Small Business Grants That Every Entrepreneur Should Know About

Small businesses may be eligible for free government grants that they never have to pay back! Keep reading to learn more. 

If you're a budding entrepreneur who has dreams of starting your own business, you're in luck! There are many ways to fund your venture, from government grants at the federal, state, and local levels, to traditional banks, investors and organizations. 

Government grants can help to provide the capital you need to get your business off the ground. Plus, you don't need to pay them back! If you want to find out what grants your business may be eligible for, check out grant.gov. This database of government grants enables you to search (and apply!) for thousands of federal funding opportunities. Keep reading to learn more about Small Business Grants available.

Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) Grants

The Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE)was created to provide assistance to rural businesses that use local assets in low-income areas, create high-wage rural jobs, and support the establishment of new business ventures. To be eligible for this grant, applicants must be based in a low-income rural area that supports collaboration between partners. The minimum amount you can receive is $500,000, and the maximum amount is $2,000,000. It's also important to note that the grant has a 4-year term. 

The SBIR program was created to stimulate technological innovation and encourage research in the private sector. The SBIR program is run by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) with a mission to improve the lives of people with a disability.

Ten grants worth up to $1,000,0000 are distributed through the Administration for Community Living (ACL). For more information or to check eligibility, go to the ACL's official website.

The 500 Global Flagship Accelerator Program is an innovative grant program that enables start-ups in San Francisco to access funding all year round. The program was founded in 2010 to provide Silicon Valley start-ups with an accelerator program that spanned four months, and this was later expanded to San Francisco on a rolling basis. Eligible founders can receive investments of up to $150,000 and support and mentorship to help grow and scale their business. 

Small Business Technology Transfer Program

The Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR) was created in 1992 to bridge the gap between science and monetizing innovations and inventions. In addition, it helps to increase funding for businesses and non-profit research organizations to encourage research and development. 

To receive the award grant, eligible applicants must collaborate with non-profit research institutions and also must also run a profitable business with 500 employees or fewer. 

The Amber Grand Foundation was established in 1998 to honor Amber Wigdahi, a 19-year-old woman who dreamed of becoming an entrepreneur and starting her own business. The program provides eligible businesswomen with up to $10,000 capital monthly and a $25,000 bonus each December.

Patagonia Corporate Grant Program works with grassroots organizations and small businesses that aim to preserve and protect the environment. The funding ranges from $10,000 to $20,000 and is available for eligible companies with active, eco-friendly campaigns. To find out if your business qualifies, go to  

Inclusive Backing From American Express is a grant program that provides financial support of up to $5,000 to small businesses. To be eligible, your business must have a traditional brick-and-mortar location and not be entirely online. For more information about applying, head to the American Express website.

Are you a women-owned, women-led business? You may be eligible for the Eileen Fisher business grant. Applicants must own at least 51% of their business and have been running for at least three years. In addition, eligible companies are focused on having a positive social and environmental impact. 

StreetShares Foundation is a small business grant program that provides veterans and their spouses up to $15,000 in funding for their small businesses. However, they must own at least 50% of the company to be eligible. The program was developed to educate and support small businesses as they grow. 

If you're a small business owner or have dreams of starting your own small business, there is help available. Both the government and private organizations offer grant programs and support to help you establish and scale your business. Search online today for small business grants to find out what you're eligible for. 

​​How To Get a Grant For Home Improvement

Is your home in need of improvements, but you don't have the cash to complete them? Check out these grants for home improvement now, and save thousands of dollars. 

Investing in home improvement projects is one of the most popular ways that homeowners choose to spend their money. There are numerous reasons why people may decide to invest in home improvement projects, including increasing their property value, improving the enjoyment of their personal space, and reducing utility bills. 

But what are your options if you're a low-income homeowner who cannot afford the cost of needed home improvements? Fortunately, there are government grants and help from nonprofit organizations that you can take advantage of. Keep reading to learn more about how you can get a grant for home improvement. 

USDA Rural Repair and Rehabilitation Grant Program

If you're a low-income rural resident who needs to repair or modernize your home, you may be eligible to receive financial help from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). 

Also known as the Section 504 Home Repair program, this program gives very low income homeowners loans to repair or improve their homes, and it offers grants to elderly very-low-income homeowners who need to remove health and safety hazards in their homes.

To be eligible for this program, you must:

Occupy the home as your primary residence

Be unable to obtain affordable credit elsewhere

Have a household income below the very low limit set by your county.

Be aged 62 or older (to be eligible for a grant)

For seniors who are aged 62 and older, grants of up to $7,500 are available. These grants are provided so that homes can be made safer and less hazardous for those with mobility issues. 

Many local government agencies offer grant programs and deferred loans for homeowners who wish to repair and improve their homes. These programs are typically used to make a home safer, more accessible, or habitable. For example, in San Diego County, homeowners of mobile homes may receive a grant of up to $12,000 to improve their living space. 

To be eligible for this program, homeowners must:

Have an income of 80% or below San Diego's median income

Own and occupy the mobile home as their primary residence

To learn more about home repair loan and grant programs in your area, check out your local Housing and Community Development services. Alternatively, check out Energy.Gov for more information about available funding and finance opportunities. 

If you care about the environment and you are interested in investing in energy-efficient home improvements, there are plenty of weatherization grants available for you. These grants are awarded to homeowners who incorporate innovative energy-saving technologies into their home updates with an aim to improve their overall energy efficiency.

For example, the Federal Window Replacement grant helps low-income families and seniors to reduce their heating and cooling costs. The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is funded by the Department of Energy (DOE). However, it's important to note that different states have different requirements and eligibility. 

For example, in Texas, homeowners must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines and receive other forms of aid from the government such as supplemental security income, Aid to Families with Dependent Children, or Low-Income Home Energy Assistance. 

Florida's Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) provides grant funds that serve low-income families to reduce their monthly energy burden. Types of assistance provided include:

Weatherstripping, re-caulking, minor repairs to walls, ceilings, and floors, and window and door replacement

Applying a solar reflective coating to mobile homes

Repairing or replacing inefficient heating and cooling units

Repairing or replacing inefficient water heaters

To become eligible for this grant, you must have a total household income of no more than 200% above the national poverty level. It should also be noted that preference is given to seniors or disabled residents and families with children under 12 years old. 

Residential Rehabilitation Loan and Grant Program

If you want to be a better future steward of the environment, but you also need home improvement grants to make that happen, there is help available. There are government grants available that can help offset the cost of home improvements that are eco-friendly and energy-efficient. Start your search online today for available government grants and state grants. You'll find a wealth of information at Energy.Gov, and there's a good chance your state will also have money available.