Small Business Grants: Federal, State and Private Options in 2026

SBIR, SBA programs, state economic development grants, and private foundation funding for small businesses.

Grants for small businesses are rarer than grants for individuals — but they exist in three clear categories: federal R&D programs, state economic development programs, and private foundation grants for underserved entrepreneurs. This guide covers all three.

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Federal Grant Programs

SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research)

$3.7 billion/year in non-dilutive grants for businesses doing R&D. Phase I up to $275,000, Phase II up to $1.85M. 11 agencies fund it including NIH, NSF, DOD, NASA, DOE. Apply at sbir.gov.

STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer)

Similar to SBIR but requires partnering with a research institution. Particularly good for university spinouts.

USDA Rural Business Development Grant

Up to $500,000 for businesses in rural areas (under 50k population). Apply through your local USDA Rural Development office.

EDA (Economic Development Administration)

Grants to support economic development in distressed communities. Primarily for organizations and local governments, but worth researching if in an eligible area.

Private Foundation Grants

Amber Grant

$10,000 monthly to a woman-owned business. Simple application. Apply at ambergrantsforwomen.com.

FedEx Small Business Grant

$50,000 annually to a US small business. Competition-based. Apply at fedex.com/en-us/small-business/grant-contest.html.

Comcast RISE

Marketing, technology, and capital grants for minority-owned small businesses. Apply at comcastrise.com.

NASE Growth Grants

Up to $4,000 for self-employed and micro-business owners. Apply at nase.org/benefits-programs/growth-grant.

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses

Free business education plus access to capital for underserved entrepreneurs. Apply at gs.com/10ksb.

Free Resources and Support

America's SBDC (Small Business Development Centers)

Free consulting for every business stage — including help finding and applying for every grant program. Find yours at americassbdc.org.

SCORE

Free mentoring from retired business executives. Particularly valuable for grant application strategy. Find a mentor at score.org.

SBA Microloan Program

Up to $50,000 at low interest for small businesses that don't qualify for traditional bank loans. Not a grant, but accessible funding.

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grantlantern.org · 426+ programs · Updated March 2026