grants-for

Grants for California Small Businesses & Startups

Explore 468 active, human-verified grant opportunities tailored for small businesses, startups, LLCs, C corporations, S corporations, sole proprietors, and independent entrepreneurs operating in California. Filter funding sources across federal agencies, state economic development programs, SBIR/STTR research funding, and corporate growth initiatives, updated daily.

Recipient type
State / Region
Nationwide / International
Grant category
Funding source type

468 grants found

Grants to USA Black-Owned Small Businesses for Financial Support

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants of up to $2,000 to USA small back-owned businesses for financial support and growth. Funding is intended to help strengthen these brick-and-mortar businesses and thereby promote diversity in the American business environment. Grantees can use the funds for ...

GrantWatch ID#: 212113

Grants to USA and Puerto Rico BIPOC-Owned Businesses to Assist with Financial Emergencies

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants of up to $1,000 to USA and Puerto Rico BIPOC-owned businesses to assist with financial emergencies. Funding is intended to help alleviate the burden of unexpected financial needs caused by natural disaster, equipment repair, theft, vandalism, and other crim...

GrantWatch ID#: 212154

Grants and In-Kind Services to USA, Canada, and International Nonprofits and Developers for AI...

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants of up to $5,000, grants of up to $10,000, grants of up to $20,000, and in-kind services to USA, Canada, and International nonprofit organizations, developers, and researchers for projects in Artificial Intelligence. Funding is intended to support innovative...

GrantWatch ID#: 213528

Grants to USA Nonprofits and For-Profits to Increase Access to Affordable Capital

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants and in-kind support to USA nonprofit organizations and businesses to improve access to interest-free capital. Funding is provided as recoverable grants that are repaid if and when the recipient achieves specific financial milestones. The purpose of the prog...

GrantWatch ID#: 213824

Opportunity for USA Tech Companies to Participate in an Education Technology Accelerator

Deadline: Ongoing

Opportunity for USA early-stage technology companies to participate in an education technology accelerator. The program includes mentorship from experienced professionals, a variety of valuable resources, access to funding, and ongoing support after the conclusion...

GrantWatch ID#: 214423

Grants to USA, Canada, and International Companies to Facilitate Product Marketing

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants of up to $25,000 to USA, Canada, and International companies to facilitate marketing of their product. Eligible companies have not yet brought their product to market and plan to use the funding source's tools to do so. Applications are welcome from all ind...

GrantWatch ID#: 214429

Grants to USA Private Sector Lenders for Affordable Housing Projects

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants to USA private sector lenders to increase affordable housing in rural locations. Funding is intended to be used by borrowers for the purchase, construction, and improvement of multi-family rental housing units for moderate- and low-income residents. Eligibl...

GrantWatch ID#: 214809

Loans to USA Power Supply Providers to Construct, Expand, and Maintain Electric Distribution F...

Deadline: Ongoing

Loans to USA power supply providers, including nonprofit and for-profit organizations, Tribes, and government agencies to construct, expand, and maintain electric distribution facilities in rural areas. Funding is intended to improve electric service in rural area...

GrantWatch ID#: 214813

Loans to USA Corporations, Utility Districts, Nonprofits, and Agencies to Implement Energy Eff...

Deadline: Ongoing

Loans to USA and territories corporations, utility districts, cooperatives, nonprofits, and agencies to implement energy efficiency measures in rural areas. The loans are intended to fund upgrades and/or replacements that will provide small businesses and rural fa...

GrantWatch ID#: 214818

Grants to California Food Service Businesses to Install Automatic Dishwashers

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants of up to $2,500 to California food service businesses in eligible regions to install dishwashing machines. Funding is intended for expert consultations regarding types of industrial dishwashers, installation fees, and dishwashing equipment. Priority will be...

GrantWatch ID#: 215290

In-Kind Grants to USA, Canada, and International For-Profits to Integrate Artificial Intellige...

Deadline: Ongoing

In-kind grants to USA, Canada, and International for-profits to integrate artificial intelligence software into a new startup or product. The program is intended to support the use of artificial intelligence voices and sounds in products. Grants will only be award...

GrantWatch ID#: 215413

Grants to USA Food and Beverage Workers and Business Owners in Multiple States for Mental Heal...

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants to USA food and beverage workers and business owners in multiple states for mental health counseling services. Services are provided free of charge by clinical teams at affiliated universities. Eligible establishments include but are not limited to bars, re...

GrantWatch ID#: 215650

Grants to USA AI Startups to Support Innovation in the Field of Artificial Intelligence

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants to USA AI startups to support innovation in the field of artificial intelligence. Funding is intended to provide support to entrepreneurs who have developed creative applications of AI across all sectors. The program is intended to advance AI technology and...

