Top Small Business Grants for 2025 in Wyoming

Starting a small business means taking on substantial risks. Perhaps the biggest risk is that you will not be able to raise enough capital to get your business off the ground or through a difficult period. Investments might come from friends, family, other investors, or your own savings. You might get a loan from a bank. Small business grant programs are another important option. They can provide much-needed additional capital for new small businesses, and they can give established companies an important boost during challenging times.

Wyoming is home to more than 17,000 registered businesses. Of those, over 10,000, or about 59%, have four employees or fewer. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) defines a “small business” in terms of both the number of employees and average annual income. Its simplest definition of a “small business” is one with fewer than 500 employees. About 96% of Wyoming businesses could fall under this definition. However one defines a small business, many Wyoming grant programs are available to assist them.

Securing small business grants can be especially helpful in light of the unique financial challenges that small businesses often face. These include limited access to capital, disproportionate debt, and unpredictable cash flow. Unlike loans for startups, small business grants do not have to be repaid. Read on to learn about funding opportunities through small business grants in Wyoming.

What are small business grants?

Small business grants are financial awards given to entrepreneurs, startup businesses, and other enterprises that meet the grantmaker’s definition of “small.” Grant programs generally provide funding for specific purposes, such as:

• Purchasing equipment
• Upgrading facilities
• Training personnel
• Conducting research and development

Grant funding may come from federal and state governments, corporations, private foundations, and nonprofit organizations.

Grants offer a way to finance business operations without many of the risks associated with borrowing money or seeking investors.

• Unlike bank loans, grants do not need to be repaid. Businesses do not incur interest expense.
• Unlike financing from venture capitalists (VCs) or angel investors, grantmakers do not receive equity in the business or seats on the board of directors. This allows small business owners to bring in capital without giving up partial control of the business.

Wyoming state-specific grants

Wyoming grant programs are available through the state government and Wyoming-based private organizations. These programs focus on the needs of Wyoming businesses. State-run programs may obtain funding through state taxes or the federal government.

Wyoming Grant Assistance Program

The Wyoming Grant Assistance Program (WYGAP) is a project of the Wyoming Budget Department. It is not a grant program in itself, but rather a “technical assistance program” that helps Wyoming small businesses connect with grant opportunities that meet their needs.

Application process: best practices and tips

Wyoming small business owners can begin the process by completing the Technical Assistance (TA) Request Form on the WYGAP website. The program’s mission is to help small businesses and others, “no matter your experience level.” The more information you can provide about your needs, the better, but they can offer assistance even if you are at the very beginning of the process.

Kickstart Grant Program

The Kickstart Grant Program is a project of the Wyoming Business Council. It offers grants of $5,000 to $50,000 to startup businesses in the state.

Application process: best practices and tips

To qualify for the Kickstart program, a business must meet the following criteria:

• Founded in Wyoming
• Plans to operate mainly in Wyoming for at least three years
• Has twenty-five or fewer employees, at least half of whom are Wyoming residents
• Has potential for growth within or beyond Wyoming
• Has at least one founder with experience in entrepreneurship or small business financing

The program awards three grants every calendar quarter. Businesses may submit applications at any time. The selection process includes submitting a pitch deck and a pre-recorded pitch. Finalists participate in a “Virtual Pitch Day.”

SBIR Matching Grant Program

The Wyoming SBIR Match Grant Program provides support to small businesses that have received federal funding through the SBA’s Small Business Innovation (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. The program will match federal funds up to:

• $100,000 for a Phase I grant
• $200,000 for a Phase II grant

Each business is limited to four matching grants over its lifetime.

Application process: best practices and tips

Wyoming businesses are eligible for matching grants if they meet the following criteria:

• A current grant from SBIR or STTR
• Half or more of their employees are based in Wyoming
• They commit to “seeking additional funding beyond SBIR/STTR”

The Wyoming Business Council accepts online applications on a rolling basis.

Regional Startup Challenge Sponsorship Program

Startup: Wyoming, a project of the Wyoming Business Council, periodically conducts a competition for startup organizations, which may include some small businesses. Recent challenges have provided grants that match local fundraising dollar-for-dollar up to $25,000.

Application process: best practices and tips

Competition is a key element of this program. It typically involves a pitch event where applicants present their pitches to a panel of judges. The program’s emphasis is on regional growth and development.

Wyoming Department of Workforce Services Grants

The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services (DWS) offers a series of grants to promote job training and workplace safety. These include:

• Internship Grants
• Business Training Grant
• Apprenticeship Training Grants
• Wyoming Safety Improvement Fund

Application process: best practices and tips

The DWS programs generally require grant applicants to be in good standing with the Wyoming Secretary of State and the state’s Workers’ Compensation and Unemployment Insurance program. Newer businesses may need to submit a letter from a local Economic Development Entity.

Some programs may require a certification from the U.S. Department of Labor. Apprenticeship grants, for example, are only available to Registered Apprenticeship programs. These certifications can be difficult for small businesses to obtain.

Market Expansion Grant

The Wyoming Business Council’s Market Expansion Grant program supports Wyoming businesses that are working to expand outside of the state. It is a reimbursement grant, meaning it covers 75% of the cost a business incurs to expand its operations, up to a total of $4,000.

