Top Small Business Grants for 2025 in Nevada

Most small businesses require at least some upfront financial investment. While many entrepreneurs cover these costs through personal investments, partnerships, or operating cash flow, these aren’t the only ways to fund a small business. There are several small business grants in Nevada that can also help with capital investment.

Many Nevada businesses leverage grants when starting out, expanding operations or simply renovating their building. There’s a good chance your business could qualify for one or more of these small business grants — which could be the key to growing into the next stage.

What are small business grants?

Small business grants are financial awards that do not have to be repaid. They’re given out by government agencies, foundations, nonprofits, corporations and others. Most grants have specific application criteria, can be competitive, and must be used for specific purposes. If you’re awarded a grant, however, it’s basically “free money” for your business.

Nevada offers grants in order to foster small business growth throughout the state. These are most often used to start a business, grow a business, invest in equipment or property, make environmentally friendly improvements, or serve a particular demographic. You might find a grant that can be used for something else, too.

Of course, grants aren’t the only way that businesses can raise capital. Compared to the other options, however, grants have several advantages:

• Business Loans: Loans must be repaid over time, almost always with interest in addition to the original principal. Grants don’t have to be repaid at all.
• Business Credit Cards: Credit card balances also must be repaid, and interest rates on any unpaid balances can be high. Again, grants don’t have to be repaid nor do they charge interest.
• Investors: Whether taking on an individual investor or completing a series of fundraising, any outside investment typically requires giving up equity. Grants are awarded without any contingent equity requirement.
• Personal Capital: Many entrepreneurs could use more funds than they personally have, and personal investment always carries financial risk because it reduces diversification. Grants can be used in place of, or in addition to, personal investment.

Before you turn to one of these funding sources, first explore the many different Nevada small business grants, federal business grants, and nonprofit and corporate grants available.

Nevada state-specific grants

Some of the best opportunities are the small business grants in Nevada that are specific to the state. These grants are only available to businesses within the state, rather than across the country, and there are many different ones your business might qualify for. 

Many of these programs are administered through the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED), but there are opportunities through other government agencies.

Workforce Innovations for a New Nevada

The Workforce Innovations for a New Nevada (WINN) is built on university-business partnerships throughout the state. Businesses provide training for in-demand fields, with past recipients being in healthcare, manufacturing, logistics and mining. Funds can be used to purchase equipment, develop curriculum or make other investments necessary to train workers.

Application process: best practices and tips

• Before completing the initial application form, first reach out to university or college career development offices. Explore potential partnership opportunities directly with them.
• Quantify training and job growth outcomes in concrete numbers, so you can clearly define how a grant would directly benefit trainees.

Nevada Export Grants (STEP)

Nevada Export Grants are offered jointly by the GOED and the Small Business Administration (SBA). They’re part of the SBA’s State Trade Expansion Program (STEP).

Export grants are available to businesses that send Nevada-made goods outside of the U.S. There are several specific STEP programs, each of which has its own criteria and eligible expenses. The GOED’s published guidelines have some of the most comprehensive information.

This grant doesn’t award funds up front, but rather reimburses eligible expenses up to the grant amount.

Application process: best practices and tips

• Work directly with the GOED and the SBA when preparing an application. You’ll likely have to act as go-between for the two agencies.
• Be sure you know what expenses are eligible, and keep receipts and invoices for all eligible expenses that you want reimbursed.

SSBCI Collateral Support Program

The State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) is focused on connecting Nevada small businesses with lenders and investors. The aim of the program isn’t to award grants per se.

One aspect of the SSBCI is a free Technical Assistance Program, though. The Technical Assistance Program primarily helps businesses prepare for loan applications and funding pitches. Financial preparation includes developing a budget, drafting future revenue projections, cash flow statements, and debt repayment schedules. 

You certainly should consider the SSBCI if seeking a business loan or outside funding — it’s a great way to network with potential financiers. Even if you might not use outside funding, the Technical Assistance Program is a free way to gain a solid understanding of your business’s finances.

Application process – best practices and tips

• You can use the Technical Assistance Program regardless of how seriously you’re pursuing outside funding.
• Pay attention to how financial documents are drafted, so you understand how to create these in the future.

Emerging Small Business Program

The Emerging Small Business Program (ESB) is a certification rather than a grant. It doesn’t come with a financial award, but rather is a state-recognized credential that small businesses can use when applying for local contracts or projects. Having certification could give your business a leg up on local government- or nonprofit-awarded jobs.

Certification is only available to Tier 1 (fewer than 20  employees) and Tier 2 (fewer than 30 employees) businesses.

Application process: best practices and tips 

• The application process is straightforward and simple, so long as your business meets the location and number of employees requirements.
• Apply for certification before submitting any bids or proposals for local government or nonprofit projects. Don’t worry about certification if you aren’t going for these jobs.

Local small-business grants

Cities and counties throughout Nevada sometimes offer their own local small business grants. These may be targeted for specific small businesses, or more broadly available to any businesses operating within the jurisdiction. For example, Clark County recently awarded $500,000 to home businesses (grants up to $5,000) and storefront businesses (grants up to $10,000).

Application process: best practices and tips

• Contact your local city clerk and county clerk to see whether there are any local grant programs available.

