Explore our comprehensive List Of Startups Grants In California to fuel your innovative business venture in the Golden State.
For entrepreneurs in California, finding startup funding is key to success. The state's startup scene is full of chances, especially with grants for new businesses. This guide lists small-business grants that offer financial help, letting your business idea grow in a tough market.
The California Dream Fund Grant gives microgrants up to $10,000 to small businesses started after July 1, 20191. There's also the California Paid Family Leave Program Grant. It provides $1,000 to $2,000 to small firms in California for offering paid family leave1. Local grants like the Kern County Small Business Micro-Grant and the Santa Clara County Microbusiness COVID-19 Relief Grant support businesses hit by the pandemic1.
National programs are crucial, too. Grants.gov helps you find federal grants for small businesses by eligibility, industry, and more2. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs offer essential funds for startups focusing on innovation and commercialization1.
There are many ways for new and existing entrepreneurs in California to get the funds they need. Knowing about these grants and how to apply for them can really help your startup grow in California's dynamic business world.
The California Grants Portal is a key resource made by the California State Library. It's an online tool for finding different grants. These can help nonprofits, public agencies, businesses, and tribal governments find money from state agencies3.
The California Grants Portal is your go-to place for finding state grants and loans. The California State Library set it up. It has a database with 7,136 grants, including ones for nonprofits, individuals, and small businesses4. It helps you find and apply for money based on your project needs.
Finding what you need on the California Grants Portal is easy. Use filters to search by keywords or what type of applicant you are. This makes your search more specific or broad, leading you to the right grants. The Portal's tools make it easier to spot the best state funding for you.
There are many types of grants on the portal. You'll find competitive ones and those given out first. Some may need you to match the funding from another source3. You can find grants for the environment, community projects, or using recycled tires. Organizations could get up to $6,000 for growth, or $50,000 for projects like animal rescue or land protection4. The portal offers diverse funding opportunities across California3.
California has various grants to help local businesses grow and develop. These funds are key for supporting small businesses in California, especially those that serve underserved communities or are starting innovative projects.
Who can get these grants depends a lot on the grant program. For example, the California Dream Fund gives up to $10,000 to small businesses that need it the most. These businesses must show they can make a big impact5.
Grants like the SBIR and STTR offer as much as $1.5 million for research with partners5.
Applying for these grants involves a few steps. First, companies check if they qualify based on the grant's rules. Then, they must put together a detailed application. This includes their business plan, financials, and a description of their project. For instance, Walmart's Local Community Grants may give up to $5,000 for projects that help the community5.
It's important to keep track of when things are due and to submit everything on time.
Finding and applying for local grants can be tough. There's a lot of competition and the paperwork can be overwhelming. To stand out, start early and get help from local business advisors. Looking into resources like the California small business grant programs can also be a big help6.
To wrap up, knowing what grants are out there, understanding how to qualify, and submitting a thorough application can greatly increase your chances of getting the funding you need in California.
The Route 66 Extraordinary Women Micro-Grant helps women-run businesses on the famous Route 66. It offers up to $60,000 to small businesses to help them grow7. To be eligible, a business must mostly belong to women, have fewer than 20 workers, and be near Route 667.
This grant program has three rounds between 2023 and 2024. Each grant can be up to $2,000, with a max of 10 grants per round7. They prefer businesses in old buildings or areas, to keep Route 66's history alive7. Projects must also find at least half of their funding elsewhere, showing teamwork7.
"Funds raised through the 100 Extraordinary Women crowdfunding services are automatically deposited into the nonprofit organization's account, less the processing fee8."
Route 66 also highlights special campaigns on the 100 Extraordinary Women website for six months, costing $2508. Plus, nonprofits can stop their agreement with a five-day notice. The collected funds, after fees, are paid out in 15 days8.
The application period for the 2024 grants ends on August 26, with winners announced by September 16, 20247. By supporting these women-led businesses, the Route 66 Micro-Grant keeps the road's culture and economy strong.
The Restaurants Care Resilience Fund is a key program that offers independent restaurant funding in California. Since 2021, it has gifted $7.3 million in grants to 1,603 independent eateries9. The PG&E Corporation Foundation is a major donor, funding these efforts with PG&E shareholder money9.
In 2024, 278 independent eateries each got a $5,000 grant. This money helps strengthen their business9. It pays for kitchen equipment, tech updates, and other unexpected needs9. Almost half the money was spent on kitchen gear, and a quarter went to tech improvements9.
The average grant-winning restaurant has been around for a decade. Most of them, 91%, run just one location9. They mostly belong to women (66%) and people of color (77%). This shows the fund's commitment to diversity9. These places employ over 17,000 people, with each spot having about 11 staff members9.
Recently, the fund gave out money to 182 more places10. These are spread across different service areas in California10. Since 2021, it's put nearly $6 million into 1,325 local restaurants10.
The Restaurants Care Resilience Fund is a shining example of teamwork in improving local economies. Through essential California resilience grants, it allows owners to get crucial updates and equipment. This supports the growth and stability of their businesses.
The BMO Celebrating Women Grant Program supports California's women entrepreneurs. It helps them financially and gives them recognition for their creative ideas. Since its start in 2012, over 240 women have been honored11.
