Securing funding is one of the biggest hurdles small business owners face, but grants can play a powerful role in getting your venture moving without taking on debt or giving up equity. Whether you’re launching a new product, expanding your operations, or fueling innovation, knowing which small business grant resources to pursue can make all the difference. Below, we’ve curated 12 essential sources—from federal databases to corporate programs—along with guidance to help you find, apply for, and win the right funding for your business.
Onramp Funds Revenue-Based Financing for eCommerce Businesses
While grants can be transformative, they’re often highly competitive and slow to deliver. For eCommerce entrepreneurs who need fast access to working capital, revenue-based financing offers a more flexible alternative. Onramp Funds delivers capital built specifically for online sellers, with repayments that sync to daily revenue rather than fixed monthly amounts. That means when your Shopify or Amazon store earns more, you repay more—and when sales dip, repayments adjust accordingly.
Unlike traditional loans, this equity-preserving form of financing is tailored for digital commerce. You can use the funds for inventory, marketing, or fulfillment—without the lengthy reporting or approval processes tied to government grants. Onramp’s model prioritizes speed, transparency, and alignment with your actual cash flow, helping keep your business agile, protected, and fully owned. For eCommerce founders, it’s a reliable way to maintain momentum while pursuing longer-term grant opportunities.
Grants.gov Federal Grant Opportunities
Grants.gov serves as the federal government’s central grants database, listing thousands of programs across industries and agencies. It’s the primary portal for any business exploring public funding in the U.S.
Users can filter search results by business type, eligibility, or project area—from innovation to education to community development. Setting up email alerts and bookmarking favorites helps you stay ahead of shifting deadlines. For any company aiming to leverage government-backed support, this federal grants database is the best first stop.
SBIR and STTR Technology and Science Grants
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs fund early-stage research and development projects, primarily in technology and science. These federal R&D funding programs are designed to accelerate innovation from the small business sector.
Grants typically range from $50,000 up to $2 million, depending on project scope, and they’re known for being highly competitive. To qualify, applicants must show technical merit and potential for commercialization. For startups exploring deep tech or scientific research, SBIR and STTR programs provide critical non-dilutive capital to transform ideas into viable solutions.
USDA Rural Business Development Grants
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Business Development Grant supports economic development in rural communities. Eligible projects often focus on technical assistance, capital expenditures, or job creation in areas outside major urban centers.
Applicants must typically be located in a designated rural area, with funding designed to stimulate local economies. Business owners should contact local USDA offices to confirm eligibility and application timelines. These rural small business grants are excellent for entrepreneurs committed to strengthening community ties and fostering growth in underserved regions.
State and Local Economic Development Grants
Beyond federal programs, many states and municipalities offer their own economic development grants to encourage job creation, export expansion, and new business investment. Because these programs are geographically focused, they’re often less competitive than national options.
You can find opportunities through your state’s economic development agency or tools like the State Business Incentives Database. Programs may include export assistance, workforce development incentives, or energy grants. Here’s a quick look at types of state-level grants:
- Texas — Skills Development Fund: $50,000–$500,000
- California — Workforce Training Grant: $20,000–$250,000
- Illinois — Export Assistance Grant: Up to $25,000
These regional economic grants align local priorities with business growth, often with more accessible application processes.
Small Business Development Centers and SCORE Counseling
Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) and SCORE offer free, expert-backed support for entrepreneurs navigating the grant landscape. SBDCs provide one-on-one counseling on grant discovery, business planning, and application strategy. SCORE’s national mentor network, backed by the SBA, delivers no-cost training and personalized guidance from experienced founders and industry veterans.
By connecting with these organizations, business owners can strengthen their applications, refine their narratives, and ensure compliance with grant criteria—all without any out-of-pocket expense.
OpenGrants Grant Search Platform
OpenGrants is a technology platform that aggregates public and private funding opportunities into one searchable interface. Users can explore thousands of listings through free access and pay for advanced options like exports and email alerts.
This grant search tool saves time by allowing founders to filter by funding size, industry, or region while flagging opportunities for later review. Entrepreneurs can also automate alerts to track new releases and manage multiple active applications in one place.
