All Grants & Funding Programs

The most common SBA loan program, providing government-backed financing up to $5 million for working capital, equipment, real estate, and business acquisition. Interest rates are capped based on loan size, with terms up to 25 years for real estate.

Provides small loans up to $50,000 through nonprofit intermediary lenders to help small businesses and certain nonprofit childcare centers start up and expand. Average microloan is about $13,000. Interest rates typically 8-13% with terms up to 6 years.

The 8(a) Business Development program is a federal contracting and training program for experienced small business owners who are socially and economically disadvantaged. Businesses in the program receive training and technical assistance to strengthen their ability to compete effectively. Also eligible are small businesses owned by Alaska Native corporations, Community Development Corporations, Indian tribes, and Native Hawaiian organizations.

Grant program providing funding to small manufacturing businesses and nonprofit organizations for technical assistance and workforce development in key industries like steel, timber, aluminum, and energy. Recipients can receive up to $1.1 million.

The federal government's goal is to award at least 5% of all federal contracting dollars to women-owned small businesses each year. The government limits competition for certain contracts to businesses that participate in the Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contract program; these contracts are for goods and services in specific industries (identified via NAICS code) where WOSBs are underrepresented.

SBIR Phase I grants fund the exploration of technical merit and feasibility of an innovative idea. Coordinated by SBA and funded through 11 federal agencies. Recently reauthorized through September 2031 with updated award amounts up to $275,000.

NSF's America's Seed Fund invests in startups and small businesses with innovative, high-risk technology across nearly all technology areas and markets including AI, energy, medical devices, robotics, and semiconductors. Phase I awards up to $305,000.

NSF Engines accelerate use-inspired research and innovation in regions across the country. The program has made a $135 million initial investment leveraging more than $1 billion in matching commitments for technologies in AI, chipmaking, quantum science, energy storage, and disaster preparedness.

The original and historically most significant NIH grant mechanism. Supports discrete, specified health-related research projects for up to 5 years. Up to $500,000 per year in direct costs without prior approval; larger budgets require justification.

NIH SBIR Phase I grants support small businesses in health-related R&D to establish feasibility and scientific merit. Award amounts vary by institute: typically $300,000-$400,000 for Phase I depending on the NIH institute.

DOE SBIR/STTR Phase I explores the feasibility of innovative energy-related concepts. Awards up to $200,000 over nine months across technical topics spanning energy production, energy use, fundamental energy sciences, environmental management, and defense nuclear nonproliferation.

Provides small businesses with access to expertise and capabilities at DOE national laboratories for clean energy technology development. Vouchers cover collaborative projects between businesses and lab researchers.

The Industrial Training and Assessment Centers Implementation Grant Program provides grants to small and medium-sized manufacturers to implement energy efficiency, productivity, and sustainability recommendations. Up to $300,000 per assessment recommendation at 50% cost share. Total pool of $80 million.

Helps agricultural producers enter value-added activities. Planning grants up to $50,000 for feasibility studies and business plans; working capital grants up to $200,000 for processing, packaging, and advertising. Requires 1:1 matching funds.

Provides grants for rural economic development and job creation. Enterprise grants support small businesses; Opportunity grants fund business support centers and training. Approximately $30 million available annually. No cost sharing required.

USDA provides zero-interest loans to local utilities which pass through to local businesses for projects that create and retain rural employment. Also provides grants to establish Revolving Loan Funds. Approximately $50 million in loans and $10 million in grants for FY 2026.

Competitively awarded grants to qualified small businesses for high-quality research related to agricultural science that could lead to significant public benefits. Supports innovation in food, agriculture, and rural development.

Funds programs that support innovators, entrepreneurs, and startups. Venture Challenge awards up to $2 million; Capital Challenge awards up to $750,000. $50 million proposed for FY2026. Requires 1:1 match.

Helps distressed communities revitalize, expand, and upgrade physical infrastructure to attract new industry, encourage business expansion, and generate jobs. Supports construction and renovation of public facilities.

Approximately $1.45 billion in disaster recovery funding available to communities that received major disaster declarations due to hurricanes, wildfires, severe storms, and other natural disasters in 2023 and 2024.