Small business owners should remember that, unlike loans, grants never need to be repaid. These programs are designed as investments in South Carolina’s economy, so as long as you qualify and use the funds as intended, the money is yours to keep.
To make it easier for you to navigate these opportunities, we’ve created a guide that breaks down the key grant programs available in South Carolina. Inside, you’ll find details on eligibility requirements, the application process, and tips to improve your chances of approval. We’ve also included examples of state, federal, and private grants so you can quickly find the ones that fit your business goals and take the next step toward growth.
What are small business grants?
When you are starting a small business, it needs funding to grow. As a business owner, you can fund your business through your personal funds, bank or personal loans, venture capital, or grants. Grant money is often the ideal form of funding because it does not come out of your pocket, never needs to be paid back, and does not require you to surrender your business equity. Of course, you and your business must qualify for the grant and use it properly, but otherwise, the money is yours once granted.
Grants can be beneficial during the early stages of your business or when trying to expand your business. During the start-up phase of a company, when your finances may be stretched, grant money can extend your cash and help you avoid incurring debt and paying the associated interest. Grants can help avoid accepting venture capital monies that generally require you to give them partial ownership of the business you are working hard to build. Grants provide many of the same benefits once your business is established, and you see opportunities to expand or branch into new services or offerings.
Numerous funding sources provide grants to small businesses, including federal government agencies, state and local governmental agencies, corporations, nonprofits, and private funds, as well as state and local foundations. Regardless of the source, you should be aware that while you do not need to repay the grants you receive, the grant money may need to be reported as taxable income.
South Carolina state-specific grants
Some grants are available only to South Carolina businesses and residents. In fact, there are so many grants available to South Carolina businesses that this article can describe only a portion of them. To help you find grants that may apply to your situation, consider using a consolidation site such as US Grants. Creating an account allows you to search for grants based on your state, industry, needs, or other variables.
Organizations such as SCORE and South Carolina Small Business Development Centers will help you identify appropriate grants and assist you during the application process.
Below are examples of South Carolina grants.
South Carolina Department of Commerce Export Incentives (PAUSED)
The South Carolina Department of Commerce typically assists 65 businesses annually by paying export-related expenses through the SBA’s State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) or the South Carolina Opportunities for Promoting Exports (SCOPE) program. Grants can be used for:
- International Trade Show Expenses
- Export-related Training
- Website and Marketing Enhancements
- Federal Agency Expenses
Eligibility requirements for the grants include:
- Being an independently owned, for-profit enterprise operating in South Carolina for 2+ years
- Producing export-ready products with at least 51% U.S. content
NOTE: The federal STEP funding from the SBA is currently on hold for FY26. South Carolina Commerce continues to operate its own SCOPE state-funded export incentive program in the interim, though funding may be more limited than in prior years. Contact the SC Department of Commerce’s International Trade team directly to confirm current availability before planning any export activities for reimbursement.
SC CompTIA IWT Scholarship
The SC CompTIA IWT Scholarship awards $5,000 scholarships to cover the cost of certified technology training for incumbent employees. The A+ program is a 16-week course that prepares workers for IT operations roles. Security+ is an 8-week program for managing IT infrastructure and cybersecurity. Selected employees participate in remote training for 11.5 hours per week.
Application process: best practices and tips
Eligible employers must be in South Carolina and have at least one non-owner employee. The company must require desktop or cybersecurity personnel and be current on all state tax obligations. The target trainees must be full-time employees (based on the Fair Labor Standards Act), have been employed for six months or more, possess an average or better understanding of information technology, and pass the pre-screening assessments.
Selection occurs on a first-come, first-served basis, so early applications are encouraged.
Industry-specific and niche grants: overview
Businesses may be eligible for industry-specific and niche grants. Industry grants support businesses in specific sectors, while niche grants focus on specific issues, such as energy efficiency or sustainability.
Dominion Energy Small Business Energy Solutions
The Dominion Energy Small Business Energy Solutions program is designed to reduce energy use and costs through enhancements to lighting and HVAC systems. The program pays 90% of the cost, up to $6,000.
Application process: best practices and tips
Eligible small businesses have five or fewer electric service accounts that use 350,000 kWh or less of energy per year. To apply, schedule an onsite energy audit, schedule an approved contractor to implement the recommended changes, and pay 10% of the implementation costs.
South Carolina Department of Commerce Catalyst Grant
The Catalyst Grant adds value to small and medium-sized manufacturers that supply the defense industry. It provides grants to encourage the adoption of Advanced Manufacturing Technologies, Quality Management Systems, and Lean Manufacturing tools and techniques.
Application process: best practices and tips
Applicants complete an online questionnaire by October each year, followed by an onsite assessment. Eligible firms:
- Operate within the DOD supply chain with an NAICS code beginning with 31, 32, or 33
- Have had a South Carolina location for 1+ year and have 4+ employees
readySC Workforce Training
readySC is a division of the South Carolina Technical College System that provides customized, employer-driven workforce training, completely free of charge, to new and expanding businesses creating jobs in South Carolina. While not a traditional cash grant, readySC’s services represent a significant financial benefit: the program designs, develops, and delivers custom training programs at no cost to the employer, covering everything from pre-employment screening and skills assessment to on-the-job technical training and management development.
The program is available to businesses of any size that are creating new jobs or making a significant capital investment in South Carolina. readySC works with each company to build a training program tailored to its specific operational needs, often beginning before a facility even opens.
