![](https://framerusercontent.com/images/k455UziMInVbyY2gJnAIu3LmKs.png)
Jesseca Lane
Brand & Marketing
One of the top inquires we receive at Palm is how to find grants to fund your small business. Grants provide free money to new and existing businesses and don’t need to be repaid (unlike loans) and can be harder to find.
While we do not provide grants or loans, we’re still here to help small businesses find and save money. That’s why we’ve put together the top federal and corporate grant resources to consider below.
Bear in mind that not all grant funding flows from the federal government directly to small businesses. Some funds are flowed through state and local governments, agencies, nonprofit organizations and institutions of higher education. These funds would be distritubed at the local level.
Also keep mind that you may qualify for more than one grant, so it is best to visit all of the resources below and see what is available to you.
Sign up for a free Palm account today to get more insights that help you save and check our blog for more resources.
Your guide to apply for federal grants
Grants.gov
The most comprehensive place to start searching for grants for your small business is grants.gov. There are thousands of types of grants available and you can search grants by keyword as well as posted date. For instance, when you type in “small business” as a keyword, over 42 pages come up - so it best to be specific and narrow down your search. The best way to do this is follow the instructions on the grants.gov blog for how to apply for federal funding.
Hot tip - go to the this link first and follow the instructions vs. starting your search from scratch. This will tell you what you’re qualified for so you won’t be left guessing and ultimately more likely to get approved.
The process you will follow:
Step 1: Make sure you have registered an account on Grants.gov
Step 2: Determine Your Eligibility and Identify a Funding Opportunity using Grants.gov Search
Step 3: Apply to the Funding Opportunity by Creating a Workspace
Step 4: Complete Your Application
Step 5: Check Your Application for Errors and Submit Your Completed Application
Other Niche Federal Grants
While the SBA typically doesn’t offer grants to small businesses, there are a few niche grants that they and other government agencies do offer.
State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)
The STEP grant program has helped thousands of small businesses obtain grants and find customers in the international marketplace since 2011. Through awards to U.S. states and territories, STEP helps small businesses overcome obstacles to exporting by providing grants to cover costs associated with entering and expanding into international markets.
STEP financial support helps U.S. small businesses:
Learn to export
Participate in foreign trade missions
Design international marketing products and campaigns
Support website globalization and e-commerce capabilities
Pay for subscriptions to services provided by the U.S. Department of Commerce and other federal agencies
Participate in export trade show exhibits and training workshops
Cover AI-related expenses in support of export-related activities
Program for Investors in Microentrepreneurs
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) doesn’t typically offer grants directly to small businesses. The Program for Investors in Microentrepreneurs (PRIME), however, offers federal grants to microenterprise development and community organizations like private nonprofits, or state, local or tribal governments, so that they can provide assistance to disadvantaged microentrepreneurs of those communities.
Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs
The SBIR and the STTR grant programs focus on research and development for technology innovation and scientific research. The programs help connect entrepreneurs with federal business grants and contracts from 12 government agencies.
To qualify, you must operate a for-profit business, have no more than 500 employees and meet other eligibility requirements.
USDA Rural Business Development Grant
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) administers the Rural Business Development Grant program, which provides financing to strengthen and grow small businesses in rural communities.
Businesses must have fewer than 50 new employees, less than $1 million in gross revenue and be located in an eligible rural area to qualify. Applications are accepted once per year through the USDA Rural Development’s local or state offices.
U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA)
The EDA is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce and offers ongoing funding opportunities for projects that support regional and national economic development. Applicants can apply for a variety of rolling-basis EDA investments that fund projects in construction, non-construction, planning, technical assistance, research and evaluation, higher education, and more.
Additional grants you may qualify for are at the regional and local levels as well as corporate level. Be sure to check our blog for updates on more resources to find and save you money and sign up for your free account to start saving and stay in the loop.
Corporate grants & other resources
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Top Small Business Awards
America’s Top Small Business Awards recognizes a small business for its contributions to the U.S. economy and offers a grant of $25,000. The competition also gives awards to businesses in a variety of categories, such as emerging business and green/sustainable business, with associated prizes.
Hello Alice grant platform
Hello Alice partners with a variety of companies to offer different grants for small businesses, including startups. You can create an account to receive notifications about new opportunities and apply for the grants that are relevant to your business.
Small Business Growth Fund Grant
The Small Business Growth Fund, a partnership between the Global Entrepreneur Fund and Hello Alice — funded by Etsy and Progressive — is an annual program designed to help entrepreneurs grow their operations.
DoorDash Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund
Restaurants that have experienced a natural disaster may be able to get a small-business recovery grant from the DoorDash Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund (also on Hello Alice). This program offers $10,000 business grants to brick-and-mortar restaurants that have been impacted by a federally or state-declared disaster, such as a wildfire, hurricane or earthquake.
