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.

The Hemet CARES Business Support Grant Program is established by the City of Hemet in response to economic hardships faced by small businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic . It utilizes the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant – Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) funding. The program aims to assist local Hemet businesses by providing working capital grants to retain jobs, keep businesses open, and maintain lease payments.

The Wish Local Empowerment Program is a $2M fund created by the e-commerce company Wish to support Black-owned small businesses in the United States financially. It aims to promote equality and diversity by providing grants to assist these businesses in rebuilding and thriving.

Women Apply Today For a $1000 Small Business Grant!
Each month, we give one $1000 grant to a woman, age 18 or over, in the US to invest in their Business or Idea. It can be used as a start-up grant, marketing grant, operational grant, or whatever you need to help you to the next level with your idea or business.

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: