California Small Business Grants & Funding Programs
California supports small businesses through the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) and the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA). Major cities offer additional local programs.
CalOSBA Programs
CalOSBA administers the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program and connects businesses with various state and federal funding opportunities through the California Dream Fund.
Regional Centers
California's Small Business Development Centers, Women's Business Centers, and local economic development agencies provide free consulting and funding assistance statewide.
Major City Programs
Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and other cities offer local grants including facade improvement programs, microenterprise assistance, and industry-specific incentives.
California Business Grants
98 grants found
AAUW Career Development Grants
The AAUW Career Development Grants offer up to $8,000 to help women take the next step in their STEM careers.
Breva Thrive Grant
The Breva Thrive Grant awards $5,000 each quarter to small business owners who are making a measurable difference in their local communities.
Hey Helen Grant
The Hey Helen Grant offers $10,000 in unrestricted funding to support women and nonbinary entrepreneurs building mission-driven, for-profit businesses in the U.S.
2026 Halstead Grant
The 2026 Halstead Grant recognizes emerging silver jewelry artists who show both creative talent and business potential.
USDA Rural Business Loans & Grants
If your business is located in a rural area, the USDA offers loans, loan guarantees, and grants to help you start, expand, or add value to your business. Funding supports job creation, innovation, farm‑based products, energy upgrades, and more.
SBIR & STTR Innovation Grant Programs
Competitive grant funding from 11 federal agencies. These programs offer free grant money (not loans!) to help small businesses develop and test new products, ideas, or technology.
#MomsMeanBusiness
Covers business formation costs for mothers, helping them form an LLC, track expenses, secure a business name, and more.
HerRise MicroGrant
Qualification Criteria: - Ownership: The business must be at least 51% owned by women of color. - Registration: Must be a for-profit business currently registered in the United States. - Revenue: Generally intended for small businesses with less than $1 million in annual gross revenue. - Ineligible Entities: Non-profits, franchises, direct sellers (MLMs), authorized resellers, and independent consultants are not eligible to apply. Qualifying Projects: The grant is flexible and intended to help with immediate business needs. Past winners have used the funds for: - Equipment: Purchasing computers, specialized hardware, or manufacturing tools. - Digital Presence: Website creation, software subscriptions, and digital marketing tools. - Marketing: Printing promotional materials or funding social media ad campaigns. - Inventory: Purchasing raw materials or initial stock to fulfill orders. Ineligible Expenses: - Pre-Registration Costs: Expenses incurred before the business was legally registered. - Personal Use: Funds cannot be used for personal living expenses or non-business related debt. Additional Details: - Funding Amount: $1,000 awarded to one winner each month. - Application Fee: There is a $15 non-refundable administrative fee required to submit the application (used to manage the high volume of submissions). - Timeline: Applications close on the last day of every month. Winners are announced at the HerSuiteSpot First Friday Mixer the following month. - Selection: Priority is often given to members of the HerSuiteSpot network (free registration is available).
Gold House Ventures
Invests in Asian and Pacific Islander (API) entrepreneurs and offers a startup accelerator.
Female Founders Fund
Invests in women‑owned and women‑run startups across B2B, consumer, healthcare, fintech, and social sectors.
Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program
Provides year‑round funding to rural public bodies, nonprofits, and tribes for constructing, purchasing, or improving community facilities, covering up to 75% of eligible costs.
The Big Idea Grant
Provides $1,000 to women entrepreneurs along with mentorship, resources, and a wealth‑mindset coaching group.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about business grants in California