Small-Business Grants
Where to find free funding for the ambitious entrepreneur.
The number one advantage of business grants is that they are essentially free money. Grants do not need to be repaid, which is what makes them so appealing for business endeavors. There is a lot of information about where, how, when, and who to get grants from. This accessibility is incredibly important, because you’ll have to do a lot of searching to find the right grant for you. No matter what industry you’re getting into, there is tons of information and resources at your fingertips. We’ve outlined a few of those resources for your here!
Once you’ve been awarded one grant, you’re more likely to receive others. Since someone has already given you this free money, other organizations will see you as a reliable candidate. Not only will getting one grant put you on the path to receiving another, but it will also increase your visibility. Winning some of the most coveted grants can provide benefits that outweigh the simple free money advantage. Grants can also promote your business and idea, showing that your work is of notice.
Grant qualifications will depend on the awarding organization. Priority may be given to businesses in rural or low-income locations or those run by women or minority groups, for example. Read a grant's complete eligibility criteria before applying to understand if your business qualifies.
It takes time and effort to research and apply for funding, but the payoff can be worth it if you secure a grant for your small business. To help you get started, here’s a list of federal, state and private small-business grants and resources.
Texas Small-Business Grants
Texas Workforce Commission Skills for Small Business Program: Small businesses in Texas with newly hired workers can receive grants to cover employee training. The program offers up to $1,800 for each new employee being trained and $900 for existing employees per 12-month period. Training must be provided by a public community or technical college, or the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service. To qualify, your business must have fewer than 100 employees.
2. Texas State Trade Expansion Program Grant: Texas businesses that want to start exporting or expand their current exporting initiatives can apply for reimbursement grants for expenses such as shipping costs, interpreter fees, compliance testing, travel costs, market analysis fees, among other expenses. To qualify, you must have been in business for at least one year, be in good standing with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, have a product or service created in Texas and meet the SBA’s definition of a small business. Applications for the 2023 cycle closed in February.
3. Center for Women Entrepreneurs Veteran Woman Grant: Female veterans in Texas who own or are starting a business can apply for this annual program to receive $5,000 in grant funding. Grants can be used for a variety of business purposes, including purchasing equipment, inventory or technology, property improvements, marketing or advertising campaigns and more. To qualify, small-business owners must provide documentation to show their business is 51% or more woman-owned and controlled. They must also provide documentation of their veteran status. The 2023 grant cycle winners were announced in May.
4. Amegy Bank Small Business Boost Program: Through this program, Amegy Bank partners with the Houston Texans to provide $5,000 grants to local small businesses. To qualify, businesses must have under 500 employees, be independently owned and operated and operate primarily in the Houston area. The 2023 cycle is now open to nominations.
Federal small-business grants
Government agencies are among the biggest distributors of business grants, supporting a range of enterprises from environmental conservation to child care services. Applying may seem intimidating, but federal grants are great opportunities for small-business owners looking to grow.
Grants.gov: 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.
2. Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs: The SBIR and the STTR grant programs focus on research and development for technology innovation and scientific research. The programs help connect small businesses with federal grants and contracts from 11 government agencies. To qualify, you must operate a for-profit business, have no more than 500 employees and meet other eligibility requirements.
3. USDA Rural Business Development Grants: The U.S. Department of Agriculture administers the Rural Business Development Grant program, which provides financing to strengthen and grow small businesses in rural communities. Businesses must have fewer than 50 new employees, less than $1 million in gross revenue and be located in an eligible rural area to qualify. Applications are accepted once per year through the USDA Rural Development’s local or state offices.
State and regional small-business grants
Economic Development Administration: This U.S. Department of Commerce agency provides grants, resources and technical assistance for communities to support economic growth and encourage entrepreneurship and innovation.
Each state’s agency helps businesses find financing (including state or regional grants), secure locations and recruit employees. You can search the economic development directory for regional offices and local resources.
2. Small Business Development Centers: Your local Small Business Development Center, or SBDC, provides support for small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs. They’re often associated with local universities or a state’s economic development agency, and many can help connect you with small-business grants, as well as other business financing opportunities — plus, counseling, training and technical assistance.
3. Minority Business Development Agency Centers: The MBDA runs 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. Your local MBDA center can help you apply for debt-based financing as well as federal, state and local business grants. The agency usually holds an annual small-business grant competition and provides updates on this contest on its website.