Small Business Grant Programs in California 2026

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.

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.

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.

The City of Santa Ana’s Small Business Incentive Program provides grants and technical support to help new businesses during their first three years of operation. The program offers up to $5,000 (commercial/industrial/office locations) or up to $2,500 (home-based businesses) as reimbursement for eligible business expenses. Funded by the federal HUD Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to income-eligible microenterprises until funds are exhausted.

The City of Palm Springs Façade Improvement Program helps businesses create attractive, inviting storefronts and signage, and encourages investment in commercial properties throughout the City of Palm Springs. The program offers a matching grant of up to $7,500 on a dollar-for-dollar basis to assist with the cost of exterior improvements made by a property owner or tenant. To qualify for the full $7,500, the total verified project cost must be $15,000 or more (e.g., a $15,000 project earns the $7,500 match; a $5,000 project earns a $2,500 match).

The City of Long Beach Visual Improvement Program (VIP) Grant, administered by FORWARD on behalf of the City, provides direct financial relief to local small businesses and nonprofits impacted by crime and vandalism occurring on or after October 1, 2023. Eligible businesses can receive up to $1,000 to cover storefront repairs caused by vandalism, including storefront repairs, boarding costs, insurance deductibles, and business operating expenses.

EmpowHer grants support women who need early-stage business capital, a network of business advisors, or both. Grantees will have access to financial, marketing, leadership, and sector professionals who can advise on business focus, next steps, and longer-range planning.

The California Employment Training Panel (ETP) and the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA) announce the availability of up to $1,000,000 in California State General Fund dollars for California Small Businesses impacted by the Paid Family Leave Program.

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!