GrantWatch ID#: 215808

Grants to USA, Canada, and International Start-Up Companies in the Space Industry

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants of $1,000 to USA, Canada, and international start-up companies in the space industry for immediate needs. The grants are intended to bolster young companies that can benefit from unrestricted funding, such as entities that are facing cash flow problems. Pri...

GrantWatch ID#: 215955

Grants to California Farmers and Ranchers to Provide Support for Compost Purchases to Promote ...

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants to California farmers and ranchers to support compost purchases to benefit farms and ranches. Funding is intended to encourage the use of compost in agricultural work across the state, in order to promote carbon sequestration and soil health. Applicants are...

GrantWatch ID#: 216089

Grants to USA Nonprofit and For-Profit Performance Venues and Promoters to Respond to Emergenc...

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants to USA nonprofit and for-profit performance venues and promoters to respond to emergencies. Eligible applicants work in the areas of performing arts, comedy, and music. Funding is intended for recovery from emergencies including natural and man-made disaste...

GrantWatch ID#: 217301

Grants and In-Kind Support to California Small Businesses for Business Development Activities

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants of up to $10,000 and in-kind support to California small businesses and entrepreneurs in low-to-moderate income neighborhoods in eligible regions for business development activities. Funding is intended to help businesses increase their workforce, strengthe...

GrantWatch ID#: 217867

Financial Assistance to California Advertising Agencies and Employees for Unexpected Needs

Deadline: Ongoing

Financial assistance to California advertising agencies, firms, and employees in eligible regions to meet unexpected needs that are the result of a crisis. Funding is intended as a response to a variety of crises, including but not limited to sudden illness, injur...

GrantWatch ID#: 217976

Grants to USA Independent Retailers for Disaster Relief

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants of up to $10,000 to USA and territories independent retailers for disaster relief. Funding is intended to cover expenses needed to reopen and sustain operations after unforeseen events, such as inventory replacement, property repairs, relocation costs, and ...

GrantWatch ID#: 219945

Opportunity for USA, Canada, and International Founders of Startups to Receive Funding and Men...

Deadline: Ongoing

Opportunity for USA, Canada, and International founders of startups to receive funding and mentorship from the funding source. The purpose of the program is to assist with the integration of artificial intelligence across all sectors. In addition to funding, found...

GrantWatch ID#: 221222

Grants to USA Nonprofits, For-Profits, IHEs, and Agencies for Projects Related to Research Sec...

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants to USA entities such as nonprofit and for-profit organizations, IHEs, and agencies for projects related to research security. Applicants are advised that required registrations may take several weeks to complete. Funding is intended for collaborative projec...

GrantWatch ID#: 221614

Grants to USA, Canada, and International Entities to Commemorate Canadian Veterans

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants of up to $5,000 and up to $10,000 to USA, Canada, and International nonprofit organizations, for-profits, and government agencies for community projects that commemorate Canadian veterans. Funding is intended for events and resources that honor those who se...

GrantWatch ID#: 222044

Grants to California Businesses to Build Capacity to Contribute to the Bioeconomy

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants of up to $50,000 to California businesses to build capacity to contribute to the bioeconomy in eligible regions. Funding is intended to enable businesses to access service providers and consultants and adopt new technologies, practices, processes, and certi...

GrantWatch ID#: 222228

Grants to California Businesses in Eligible Regions for Storefront Repair

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants of up to $1,000 to California businesses in eligible areas for storefront repair. Funding is intended to support businesses impacted by vandalism. Eligible applicants must have a business property that faces a public street. Funding can be used for repairs ...

GrantWatch ID#: 222597

Grants to California Small Businesses to Participate in Trade Events to Promote Economic Growth

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants to California small businesses to participate in trade events to promote economic growth. Funding is intended to provide small business owners the opportunity to expand into international markets through participation in special trade events. Eligible appli...

GrantWatch ID#: 222686

Grants to California Businesses to Discourage Illegal Dumping Around Business Property

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants of up to $1,000 to California businesses in eligible regions for activities to discourage illegal dumping around business property. Funding is intended for preventative measures, including installing video cameras, lights, security fencing, and warning sign...

GrantWatch ID#: 222694

Grants to USA Nonprofits, Agencies, Businesses, Firms, and Defense Contractors for Cybersecuri...

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants to USA nonprofits, government agencies, defense contractors, businesses, companies, government contractors, healthcare providers, and other organizations for cybersecurity improvements. Funding is intended for a wide range of services to assist vulnerable o...

GrantWatch ID#: 222818

Grants to USA, Canada, and International Early-Career App Developers to Participate in an Acce...

