Federal grants get the headlines, but state and local grants are often where small business owners actually win — the applicant pools are smaller and the programs target businesses in your community. The catch: they change constantly, so the key skill is knowing where to look.
Where to find grants in your state
- Your state's economic development or commerce department — the primary source for state-run grants.
- City and county programs — local governments fund businesses that create jobs or revitalize a district.
- Local chambers of commerce & SBDCs — Small Business Development Centers track regional opportunities and help you apply.
- Corporate & foundation grants — many national programs (Hello Alice, FedEx, Comcast RISE) are open to businesses in every state.
A few notable state programs
- California — the CalOSBA Dream Fund and periodic state relief and grant programs.
- Florida — state and regional programs, plus emergency bridge loans during disasters.
- Texas — local economic development grants across major metros.
- Michigan — recurring small business support and growth grants.
- Washington — state commerce grants and local city programs.
Can't wait for a grant cycle?
State grants can take months and most applicants don't win. If you need capital for payroll, inventory or growth now, revenue-based funding can be approved in hours and funded the same or next business day — with no minimum credit score on many programs.
See My Funding Options →Make grants part of a bigger plan
Treat grants as a bonus, not your only strategy. Apply for the ones you genuinely qualify for while keeping your business moving with financing. Explore fast options like same-day funding, working capital, or funding with bad credit — and read our full small business grants guide for how to win.