Where to Find Small-Business Grants

To help you boost your business resources — or start a new business — in 2024, you may want to consider a small-business grant instead of a loan. Why? You don’t have to pay back a grant. However, your business will most likely have to include any grant amounts in taxable income.

GET STARTED

Consult your tax and financial advisors, then do some research. Following are some places to look.

FEDERAL AGENCIES

Grants.gov is a comprehensive database of government small-business grants administered by various federal agencies, such as the Departments of Education and Veterans Affairs.

Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs connect small businesses with federal grants and contracts from 11 agencies.

The USDA Rural Business Development Grant program provides financing to strengthen and grow small businesses in rural communities.

The SBA's Program for Micro entrepreneurs or PRIME Investors offers grants to microenterprise development organizations.

STATE AND REGIONAL RESOURCES

The U.S. Department of Commerce helps businesses find financing (including state or regional grants), secure locations, and recruit employees.

Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) provide support for small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs. They’re often associated with local universities or a state’s economic development agency.

Minority Business Development Agency Centers (MBDA) is a national network of business centers dedicated to growing and promoting minority-owned small businesses. These centers help business owners access capital, secure contracts, and compete in emerging markets.

The SBA’s State Trade Expansion Program funds state governments to implement small businesses STEP grants to cover costs to start or expand into international markets.