The most dangerous myth in business funding is that grants are only for researchers or billion-dollar startups. They're not. In 2026, small businesses across every industry and every state are sitting on billions in unclaimed grant capital — funding that doesn't need to be repaid and doesn't require giving up equity.
The problem isn't the money. It's that most business owners don't know these programs exist, or they assume they won't qualify. So this article is for the businesses that are leaving money on the table. We're walking through 10 grants — federal, state, and private — that small businesses can realistically access right now. Every entry includes who it's for, what it pays out, and where to apply.
If you're new to the grant landscape, we also have a step-by-step guide on how to apply for SBIR grants and a comparison of SBA loans vs. grants to help you understand which funding type fits your situation.
1. SBIR/STTR Programs (Federal — 11 Agencies)
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs run across 11 federal agencies, including DHS, EPA, DOE, DOT, and HHS. Each agency funds projects in its area of focus — from cybersecurity at DHS to health innovation at HHS, clean energy at DOE, and environmental tech at EPA.
Amount: Phase I awards typically run $100K–$400K for 6–12 months of R&D. Phase II scales to $1M–$1.5M over 2–3 years of continued development.
Who it's for: Small businesses doing research with commercial potential. The work must involve genuine innovation — the agency is buying a solution to a problem they need solved. Businesses must be the primary R&D performer.
Deadline: Varies by agency — most have multiple submission windows per year. Check the specific agency for current open solicitations.
Learn about the DHS SBIR/STTR Program →
Learn about the EPA SBIR/STTR Program →
2. EDA Build to Scale Program
The Economic Development Administration's Build to Scale Program (formerly known as Scaleup America) provides grants to ventures that drive economic growth in regions that need it most. Awards range from $500K to $3M, making this one of the larger non-health-related federal grant programs available to early-stage businesses.
Amount: $500K–$3M
Who it's for: Startups and small businesses in regions experiencing economic distress, transition, or long-term decline. The EDA is specifically looking for ventures that create jobs and contribute to regional economic strategy.
Deadline: Typically once per year, with a spring application window. Check the EDA Build to Scale program page for this year's deadline.
3. HUD Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
The HUD Community Development Block Grant program is one of the largest federal grant programs in existence — and among the most flexible. Administered at the state and local level, CDBG funds support a wide range of community and economic development activities, including direct grants to qualifying small businesses.
Amount: $50K–$2M per award, depending on the administering jurisdiction
Who it's for: Small businesses in qualifying areas that create or retain jobs for low- and moderate-income residents. Applications go through state and local governments, so the process varies by location. Check your state's HUD/CDBG program for current opportunities.
Deadline: Rolling — each state and local program sets its own schedule. Annual NOFAs (Notices of Funding Availability) are the most common entry point.
Explore HUD CDBG Opportunities →
4. Amber Grant for Women
WomensNet runs one of the most accessible private grant programs for women entrepreneurs. The Amber Grant awards $10,000 monthly to a woman-owned business, with a $25,000 annual grand prize selected from the monthly winners. Applications are straightforward and don't require a detailed business plan.
Amount: $10,000 monthly + $25,000 annual grand prize
Who it's for: Any woman who owns and operates a business — there are no strict revenue requirements, and businesses at any stage can apply. The program looks for women who are actively pursuing their business goals with clear plans for growth.
Deadline: Monthly applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Learn About the Amber Grant for Women →
5. DOE Small Business Vouchers
The Department of Energy's Small Business Vouchers program gives small businesses direct access to DOE national laboratory expertise. Rather than a traditional cash grant, this program provides technical assistance — pairing small businesses with world-class scientists and lab equipment to accelerate clean energy and advanced technology R&D.
Amount: $50K–$300K in technical assistance (valued access to lab facilities and expertise)
Who it's for: Small businesses working in clean energy, quantum information science, advanced manufacturing, or related DOE priority areas. The key requirement is a partnering relationship with a DOE national laboratory — you bring the business innovation, they provide the technical depth.
Deadline: Solicitations open periodically throughout the year.
Explore the DOE Small Business Vouchers Program →
6. AZ Innovation Challenge Grant
Arizona's Innovation Challenge is one of the most well-funded state-level programs available to startups and small businesses. The program specifically targets businesses in advanced manufacturing, bioscience, aerospace and defense, and software and technology sectors.