Hello Alice Corporate and Foundation Grants
Hello Alice curates an extensive selection of corporate and foundation-sponsored funding programs aimed at small and diverse business owners. It provides personalized grant recommendations, educational content, and community support.
Typical opportunities on the platform include partnerships with Verizon, Mastercard, and Progressive. Founders can apply directly through Hello Alice and tap into its network for mentorship and visibility.
- Progressive — Inclusive Small Biz Growth: $10,000
- Mastercard — Digital Entrepreneurship: $5,000–$25,000
- Verizon — Tech Readiness: $10,000
This resource is particularly valuable for founders from underrepresented backgrounds seeking access to targeted funding and peer support.
American Express Backing Small Businesses Grants
The American Express Backing Small Businesses program awards 100 eligible U.S. companies grants of $10,000 each, primarily for disaster recovery or local revitalization projects. Applicants are usually evaluated on criteria such as community impact and alignment with economic recovery goals.
Because of limited submission windows, staying alert for announcement cycles is key. Corporate grants like this provide timely funding for companies needing a post-crisis rebound or a fresh stage of growth.
eBay Up & Running Grant Program
eBay’s Up & Running Grant program empowers eCommerce sellers with a combination of cash and platform resources. Each year, 50 small businesses receive $10,000 in funding plus eBay credits to grow inventory or launch new product lines.
Applicants need an active seller account and a strong business narrative that conveys their brand story and growth strategy. Pro tips for success include:
- Showcase measurable business progress
- Highlight how the grant will expand your product reach
- Apply early to avoid peak competition periods
For online retailers, this eCommerce grant program blends funding with mentorship and marketing exposure.
Amazon and Faire Small Business Grants
Both Amazon and Faire offer small business grants tailored to digital merchants. Amazon’s programs encourage small business innovation and technology adoption, while Faire provides $5,000 in credit to eligible U.S. and Canadian retailers.
- Amazon: Cash; Up to $25,000; Focus: Tech adoption, online growth
- Faire: Credit; $5,000; Focus: Inventory expansion for retailers
These marketplace grants can directly accelerate growth by helping sellers reinvest in inventory, marketing, and storefront improvements. Pairing such grants with flexible financing from Onramp can help sellers scale even faster without disrupting cash flow.
FedEx, UPS, and Verizon Corporate Grant Programs
Major corporate initiatives like the FedEx Small Business Grant Contest, the UPS Store Small Biz Challenge, and Verizon’s community grants recognize innovation, impact, and entrepreneurship.
- FedEx Small Business Grant: $5,000–$50,000; Focus Area: Innovation & logistics
- UPS Store Challenge: $10,000–$25,000; Focus Area: Retail & local small business
- Verizon Small Business Digital Ready: $10,000; Focus Area: Community & tech adoption
These programs not only provide critical funding but often include mentorship, visibility, and marketing support—extending impact well beyond the cash award.
Amber Grant for Women Entrepreneurs
The Amber Grant supports women-owned businesses with monthly and annual awards, offering accessible funding and community recognition. Monthly winners receive smaller awards that qualify them for larger year-end grants, creating multiple chances for success throughout the year.
With simple applications and recurring deadlines, the Amber Grant remains one of the most active women entrepreneur funding opportunities available. Winners often gain mentorship and promotional support alongside the capital to grow their businesses sustainably.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best small business grant resources available today?
Top resources include federal programs like SBIR/STTR, state and local economic development grants, corporate award programs, and those dedicated to underrepresented entrepreneurs.
Where can I find small business grants for my business?
You can explore options on Grants.gov, through your state’s economic development agency, or platforms that aggregate grant opportunities such as Hello Alice or OpenGrants.
Who is eligible to apply for small business grants?
Eligibility depends on size, industry, ownership type, and how well your business aligns with a program’s goals, such as innovation, rural growth, or women-led entrepreneurship.
Do small business grants need to be repaid?
No. Grants are non-repayable funding awarded to qualifying businesses that meet program criteria.
How competitive are small business grant programs?
Most programs are competitive, so applying widely and crafting strong, detailed submissions is essential.
By combining proven grant resources with fast, flexible funding from Onramp Funds, small business owners can maintain steady cash flow, act on new opportunities, and scale confidently—without the long wait times or fixed payments that come with traditional financing.
