California Small Business Grants & Funding Programs
California supports small businesses through the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) and the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA). Major cities offer additional local programs.
CalOSBA Programs
CalOSBA administers the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program and connects businesses with various state and federal funding opportunities through the California Dream Fund.
Regional Centers
California's Small Business Development Centers, Women's Business Centers, and local economic development agencies provide free consulting and funding assistance statewide.
Major City Programs
Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and other cities offer local grants including facade improvement programs, microenterprise assistance, and industry-specific incentives.
California Business Grants
145 grants found
Intuit QuickBooks x Mailchimp Small Business Hero Program
The Intuit QuickBooks and Mailchimp Small Business Hero Program awards $20,000 grants to U.S. small businesses with owners aged 18 or older that show courage, perseverance, and integrity.
Dare To Post Challenge
The Dare To Post Challenge offers a $100,000 prize pool split evenly among eligible creators who complete a 30-day daily posting challenge on Instagram.
Cultivate Small Business
Santander's Cultivate Small Business program is a free, 12-week virtual training initiative designed to support early-stage food entrepreneurs, with a focus on underserved founders in low- to moderate-income communities.
The UPS Store Small Biz Challenge
The 2026 UPS Store Small Biz Challenge offers entrepreneurs the chance to win a grand prize, including a cash award from the $35,000 prize pool and a spotlight in Inc. magazine.
The Mott Million Dollar Challenge
The Mott Million Dollar Challenge is a national pitch competition offering a share of $1 million in prizes to support innovative, real-world problem-solving ideas created by students in grades K–12.
Skip's $10,000 2026 Kickoff Grants
The Skip's $10,000 2026 Kickoff Grants offer funding to support U.S.-based entrepreneurs and small business owners.
State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)
The State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) is a grant program that helps small businesses expand their exports.
AAUW Career Development Grants
The AAUW Career Development Grants offer up to $8,000 to help women take the next step in their STEM careers.
The Kitty Fund
The Kitty Fund will award a total of $20,000 to 20 small business owners who identify as mothers through the Kitty Fund Mompreneur Business Grant.
2026 Halstead Grant
The 2026 Halstead Grant recognizes emerging silver jewelry artists who show both creative talent and business potential.
Manufacturing Grants
SBA provides grants to help empower small manufacturers as part of the Made in America Manufacturing Initiative.
Associate Development Organizations (ADOs) Grants
Local economic development partners in each of Washington’s 39 counties, providing resources, loans, grants, and support for growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about business grants in California