Grants and funding for solopreneurs
Can a solopreneur get a grant? What the SBA says, real private grant programs to check, and cheaper funding routes.
Free money for starting a business is rarer than ads suggest. The SBA states that it doesn't provide grants for starting or expanding a business; its grants go to nonprofits, research and specific programs.
Where real grants come from
- Government: research grants (SBIR/STTR) for technology work and some state or city programs. Search Grants.gov and your state economic development site.
- Private programs: examples include Amber Grant (WomensNet) and Hello Alice. They are competitive; check current terms and deadlines on their sites.
- Company grant programs: large companies run occasional small-business grants. Only apply through the company's own site.
Avoid grant scams
A real grant never asks for a fee to "release" money. The FTC explains how government grant scams work.
Better funding routes for most solopreneurs
- Pre-sales and deposits from customers.
- Keeping costs low (see low-cost ideas).
- SBA-backed microloans through intermediaries.
Frequently asked questions
Does the SBA give grants to start a business?
No. The SBA says it does not provide grants for starting or expanding a business.
Sources
- SBA states sba.gov
- Grants.gov grants.gov
- Amber Grant (WomensNet) ambergrantsforwomen.com
- Hello Alice helloalice.com
- FTC consumer.ftc.gov
Checked 21 Oct 2026. Spotted an error? Tell us.
Update history
- : first published; figures checked against the sources listed.