Amount: $100K–$1.5M
Who it's for: For-profit businesses registered and operating in Arizona with a physical presence in the state. Businesses must be in the target industry sectors and demonstrate a clear path to commercialization.
Deadline: Annual application window — typically in the first quarter of the year.
Explore the AZ Innovation Challenge Grant →
7. FedEx Small Business Grant
FedEx runs one of the most recognized private grant programs in the small business space. The program awards cash grants ranging from $25,000 to $50,000, plus additional shipping credits to winning businesses. In past cycles, over 200 grant packages have been awarded, making this one of the most accessible private programs.
Amount: $25,000–$50,000 + shipping credits
Who it's for: US-based small businesses demonstrating operational excellence or significant growth. The application process focuses on business plans and growth potential. Open to businesses across all industries — from retail to professional services.
Deadline: Typically once per year in the spring. Sign up for notifications to catch the next application window.
Learn About the FedEx Small Business Grant →
8. EDA Economic Adjustment Assistance
The EDA Economic Adjustment Assistance program is the agency's most flexible funding tool — designed for communities and businesses responding to sudden economic dislocations or long-term economic deterioration. The broad program scope makes it relevant to a wide variety of small business needs.
Amount: $100K–$5M
Who it's for: Small businesses in economically distressed regions that create or retain jobs for community residents. Funds can be used for infrastructure improvements, business development activities, or workforce development. Applications are evaluated against local economic need and job creation potential.
Deadline: Rolling applications accepted throughout the year through EDA's regional offices.
Explore EDA Economic Adjustment Assistance →
9. MD TEDCO Startup Maryland Grant
Maryland's Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO) runs one of the most active state technology transfer and startup programs in the country. The Startup Maryland grant specifically targets technology and innovation-driven companies with a physical presence in Maryland.
Amount: $25,000–$200,000
Who it's for: Tech and innovation-focused startups with a physical presence in Maryland. TEDCO is particularly interested in companies working in cybersecurity, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and information technology.
Deadline: Quarterly application review cycle.
Explore the MD TEDCO Startup Maryland Grant →
10. Illinois Small Business Emergency Loan Fund
The Illinois Small Business Emergency Loan Fund provides direct financial assistance to small businesses affected by economic disruptions — from natural disasters to broader economic downturns. The program is designed to be accessible, with straightforward eligibility requirements and a simplified application process.
Amount: $10,000–$50,000
Who it's for: Illinois-based small businesses that have been economically impacted and can demonstrate financial need. The program is flexible on eligible business types, with priority given to businesses in underserved communities.
Deadline: Rolling applications when the fund is active. Check the Illinois DCEO website for current availability.
Learn About the Illinois Small Business Emergency Loan Fund →
Beyond These 10: 100+ More Grants in the Database
The 10 programs above are just the starting point. Our database tracks 100+ active grant programs across federal agencies, all 50 states, and private foundations. Each has different eligibility requirements, award sizes, and deadlines.
Rather than searching program-by-program, Capkiro matches your business profile against all of them at once — identifying which programs you qualify for, what their award sizes are, and when deadlines are coming up.
How to Apply: Practical Steps That Actually Work
Most small businesses don't lose grant applications because their idea is bad — they lose because they apply without a strategy. Here's how to do it right:
1. Match Before You Apply
Don't chase every grant. Read the specific eligibility requirements for each program and compare them to your business profile before investing time in an application. A well-matched application to one program beats five generic applications to ten.
2. Build the Business Case First
Grants aren't charity — they're contracts for specific outcomes. A strong grant application clearly articulates: what problem you're solving, how your approach works, who benefits, and how you'll measure success. Quantify your claims wherever possible.
3. Nail the Budget
Federal and state grant reviewers pay close attention to budget justification. Your budget should match your project scope exactly. Under-budgeting signals you haven't thought through the work. Over-budgeting signals you won't finish. Budget realism matters as much as the idea.
4. Track Deadlines on a Calendar
Most grants are open for 30–90 days. Set calendar reminders 30 days before each deadline so you have time to review, revise, and submit without rushing. Late submissions are almost always rejected — there's no grace period.
5. Use Available Resources
SBA district offices, SCORE mentors, and SBDCs (Small Business Development Centers) offer free grant application review. Use them. A second set of eyes on a complex federal application catches problems before reviewers do.
Capkiro matches your business profile against 100+ active grant programs — federal, state, and private. See which ones you qualify for and what their deadlines are. Free to start.