Looking for funding in 2025? Discover small business grants available in California and across the U.S. to help grow your business.
Take Advantage Of Small Business Grants
Securing funding remains one of the biggest challenges for small business owners. Fortunately, a range of government and private small business grants are available in 2025—many of which do not require repayment. This guide outlines current grant opportunities in California and across the U.S., including who qualifies, how to apply, and how to strengthen your application.
Why Apply for a Small Business Grant?
Unlike loans, grants don’t need to be paid back. They offer financial support for activities like purchasing equipment, hiring employees, launching marketing campaigns, or researching new product ideas. Many grants also include training, mentorship, and even legal services to help small businesses grow sustainably.
What to Know Before You Apply
Applying for grants can be time-consuming and competitive, but preparation pays off. Before you start:
- Align Your Mission: Choose grants that match your business goals and community impact.
- Tell Your Story: Highlight your passion, purpose, and plans for growth in your application.
- Get Organized: Track deadlines and tailor your application to each grant’s requirements.
- Be Persistent: Rejection is common—but reapply with stronger materials next round.
Types of Grants Available
We’ve grouped the most useful grants into three major categories: government-funded, privately funded, and those created specifically for women and underrepresented entrepreneurs.
Government-Funded Small Business Grants
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program
The SBIR program is a federal grant initiative that supports small businesses conducting innovative research and development. It’s perfect for companies with breakthrough ideas in technology, healthcare, defense, and energy.
- Offers up to $1.5 million in funding.
- Must be a for-profit U.S. business with fewer than 500 employees.
- Focuses on commercializing new technology.
Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program
The STTR program, also federally funded, is similar to SBIR but requires collaboration between the business and a nonprofit research institution—such as a university or national lab.
- Also offers up to $1.5 million.
- Ideal for businesses aiming to develop tech alongside scientists or academic researchers.
- Applications are accepted in multiple rounds annually.
🔗 Explore STTR
Veteran-Owned Small Business Assistance
Through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), veteran entrepreneurs in California can access training, technical support, and occasional grant funding through programs like VetCert and the Veteran Business Outreach Center (VBOC) network.
- Must be at least 51% veteran-owned and controlled.
- May also qualify for federal contract set-asides and loan support.
🔗 More info
Private Small Business Grants
Hello Alice Small Business Grants
Hello Alice partners with Mastercard, Progressive, and others to offer monthly grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 for small businesses—especially those owned by women, veterans, or people of color.
- Open to U.S.-based businesses with fewer than 100 employees.
- Focus areas for 2025 include green innovation, gig economy, and local impact.
Venmo Small Business Grant
Venmo’s small business grant program supports startups using Venmo’s business profiles with funding and promotional support.
- Grants of $10,000.
- Must use Venmo for business and earn under $50,000 in annual revenue.
- Includes access to mentorship and marketing tools.
Fast Break for Small Business (LegalZoom + NBA/WNBA)
This grant program, created in partnership with LegalZoom and the NBA/WNBA, supports underserved small businesses with funding and legal help.
- $10,000 grant + $500 in LegalZoom services.
- Focused on minority-owned and early-stage businesses.
- Applications accepted in Spring and Fall.
KKR Small Business Builders Fund
Global investment firm KKR provides grants of up to $15,000 to businesses recovering from economic hardship or creating community impact.
- Fewer than 50 employees.
- Annual revenue under $7 million.
- Now prioritizing sustainability-focused businesses.
REI Cooperative Action Fund
Though not a cash grant in the traditional sense, REI’s Cooperative Action Fund supports nonprofit and mission-driven organizations working to make the outdoors more inclusive and sustainable.
- Focus on equity, climate action, and access to nature.
- Ideal for outdoor-based small businesses or community projects.
Grants for Women & Underrepresented Entrepreneurs
Amber Grant for Women
Run by WomensNet, the Amber Grant awards at least $30,000 each month to women-owned businesses, with an additional $25,000 annual prize.
- Must be woman-owned.
- Simple online application; no formal pitch deck required.
- Competitive, but accessible to early-stage businesses.
IFundWomen Universal Grant
IFundWomen connects women entrepreneurs to grants from brands like Unilever, Adidas, and Visa. Grants range from $2,500 to $10,000 and may include coaching or brand exposure.
- Must be women-owned and mission-driven.
- Requires completion of a fundraising profile or campaign on IFundWomen.
SoGal Black Founder Startup Grant
This initiative supports Black women and nonbinary entrepreneurs with grants of $5,000–$10,000 and lifetime mentorship from the SoGal Foundation and partner organizations.
- Must identify as a Black woman or nonbinary entrepreneur.
- Business must be legally registered and seeking to scale.
🔗 Check eligibility
Ready to Grow?
Grants are more than just a financial boost—they’re a recognition of your business’s value and potential. Whether you’re launching your first venture or expanding a growing company, these grants can help take your dream to the next level.
At J.R. Martin & Associates, we want to make sure our clients are well-positioned to take advantage of funding options that align with their business goals. When you work with us, we help keep your books organized and your tax planning up to date—so you’re ready when the right opportunity comes along.
📣 CTA: Let professionals assist you in getting your business up and running. Explore our business planning services today!