To qualify, you’ll also need to have three restaurant locations or fewer, 50 or fewer employees, been in business for at least six months and made $3 million or less per location in the last year.
Applications are accepted on a quarterly basis but they must be submitted within 12 months of the declared disaster. Recipients will be notified within 30 days after the application period closes.
Small Business Readiness for Resiliency Program
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and FedEx have teamed up to create the Small Business Readiness for Resiliency (R4R) Program. The program helps small businesses put plans in place to prepare for disaster and also provides immediate emergency funding when necessary. Businesses are asked to complete a four-step process to be eligible for funding opportunities
FedEx Small Business Grant Contest
In 2024, FedEx’s annual grant competition will award one $50,000 grand prize and nine additional $20,000 grants. The application window is open from March 1 to April 1.
The contest is for U.S.-based, for-profit small businesses with fewer than 99 employees. You must also have a valid FedEx business shipping account number and currently ship with FedEx to apply.
American Express Backing Small Businesses
The Backing Small Businesses grant program is a collaboration between American Express and Main Street America. Now in its third year, the program will award $10,000 grants to up to 500 small businesses. Of those, 25 businesses will receive $30,000 Enhancement Grants, which have limited use cases. To be eligible, your business must be located in historic main street, downtown or commercial district. Applications are accepted from March 14 - April 7, 2024.
Verizon Small Business Grant
Verizon’s Digital Ready program gives business owners the opportunity to access free courses and educational materials, as well as apply for grant funding. To be eligible for a $10,000 small-business grant, entrepreneurs must register through the Verizon website and complete at least two of the following: courses, live coaching or community events.
Once these tasks are completed, you can submit a grant application. The latest round of funding is open to businesses located in Houston, Los Angeles, Miami and Phoenix. Applications are accepted from Feb. 26 - April 8, 2024.
Venmo Small Business Grant
The Venmo Small Business Grant program awards 20 eligible entrepreneurs with $10,000 grants for their small businesses. It also offers public promotion on the Venmo website and social media accounts, as well as mentorship from industry leaders.
To qualify, you must have a U.S. Venmo account and a valid business profile on Venmo in good standing. You also must have less than $50,000 in annual sales and 10 employees or fewer. Applications for the 2024 cycle have not yet been announced.
Amazon Small Business Grant
The annual Amazon Small Business Grant program offers free grants to small businesses that have an Amazon Business account and $1 million or less in annual revenue. The program offers grants to 15 businesses, ranging in amounts from $15,000 to $25,000.
Winners can also receive a one-year membership to Business Prime and free products from eero Wifi and Kindle Scribe. Grant applications are due May 21st, 2024.
Visa Everywhere Initiative
The Visa Everywhere Initiative is a grant competition that offers free funding to tech-forward startups across five different regions around the globe. Applicants must show how they’ve developed a product or service that creatively involves Visa’s products.
Visa will select the top five finalists in each region, and these businesses will move forward to a global finals event. The overall winner of the competition is awarded a $50,000 small-business grant. Additional grants are awarded to second- and third-place finalists, audience favorites, as well as regional and local winners.
Lenovo Evolve small-business grant
The Lenovo Evolve Small initiative is a program designed to support small businesses throughout the U.S. and Canada by offering grants and technology donations. This year, the Lenovo Evolve Grant provided 30 small businesses with $10,000 in funding, a Lenovo laptop and business support.
Fast Break for Small Business
LegalZoom, the NBA, WNBA and NBA G-League partner with Accion Opportunity Fund to offer $10,000 grants and up to $500 in LegalZoom services to small-business owners. The Fast Break for Small Business program is available to entrepreneurs with at least three months in business.
If you have less than three months in operation or haven't started your business yet, you can also apply to receive a LegalZoom product of your choosing (up to $500). Applications for the 2024 cycle of this grant program are open until Sept. 13, 2024.
Bizee Fresh Start Business Grant
Bizee's Fresh Start Business Grant (previously known as the Incfile Fresh Start grant) offers $2,500 to help new entrepreneurs cover startup costs. The winning business owner will also receive free formation services in their state, free registered agent services for a year and a free tax consultation from Bizee.
To qualify, you must be planning to start a new business or grow an existing business. Bizee also offers a Young Entrepreneur Grant for students interested in starting their own businesses.
Etsy Emergency Relief Fund
Etsy partners with the nonprofit organization, CERF+, to provide its sellers with financial relief after they’re affected by a disaster. To qualify for this small-business hardship grant, you’ll need to have experienced a federally declared natural disaster within the last year, as well as have had an active Etsy seller account in good standing for at least one year.
Etsy Emergency Relief grants are available in amounts of $2,000. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and funds are issued quarterly.
