Discover small business grants you may qualify for
You’ll need a registered business entity to apply for most grants. Tell us about your business, and we’ll help match you to grant opportunities—for free.
Haven’t formed your business yet?
We’ve helped 4M+ people make it official.
Haven’t formed your business yet?
We’ve helped 4M+ people make it official.
They made starting a business easy
They made starting a business easy. It took me an hour to get all the right documents done for starting an LLC. After an hour my business was registered and ready to go.
I really appreciate the really easy…
I really appreciate the really easy step by step process they have. I had my LLC up and running in less then 7 hrs from starting the process.
Such an easy process helping us set up…
Such an easy process helping us set up our LLC! LegalZoom thinks of everything that we are still learning.
Legal Zoom made setting up my LLC so…
Legal Zoom made setting up my LLC so easy. They asked all the right questions and got my business going!
Fast process and very easy steps
Fast process and very easy steps! The LLC formation was simple and smooth from start to finish. Everything was clearly explained, and the paperwork was handled quickly, I recommended!
The experience of setting up my own LLC…
The experience of setting up my own LLC was both quick, easy and simple
Efficient and professional assistance…
Efficient and professional assistance in quickly setting up my LLC. Started an application with Tailor Brands and later learned my expedited fee was only to submit to the State within two days, even though their website advertised 24 hours for an LLC formation and EIN. Should have started with Legal Zoom! Spoke with Gianna on the phone to set it up, logged into my account, and was done in an hour! Thorough and reliable.
BEST PHONE CALL IN THE 364.25 DAYS OF 2025
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Super easy to navigate
Super easy to navigate, This was the easiest deal to get my business llc. I am astounded at how painless this process was. You should really sign up.
My LLC setup
My LLC was set up quickly and efficiently, Thank you for the great job. Due today and completed today.
Starting a new LLC
Starting a new LLC. Ali walked me through the entire process in less than 10 minutes. Quick, easy and highly professional. Thanks!!
Piece of Cake!
Wow, if I had known HOW EASY it would be to create my own LLC I would have done it months ago! I literally created my own business in MINUTES. LegalZoom takes all of the fear, confusion, guesswork and administrative burden out of starting your own business. Strongly recommend it!
Excellent, rapid, economical LLC formation…
Legal Zoom enabled me to very quickly and economically set up my LLC
They made creating my llc such an easy…
They made creating my llc such an easy process and gave me plenty of options. I genuinely never even thought of. So happy I had this option.
Filed my LLC confidently thanks to LegalZoom
Sittie answered all my questions and made me feel much more confident about forming my LLC this morning. Including some basic tax questions that she was able to answer. So greatly appreciate her help.
LegalZoom was great to start my first LLC
LegalZoom was great to start my LLC! The process was simple and easy! Very fast as long as you know what you want your name to be and what your business is doing. Highly recommend for the people that like to do it themselves online. Great experience
Out-of-State LLC Business Formation
I was at a standstill with no resolution in sight - LegalZoom fixed me up within minutes & made filling the Out-of-State business form LLC-5 with the State of California, easy! Thank you!
Legalzoom help me set up my LLC efficiently. The instructions were simple, and I had a positive experience overall.
Legalzoom made starting my LLC fast, easy, and stress-free.
legal Zoom Concierge
legal Zoom Concierge agent, Jelly, called me and walked me through the process of selecting how I wanted to set up my LLC with through explanations. I recommend using the Legal Zoom concierge for customers not yet familiar with the process of creating and LLC.
