Top National and State Grants to Grow Your Small Business for 2020

Small business grants are like "free money." You don't have to think about interest rates and paying the loan back every month in installment payments. The only caveat is that there are specific guidelines and qualifications. The compiled list is some of the preferred national and local grants for startups and established businesses. Likewise, you can always check your state's website for local grants.

Small Business Innovation Research

SBIR has grant awards ranging from $150,000 to $1 million for businesses to engage in research and development. Over 11 governmental agencies participate in the program. Each agency creates its own eligibility rules and guidelines. The mission of the SBIR is to:

• Advance technological innovation.
• Foster research and development.
• Encourage entrepreneurship by women and minorities.
• Promote commercialization in the private sector.

SBIR desires that small businesses profit from commercialization. Applications are reviewed for research and development topics.

Walmart Grant

Walmart disperses grants for the local community. Grant awards range from $250 to $5000. The deadline that non-profit organizations can apply for grants is December 31, 2019. Non-profits must use the funds to benefit their local communities. Applications remain active for 90 days. Non-profits can request up to 25 grants per year.

FedEx Small Business Grant

The FedEx Small Business Grant Contest Participants receive discounts on FedEx products and services. Participants must have an active and open FedEx account in good standing to be eligible for the program. You can save up to 29% on select FedEx Express services for domestic and international packages. You can also save up to 20% on FedEx Ground and FedEx Home Delivery. There is a simple enrollment process.

FedEx also awards $25,000 to 10 small businesses nationwide. Share your story and grow your business. New applications will be accepted in early 2020.

A Grant for Greatness

AT&T desires to give back to the local community. Simply pitch a 2-minute video about your unique business idea, and you can apply to receive a $1,000 award for a brand-new business. If your business is already in existence, revenues cannot exceed $20,000 per year.

Eileen Fisher Grant for Women

The Eileen Fisher Grant celebrates women's accomplishments in business. Over $120,000 in grants is awarded annually. Eileen Fisher seeks to encourage women entrepreneurs to promote businesses that will create domestic environmental and social change. The business must be in existence for three years and revenues cannot exceed $1 million. The application process starts in April 2020. Winners are notified by November 2020.

Girlboss Foundation Grant

The Girlboss Foundation awards recipients $15,000 plus exposure on the Girlboss platform. Applicants must be women over the age of 18 and residents of the United States of America. Girlboss desires entrepreneurs in the fields of design, music, fashion, and arts. Applications are currently being accepted. Applications will be graded on:

• Creativity and innovation
• Business acumen
• Financial need
• Precise budget
• Business plan

The deadline to apply is February 21, 2020. Winners will be announced on April 6, 2020.

Amber Grant

Amber Wigdahl died at the age of 19. She was unable to fulfill her entrepreneurial career. Awards ranging from $2,000 to $27,000 are given out annually to recipients in her honor for any business idea. The application deadline is December 31, 2019. Judges consider business acumen and passion as criteria for awards.

Maryland Economic Development Assistance Authority and Fund

The program is very flexible and broad-based. Grants are available for daycare, arts and entertainment, infrastructure support, special programs, and strategic planning. Applications are readily accepted.

Nebraska Childcare Grant

Funds are available for in-home childcare and daycare centers. Childcare grants are awarded monthly. The program desires to improve the quality of childcare and promote early childhood education.

Texas Young Farmers Grant

This small business matching grant is available for residents between the ages of 18 and 46. The Texas Young Farmers Grant supports projects that will improve agricultural production for the state of Texas. Applicants can use grant funds to start an agricultural project, meet a financial need, or improve an existing farm.

Miami Mom and Pop Small Business Grant

The Miami Mom and Pop Small Business Grant provides a wide range of assistance for residents of Miami-Dade County. Residents must be in business for at least one year. Funds are available to purchase inventory, make renovations, promote advertising, purchase liability insurance, and improve security systems. Applications are accepted from January to May. Deadlines vary by district.