Top Small Business Grants for 2025 in Oklahoma

With a population of 4 million, more than 370,000 small businesses employ 99 percent of Oklahoma residents. In recent years, entrepreneurs have consistently contributed more than two-thirds of the state’s jobs by launching new ventures. While the tone and tenor of the Sooner State is to foster economic growth, new enterprises rely on startup loans and small business grants in Oklahoma.

It’s no secret that fledgling commercial ventures face early financial headwinds. Upwards of 20 percent are forced to shutter during the first 12 months, and only half reach the 5-year mark. One of the primary reasons a startup doesn’t gain traction stems from being undercapitalized. To buoy success, the state and private parties offer supportive small business grants. If you are considering opening a business in Oklahoma or have already founded your startup, these funding opportunities can help cover costs and grow your organization.  

What are small business grants? 

Grants are funding opportunities Oklahoma entrepreneurs do not have to pay back. Unlike taking out business loans, employing lines of credit, or swiping plastic, small business grants allow companies to purchase equipment, rent space, onboard employees, and other necessities without having to worry about paying them back.

In many ways, securing small business grants in Oklahoma is doubly beneficial. Unlike loans, these debt-free resources don’t task business visionaries with paying interest on top of the principal. However, grant opportunities typically come with some limitations.

Depending on the Oklahoma grant program, funding opportunities may be restricted to specific geographical areas, industries, and demographics. It’s not uncommon for the government to set aside small business loans for women-owned, veteran and minority enterprises. The state and federal governments, as well as corporations and foundations, may stipulate funding usage. This may involve hiring local staff members, integrating sustainable practices, or purchasing certain types of company assets. If you want to get up and running or expand the operation, there are plenty of grant opportunities Oklahoma startups can access.  

Oklahoma state-specific grants

With a few exceptions, the State of Oklahoma does not directly bestow small business grants. It does facilitate access through federal resources. The Oklahoma Department of Commerce supports funding access through a variety of programs, such as certifying businesses owned by women and minorities. That being said, a variety of organizations provide financial support to niche non-profits and privately owned companies.

Industry Innovation Program

The Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology offers business grants of up to $500,000 in matching funds for in-state companies. These industry innovation grants are designed to support the development of technologies that benefit Oklahoma’s economy. At least 51 percent of the project must be conducted within the state.

How to apply

Applicants must agree to dollar-for-dollar matching. Click on the Funding Portal on the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology home page to complete an application.

Oklahoma Agriculture Enhancement and Diversification Program (AEDP)

Run through the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, grants and loans are offered to farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural operations. The goal is to diversify the agricultural landscape by developing innovative solutions. The program also aims to support small businesses in the sector. Grants of $2,500 or less do not require matching funds. Those between $2,501 and $5,000 may call for some matching. Grants over $5,001 must include a dollar-for-dollar cash match.

How to apply

Visit the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry website. Click on Programs and then Grants and Loans for a complete list of grants and application guidelines.

MWBE Grants

In Oklahoma, minority- and women-owned businesses enjoy state support to gain access to Minority and Women Business Enterprise programs, grants, and contracts. Direct benefits generally come from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA). The Oklahoma Department of Commerce certifies women-owned businesses, making them eligible to apply for grants, programs, and bid on MWBE contracts.

How to apply

You can download and complete the application form and mail it with the required attachments to:

Oklahoma Department of Commerce

ATTN: Women-owned Business Certification Program

900 North Stiles Ave.

Oklahoma City, OK 73104

The state offers a variety of minority certifications to support disadvantaged populations. The Oklahoma DOC publishes a downloadable overview and guidelines of its Minority Business Certification Programs.

Oklahoma Arts Council Grants

The Oklahoma Arts Council works diligently to provide funding opportunities to the arts and arts education programs in rural areas. For example, Oklahoma Arts Sector ARPA Grants are available to 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations that advance arts programming. To be eligible for this and other Oklahoma grant program funding, business applicants must be a “non-religious, nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization.” All non-profit organizations must be incorporated in the State of Oklahoma.

How to apply

To apply for an Arts Council grant, applicants must fill out a form and submit it for panel review. Available to artists as well as arts organizations, the Arts Council reviews applications on an ongoing basis.

Oklahoma Bar Foundation

The small business grants offered through the Oklahoma Bar Foundation support social justice. Designed to support non-profit organizations and small business-minded individuals who are committed to improving legal services, Bar Foundation grants fall into the following categories: Housing Protection & Community Redevelopment and Court Reporter Rural Service.

The housing protection funding opportunities focus on foreclosure defense and landlord-tenant services. Court reporters can apply for grants when relocating to rural areas. And, small business grants are available for court reporter schools.  

How to apply

Grant applications are available at the Oklahoma Bar Foundation website. Submission and review dates are listed for each grant.

Inasmuch Foundation

Established more than 40 years ago, the Inasmuch Foundation focuses its grants on community enhancement, human services, education, and journalism. Available to non-profit organizations, small business grants are available to qualifying early education, behavioral health, homelessness prevention, and Oklahoma journalism, among others.

