Washington Small Business Grants & Funding Programs
Washington businesses can access support through statewide commerce programs, local city business initiatives, and strong innovation and manufacturing ecosystems across the state.
Statewide Commerce Support
Washington offers business support tied to growth, community investment, export activity, and sector development through statewide and regional partners.
Seattle, Tacoma, and Spokane Programs
Major Washington cities offer local business assistance, corridor programs, and entrepreneur support for startups, neighborhood businesses, and growth-stage companies.
Innovation, Manufacturing, and Clean Economy
Technology, aerospace-adjacent, clean economy, and advanced manufacturing businesses can often find support through sector-based programs and regional partnerships.
Washington Business Grants
100 grants found
The UPS Store Small Biz Challenge
The 2026 UPS Store Small Biz Challenge offers entrepreneurs the chance to win a grand prize, including a cash award from the $35,000 prize pool and a spotlight in Inc. magazine.
The Mott Million Dollar Challenge
The Mott Million Dollar Challenge is a national pitch competition offering a share of $1 million in prizes to support innovative, real-world problem-solving ideas created by students in grades K–12.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about business grants in Washington