California Small Business Grants

What Is a Small Business Grant?

Small business grants are awards for companies that need an infusion of funding. Most grants come in the form of a gift, but that gift usually comes in the form of money. Many grants are specific to an industry, gender, race, or organization.

So, does California offer grants? Absolutely! There are many types of grants available in California, and there may even be different grants for different types of LLCs.

Because grants in California tend to be gifts, you don’t usually have to pay them back. This means that you can put the money towards your business without having to worry about an investor or creditor asking for it back.

While you can use the money for your business, that doesn’t always mean you can use it to pay yourself. Every grant has terms, so always check the terms before you do anything with the money.

There are also federal grants you can use in California. These grants tend to be offered by the Small Business Association (SBA). Federal grants are usually for community organizations, research and development programs, and other niche industries. The federal government also offers grants for women and minority groups in the United States.

Is the California Small Business Grant Taxable?

Yes, grants for small businesses in California are taxable. While there may be some exceptions, you’ll find that most grants are taxed as income in the state. This means that you have to pay income tax on the grant money that you receive. You’ll have to include it in your tax return, so make sure you declare it as income to avoid any tax-related problems.

California Small Business Grants 2024

California is a great place to start a business because many grants are available. Knowing what grants are available before you apply can help you make the right decision.

While we can’t cover every single grant offered in California, we can cover some of the most popular California small business grants in 2024. Specifically, we go over grants for nonprofits, women, small businesses, and other groups.

California Small Business Grants for Individuals

There are plenty of individual small business grants California, $10k or even higher. These grants are available for people from a wide range of backgrounds, so it’s important to make sure you meet the eligibility requirements.

Learn more about some of the more common small business grants for individuals in 2024.

California Dream Fund

It’s one of the most well-known grants that CA has to offer, but what is the California Dream grant? The California Dream Fund is a grant for small businesses in California that was created in 2021. It was created to help underserved groups in California receive funding for their business ventures.

Companies that don’t have a lot of money or businesses that operate in niche sectors are eligible for the California Dream Fund. When it comes to funding, the California Dream Fund awards small businesses with up to $10,000

Restaurant Care Resilience Fund

The Restaurant Care Resilience Fund is a great option for individuals in the restaurant industry. It can award businesses $5,000 that can go towards employees, technology, training, and even bonuses.

This grant is only available for restaurants, and that restaurant must be open for at least one year before applying. The owner of the restaurant must live in California, and the restaurant can’t make more than $3 million.

Founders First Job Creators Quest Grant

Another great grant for individuals in California is the Founders First Job Creators Quest Grant. While it’s great for individuals, it applies to underrepresented communities in Southern California. This includes women, veterans, the LGBTQ+ community, and Native Americans.

The Founders First Job Creators Quest Grant will award 25 businesses, but businesses must meet specific requirements. It has to be located in Southern California and have the capacity to add one or two employees at premium wage positions (within a year). The company also has to make less than $3 million but more than $100,000.

California Women’s Small Business Grants

California has a wide range of grants for women-owned small businesses. Learn more about some of these grants below. We cover federal, state, and national grants for women-owned small businesses in California.

Route 66 Extraordinary Women Micro Grant

One of the best women-specific grants in California is the Route 66 Extraordinary Women Micro Grant. As the name implies, it’s for women-owned small businesses located along Route 66 from Los Angeles to Santa Monica and other cities/towns along the route.

To be eligible, the business needs to have less than 20 full-time employees. Moreover, the businesses need to be in good standing with state, federal, and local agencies.

BMO Celebrating Women Grant

Another popular grant for women in California is the BMO Celebrating Women Grant. Women in 24 states are eligible, including California. Unlike grants for new small businesses, you need to have been in business for at least two years for this one. Annual revenue also can’t surpass $5,000,000.

This is a $10,000 grant for small businesses in California and 23 other states, and 15 small businesses can be awarded the money.

San Francisco Women’s Entrepreneurship Fund

Cities also have grants for women in California. For example, San Francisco has a fund for small businesses that are at least half-owned by women. The fund will award up to $5,000 to small businesses that fit the criteria for this grant.

Most types of businesses are eligible as long as it has been open for at least one single year. Additionally, it has to be nominated by a nonprofit organization.

California Small Business Grants for Nonprofits

Small business grants for nonprofits in California tend to be for nonprofit companies that operate in green energy niches or niches that help with environmental conservation. Industries that help the less fortunate also tend to be eligible for these grants.

Learn more about some examples of California small business grants for nonprofits below.

California Veterans Health Initiative (CVHI) Mental Health Support Grant Program (MHSGP)

One of the more well-known grant programs in California is the California Veterans Health Initiative Mental Health Support Grant Program. The organization awards up to 38 million dollars in grants to nonprofits that meet the requirements.

Nonprofits that will help military veterans with their mental health are eligible for this grant program.