Smooth, Professional, and Worth It — LegalZoom Made My LLC Easy
I recently used LegalZoom to form my Cleaning LLC, and overall I had a very positive experience. From start to finish, the process was efficient, transparent, and far less stressful than I expected. What went well: Easy to Navigate: The LegalZoom website clearly guided me through every step. I didn’t get lost in jargon or red tape. Clear Pricing & No Surprises: Costs were laid out ahead of time, and all required state fees were explained. No hidden fees popped up afterward. Fast Processing: Once I submitted my paperwork, things moved quickly — I got my official LLC documents sooner than I anticipated. Helpful Customer Support: When I had a few questions (about the operating agreement, registered agent, etc.), their support reps were attentive and professional. They helped clarify things without rushing me. All-in-One Convenience: LegalZoom handled all the official filings and paperwork. I didn’t need to go to the Secretary of State or juggle multiple portals. That saved me a ton of time. What could be better: Upsells & Add-ons: LegalZoom offers several add-on options (e.g. expedited processing, kits, templates, etc.). While some were useful, it felt like a lot of extras pushed along the way. I’d recommend reviewing each optional service carefully before adding it. Turnaround Time on Some Documents: A few documents (beyond the core LLC formation) took longer than anticipated. If you’re under a tight deadline, you may want to choose expedited options. Customization Limits: For standard LLCs with typical needs (like mine, a cleaning business), everything was fine. But if your business is more complex (multi-member, special licensing, etc.), you might hit limits on how much the template-based services can tailor to your specific case. Overall Recommendation: If you’re looking to form an LLC without hiring a law firm or figuring out all the legal and bureaucratic steps yourself, LegalZoom is a solid choice. For my Cleaning LLC, it delivered excellent value. The convenience, guidance, and peace of mind it provided were well worth the cost. I’d definitely use them again or recommend them to others starting a business.
So Helpful…
Legal Zoom is quick and easy to create a New Corporation. The price is fair. Thank you for all your assistance.
I’m new to all this basically my first…
I’m new to all this basically my first time filing for a corporation on my own and I didn’t last in 30 minutes. This is great thank you it just walks you through everything you need with answering questions. Did you already know
Leogilyn Pavo was so helpful
Leogilyn Pavo was so helpful. I needed to change my business address and Leogilyn walked me through the process step by step. Leogilyn even looked up specific answers about my corporation so I could fill out the required forms correctly. I couldn’t have done this without Leogilyn’s help!
Genaro was great!
Genaro was a great listener, remembered everything we spoke about and then walked me through the process of moving my LLC into a Corporation. Glad I called rather than try to do online - we got it all done in about 20 minutes.
Spoke clearly, was professional and very knowledgeable about his business
Edgar was so pleasant and professional and I will be sending more people to him for their corporation needs as well!! He is so knowledgeable about the sales products he sells. This was a flawless and simple process bc of him!
Nonprofit Advisor, Daniel Morgan is great
When I spoke with my nonprofit advisor Daniel, he was very thorough with explaining everything to me. I am new to this process and he made this experience a pleasant one.
I'm a lawyer with almost 40 years of…
I'm a lawyer with almost 40 years of experience. I'm a DIY around the house handyman, and I DIM in law, but was short on time to establish a New York non-profit corporation in advance of actually moving to New York. Legal Zoom and Ms. Angeles were amazing. This project was accomplished with their professional zeal, and saved me a pile of time and money. Respect!
Legal Zoom takes the guesswork out
I’ve used Legal Zoom to start my nonprofit, having them assist me with the 501(c)3 paperwork was the best thing I could’ve done. They took the guesswork out, they really made the process as simple and streamlined as possible.
Legal Zoom was incredibly user friendly…
Legal Zoom was incredibly user friendly! I was able to start my non-profit, Widows Walk Project Incorporated, within days. I had to call for support on one question. The representative was super helpful and had me off the phone within minutes. Legal Zoom mailed the established non-profit paperwork to me within three days. Thank you Legal Zoom for your expedience and support!
Gail Vyeda Deserves Recognition — Outstanding Support!
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The couple of representatives I spoke…
The couple of representatives I spoke with while in the process of registering my nonprofit and applying for the 501(c)3 status were professional, friendly, knowledgeable.
LegalZoom has been a great source to…
LegalZoom has been a great source to work with. I would recommend anyone to utilize Legal Zoom who is starting a nonprofit. Very seamless and courteous! The customer service they have been providing has been excellent!
Willie is the man!!
Willie did a great job answering all my questions and helping me understand different aspects of what what happens when starting my nonprofit with Legalzoom. Great customer service experience!
In the avalanche of many questions, Ana was there to guide me
Ana provided detailed information to my questions about a nonprofit. She was helpful and patient with me. She extended herself to keep in touch and work with me when I am ready. Thank you!
Incredibly helpful!
I called with some questions and received such helpful information! My nonprofit partner and I feel confident in moving forward with Legal Zoom services for our women centered nonprofit.
Being a business owner of two businesses...
Being a business owner of two business. A for profit and now a nonprofit LegalZoom has made the business registration process effortless and seamless all while keeping my submitted documents legal with the state. I highly recommend any entrepreneur who's filing your business on your own to let LegalZoom do the handwork for you. They are fast, accurate, and efficient.