Application process: best practices and tips

Market Expansion Grants are available to for-profit businesses based in Wyoming, with at least half their workforce based in Wyoming, and which declare their intention to keep their primary operations in the state. They must demonstrate the following:

• Annual revenue below $5 million
• Active pursuit of markets outside Wyoming
• Potential for significant sales in other markets
• Appropriate activities to promote growth in a particular market

Examples of reimbursable expenses include:

• Trade show fees and expenses
• Travel and transportation costs, including lodging and food
• Event personnel
• Advertising and marketing

Industry-specific and niche grants overview

Wyoming small businesses may be able to take advantage of grants that are specific to their industry or niche. Mining, agriculture, and tourism are major industries in this state. The grant opportunities reflect this.

Specialty Crop Program

The Wyoming Department of Agriculture offers grants through its Specialty Crop Program to “enhance the competitiveness” of various plants and plant products. These include fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, flowers, and trees.

Disadvantaged Business Enterprises

The Wyoming Department of Transportation provides certification as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) to “minority and/or women owned, operated and controlled firms that are involved in highway and airport construction.” DBE certification can assist businesses in obtaining certain grants.

Wyoming Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund

A “brownfield” is a property or facility that remains abandoned or underused because of potential contamination. The Wyoming Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund (WBRLF) provides grants and low-interest loans to businesses. The goal is to make these properties economically viable by assisting with the cost of cleaning them up.

Federal grants available to Wyoming businesses

The federal government provides a substantial amount of the funding for small business grants. Many state and private grant programs ultimately receive some or all of their funding from federal grants. Small businesses can also seek grant funding from the SBA and other federal agencies. The SBA maintains a district office in Casper to assist Wyoming small business owners.

Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs

The SBA’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs provide grants to businesses for research and development (R&D) activities. Funds for the grants come from other federal departments and agencies, including the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, and Transportation, and the Environmental Protection Agency.

Funding typically occurs in three phases:

1. Proof of Concept
2. Technology Development
3. Commercialization

The SBIR and STTR programs issue about $4 billion in grants to 4,000 companies each year. Businesses seeking STTR grants must partner with a research institution, which will receive a portion of the grant funds. SBIR grants go wholly to the business.

Application process: best practices and tips

To be eligible for funding, a business must be:

• A for-profit enterprise
• Located in the U.S.
• With fewer than five hundred employees
• Under the ownership and control of U.S. citizens or permanent residents

The process typically begins with a solicitation from a government agency that provides specific eligibility criteria. Businesses submit proposals to the agency through the SBA. The agency providing the funding makes the final decision about whether to approve a grant.

Minority Business Development Agency

The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) helps minority business enterprises (MBEs) overcome challenges like difficulty accessing capital and entering markets. It provides grants to organizations that support MBEs, and it helps businesses access grant funding directly.

Application process: best practices and tips

The MBDA website publishes grant announcements that may benefit MBEs. The agency conducts teleconferences to help business owners understand and navigate the application process.

United States Department of Agriculture grants

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers grants that may benefit small agricultural businesses in Wyoming. Most of the USDA’s grant programs are only directly available to public entities and non-profit organizations. For-profit businesses may be eligible for some, such as the Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program, which offers grants to farmers and ranchers to help them increase and expand production.

During funding periods, available grants include:

• Planning grants of up to $75,000; and
• Working capital grants of up to $250,000.

Application process: best practices and tips

The USDA does not accept VAPG applications year-round. The most recent application window ended in April 2025. Independent farmers and ranchers are generally eligible to apply.

Corporate and private foundation grants

Corporations and private foundations also provide grant funding to small businesses. Some programs only provide funding once or a few times. Others, like the FedEx Small Business Grant Program, may operate for over a decade before ending. A few programs have been around for many years and will likely continue to be.

Unfortunately, scammers have also entered the world of private small business grants. They often target business owners who are desperate for cash. Phishing scams and other schemes are rather common. When considering whether to apply for a private small business grant, keep in mind that legitimate grants tend to be extremely competitive. Anything that seems too good to be true most likely is.

Some private small business grants are available to a wide range of businesses, while others are specific to an industry, niche, or demographic group.

• Amber Grants provide three $10,000 grants to women entrepreneurs every month, and grant recipients may win an additional $25,000 at the end of the year.
• The Intuit QuickBooks and Mailchimp Small Business Hero Program will award a total of twelve $20,000 grants in 2025 to “entrepreneurs who demonstrate courage, perseverance, and integrity.” The program awards three grants each quarter.
• The She’s Connected by AT&T Small Business Contest will award $50,000 to a U.S. small business owner in 2025. Four runners-up will receive $5,000 each.
• During 2025, the Comcast Innovation Fund will provide grants in amounts ranging from $3,000 to $150,000 to businesses involved in “Internet- and connectivity-focused projects.”

Conclusion

Wyoming offers a wide range of funding opportunities for entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. From state-sponsored programs like the Kickstart Grant and SBIR Matching Grant to federal resources and private foundation funding, small business grants can provide the extra boost needed to grow, innovate, and weather financial challenges.

If you are still in the planning phase, taking time to understand how to start a business is a smart first step before applying for funding. Having a clear business structure, a well-developed plan, and your paperwork in order can make you a stronger candidate for grants and help you use the funds more effectively.

No matter where you are in your business journey, exploring Wyoming’s grant opportunities can be a game-changer. With the right preparation, persistence, and strategy, you can secure the capital you need to transform your ideas into a thriving business.