How to apply

The Inasmuch Foundation website provides specific eligibility information. The latest information and applications can be accessed through the platform’s Grants Portal, located at the bottom of the home page.

Kirkpatrick Foundation

This organization supports projects and programs that align with its mission in the arts, culture, education, historic preservation and animal well-being in Central Oklahoma. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) non-profits for a minimum of three years. Grants applications for $10,000 or less are reviewed monthly. Larger grant applications are due by June 1 or December 1.

How to apply

To apply for Kirkpatrick Foundation grant opportunities, applicants must create an account on the organization’s website. The Grant Portal provides FAQs and an online application.

Federal grants available to Oklahoma businesses

If you find you are not qualified for niche small business grants in Oklahoma, ample resources are available at the federal level. Entities such as the Small Business Administration (SBA), among others, offer money that doesn’t need to be repaid. Taking advantage of funding opportunities that are designed to support the growth and goal achievement of startups is essential to overcoming first-year challenges.

SBIR & STTR

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs fall under the purview of the SBA. Both grant opportunities provide financial support for entrepreneurs launching technology startups, as well as those in the early stages of development. The SBIR/STTR programs have an interest in innovations that further healthcare, military defense, and energy, among others.

How to apply

The SBIR website provides in-depth information regarding the small business grants. If this is a good fit for your venture, click on the Apply tab and follow the prompts.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) grants

Offering resources and support in every state, the federal SBA is of great importance to small businesses. It helps entrepreneurs find resources, including low-interest startup loans and grants, throughout the country. In Oklahoma, manufacturing grants are available to non-profit and not-for-profit organizations that have been operating for the past three years. These are other SBA grants worth considering.

• Boots to Business (B2B): Available to qualifying veteran entities.
• Program for Investors in Microentrepreneurs (PRIME): Available to qualifying disadvantaged microentrepreneurs for training, technical assistance, and guidance.

How to apply

Visit the SBA’s funding programs page and click through to Grants for Community Organizations. You’ll find a list of grant opportunities, detailed information, and a database of commonly used forms.  

Corporate and private foundation grants

It’s important to keep in mind that corporations are not giving away funding opportunities to small businesses out of goodwill. What they typically look for when evaluating small business grants is whether the enterprise aligns with its goals and interests. Private foundations generally follow this model, with one notable exception. Philanthropic organizations often seek the betterment of communities, level the playing field for underprivileged individuals, and promote social justice.

That’s primarily why corporations and private foundations issue grants for small businesses that further sustainability, diversity, and cutting-edge technologies. These rank among the top corporate and private foundation grants available to entrepreneurs and non-profit organizations.

FedEx Small Business Grant

FedEx small business grant opportunities were awarded to 10 applicants in 2024. The largest small business grant was $50,000, and the other nine were typically $20,000.

How to apply

The FedEx small business grant program is currently offline. However, it may be prudent to check the company’s website for future funding opportunities periodically.

National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) Growth Grant

An advocacy organization that represents businesses in Washington, D.C, joining NASE gives you access to potential grant money. As a member, entrepreneurs can apply for $4,000 Growth Grants. The organization approves upward of $1 million in small business grants annually.

How to apply

Visit NASE and determine whether joining is a good fit for your startup or growing business. Grant and scholarship information is located under the Become a Member tab.

Verizon Small Business Digital Ready

Offering grants of $10,000, Verizon’s program involves an educational component, networking, mentorships, and financial support. Startups must meet certain specific business criteria to be eligible.

How to apply

Visit the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready web page for detailed information.

Patagonia Corporate Grants Program

With a laser focus on environmental sustainability, the Patagonia Corporate Grants Program is funded through retail outlets across the U.S. and Canada. It awards grants to deserving startups and organizations that “protect local habitats and frontline communities through bold, original actions.”

How to apply

Only 501(c)(3) public entities and those sponsored by a 501(c)(3) are eligible. Visit Patagonia for more information.

The Amber Grant

The Amber Grant awards grants between $10,000 and $25,000 to women-owned businesses every month. Established by WomensNet in 1998, the organization offers niche industry grants as well as annual awards.

How to apply

Fill out an application on WomensNet and include a heartfelt narrative about your goals and business.  The platform also offers free grant tips.

Small business grant tips

Take some time to consider the direction of your startup or growing business. Consider company goals and how they might align with grant opportunities in Oklahoma or at the national level. Before you start filling out applications, put together a mission statement, get a handle on your current financial situation and future needs. These are some tips worth remembering as you seek out funding opportunities.

• Determine Eligibility
• Make Sure Your Organizations are Aligned
• Reach Out for Help
• Gather and Provide Supporting Documents
• Follow Application Guidelines
• Be Prepared to Clarify Items on the Application

Conclusion

Don’t hesitate to hire a professional grant writer or take a course to gain expertise before applying. Acquiring small business grants in Oklahoma can make a significant difference in terms of profitability and expansion. And if you’re just starting a business, securing early funding through grants can help you build a strong foundation and set your company up for long-term success.