Gerald was extremely helpful to me in…
Gerald was extremely helpful to me in getting my order processed. He made it easy for me to just answer a question and continue with the process of setting up my nonprofit.
Outstanding Work
The professionalism of the team coupled with the speed of getting the nonprofit paperwork accomplished and through the system was excellent. I am very grateful. This is my second time working with Legal Zoom. Thank you very much.
Smooth Process
Kurt was very helpful and provided all the information needed to successfully complete the DBA process.
Easy and professional
I was notified by text that I needed to contact LegalZoom to provide more information to move my DBA filing along. I called in and got Raffy. He was friendly and professional and took the time to confirm that LegalZoom had received the signed documents from me that were needed to take the next steps in this process. I was connected to Raffy on my first attempt and did not have to sit in a queue waiting for someone.
10/10 customer service
Both Kathy and Princess made the process of filing my DBA incredibly easy and were able to walk me through the process the entire time. Both were incredibly kind and helpful and I'm so grateful to the LegalZoom team for being there to support me through any troubles I have with my small business!
Very helpful everyone I spoke with was…
Very helpful everyone I spoke with was very knowledgeable and pointed me in the right direction. My dba was filed swiftly and I was informed about the progress the entire time. Very happy with the results.
KIERVE has Excellent Customer Service
KIERVE was very knowledgeable and provided the information I requested with additional things to assist me with creating a new DBA. I appreciated how patient they were and ensured everything had processed to the next step before we signed off the chat. Excellent customer service!
Customer Service exceeded my expectations.
After an initial dilemma with my DBA filing in California, a LegalZoom account executive took the reigns and made everything right by going above and beyond my expectations. Thank you LegalZoom!
Very helpful
I called in looking for help with my DBA and was able to complete setting it up effortlessly and got help with a few more items I didn’t even know I needed.
Joe was extraordinary
Joe was extraordinary! I called to add a DBA to my existing LLC, and he got straight to the point with exactly what I needed. He went above and beyond by taking the time to answer my questions thoroughly and even checked my account. He pointed out a couple of things for me to review, and if that wasn’t enough, he even sent me a screenshot so I knew exactly what he was referring to. Wow—what an asset to your company! Loyal customer here!
Perla Gallegos was Great
Perla Gallegos was great with follow ups and transparency as it relate to my business formation. I hope all Legal Zoom employees represents the way in which Perla Gallegos has done so in representation of the company.
Legalzoom has handled all our business…
Legalzoom has handled all our business formation needs with the utmost professionalism and timely filing. We appreciate their friendly and easy to use website.
Love how easy to understand the process…
Love how easy to understand the process of formation they have made!
The request I made for formation…
The request I made for formation documents was taken care of immediately and professionally. They were very helpful in getting me what I needed.
I had the absolute pleasure of working…
I had the absolute pleasure of working with Maria as my business formation specialist at LegalZoom, and I couldn’t be more grateful for her support throughout the process of creating my LLC. From start to finish, Maria was patient, knowledgeable, and incredibly thorough. She took the time to answer every one of my questions—no matter how small—and walked me through each step with clarity and confidence. Starting a business can feel overwhelming, but Maria made the entire experience smooth and manageable. Her dedication, professionalism, and genuine care for her clients truly stood out. Thanks to her guidance, I felt supported and well-informed every step of the way. Thank you, Maria, for your outstanding service and for going above and beyond. You are truly an asset to the LegalZoom team!
Using Legal Zoom made my business…
Using Legal Zoom made my business formation very easy. The program is user friendly and explains every step clearly.
Legal Zoom is a true one stop shop
This is the second company I have formed using Legal Zoom. They say what they are going to do and they do it. Legal Zoom provides all the tools and services you will need to quickly start your company, allowing you to focus on your business. The business formation specialist I spoke with, Juan was great; extremely knowledgeable and professional while giving me the feeling that I was talking with an old friend.
The agent was extremely helpful and…
The agent was extremely helpful and gave me the info that I was looking for. As soon as I got off of the phone with her, I got the official acceptance of my business formation!
Seamless Support from Day One
I was impressed by how quickly Alan, my Business Formation Specialist, reached out to me. Having support from day one is incredibly reassuring, especially as I navigate starting my first business. I look forward to seeing how my relationship with LegalZoom and my experience with their services evolve.