Deadline: Ongoing

Opportunity for USA, Canada, and International early-career app developers in small businesses to participate in an accelerator program. Participants will receive in-kind funding source credits equaling 10% of the previous month's revenue to be applied towards the...

GrantWatch ID#: 223008

Opportunity for USA, Canada, and International Startups to Participate in an Accelerator Progr...

Deadline: Ongoing

Opportunity for USA, Canada, and International startups to participate in an accelerator program related to ocean protection and commercialization. In addition to a monetary investment from the funding source, participants will receive operational support, strateg...

GrantWatch ID#: 223259

Opportunity for USA Environmentally-Focused Startups to Become Members of a Support Network

Deadline: Ongoing

Opportunity for USA startups to become members of a support network. This program is intended for entrepreneurs developing ocean-focused startups, who will receive funding as well as personalized support as they grow their business. Members will benefit from the f...

GrantWatch ID#: 223262

Grants to USA IHEs, Nonprofits, For-Profits, Agencies, and Tribes to Increase Knowledge of Sci...

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants to USA IHEs, nonprofit organizations, for-profits, government agencies, and Tribes to increase knowledge of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Applicants are advised that the required registrations must be completed prior to applying. Proposa...

GrantWatch ID#: 223633

Grants And In-Kind Support To USA, Canada, And International Early-Stage Companies To Help The...

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants and in-kind support to USA, Canada, and International early-stage companies to help them get their products to market. Eligible companies align themselves with one of the following areas of interest: climate and nature or health and well-being. In addition ...

GrantWatch ID#: 223691

Grants and In-Kind Support to USA For-Profit Businesses to Address Capital Needs

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants and in-kind support to USA for-profit businesses and related subsidiaries to address capital needs. Funding is intended to assist businesses in their development, with priority given to businesses in rural regions. In addition to the capital investment, bus...

GrantWatch ID#: 223811

Loan Guarantees to USA Banks, Savings and Loan Associations, Credit Unions, and Farm Credit Ba...

Deadline: Ongoing

Loan guarantees to USA banks, savings and loan associations, credit unions, and farm credit banks for loans offered to rural businesses. Funding is intended to provide potential lenders with the financial strength to offer loans that assist rural businesses throug...

GrantWatch ID#: 223812

In-Kind Support to California Nonprofits and Businesses to Advance Their Organizations

Deadline: Ongoing

In-kind support to California nonprofit organizations and businesses in eligible regions to advance their businesses and prepare to apply for additional government funding. Participants will be given the tools necessary to strengthen their businesses and qualify f...

GrantWatch ID#: 223994

Grants to USA Nonprofits, Legal Firms, and Lawyers for Urgent Financial Assistance for Social ...

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants of up to $10,000 to USA nonprofit organizations, legal firms, and lawyers to provide urgent financial assistance for social justice litigation. Funding is intended to cover expenses associated with lawsuits that have a public interest aspect such as class a...

GrantWatch ID#: 224322

Opportunity for USA, Canada, and International Small Businesses to Join the Analytic Support P...

Deadline: Ongoing

Opportunity for USA, Canada, and International small businesses to join the analytic support pool for defense intelligence. Applicants are advised to prepare early for this rare competition for best results. Applicants may request a pre-RFP strategy session to hel...

GrantWatch ID#: 224764

Grants and In-Kind Support to California Property Owners, Artists, Businesses, and Cultural Or...

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants and in-kind support to California property owners, as well as artists, businesses, cultural organizations, and entrepreneurs for community development projects in eligible regions. Funding is intended to support projects to convert vacant storefronts into t...

GrantWatch ID#: 224847

Grants to California Businesses and Property Owners in Eligible Locations for Capital Improvem...

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants of up to $50,000 to California businesses and property owners in eligible locations for capital improvement projects. Funding is intended for exterior and interior building improvements, including heating and cooling systems, accessibility improvements, ele...

GrantWatch ID#: 224858

Grants to USA, Canada, and International Businesses to Support Web3 Projects

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants to USA, Canada, and International businesses to support Web3 projects. Grantees will receive funding in cryptocurrency, mentorship, marketing assistance, technical support, community access, and connections to potential partners and investors. Priority will...

GrantWatch ID#: 225614

Opportunity for USA, Canada, and International Individuals, Nonprofits, and For-Profits to Par...

Deadline: Ongoing

Opportunity for USA, Canada, and International individuals, teams, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit organizations to work in a program addressing safety and science in AI. Awardees will be given funding, office space, and workshop opportunities. Applicants ...

GrantWatch ID#: 225624

Grants to USA University Start-Ups, Academic Investigators, and Early-Stage Businesses for Inn...

