Federal Grants for Small Business
Why Consider Grants?
Grants = Free money (not loans)
 Support startup, expansion, R&D, workforce
development
 Funds may have restrictions & reporting
requirements
Federal vs. State & Local
Grants
 Federal grants: research, tech, rural,
energy, agriculture
 State/local: job creation, revitalization,
community impact
Corporations & nonprofits also offer grants
Major Federal Grant
Programs – SBA
 SBIR: R&D funding for tech startups
($2.5B/year)
 STTR: Requires partnership with research
institutions
 8(a) Business Development: Assistance &
contracts for disadvantaged firms
Other Federal Programs
 HUBZone: Incentives for businesses in under-
utilized zones
 EECBG (DOE): Energy efficiency & renewable
projects
 USDA REAP: Renewable energy grants for rural
small businesses
Specialized Grants
Minority-owned business programs (MBDA, SBA
8(a))
Women-owned business grants (federal &
private levels)
 Veteran and rural business focused
opportunities (e.g., USDA REAP)
How to Find & Apply for
Federal Grants
 Search Grants.gov for open opportunities
 Register in SAM.gov (required)
 Explore SBA programs via sba.gov/funding-
programs
Check state/local resources & corporate
contests
Application Best Practices
Check eligibility criteria carefully
 Prepare clear proposal: objectives, budget,
impact
 Attend webinars/teleconferences
 Keep documentation: budgets, usage tracking
Success Tips & Case Studies
 Leverage SBDCs for free counseling &
preparation
 Target niche federal grants (SBIR, HUBZone,
REAP)
 Highlight community/economic impact &
commercialization potential
 Example: rural farms using REAP for solar
irrigation
Next Steps & Resources
 Register on Grants.gov & SAM.gov
 Review SBA SBIR/STTR and special programs
Connect with local SBDC
 Research state/local & corporate grants
Contact Info: Local SBDC, SBA office, MBDA
center