Small Business Grant Programs in California 2026

To assist entrepreneurs in launching a business and support businesses that are continuing to struggle with the negative economic impacts of the pandemic, the Riverside County Office of Economic Development and the Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development (OCIE SBDC) are partnering to provide technical and financial assistance to county constituents and businesses.

The City of San Bernardino, in its continuing efforts to support the development of small businesses, has created the Façade Improvement Grant Program. This is a property enhancement program designed to improve the appearance of existing businesses within the city’s commercial corridors.

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 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:

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 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 Enthuse Foundation offers a series of financial grants to assist women entrepreneurs with critical business needs.
The 2026 program includes multiple grant categories:

The Halstead Grant is an annual business development award for emerging U.S. jewelry designers working primarily in sterling or fine silver. It pairs financial support with industry recognition and a rigorous application designed to strengthen business planning.

Jobber Grants is a funding program for blue-collar and home service businesses that want to grow, innovate, and better serve their communities. In 2026, Jobber is partnering with Shark Tank’s Daymond John to award a total of $250,000 in cash grants across multiple levels—from $10,000 up to $100,000—plus an all‑expenses‑paid in‑person retreat for the 9 recipients.

Giving Joy offers small microgrants to women entrepreneurs worldwide whose projects create social and economic impact for women, girls, and families in their communities. They prioritize innovative, creative ideas with strong potential for community benefit rather than polished applications.