Industry-specific and niche grants: overview

In addition to the above grants, there are several small business grants in Nevada that get restricted to certain industries. These often aren’t as competitive as the more general grants listed above.

Nevada Arts Council Grants (Arts)

The Nevada Arts Council offers a range of grants for individuals, businesses and nonprofits that are promoting arts and culture. There’s everything from a Folklife Artist Grant to an Arts Learning Project Grant. Various grants might be used for ongoing operating expenses, or for costs directly related to a single project. For example, one of the Project Grants for Artists could cover some setup costs for an installation.

Application process: best practices and tips

• Grant opportunities sometimes change each year, and many are awarded on a rolling basis until all funds are used. Watch for new grant opportunities. Be sure to apply promptly if there’s one you qualify for.
• These grants are available to all artists in the state. You might obtain one even if you do art as a side gig.
• Be sure to read through all of the grant policies, which are extensive. You’ll have to create an account on the council’s Submittable online platform in order to apply.

Specialty Crop Block Grant (Agriculture)

The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) helps farmers growing fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, nursery crops and some other crops. The goal is to make Nevada-grown crops competitive on the open market. 

This is a collaborative program between the Nevada Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). 

Application process: best practices and tips

• Applications are submitted to, and grants awarded by, the Nevada Department of Agriculture. The program is funded by the USDA.
• Read through the USDA’s Request for Application (RFA), which has the most detailed information about the program.

Nevada Film Tax Credit (Entertainment)

The Nevada Film Tax Credit isn’t a grant, but rather a tax credit that eligible productions can automatically receive. The credit is 12-25% of eligible labor and other expenditures. The credit is available for film and video productions in the state that have expenditures of $500,000 to $6 million.

Application process: best practices and tips

• The best contact for this tax credit is the Nevada Film Office’s Director. Their contact information is (702) 486-2711 or [email protected]. 
• There have been several recent legislative efforts to increase this credit, but none have been signed into state law yet. Contact the Nevada Film Office for the most recent information on legislation.
• Talk with a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) to see how the credit would impact your production’s particular tax situation.

Federal grants available to Nevada businesses

Federal grants tend to award much higher amounts for businesses that require substantial investments. The application process tends to be more extensive, but you should compose an application if your business qualifies for one of these programs.

Small Business Innovation Research

Sometimes called the “America’s Seed Fund,” the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program provides non-dilutive capital for high-impact research & development with commercialization potential. It’s like raising venture capital — but without sacrificing any equity.

The program includes Phase I (technical development), Phase II (prototype development) and Phase III (commercialization) grants. Phase 1 grants might be for 5 figures, while Phase III amounts can reach eight digits.

Application process: best practices and tips

• The SBIR website has information on the general application process. 
• Grants are actually awarded by federal agencies. Contact the agency that oversees your industry for more specific information.

Small Business Technology Transfer

The Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program mirrors the SBIR program, except that STTR requires collaboration with an academic or nonprofit research entity. The grant program is otherwise essentially the same as the SBIR, with three phases and potentially enormous awards.

Application process: best practices and tips

• The SBIR website has information on the general application process. 
• Grants are actually awarded be federal agencies. Contact the agency that oversees your industry for more specific information.

Small Business Administration Grants

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has both loan and grant programs for small businesses. There are many programs that have various requirements, awards and purposes. You can find general information about these on the SBA website.

Application process: best practices and tips

• Contact one of the Nevada SBA offices for more detailed information, and for assistance with any SBA grant application.

Corporate and private foundation grants

Many large corporations and foundations run recurring grant contests, which businesses around the country can apply for. These programs can change from year to year, but there are several companies and nonprofits that offer annual awards.

FedEx Small Business Grant Contest

The FedEx Small Business Grant Contest is open to U.S. businesses with fewer than 100 employees. 2024 awards included nine grants of $20,000, and one $50,000 grant.

The application period typically opens during fall of the prior year, and closes early in the grant year. For example, 2026 FedEx grant applications will probably be accepted from Fall 2025 until sometime Early 2026. Sign up for emails, and you’ll be notified when the application period begins.

Visa Everywhere Initiative

Businesses worldwide are eligible for the Visa Everywhere Initiative if they operate in fintech. Specifically, the award is for businesses developing innovative payment solutions. Details for a 2026 award aren’t yet available, but this is a longstanding annual contest.

Freed Fellowship

The Freed Fellowship sponsors one $500 grant each month, and a year-end $2,500 grant to one of the past 12 months’ winners. The awards are often given to very small or micro businesses.

Apply through the Freed Fellowship’s website. Application deadlines are the last day of the month, for a grant in the following month.

Tailor Brands Small Business Grant

The Tailor AID Fund helps individuals who have recently lost their jobs take the leap into business ownership. With $1,000 worth of resources, including business coaching, registered agent services, and startup essentials, recipients get practical support to begin building their own companies. The application process is straightforward, requiring proof of a recent layoff, and offers aspiring entrepreneurs the chance to move forward with confidence.

Conclusion

Chances are your business qualifies for one, or perhaps several, of these grant opportunities. Whether you are starting a business or expanding an existing one, submitting a strong application could secure the funding you need to reach the next stage of growth.