Starting or growing a small business can be expensive. Grants may provide funding for some businesses, but they are only one of several financial support options available.
Government agencies, nonprofits, local organizations, lenders, and business support programs may offer funding, training, counseling, or other resources. The right option depends on your business, location, industry, and financial needs.
Who May Qualify
Business support programs may be available for:
- New and established small businesses
- Entrepreneurs starting a business
- Veteran-owned businesses
- Women-owned businesses
- Rural businesses
- Businesses developing new products or technology
- Businesses seeking to expand
- Businesses recovering from qualifying disasters
Eligibility varies by program.
Check What You May Qualify For
Looking for business funding or support? OpenGrants Network helps you discover legitimate grants and assistance opportunities that may match your business.
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Programs vary based on your eligibility, business, and location.
Types of Financial Support Available
Depending on your situation, options may include:
- Small business grants
- State and local grants
- Startup funding
- Business loans
- Microloans
- Equipment financing
- Disaster assistance
- Business training and counseling
- Export assistance
- Research and development funding
Good to know: Grants are not available for every business need. The SBA states that it does not provide grants for starting or expanding a typical small business, although certain grant programs support research, manufacturing, exporting, and entrepreneurship organizations.
How Business Funding Programs Typically Work
- Identify what your business needs funding for.
- Search for programs that match your business.
- Review eligibility and funding requirements.
- Prepare your business and financial documents.
- Apply through the organization offering the program.
Some programs require a business plan, financial statements, registration documents, or a detailed explanation of how funds will be used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there grants for small businesses?
Yes. Some federal, state, local, nonprofit, and private programs offer grants to qualifying businesses. However, grants are usually targeted toward specific industries, projects, or business goals.
Can I get a grant to start a small business?
Some private, local, or specialized programs may offer startup grants, but federal grants are generally not designed to provide general startup funding. The SBA specifically notes that it does not provide grants for starting and expanding businesses.
What other funding options are available?
Business owners may consider loans, microloans, investment capital, equipment financing, disaster assistance, or specialized programs.
Are SBA loans the same as grants?
No. SBA-backed loans are financing that generally must be repaid. Grants typically do not require repayment when program requirements are met.
Where can I find legitimate small business grants?
Start with official government websites, state and local economic development agencies, established nonprofits, and reputable business support organizations.
Can small businesses apply for federal grants?
Some small businesses can qualify for specific federal funding opportunities. Grants.gov lists eligibility requirements for each opportunity, and some federal programs are specifically open to small businesses.
Can I get free help with my business?
Yes. SBA Resource Partners, including Small Business Development Centers and SCORE, provide counseling, training, and other business support.
What documents may be required?
Depending on the program, you may need business registration details, tax information, financial records, a business plan, proof of ownership, or a description of how funding will be used.
Additional Resources
Useful places to explore include:
Small Business Administration programs
Grants.gov
State and local economic development agencies
Small Business Development Centers
SCORE business mentors
Community business organizations
Nonprofit entrepreneurship programs
Grants.gov explains that federal funding opportunities have specific eligibility requirements, while the SBA provides funding information and local business counseling resources.