December 9, 2025

Grants are the holy grail of business funding because they don’t need to be repaid. A comprehensive NerdWallet resource shows where entrepreneurs can find federal, state, local and private grants. This article distills the key programs and offers tips for successful applications.

Full Article

Ask any entrepreneur what keeps them up at night and they’ll probably say “capital.” Loans and investors can provide cash, but grants, money you don’t have to pay back, are the dream. NerdWallet’s latest roundup of small‑business grant resources highlights a variety of options for founders willing to put in the work. Unlike loans, grants often require detailed proposals, competitive applications and adherence to strict guidelines. But the payoff can be transformative.

Federal grants are among the most prominent. The government maintains a database at Grants.gov where you can search for opportunities across dozens of agencies. Programs such as the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants fund research and development projects with commercial potential. To qualify, your business must be for‑profit, have fewer than 500 employees and meet agency‑specific requirements. These grants are ideal for tech‑driven startups working on cutting‑edge products.

Another federal option is the USDA’s Rural Business Development Grant. Designed to stimulate economic growth in rural areas, it helps businesses with fewer than 50 employees and less than $1 million in annual revenue. Funds can be used for everything from training and technical assistance to community development. If you operate in an eligible rural area, check with your local USDA office for deadlines and application procedures.

The Program for Investors in Microentrepreneurs (PRIME) is administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration. It doesn’t give grants directly to businesses; instead, it awards money to nonprofit organizations that assist disadvantaged microentrepreneurs. These nonprofits then provide training, mentoring and sometimes microgrants or loans to very small businesses. If you’re a microenterprise owner looking for support, connecting with a PRIME grantee in your region can open doors to funding and expertise.

Beyond federal programs, there are state and local grants. The Economic Development Administration (EDA) operates offices in every state to promote entrepreneurship and job creation. Local Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) offer free counseling and can point you toward regional grants or low‑interest loans. The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) runs centers dedicated to helping minority‑owned firms access capital and contracts. And the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) provides funds to help small businesses expand into international markets through trade shows, export marketing and website globalization.

Don’t overlook corporate and private grants either. Many large companies have philanthropic arms that support small businesses, especially those focused on innovation, sustainability or community impact. For example, platforms like Hello Alice, Skip and Venmo periodically run grant competitions awarding sums ranging from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars. The eligibility criteria vary, some target women‑owned or minority‑owned businesses, while others are open to any entrepreneur with a compelling story.

Applying for grants takes time and persistence. Start by identifying programs that align with your mission and geography. Read the eligibility requirements carefully and craft a proposal that clearly states your problem, solution, impact and budget. Highlight how your project benefits not just your company but your community. Keep your financial records up to date and be prepared to report on outcomes if you win. And don’t get discouraged by rejection; grant funding is competitive by design. Treat each application as a learning experience and leverage feedback to improve.

Free money isn’t truly free, it comes with strings attached. But for entrepreneurs committed to doing the work, grants can provide the capital needed to pilot a new product, hire staff or expand into new markets without taking on debt. Start your grant search today, and you might discover that the resources you need are closer than you think.

Join the Trillii newsletter to stay updated on the latest breakthroughs in AI, Business, Technology, and Mindset.