The Small Business Administration works with different organizations to provide federal financial assistance (grants) community resources for certain small businesses. If you can’t find any grants that fit your profile, you can see if you qualify for any of our funding programs, or schedule to meet with a counselor to talk about financing your business.

 

Grants for research and development

If your small business is engaged in scientific research and development, you may qualify for federal grants under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. These programs encourage small firms to undertake scientific research that helps meet federal research and development objectives and have high potential for commercialization if successful.

Grants for exporting

The SBA’s State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) provides financial awards to state and territory governments in order to help small businesses with export development.

Learn more about STEP

Grants for other uses

The federal government generally offers grants only to nonprofits, educational institutions, and state and local governments. Sometimes, nonprofits and state or local governments offer economic development grants directly to small businesses. Check with your local and state governments for local grant opportunities.

Visit grants.gov to search for federal grants that might apply to your business.

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