ClarisseTravel Wine Tourism Agency
I recently utilized LegalZoom's services. The platform was user friendly, making the complex process of business formation straight forward and accessible. The customer service team was knowledgeable and responsive, promptly addressing all my inquiries. The efficiency and professionalism demonstrated by LegalZoom have provided me with confidence and peace of mind. I highly recommend their services to anyone seeking reliable business formation assistance.
The business formation specialist…
The business formation specialist Ramses Cardenas understood my needs and articulated well the company's product. I chose the pro package because it was my best option based on the information Ramses supplied. The process was quick easy and to the point.
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Small Business Grants: How They Work and How to Qualify
Small business grants can help your business get funding without having to rely on loans and lines of credit. Here's everything you need to know.
Small Business Grants: How They Work and How to Qualify
Small business grants can help your business get funding without having to rely on loans and lines of credit. Here's everything you need to know.
Key takeaways
Grants are essentially “free money” that you don’t have to pay back, so long as you meet certain conditions set forth by the grantor.
Grants are a great alternative to traditional loans and investors.
There are tens of thousands of grants out there for every industry, location, demographic, or situation.
Grants are highly competitive so it’s important to find what sets you apart.
Finding funding is one of the biggest challenges small business owners face, especially when loans and investors aren’t the right fit. That’s where small business grants come in.
What is a small business grant?
Think of a small business grant as a financial gift for your company—unlike a loan, a grant does not typically have to be repaid. Grants are often provided by government agencies, private companies, or nonprofit organizations to support specific types of small businesses, industries, or communities. Because you don’t have to worry about interest rates or monthly installments, a grant allows you to reinvest every cent back into your operations, equipment, or marketing.
Why apply for a small business grant?
The most obvious perk of a grant is the lack of debt, but the benefits go deeper.
Equity-free funding: You don’t have to give up a piece of your company to investors.
Credibility: Winning a prestigious grant can put some weight and influence behind your name, potentially making it easier to attract future partners or customers.
Risk reduction: Grants provide a safety net to innovate or expand without the pressure of a looming bank deadline.
How to find small business grants
Searching for different small business grant programs is easier when you use the right tools and know where to start your hunt for funding.
Use LegalZoom’s grant-finding tool
LegalZoom’s grant-finding tool makes it easy to find grants in your area and for your business’ industry. Just enter your information and your location into the tool and let it do the heavy lifting. You’ll get a list of results that you can use as a starting point.
Check with the SBDC Network
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) runs a vast network of local offices that provide free business consulting. The professionals at your local Small Business Development Center (SBDC) can advise you on local and state-level funding and can help match you with regional grants that might not be widely advertised.
Search government sites
The government is one of the largest sources of grant funding. You should regularly monitor these sites for new grants.
Grants.gov: The primary database for all grant opportunities issued by federal agencies.
Challenge.gov: This site is where agencies post "challenges" or competitions with cash prizes. They’re not traditional grants, but they can help you get extra funding if you win the competition.
State and local portals: Most states have an economic development office with specific grant programs for local entrepreneurs. These grants may get fewer applications than national grants, potentially making them easier to qualify for. You’ll find a mix of government grants and grants from private companies. You may also find these types of offices at the city or county level.
Tips for applying for small business grants
Grant issuers are selective when choosing businesses to receive funding. On average, approval rates for many federal grants sit between 10% and 20%, so it’s important for your application to stand out.
Get your business ready
Before you start filling out any applications, take the time to get your paperwork in order. Most grantors want to make sure your business aligns with the purpose of the grant. This typically means you’ll need to give them certain information, including:
Your business plan
Tax returns and financial statements, like balance sheets and profit and loss statements
Your physical and mailing address
Your business’s phone number, email, and website
Apply for the grants that you’re likely to qualify for
It’s tempting to apply for everything, but "spraying and praying" rarely works. Focus your energy on grants where your business meets 100% of the criteria. If a grant is specifically for "women-owned tech startups in the Midwest" and you run a landscaping business, your time is better spent elsewhere.
Follow the application instructions closely
This sounds simple, but it’s where many founders fail. If a grant asks for a 500-word essay, don’t write 600. If they ask for a PDF, don’t send a Word doc. Review the instructions multiple times. It may seem like a small detail, but following the rules shows that you are professional and detail-oriented, which could increase your chances of standing out to the reviewers.
Do your due diligence
Unfortunately, scammers often target small business owners. Legitimate grants will almost never ask you to pay an application fee or processing fee up front. If an organization seems suspicious or asks for sensitive bank info before you’ve been selected, do your research and proceed with caution.
