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10 Grant Websites for Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners. Starting and growing a small business requires capital, but securing funding can be a major challenge. While loans and investors are common options, grants provide a unique opportunity: free money that doesn’t need to be repaid.
Government agencies, corporations, and nonprofit organizations offer grants to help entrepreneurs launch and expand their businesses. The challenge? Finding the right grant opportunities and successfully applying for them.
To save you time, we’ve compiled a list of 10 websites where you can find grants for small businesses and startups. Whether you’re a woman entrepreneur, a minority-owned business, or a tech startup, these resources can help you secure funding.
1. Grants.gov
🔹 Best for: U.S.-based entrepreneurs looking for federal grants.
Grants.gov is the official database for federal grants in the U.S. The site lists thousands of grant opportunities from various government agencies, including the Small Business Administration (SBA), the Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Department of Commerce.
Why it’s valuable:
✅ Free access to all U.S. government grants.
✅ Searchable database with filtering options.
✅ Includes educational resources on how to apply for grants.
What to consider:
- The application process can be complex and competitive.
- Some grants are only available for nonprofits or specific industries.
2. Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) & Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs
🔹 Best for: Tech startups and research-based businesses.
The SBIR and STTR programs provide funding for small businesses engaged in research and technological innovation. These highly competitive grants are awarded by government agencies like NASA, the Department of Defense, and the National Science Foundation.
Visit SBIR.gov to explore funding opportunities.
Why it’s valuable:
✅ Grants can range from $50,000 to over $1 million.
✅ No repayment required, unlike venture capital funding.
✅ Supports cutting-edge technology and innovation.
What to consider:
- Grants are limited to high-tech and research-based businesses.
- The application process can be time-consuming.
3. Hello Alice
🔹 Best for: Women, minority, and veteran-owned businesses.
Hello Alice is a platform connecting small business owners to grants, resources, and mentorship opportunities. The site frequently features corporate-sponsored grant programs from companies like Amazon, DoorDash, and Verizon.
Why it’s valuable:
✅ Offers a wide variety of grants for different business types.
✅ Provides business networking and educational resources.
✅ New grant opportunities added regularly.
What to consider:
- Some grants are highly competitive.
- Not all funding opportunities are available nationwide.
4. Amber Grant for Women
🔹 Best for: Women entrepreneurs in the U.S. and Canada.
The Amber Grant, managed by WomensNet, awards $10,000 each month to a female entrepreneur. At the end of the year, one of the monthly winners receives an additional $25,000 grant.
Why it’s valuable:
✅ Simple application process.
✅ Open to a wide range of business ideas.
✅ Specifically supports women entrepreneurs.
What to consider:
- There is a small $15 application fee.
- Competition can be high due to the broad eligibility criteria.
5. FedEx Small Business Grant Contest
🔹 Best for: Established small businesses with a compelling story.
The FedEx Small Business Grant Contest awards grants of up to $50,000 to small businesses that demonstrate innovation and strong community impact. Winners also receive business resources like free shipping and marketing support.
Why it’s valuable:
✅ Large grant amounts available.
✅ Additional perks beyond funding (e.g., marketing support).
✅ Open to a broad range of businesses.
What to consider:
- A well-crafted story and strong brand presence increase your chances.
- The competition is intense, with thousands of applicants each year.
6. National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) Growth Grants
🔹 Best for: Self-employed individuals and micro-business owners.
NASE offers grants of up to $4,000 to help small business owners cover marketing, equipment, and hiring expenses. To apply, you must be a NASE member.
Why it’s valuable:
✅ Designed specifically for self-employed individuals.
✅ Covers a variety of business expenses.
✅ Offers ongoing grant opportunities.
What to consider:
- You must pay for a NASE membership.
- The grant amounts are smaller than some other programs.
🔹 Best for: Small businesses in need of financial assistance.
Nav offers a quarterly small business grant of up to $10,000. The application requires you to share how the grant would impact your business.
Why it’s valuable:
✅ Straightforward application process.
✅ Multiple grants awarded each year.
✅ Open to most types of small businesses.
What to consider:
- The application involves sharing your business story publicly.
- Highly competitive due to the simplicity of the application process.
8. IFundWomen
🔹 Best for: Women entrepreneurs and startups.
IFundWomen provides a combination of grants, crowdfunding, and coaching for female founders. The platform frequently features corporate-sponsored grants from companies like Visa and American Express.
Why it’s valuable:
✅ Multiple funding options, including grants and crowdfunding.
✅ Business coaching and networking opportunities.
✅ Focuses on empowering women-led businesses.
What to consider:
- Some grants are industry-specific.
- Crowdfunding requires marketing effort to succeed.
9. Comcast RISE
🔹 Best for: Minority and women-owned businesses.
Comcast RISE provides cash grants, marketing support, and technology resources to minority and women-owned businesses. Grant recipients receive funding, advertising, and media consulting.
Why it’s valuable:
✅ Provides both financial and business growth support.
✅ Helps businesses scale through media exposure.
✅ No repayment required.
What to consider:
- Grants are only available in select cities.
- Not all businesses qualify for every round of funding.
10. Kiva U.S.
🔹 Best for: Businesses looking for crowdfunded grants.
Kiva offers 0% interest micro-loans crowdfunded by individuals. Many lenders forgive repayments, effectively turning the loan into a grant. This can be a great option for small businesses that need flexible funding.
Why it’s valuable:
✅ Interest-free funding with no credit score requirement.
✅ Crowdfunding model allows community support.
✅ Available to startups and small businesses in various industries.
What to consider:
- Requires a network of supporters to reach funding goals.
- Not a traditional grant, but often functions similarly.
Grants can be a game-changer for entrepreneurs and small businesses. While competition is high, applying to multiple programs increases your chances of success.
Tips for grant applications:
✔️ Read eligibility requirements carefully.
✔️ Write a compelling business story.
✔️ Keep financial records and business plans updated.
✔️ Apply to multiple grants to increase your chances
