organizations, and businesses from different federal agencies, with varying grant amounts and eligibility requirements.
USGrants.org
USGrants.org is an online grant listing platform that features hundreds of non-profit, state, and federal small-business grants from all over the United States. The directory allows users to browse and search for grants that meet their specific needs and eligibility criteria.
USGrants.org offers both free and premium memberships, with the latter providing access to additional features.
Fresh Start Business Grant
Bizee’s Fresh Start Business Grant is a program designed to support entrepreneurs in starting or significantly growing their businesses. The grant aims to provide financial assistance and free formation services to help businesses succeed.
One adult entrepreneur will receive $2,500 to cover business startup costs, along with Bizee’s Gold plan ($385 value) which includes incorporation services, free Registered Agent services for a year, and a free tax consultation. To be eligible, applicants must be U.S. residents aged 21 or older and planning to start or significantly grow a business.
FedEx Small Business Grants Program
The FedEx Small Business Grants Program supports U.S.-based small businesses by providing grants and prizes to help small businesses grow and succeed.
Each year, the program will award grants to 10 recipients, with one grand prize recipient receiving a $50,000 grant and the remaining nine recipients each receiving a $20,000 grant. To be eligible, applicants must be existing FedEx customers with a valid shipping account open for at least 6 months, have fewer than 99 employees, and actively ship with FedEx.
Venmo Small Business Grant
The Venmo Small Business Grant program is available to all Venmo business users and offers grants and mentorship opportunities to support entrepreneurs.
Up to 20 entrepreneurs will receive $10,000 grants, along with valuable mentorship from experienced industry professionals. To be eligible for the program, businesses must have no more than 10 employees and generate less than $50,000 in annual revenue.
eBay Up & Running Grant Program
The eBay Up & Running Grant program, offered in partnership with Hello Alice, provides small business owners with the opportunity to take their businesses to the next level.
Each year, eBay awards 50 business sellers with grant packages of $10,000, including cash, eBay education, and a $500 stipend for office technology from eBay Refurbished. Eligible applicants must be legal residents of the U.S., 18 or older, selling on eBay since December 1, 2023, with an “Above Standard” or “Top Rated” seller rating, and not a previous recipient of the grant.
Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program
The Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program is a yearlong initiative designed to support and empower women entrepreneurs in growing their businesses. Through workshops, coaching sessions, network-building opportunities, and financial resources, the program aims to foster the success of women-owned enterprises.
Each year, 50 women entrepreneurs are selected to receive a $5,000 business education grant and access to 0% interest loans via Kiva. Eligible applicants must be women who own the largest or equal stake in a for-profit, early-stage, generating revenues, are 21 years or older, proficient in English, and are legal residents of the United States.
The Awesome Foundation Grant
The Awesome Foundation Grants program is a unique funding opportunity provided by the Awesome Foundation, a global community dedicated to supporting innovative and creative projects. The Foundation awards monthly grants of $1,000 to individuals and groups, including startups and small businesses, to help bring their ideas to life.
The Awesome Foundation operates through independently run chapters, each contributing to a micro-funding pool that supports the selected grant projects. The Foundation’s goal is to forward the interest of “awesome” in the universe by supporting creative and innovative initiatives.
Freed Fellowship Grant
The Freed Fellowship Grant is a monthly program that provides a grant to a business owner in the United States to invest in their existing business.
Each month, one business owner is selected to receive the $500 grant based on the Freed Fellowship’s 5C Framework, which analyzes the business’s context, content, community, chemistry, and commerce. Applicants also receive valuable feedback, two months of free mentoring in the Freed Studio virtual community, and the opportunity to receive an additional $2,500 end-of-year grant.
Jobber Grant Program
The Jobber Grants program aims to support home service business owners or aspiring entrepreneurs in the United States by providing financial assistance for their ventures.
Each year, Jobber awards 15 grants, each valued at $10,000, to eligible applicants. To qualify, individuals must be 18 years or older, reside in the United States, and either currently own a home service business or aspire to start one. The grants can be used to support various aspects of the business, such as operations, marketing, or expansion efforts.
Other Grant Programs
In addition to the grant programs listed above, there are programs that are specifically set up for different groups. Check out:
