Best Grant Opportunities for Entrepreneurs & Small Business Owners (U.S. & Worldwide)

Best Grant Opportunities for Entrepreneurs & Small Business Owners (U.S. & Worldwide)

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One of the biggest challenges we face as entrepreneurs is securing funding. Whether we’re launching a startup or scaling an existing business, having enough capital can make or break our success.

While loans and venture capital are common options, not everyone wants to take on debt or give away equity. That’s why grants are such a game-changer—they provide funding without repayment, giving us the financial boost we need to grow   .

I’ve done the research and compiled a list of some of the best grants available for small business owners in the U.S. and around the world. Let’s dive in!

1. U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Grants

📍 Best for: U.S.-based small businesses, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs

If you're running a small business in the U.S., you’ve probably heard of the SBA. It’s a government agency that supports small businesses with funding, mentorship, and educational resources. While the SBA itself doesn’t offer direct grants for business expansion, it funds several programs like the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants—both focused on research and innovation.

✔ Why We Love It:

Perfect for research-based and tech-driven businesses

Grants come with networking and mentorship opportunities

No repayment required!

2. Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Grants

📍 Best for: Minority-owned businesses in the U.S.

If you’re a minority business owner in the U.S., the MBDA (Minority Business Development Agency) is a fantastic resource. It’s part of the U.S. Department of Commerce and funds business centers across the country that provide training, resources, and financial assistance to minority entrepreneurs.

✔ Why It’s Worth Checking Out:

Specifically designed to support minority-owned businesses

Provides advisory services along with funding

Helps connect businesses with government contracts

3. Hello Alice – Small Business Growth Fund

📍 Best for: Small businesses looking to expand

I love Hello Alice because they don’t just offer grants—they build a whole community for small business owners . Their Small Business Growth Fund, in partnership with the Global Entrepreneurship Network, awards grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000.

✔ Why It’s Awesome:

Open to all industries and business types

Prioritizes diverse and underrepresented founders

Comes with business support and networking opportunities

4. GrantWatch

📍 Best for: Anyone looking for a huge database of grant opportunities

Sometimes, the hardest part of finding a grant is knowing where to look. That’s where GrantWatch comes in. It’s an online database that lists thousands of grants available in the U.S. and worldwide.

✔ Why We Recommend It:

Easily search grants by industry, location, or funding type

Regularly updated with new opportunities

Covers both government and private grants

5. Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) Grants

📍 Best for: Businesses in developing countries looking for funding and support

For those of us working in emerging markets, CIPE is an incredible resource. This nonprofit, affiliated with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, funds international business organizations that support free enterprise and economic development.

✔ Why It Stands Out:

Focuses on entrepreneurs in developing economies

Provides networking and business growth opportunities

Supports policy reform efforts that benefit small businesses

6. InfoDev by The World Bank

📍 Best for: Startups and tech entrepreneurs in emerging markets

World Bank’s InfoDev program helps startups in developing countries by providing funding, mentorship, and accelerator programs. If you’re working on digital innovation, agribusiness, or climate tech, this could be a great opportunity.

✔ Why We Love It:

Ideal for high-growth businesses in developing countries

Helps connect startups with investors

Provides mentorship and long-term support

7. FundsforNGOs – Global Grant Database

📍 Best for: Entrepreneurs and NGOs worldwide

If you want a one-stop shop for global grant listings, FundsforNGOs is a fantastic resource. It’s not just for nonprofits—many small business owners and social enterprises also find grants here.

✔ Why It’s Useful:

Covers funding opportunities from governments and private foundations

Offers grant writing training to improve your chances of winning

Features both free and premium listings

8. LegalZoom – Small Business Grants

📍 Best for: U.S. entrepreneurs looking for financial support

LegalZoom frequently updates its list of small business grants, especially for underrepresented founders. They also provide free legal resources to help small businesses succeed.

✔ Why It’s Worth a Look:

Features new grants every year

Partners with major brands for funding opportunities

Offers legal assistance for small businesses

9. HubSpot – Minority Business Grants Guide

📍 Best for: Minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses

HubSpot has put together a detailed guide on grants for underrepresented founders. If you’re looking for funding in tech, e-commerce, or service industries, this guide is super helpful.

✔ Why It’s a Must-Read:

Covers multiple grant options

Regularly updated with new funding opportunities

Provides business growth strategies beyond just funding

10. FoodBevy – Grant Opportunities for Food Startups

📍 Best for: Food & beverage startups looking for funding.

If you're in the food and beverage industry, FoodBevy has compiled a list of over 60 grants and accelerator programs to help businesses like ours grow.

✔ Why It’s Perfect for Food Brands:

Specifically for food startups

Includes funding, mentorship, and accelerator programs

Updated regularly with new opportunities

I know firsthand how tough it can be to secure funding, but grants can be a game-changer. The key is to research each opportunity thoroughly, tailor your application, and showcase the impact your business will make.

If this list helped you, share it with another entrepreneur who could use a financial boost! Let’s support each other on this journey.