You guide to State and Local Small Business Grants 

Because federal grant funding can be competitive, it also makes sense to investigate  your state and local grant resources. Grants are funding for your business that does not need to be paid back, but it does take work to apply and secure the funding. 

Lucky for you, we’ve done some of the heavy-lifing already! Here’s a guide for where to start your search for state and local-level grant funding 

U.S. Economic Development Administration

As the only federal government agency focused exclusively on economic development, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) plays a critical role in facilitating regional economic development efforts in communities across the nation. Guided by the basic principle that sustainable economic development should be locally-driven, EDA works directly with communities and regions to help them build the capacity for economic development based on local business conditions and needs. 

The EDA has a list of local funding opportunities to search at this link.

Small Business Development Center

Your local Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides support for small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs. They’re often associated with local universities or a state’s economic development agency, and many can help connect you with small-business grants, as well as other business financing opportunities — plus, counseling, training and technical assistance.

Search for your local SBDC by zip code here. 

Community Foundation Locator

A community foundation is a tax-exempt, nonprofit, autonomous, nonsectarian philanthropic institution. Community foundations are focused locally and supported by local citizens with long-term goals of:

• Building permanent funds established by many separate donors to carry out charitable interests

• Supporting broad-based charitable interests and benefitting residents of a defined geographic area

• Serving in leadership roles on important community issues

Community foundations play a key role in identifying and solving community problems. In 2013, community foundations gave an estimated $5.2 billion to nonprofit activities in fields that included health and human services, the environment, education and disaster relief.

You can search accredited Community Foundations by zip code here

Minority Business Development Agency Centers

The U.S. Department of Commerce, Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) is the only federal agency solely dedicated to the growth and global competitiveness of minority business enterprises. MBDA invests in a national network of MBDA Business Centers, Specialty Centers, and Grantees.  Their programs offer customized business development and industry-focused services to provide greater access to capital, contracts and markets.

Check to see what is available in your area and if you qualify at their website locator

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. 

Local Chamber of Commerce 

Check the Chamber of Commerce Directory for the local chapter and to identify local grant funding opportunities.

Candid

Candid is a U.S. grant database and also focuses on nonprofit fundraising through training and knowledge resources.

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