{"id":5509,"date":"2016-04-04T10:48:00","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:48:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/small-business-grants.html"},"modified":"2026-05-12T00:32:00","modified_gmt":"2026-05-12T05:32:00","slug":"small-business-grants","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/small-business-grants.html","title":{"rendered":"Small Business Grants: Federal, State, and Eligibility Requirements\u00a0\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Small Business Grants: Federal, State, and Eligibility Requirements <\/h1>\n\n
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\n By FindLaw Staff<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Small business grants are financial awards provided by government agencies or charitable foundations to help economic development. Many grants are targeted for minority-owned businesses or businesses that promote scientific research, energy conservation, or community initiatives.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

You are a budding entrepreneur<\/span>, hoping to change the world through sustainable business practices<\/a>. But you are facing several challenges. Your biggest hurdle is cash flow<\/a>. You\u2019ve heard about small business<\/span> grants<\/span>, but aren\u2019t sure if you qualify. Follow along as FindLaw takes your through the various grants that may be available to you.<\/p>\n

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Small Business<\/span> Grants<\/span><\/h2>\n

Grants are sums of money, usually public (i.e. taxpayer), given to non-profit organizations<\/span><\/a>, government entities or businesses to achieve certain goals considered socially and\/or economically beneficial. For example, a childcare center wishing to expand services may apply for a grant to help it get started. Some non-governmental organizations and foundations also offer grants.<\/p>\n

Grants are not easy to obtain, often require matching funds and must be used for specific purposes. Federal grants<\/span> typically are not available to for-profit businesses<\/span>, although some state and local grants are. Grants, unlike loans, do not have to be repaid as long as the applicable obligations are met.<\/p>\n

The following types of grant programs<\/span> may be available to small businesses<\/span><\/a>:<\/p>\n