Small Business Grant Programs in California 2025

The Second Service Foundation’s Military Entrepreneur Challenge™ (MEC) is an annual pitch competition series designed to support and empower military-affiliated entrepreneurs. This program offers a unique opportunity for veterans, active-duty service members, military spouses, and Gold Star family members to compete for capital grants and valuable resources to grow their businesses. The MEC consists of regional events throughout the year, culminating in a National Finale. Eligible participants must own at least 51% of a legally registered U.S. business, be 21 years or older, and demonstrate financial need. The competition focuses on early-stage and social-impact businesses that positively affect the military and veteran community.Participants engage in a comprehensive process that includes:

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.

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.

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.

A monthly small‑business grant supporting underrepresented and overlooked U.S. entrepreneurs, plus feedback, mentorship, and community through the Freed Studio.
Rolling applications are considered for a given month; please apply by 11:59 PM ET on the last day of that month.

A quarterly disaster relief grant for active U.S. Etsy sellers impacted by a federally declared natural disaster within the past year, administered with nonprofit CERF+ to help rebuild operations.

Non-dilutive federal R&D funding for US-based startups developing high‑risk, high‑impact deep‑tech with strong commercial potential. Process begins with a short Project Pitch, then (if invited) a full proposal.

La Mesa’s Facade and Property Improvement Grant provides matching funds to help local businesses complete exterior improvements that enhance properties and the city’s economic climate. 2025 Year Four funding is available; awards are first-come, first-served and subject to availability.

The City of Santa Monica offers matching grants to improve storefronts for small, brick-and-mortar businesses along Pico Blvd, funded by HUD CDBG, with a focus on LMI areas and historically capital-constrained owners. ​

Matching reimbursement grants for Carson business tenants and property owners to improve storefront aesthetics and attract visitors along major commercial corridors. First come, first served. Complimentary architectural services and application assistance are available. Funding is only guaranteed once a formal agreement is executed with the City.