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants to USA university start-ups, academic investigators, and early-stage businesses for innovative food allergy research. Applicants must submit a letter of intent prior to submitting a full proposal. Funding is intended for researching the root cause of food a...

GrantWatch ID#: 225674

Grants to USA Businesses, Tribes, Individuals, and IHEs for Planning and Research Activities R...

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants of up to $15,000 to USA and territories businesses, tribes, government organizations, individuals, and faculty of IHEs for planning and research activities related to pest management in eligible regions. Funding is intended for a wide range of strategic pla...

GrantWatch ID#: 225703

Grants to USA and Territories Individuals, Agencies, Businesses, and INstutitions for Time-Cri...

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants of up to $5,000 to USA and territories individuals, government organizations, businesses, and institutions for time-critical projects addressing pest management in eligible regions. Priority will be given to projects that have a wider and more regional scop...

GrantWatch ID#: 225710

Grants to USA, Canada, and International Organizations, Companies, and Researchers for Researc...

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants to USA, Canada, and International organizations, companies, and researchers for research studies related to the treatment of dysferlinopathies (LGMD2B and Miyoshi Myopathy). Eligible research topics address the gaps in current knowledge that hinder the purs...

GrantWatch ID#: 225727

Grants to USA Businesses in Multiple States for Investment Purposes

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants of $5,000 to USA businesses in multiple states for investment purposes. Funding is intended for funding-related training programs and funder matching to enhance business growth for certified suppliers. Eligible applicants are diverse suppliers located in th...

GrantWatch ID#: 226128

Grants to California Small Businesses for Strengthening Security in Eligible Locations

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants of up to $10,000 to California small businesses for strengthening security in eligible locations. Applicants must contact the Funder prior to applying. Funding is intended to enhance the safety of businesses via exterior facade work based on police departme...

GrantWatch ID#: 226687

Grants and In-Kind Support to USA and Canada Consumer Brands to Help Scale Impact

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants and in-kind support to USA and Canada consumer brands to help scale impact. Applicants should be in the industries of food and beverage, clothes and fashion, health and beauty, and home and furniture. Awardees will receive capital, technology, mentorship, a...

GrantWatch ID#: 227474

Grants to USA Entrepreneurs, Scientists, and Companies for Innovative Dairy Processing Technol...

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants to USA entrepreneurs, scientists, and companies to support innovative dairy processing technologies. Applicants must contact program staff prior to applying. Funding is intended to develop and scale innovations that will convert by-products into valuable it...

GrantWatch ID#: 227513

Grants to California Small Businesses in Eligible Regions to Cover Operating Expenses

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants of up to $60,000 to California small businesses in eligible regions to cover operating expenses. Funding is intended to provide financial assistance to small local businesses that have been negatively effected by construction development activities. Eligibl...

GrantWatch ID#: 227964
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Navigating Small Business & Entrepreneur Funding

Unlike loans, business grants provide non-dilutive capital that does not need to be repaid. Funding sources range from federal innovation programs to private corporate initiatives supporting women-owned, minority-owned, and veteran-owned small businesses. GrantWatch is a full grant lifecycle platform, supporting every stage from prospecting through post-award reporting, with the Grant Prospecting Dashboard and Grant Funding Pipeline to track opportunities, GrantWatch Intelligence™ to uncover best-fit funders faster, and the AI Grant Writing Tool to accelerate proposal development.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a cost to search or apply for grants on GrantWatch?

A free GrantWatch account includes newsletter updates, access to grant listings, and light use of the Grant Prospecting Dashboard, Grant Funding Pipeline, Claim Your Profile, and AI Grant Writing Tool features. To fully search, filter, and track grants as a serious grant seeker, a MemberPlus+ subscription is required. GrantWatch does not charge a fee to apply for a grant directly with a funding source, and never requires payment in exchange for a guaranteed award.

Do small businesses and LLCs actually qualify for grants?

Yes. Thousands of federal, state, and corporate grant programs specifically fund for-profit small businesses, technology startups, agricultural operations, and local service providers.

Are there grants available for new startup businesses?

Yes. Startup grants are available through state economic development agencies, business incubators, corporate pitch competitions, and federal research initiatives.

What is the difference between a small business grant and a loan?

Grants provide equity-free, non-repayable capital meant for business development, hiring, R&D, or expansion. Loans require full repayment with interest.

Are there specific grants for women, minority, or veteran business owners?

Yes. Corporations and government agencies regularly launch dedicated grant initiatives aimed at supporting diverse founders and veterans.

How often is the GrantWatch grant database updated?

GrantWatch's research team human-verifies and updates listings daily, with over a thousand new grant opportunities added each week. Deadlines, eligibility rules, and award amounts are checked regularly to keep the database accurate.