Application process: best practices and tips
Contact readySC directly through the South Carolina Department of Commerce at readysc.org or through your regional SC Technical College to begin the process. Engage readySC as early as possible in your expansion planning — the program is most effective when activated at the start of a new project, before hiring begins.
Federal grants available to South Carolina businesses
Federal grant programs are often quite competitive and have strict requirements. Their rigorous processes ensure equity in awarding grants, which often have large budgets and dispense sizable amounts. Some federal programs are administered federally; others provide funds to the states that handle the selection and disbursement processes.
America’s Seed Fund
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs use America’s Seed Fund to distribute approximately $4 billion annually for technology development and commercialization in various fields, including agriculture and quantum information science.
Recipients receive the funding in three stages, including proof of concept, technology development, and commercialization.
Application process: best practices and tips
Eligible companies are owned by U.S. citizens or permanent residents, located in the U.S., and have fewer than 500 employees. The South Carolina Research Authority offers grants to fund your proposal for this program.
Note: The SBIR and STTR programs lapsed on September 30, 2025, after Congress missed the reauthorization deadline. Both programs were reauthorized in March 2026 and are now active through September 30, 2031.
UU.S. Small Business Administration State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)
The STEP program is a federally funded export assistance program administered in South Carolina by the Department of Commerce. It reimburses eligible South Carolina small businesses for pre-approved export-related expenses. Note that federal STEP funding is currently on hold for FY26, see the SC Department of Commerce Export Incentives section above for current status and the SCOPE program as an alternative.
South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA) Grant Programs
The South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA) is a public, nonprofit corporation chartered by the state to fuel South Carolina’s innovation economy. SCRA Member Companies, technology-based startups located in South Carolina or with 51% of employees in the state, can apply for a suite of non-dilutive grant programs:
- Startup Grant — up to $25,000 for early-stage startups pursuing critical milestones toward commercialization.
- Academic Startup Grant — up to $25,000 for early-stage academic startups affiliated with South Carolina universities.
- Acceleration Grant — up to $50,000 for established early-stage technology companies to improve market readiness.
- Federal Matching Grant — matches up to 50% of a qualifying SBIR/STTR Phase I award, up to $50,000, to help companies bridge the gap between Phase I and Phase II funding.
- Small Business Demonstration Grant — up to $50,000 on a one-to-one matching basis for technology demonstrations, performance testing, or process improvement.
- Relocation Grant — up to $50,000 to reimburse companies relocating to South Carolina for moving equipment, employee relocation, and facility upfitting costs.
All SCRA grant programs require SCRA membership, which is free. Member companies deemed eligible are invited by their assigned SCRA manager to apply — acceptance as a member does not guarantee grant approval. Visit scra.org/get-support/get-startup-funding to learn more and apply for SCRA membership.
Application process: best practices and tips
Start by applying for SCRA membership at scra.org. Once accepted, you will be assigned a Relationship Manager who will guide you through the grant application process based on your company’s stage and needs. Grant funding is made possible in part through SCRA’s Industry Partnership Fund, whose contributors receive a dollar-for-dollar South Carolina tax credit.
Corporate and private foundation grants
Various corporations and private foundations offer grants for small businesses. Some programs provide grants annually, while others skip years.
FedEx E-Commerce Learning Lab and Beginner’s Cohort Program
The FedEx E-Commerce Learning Lab helps small business owners develop or expand their e-commerce by providing on-demand video training resources. In addition, the Beginners’ Cohort program supports small businesses looking to establish an e-commerce presence or whose online sales have stagnated. Program graduates receive $5,000 grants to develop their e-commerce capabilities further.
Historically, the graduates have included women, people of color, and/or low-income business owners, but any small business owner can apply who meets the following criteria:
- Own a U.S.-based business that sells packaged, shelf-stable products that are in a prohibited industry
- Possess necessary legal permits to produce and sell your product(s)
- Have been in business for at least six months and earned less than $500,000 in 2024 revenue
Application process: best practices and tips
The Fall 2026 cohort application period has closed. Visit their website to be notified when the next cohort opens.
Participants must substantially meet the eligibility criteria, including submitting:
- Government-issued photo identification
- Most recent business tax return, business license, or registration document
- Most recent business bank statement
The Second Service Foundation Military Entrepreneur Challenge
The Second Service Foundation offers training, mentorship, networking events, and capital grants to support ex-military entrepreneurs. The organization sponsors the Military Entrepreneur Challenge. The challenge involves competitive one-to-several-minute business pitches about your company.
Regional semifinalists earn $1,000 grants, with the first-place finisher earning another $1,000. The national competition awards $15,000, $6,000, and $4,000 for first, second, and third place.
Application process: best practices and tips
The program’s applicant criteria include:
- Veteran, Reservist, National Guardsman, or transitioning active-duty Military Members, their spouses, and surviving Gold Star Family members
- Personal net worth below $850,000 and adjusted annual income of less than $400,000
- Own at least 51% of the applying business. Franchise businesses are not eligible.
The Military Entrepreneur Challenge publishes a detailed rule book describing the pitch process.
Conclusion
The grants highlighted here are just a starting point; South Carolina has many more opportunities waiting for motivated business owners. Take the time to explore the programs that fit your industry and goals, prepare a strong application, and put yourself in the best position to win funding. The sooner you get started, the sooner you can use that capital to grow your business and strengthen your impact in the community.