Small businesses are the backbone of the economy, but finding funding can be a challenge. Luckily, there are numerous grant programs available to help small businesses start, grow, and thrive. These grants can come from various sources, including the government, nonprofit organizations, and corporate entities. Here is a detailed overview of some of the grant programs available to small businesses:
Government Grants:
– Employee Retention Credit: A stimulus program established by the CARES Act to help businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
– Illinois Infrastructure Grants: Capital grants allocated for infrastructure improvement projects in Illinois.
– Minnesota Emerging Entrepreneur Loan Program (ELP): Grants funds to nonprofit lenders to provide loans to minority-owned businesses in Minnesota.
– National Institute of Health Grants: Funding opportunities for small businesses conducting biomedical research.
– NIDILRR’s SBIR program: Grants to support technology and research for individuals with disabilities.
– Queens Tech & Innovation Challenge: Grants for early-stage entrepreneurs in Queens, New York.
– San Francisco Accessibility Grant: Grants to enhance accessibility in small businesses in San Francisco.
– Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR): Funding for research and development projects with a collaboration requirement.
– Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF): “Deal-closing” grants for companies competing for projects in Texas.
– U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Business Programs: Financial support and technical assistance for rural business growth.
– U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA): Targeted grants and loans for minority-owned businesses.
– U.S. Department of Education Grants: Grants available to small businesses in the education sector.
– U.S. Small Business Administration State Trade Expansion Program (STEP): Financial assistance for small businesses looking to export products.
– U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA): Funding opportunities for projects supporting economic development.
Government Contract Assistance:
– Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Program: Assistance for small businesses owned by service-disabled veterans.
– Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contracting Program: Opportunities for women-owned small businesses to secure federal contracts.
– 8(a) Business Development Program: Assistance for small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged entities.
– HUBZone Program: Support for businesses in underutilized business zones to compete for government contracts.
Natural Resource Sales Assistance Program:
– Provides grants for small businesses to bid on natural resources and surplus property.
General Small Business Grants:
– Various nonprofit and corporate entities offer grants to small businesses in any industry.
Industry-Specific and Diversity Small Business Grants and Programs:
– Programs specifically designed to support women, minority, LGBTQ+, and veteran entrepreneurs.
Additional Resources:
– Resources such as Agricultural Justice Project, Challenge.Gov, CDFI Fund, Fearless Fund, GrantsForWomen.org, SBA Small Business Development Centers, SCORE, and more.
These grant programs provide valuable financial support, resources, and opportunities for small businesses to succeed and grow. By taking advantage of these programs, small business owners can access the funding they need to achieve their goals and make a positive impact on their communities.
