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.

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.

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. ​

The Gottlieb Emergency Grant is designed to offer interim financial support to painters, printmakers, and sculptors facing unforeseen, catastrophic incidents such as illnesses, accidents, fires, floods, or natural disasters. It focuses on assisting professional visual artists who have been working in a mature phase of their craft for at least a decade.

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.

NEED SOME FUNDING?
Have a crazy brilliant idea that needs funding? The Awesome Foundation awards $1,000 in grants every month. It couldn’t be simpler! Your idea is yours alone. We don’t want a stake in it. We want to help you make it happen!

Empower your business with the HerRise Microgrant
The HerRise MicroGrant offers financial support to innovative Women of Color who struggle to secure funding for their community-impacting small businesses.

Need $4,000 To Help Your Business Grow?
Apply for a business development grant from the NASE worth up to $4,000!