How to increase your chances of acceptance
Grantors want to see that your business is a safe bet, meaning that you’re responsible and have a plan to put the money to good use. They are more likely to award funds to a company that is professional, compliant, and legally sound.
Make sure your business is official
The easiest way for small business owners to boost their credibility is to ensure their business is properly formed and in good standing. This is where LegalZoom can help. From forming your business to making sure your annual reports are filed and your compliance is up to date, we can help you build the solid foundation that grantors look for. When your business is official, you’re not just a person with an idea—you’re a professional entity ready to attract investors and get funding.
Send out targeted applications
Take your time and read the rules and mission for each grant you’re considering. Only apply if your business aligns with the grant’s mission and goals. If you apply to something for the sake of applying, your application is more likely to get denied. Instead of applying to every grant you find, apply to fewer grants that closely match your needs and are more open to working with businesses like yours.
Highlight your accomplishments
Numbers and accomplishments can be persuasive, but often it’s the human stories behind a business that make a grant application memorable. Every business and business owner has a story, so tell the granting organization how your business fits into their mission.
At this point, many business owners choose to hire a grant writer. These professionals are experts at crafting compelling narratives and making businesses shine. You can hire a freelance grant writer on a gig board site such as Fiverr or Upwork, or hire an agency.
Tailor your application to each grant
It’s tempting to write one letter that you can use to apply for multiple grants, but doing so isn’t in your best interest. Reviewers will notice vague language that small business owners use in form letters and won’t be as likely to issue a grant to a company that isn’t willing to take the time to customize their proposal.
Remember: Your application will be reviewed by at least one person. You need to convince them that you’re deserving of the grant, and the best way to do that is to put a little extra effort into your application.
How LegalZoom can help
LegalZoom doesn’t issue grants to small business owners, but we can help you make sure your business is organized in a way that inspires confidence in your brand.
Get started on the right foot
Our business formation services let you create an LLC, corporation, nonprofit, or sole proprietorship quickly and easily. As your business grows and your needs change, you can trust LegalZoom to help you with business compliance and staying on top of important deadlines.
Stay in good standing
Our Compliance Concierge manages your business’ compliance efforts and pairs you with a dedicated assistant focused on your business’ needs. When you use this service, you get:
Unlimited phone and email access to your concierge partner
Regular check-ins to identify gaps and risks
A compliance assessment and plan of action
End-to-end management of compliance filings
Keeping your business in compliance helps you look professional and reassures grant issuers that your business is stable and reliable.
Get legal help
Our Business Attorney Plans pair you with a dedicated business attorney and unlimited 30-minute phone consultations about new legal issues. Your attorney can review your business documents, answer legal questions, and connect you with essential tools.
Find business support that’s right for you
Find business support that’s right for you
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Fast and accurate completion of your requests
A personalized dashboard available to you 24/7
Manage your business
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Vetted attorneys focused on your needs
An average of 17 years of experience practicing law
Upfront flat fee pricing so you can plan to your budget
Get legal help
Talk to a business specialist
Talk to a business specialist
Frequently asked questions
How are grants different from loans?
When small business owners receive a grant, they typically won’t have to pay it back or pay interest on the money they get. When you take out a small business loan, you have to make regular payments to repay what you borrowed as well as pay interest on the loan.
Who qualifies for small business grants?
The qualification requirements vary depending on the grant you’re applying for. For example, some grants are only available to startups, while others are only available to businesses in certain industries.
Do I need good credit to qualify for a small business grant?
Not necessarily. Organizations issuing grants to eligible applicants typically look at your business and how it fits their eligibility criteria rather than your personal credit score.
How long does it take to hear back after applying?
It depends on the number of eligible applicants and the organization’s review process. However, most organizations send their decisions out anywhere from a few weeks to a few months after receiving the application.
Can I apply for several small business grants at the same time?
Yes. However, you’ll want to tailor your applications to fit each individual grant. That means writing customized letters for each grant you apply to. Always read the application instructions for each grant before applying and understand the unique niche the grant is targeting. This will help you avoid making simple mistakes that could cost you the grant.
When should small businesses apply for grants?
Many grant programs have deadlines for applications, while others accept applications on a rolling basis. Small businesses should read up on each grant issuer’s requirements to determine when they need to apply. If you miss out on applying to certain grant programs during one period, you can always apply during the next cycle.
