Small Business Grant Programs in California 2026

The R4R program provides post-disaster relief grants to small businesses (≤500 employees) that pre-register and meet program criteria. Activation occurs only for qualifying, state-declared emergencies within a set timeframe.

Feed the Soul Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit developed to aid marginalized professionals in the culinary industry. The National Emergency Relief Fund (NERF) provides businesses with a minimum of $500 up to $1,000 in financial support to alleviate business owners who have been gravely impacted by natural disasters, restaurant equipment repair needs, vandalism, malicious mischief, riot and civil commotions, and theft.

Santander’s Cultivate Small Business is a free, 12-week virtual program designed for early-stage food entrepreneurs, with a focus on historically underserved founders in low-to-moderate income neighborhoods. Often described as a “mini-MBA,” the program provides a food-focused curriculum, mentorship, and capital grants. All entrepreneurs who successfully complete the program receive a $2,500 grant, and top participants are eligible for up to $20,000 in unrestricted capital grants.

Founders First Capital Partners’ Supplier Innovative Finance Program (SIFP) offers certified small business suppliers the opportunity to receive a $5,000 unrestricted grant. The program supports the equitable implementation of the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s $10 billion State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI). Eight certified suppliers are selected each quarter to receive a grant, and grant winners also receive a scholarship for additional coaching and business program accelerators.

The Skip Instant Grants are recurring $1,000 grants awarded to small business owners through live drawings held multiple times each week. Several winners are selected during each live event and receive cash or credit to support their business.

The Entreprenista Evolve Grant is a quarterly $5,000 grant supporting women founders with funding for their next phase of growth. Created by the co-founders of Entreprenista, Stephanie Cartin and Courtney Spritzer, the grant is offered in partnership with GIMME Beauty, a family-owned haircare brand.

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses is an investment in the growth of small businesses. The program provides entrepreneurs with access to education, capital, and support services to help them create jobs and economic opportunity in their communities.

The Genesis For Good Catalyst Empowerment Grant is a competitive small business grant program from Genesis For Good Foundation and Genesis Bank. It’s designed to support very small businesses in low‑to‑moderate income communities in four Southern California counties with capital, mentoring, and tools to strengthen their infrastructure, create jobs, and deepen community impact.

The Yéego Action Grant supports Native artists and culture bearers facing a specific professional opportunity or a hardship hindering their creative practice, offering encouragement to “keep going.”

The Shophand $5k Small Business Boost Grant is designed to help non‑techie small business owners solve their biggest tech or operational challenge, pairing cash with hands‑on Shophand support.