Small Business Grant Programs in California 2026

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.

California STEP supports small businesses entering global markets with events and vouchers.
The California STEP program, overseen by GO‑Biz and partially funded by the U.S. SBA, helps small California businesses expand exports through subsidized trade event participation and reimbursable export promotion expenses.

Ontario’s Downtown Façade Program offers 50/50 matching grants up to $25,000.
The City of Ontario offers a 50/50 matching grant (up to $25,000) to revitalize commercial storefronts in the Historic Downtown, improving signage, lighting, windows, and overall pedestrian appeal. Funding comes from HUD CDBG.

WomensNet founded the “Amber Grant” in 1998. The grant was set up with one goal: to honor the memory of a special young woman, Amber Wigdahl, who died at 19 years old — before realizing her business dreams.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.