To get a BMO grant, women need to own most of their business. Specifically, they must own more than half of it. Their business can't make more than $5 million a year11.
Also, the business should have been running for at least two years by April 1, 202411. These grants are for businesses in the 24 states where BMO operates, including California11.
Applications for the grant open from April 30 to May 1412. Winners get $10,000, coaching from a BMO expert, and more. The entire package is worth over $10,25011.
In 2024, BMO will give out $100,000 in grants. Ten women-owned businesses will each get $10,00013.
“Names of the 2024 grant recipients will be announced on BMO’s website in September, providing an opportunity for small business awards recognition among peers and potential customers”11.
The San Francisco Women's Entrepreneurship Fund helps local women who own businesses. It's a team effort by the Mission Economic Development Agency and the Office of Economic and Workforce Development. This fund aims to help woman-owned businesses grow economically.
This fund gives out grants up to $5,000. It helps business owners improve their work and grow14. To apply, owners must work at least 32 hours a week or earn at least $27,75514. Also, their business can't make more than $500,000 a year14.
To get a grant, you need a lease for 18 more months and 8 hours of business consulting14. These rules help make sure the businesses can succeed for a long time.
Applying involves a few steps. You need a nomination, a pitch to a committee, and an evaluation14. They look for growth potential, the owner's skills, support from advisors, project chances, and the grant's effect.
This grant focuses on helping women start their businesses. Contact Edwin Rodriguez at (628) 333-7941 or erodriguez@medasf.org for more info14.
So, the San Francisco Women's Entrepreneurship Fund is a big help for women-owned businesses. It's about growing the local economy and supporting women14.
The Founders First Job Creators Quest Grant supports diversity in business growth. It gives funds to minority-owned businesses in Southern California. This plan matches the big goal of Founders First CDC to grow the business scene in the area.
This grant helps different groups of business owners with money and resources. In 2024, it will give $100,000 and a scholarship to 25 Southern California businesses15. This big funding shows the group's big promise to uplift local firms and boost business in Southern California.
To qualify, businesses must meet certain money-making limits and plan to hire more people. The grant prefers companies that already have many workers. This aims to create more jobs locally. Last time, over 1,500 businesses applied for the grant, and 30 got it15. This shows a growing need for help among diverse business owners here.
Details on how to pre-register and apply for the 2024 cycle will be shared soon. This gives businesses enough time to get ready. Founders First CDC keeps working hard to make diversity in business stronger. They offer lots of support to make Southern California's business world thrive.
California small businesses can find big opportunities in national grant programs. These are offered by federal and private organizations. They aim to support projects focused on innovation, technology, and women entrepreneurs. You can find them on platforms like Grants.gov.
Grants.gov is a key site for finding federal grants. It lets small businesses search and apply for funding from different federal agencies. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants offer up to $1.5 million for R&D. Walmart’s Local Community Grants provide up to $5,000 for community projects5. For more info, check the California Small Business Grants page.
America’s Seed Fund by the NSF backs tech startups. It offers early-stage funding for businesses with new technologies. This is part of the SBIR and STTR Programs. They aim to encourage research that meets federal R&D goals. This can help startups grow faster by giving them access to important resources and networks.
WomensNet Grants focus on supporting women-owned businesses. They offer the Amber Grant, Startup Grants, and Business Category Grants. Each month, WomensNet gives $10,000 to a female entrepreneur. Eligibility depends on factors like how long the business has been running and if it's woman-owned. These grants aim to boost the role of women in business. For more details, visit the California Small Business Grants page516.
Entrepreneurs in California can find different grants. These include money for startups, business venture grants, and specific state programs. All are aimed to help new and growing companies.
The California Grants Portal is a tool by the California State Library. It helps find and apply for grants and loans from state agencies. This makes finding funding easier.
Use the portal's search to find relevant grants and loans. You can filter by category, agency, and more. This helps match funding with your business needs.
The portal offers grants for small businesses, local programs, and industries. Grants are either competitive or first-come, first-served. They help economic growth and development.
Eligibility for these grants varies but generally includes business size and industry. Location and operational status matter too. Some grants focus on minority, woman, or veteran-owned businesses.
Have necessary documents like business plans and financial statements ready. Read grant guidelines and follow them closely. This can boost your chances of getting a grant.
Challenges include meeting criteria and competing with others. To overcome, prepare well and get professional advice. Show how your business can grow and sustain.
The Route 66 Grant helps women-owned businesses along Route 66. It's based on factors like size and operational status. It's for open applications in 2024.
Independent California-based restaurants can get this grant. It's for operations, equipment, and technology. Chain and franchise restaurants can't apply.
This grant requires majority female ownership, business longevity, and revenue caps. It supports women entrepreneurs across 24 states.
Businesses must be nominated by a non-profit for this fund. It supports woman-owned businesses for economic development.
This grant targets diverse entrepreneurs in Southern California, aiming to grow the workforce. It sets criteria for employees and revenue. Application details are for 2024.
Grants.gov gives access to many federal grants for California businesses. Funding supports various industries and needs, a big help for entrepreneurs wanting federal support.
America’s Seed Fund, through SBIR and STTR, funds tech startups. It supports research and development to bring new tech to market.
WomensNet has grants like the Amber Grant, given monthly. There are also special-category grants for different sectors. They focus on helping women-owned businesses.
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