Sources & other links to check out:
https://www.newsweek.com/vault/business-loans/best-small-business-grants-for-veterans/
https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/small-business/small-business-grants
https://www.uschamber.com/co/run/business-financing/small-business-grants-and-programs
File your BOI Report for Free.
Avoid severe penalties and fees with our free & automated filing
Learn More
BOIR
Aug 28, 2024
BOI Report - FAQs
Everything you need to know about filing your Beneficial Owner Information Report.
BOI Report
Aug 28, 2024
When to file your BOI Report
Learn all about when you need to file your BOI Report and how Palm can help you file for free in a few easy steps.
Jesseca Lane
Small Business Growth
Aug 27, 2024
What's keeping your small business from growing?
Here are the key growth factors to consider for the health of your small business.
Jesseca Lane
BOI Report
Aug 21, 2024
What is a BOI Report?
Learn what a BOI Report is and how to avoid severe penalties when you file for free with Palm’s automated process.
Jesseca Lane
BOI Report
Aug 8, 2024
Don't miss your BOIR deadline!
Learn how to file your Beneficial Ownership Information Report for free with Palm.
BOI Report
Aug 2, 2024
Who needs to file a BOI Report?
Learn if your business is required to file - don't miss your deadline!
BOI Report
Jul 17, 2024
How to e-file your BOIR for free
Read on to learn more about filing your mandated Beneficial Ownership Information Report for free with Palm.
Jesseca Lane
Grow
Jun 27, 2024
The small business guide to a successful summer
Sizzling hot tips to grow your business this summer.
Jesseca Lane
Small Business AI
Jun 25, 2024
Remove the chaos from small business finances with AI
Learn how Palm and AI can help you achieve peace of mind as a small business owner.
Jesseca Lane
Grow
Jun 15, 2024
Why your business health matters
Is your small business healthy? Read on to find out.
Jesseca Lane
Small Business AI
Jun 3, 2024
How to grow your small business with AI
AI is here to stay - here's how it can help your small business.
Jesseca Lane
Find Money
May 20, 2024
Five Cash Flow Management Tips for Small Businesses
Automate the gruntwork with AI
Jesseca Lane
Small Business AI
May 17, 2024
Managing small business finances with AI
Business expenses just got easier.
Jesseca Lane
Small Business AI
May 9, 2024
How to combat labor shortages with AI and technology
Learn how small business owners like you are using AI and technology to address labor shortages & costs.
Jesseca Lane
Grow
Apr 30, 2024
What you need to know about National Small Business Week
It's National Small Business Week 2024 - here's whats happening, the hot topics like AI, and how you can get involved.
Jesseca Lane
Grow
Apr 22, 2024
The top macro trends affecting small businesses
Trends you should understand to help your business grow
Jesseca Lane
Find Money
Apr 12, 2024
Five ways to manage inflation & rising business costs
Read on for tips on how to find savings for your business.
Jesseca Lane
Funding
Apr 8, 2024
Your guide to State and Local Small Business Grants
Read on if you're looking for a small business grant at the state and local level.
Jesseca Lane
Taxes
Apr 1, 2024
4 small business tax tips if you haven't already filed
Running under the gun to save money on your taxes? Read on!
Jesseca Lane
Find Money
Mar 20, 2024
How to defer your Economic Injury Disaster Loan [EIDL]
Do you have a Covid-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan [EIDL]? Read on to learn how to defer and find savings.
Jesseca Lane
Find Money
Mar 1, 2024
How to find savings on your small business insurance
Read this if you have small business insurance.
Jesseca Lane
From our Founders
Feb 26, 2024
How To Start and Grow Your Small Business
Looking to start or grow your small small business? Read this first.
Connor Patterson
Most Asked Question
Feb 22, 2024
Most Asked Question: Why do I need to connect my business account?
Data & Security
Jesseca Lane
Expenses
Feb 15, 2024
Expense Management for Small Businesses, Made Easy
AI Expense management for small businesses
Jesseca Lane
From our Founders
Feb 9, 2024
The Top Five Small Business Benchmarks You Need to Know
Reach your goals with Palm
Jesseca Lane
Most Asked Question
Feb 2, 2024
Most Asked Question: Where Do I Spend The Most Money?
Better understand your business spending using AI
Evan Shoemaker
Small Business AI
Jan 19, 2024
AI 101 for Small Businesses
What you need to know about how AI can help your small business.
Connor Patterson
How To
Dec 12, 2023
Let us get our hands dirty with your finances so you don’t have to.
Learn how Palm is helping service providers save time & money with AI
Evan Shoemaker
Small Business AI
Dec 12, 2023
How AI Can Save Your Restaurant Time & Money
Restaurant finances just got easier.
Connor Patterson