2024 Natural Community Conservation Planning Local Assistance Grant Program

Fish and wildlife are important in California, and unfortunately, displacement has become common for many species due to recent wildfires and other environmental hazards. The good news is that the 2024 Natural Community Conservation Planning Local Assistance Grant Program helps nonprofits in this sector.

To be eligible, you have to have a nonprofit that helps with conservation in California.

California Sea Otter Fund Grant

The California Sea Otter Fund Grant is specially for nonprofits that help the sea otter populations in California.

To be eligible, the company has to be a nonprofit, a public agency, or a tribal government. As long as you fit this criteria you can apply.

Federal Grants for Small Business Start-up in California

Federal grants for small business startups in California are exactly what they sound like; grants for small start-ups in California. Unlike other small business grants in California, these grants come from the federal government. Learn more about some federal grants for small businesses in California.

FedEx Small Business Grant Contest

One of the most popular federal small business grants is the FedEx Small Business Grant Content. All you need to be eligible is a FedEx shipping account from the previous year to apply.

If you’re applying for the FedEx small business grant for 2024, you’ll need the 2023 shipping address. You also have to have less than 99 employees to apply.

The prize for this grant is $50,000 for 2024, but there are some other prizes in the $20,000 range for businesses that don’t win the big one.

Program for Investors in Microentrepreneurs

The Program for Investors in Microentrepreneurs is organized by the SBA and offers grants for disadvantaged microentrepreneurs. These grants help nonprofit organizations that support low-income solo entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses that need the funding.

These grants can also help in different ways, so it’s not just about money. They can provide support through funding, yes, but also training and technology expansion.

How to Apply for Small Business Grants in California

Applying for a small business grant in California is simple, but only if you go about the process correctly. There are a handful of steps you need to take to fill out the application process and get approved. Learn more about each part of the process below.

Step 1: Start Your Business or Start Planning Your Business

The first part of the process is getting your business plan done and taking the necessary steps to start your business. If you haven’t done so already, we can help you learn more about starting a business in California.

Once you have your business, you can start considering California small business grant opportunities.

Step 2: Visit California’s Grant Portals and Federal Grant Portals

The second part of the process is visiting California’s state portals for grants. There are portals SBA grants, federal grants, and grants for small businesses and nonprofits. If you don’t find what you’re looking for right away, don’t panic, and feel free to look around at all the other options.

We also recommend checking federal grant portals if you’re in a specific industry. Some federal grants may be available to you, even if you’re not eligible for some California small business grants.

Step 3: Fill out Your California Small Business Grant Application

The next part of the process is going through the application process. This begins with checking your eligibility. You can examine what a grant will offer and make sure your small business fits that eligibility. For example, if you’re a woman in California, you can apply for a California women’s small business grant. However, men can’t apply for this grant.

Once you know you’re eligible, time to fill out the paperwork and make the necessary deadlines. Grants are available for a large pool of people, so you need to be on top of your paperwork and deadlines for the best results.

Step 4: Wait for Approval

The last part of the process comes down to waiting. When you submit your information for a small business grant in California, a small panel has to review it, along with applications from other businesses in California. This can take anywhere from a few days to a few months.

If you’re looking to be approved for small business grants in 2024, it’s better to start the process sooner rather than later.

California Small Business Grants FAQ

Have more questions about small business grants in California? Or perhaps you want to learn more about grants across the United States? If so, we have answers to some common questions below.

Is US Business Grants Legit?

US business grants are legit. However, they’re only legitimate if they come from a reputable organization like the Small Business Association or a state-sponsored program. Some private companies may also offer grants.

For example, DoorDash has a $10,000 fund for disaster relief that you can be awarded. To determine if a grant is legitimate we always recommend doing some basic research on it before providing any personal information.

Who Is Eligible for the US Business Grant?

Anyone who starts a business can be eligible for a US grant. That said, there may be some specific situations where only some people are eligible for specific grants.

For example, small business grants for nonprofits are only available for nonprofits. Additionally, California’s women’s small business grants are only for women, so you can’t apply for them as a man. Always check the eligibility required before you apply for small business grants in California for the best results.

Do You Have to Pay Back USA Funding Grant?

No, you don’t have to pay back any USA funding grants. While there may be some exceptions, malt small business grants don’t have to be paid back. This is because most grants come in the form of a gift, and this applies to state and federal grants across the USA. That said, make sure you check the details of each grant you apply for to monitor changes.

Apply for California Small Business Grants Today

Applying for a California small business grant can change your life. If you’re approved, a grant in California can give you the funding and support you need to get your small business off the ground. Whether you’re a startup, nonprofit, or mom-and-pop shop, it’s always worth it to look into your grant options.

That said, don’t stop at California grants. If you’re not approved for California-specific grants, there’s a chance that some other grants from the federal government might be available to you. Take your time and always research your options before you apply.