Free Government Grant Programs For Small Businesses

The COVID 19 pandemic has made the reality grim for small businesses; However, a clarion call is heard from aid that is available from both the government – federal, state, or local – as well as the private sector:

Companies Crushing Pollution Video Challenge

To curb pollution and propagate pollution prevention, The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is rewarding companies that support this goal. A grant of $5000 would be allotted to a company that uses Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) program.

The company would have to illustrate its efforts in a video, shortlisted in a contest. Find more details on their official website.

National Institute of Health Grants

The NIH is currently providing grant opportunities for COVID 19 research. However, only small businesses researching biomedical technology can get these grants. There are several grants available on the website with deadlines posted as well. Check out the website for more.

New York State COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program

You may qualify for this grant if your business is in New York and has suffered due to the pandemic. These grants begin at 5000 and can be as high as $50,000. The grant amounts are set based on annual gross receipts from 2019.

USDA Rural Development Business Grants

The U.S. Department of Agriculture offers loans and grants to minor businesses in rural areas to create jobs of standards. The awardees may use the funds for community projects such as community facilities, housing development, and other services.

National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Grants

A federal agency within the USDA, the NIFA prioritizes leadership programs. Although it offers funds throughout the year, most of the grants are targeted toward larger businesses and NGOs, and thus small businesses would have to be mindful.

Department Of The Interior Grants

Small businesses get multiple grants through the DOI, such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, Indian Affairs, Native American Graves Protection, Repatriation Act, National Park Services. You can find other DOI grants for small businesses on the official website.

Department Of Justice Grants

These grants are for projects that uphold law enforcement, programs that better the criminal justice system, public safety habits, etc. An overview of the various grants that the various agencies provide within the DOJ can be found on their website.

Department Of Energy Grants

The SBIR and STTR agencies, under the DOE, provide grants for innovative research and design technology that is established by a university or a DOE national lab. Check out the current grant openings on their website.

Department Of Defence Grants

The Office of Naval Research, the Air Force Office, and the U.S. Army Research Institute constantly require research and development. STTR programs and other initiatives such as the Defence Enterprise Science Initiative provide grants to small businesses in partnership with the Department of Defence.

Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR)

Entrepreneurs who focus on technology developments with commercial potential are eligible for the federal research SBIR grant program. You can find their funding opportunities on their official website. In the past, the grant focused on clean water, land revitalization, green landscape construction, health care advancements, homeland security, and others.

Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR)

STTR programs aim to increase funding for innovative research and development technologies. The difference between the STTR and SBIR programs is that small businesses can collaborate with research institutions, and each agency has the right to set its guidelines.

Small Business Administration State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)

The STEP program distributes federal funds to state entities and small businesses to help them improve the quality and efficiency of export products. The companies that meet the state-wise criteria can use the grant to enter foreign markets, create international marketing campaigns or products, develop websites, and participate in global trade shows.