Washington small businesses are key to the overarching success of the state itself. Small businesses make up an astounding 99.5% of all businesses within the state, with the number of small businesses being 647,639 presently. In addition, over half of the state’s small businesses have fewer than 100 employees. This means that of the small businesses that call Washington home, more than half are actually small businesses with very few employees.
As a small business owner, you know the challenges that come with successfully operating such an establishment in any state, including Washington. Small businesses are difficult to fund and get going, and to keep going once started. Unfortunately, taking out loans towards that end can put you in a financial bind from which it’s not easy to escape. Thankfully, instead of loans, you can look into the many grants that might be available within your field or sector. This can give you the key funding you need and a critical boost to find success and get through those early years. Best of all, with these types of grants, you don’t have to worry about paying them back.
To learn more about small business grants and how you can incorporate them into your business plan of success, and learn everything you need to know about applying for and finding these beneficial small business grants, consider the following information:
What are small business grants?
Some people refer to this type of funding as free grants to start a business, and while that isn’t entirely accurate, since you still need to apply and meet specific requirements, it captures the main idea: these funds don’t have to be repaid once awarded. Small business grants are, in essence, a grant or funds that are given to a small business either at the time of its start up or even once it’s established. These grants come from various sources, which we will get into more in depth below. These types of grants can come from the government, on both a state and federal level, and come from corporations, foundations, and even nonprofit groups. They are often industry and/or demographic-specific and created to help specific businesses have a chance for success.
Washington state-specific grants
The following is a more detailed look at some Washington state-specific grants. These are only applicable to you as a business owner if you do business in the state of Washington and meet the outlined criteria:
Dairy Digester Grants
Eligible Businesses: Dairy digester-related businesses
Last Entry Date: December 10, 2026
Amount of Grant: $12.8 million
This grant is facilitated through the Washington State Department of Commerce. Only businesses that operate in the state of Washington and have been doing so for at least 30 days qualify to apply. This is designed to help businesses repair, upgrade and develop their dairy digesters. Applicants must show how their funded project would reduce greenhouse gases and waste. Applicants also have to provide a 15% match. Priority will be given to businesses or applicants that demonstrate a readiness to start immediately improving their digester upon award. Applicants are also prioritized who can demonstrate benefit to overburdened communities, tribes or vulnerable populations. Funding is from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act through the Anaerobic Digester Development. Commerce is currently accepting optional pre-applications, which give applicants an early start and help shape the final application process. The full application timeline has not yet been announced.
Clean Energy Grant
Eligible Businesses: Specific grant for the energy sector.
Last Entry Date: The 2025 cycle closed November 5, 2025, with awards announced in May 2026. A new 2026-2027 round is expected to be announced soon.
Grant Amount: $32 million with individual grants awarded ranging from $50,000 to $2,500,000.
Another grant benefiting another Washington specialized industry is the Clean Energy Grant, which closes for applications on November 4, 2026. This grant is designed to be a help to businesses for specific projects related to modernizing the electric grid, promoting solar energy development or enhancing community resilience. There is approximately $32 million available to both private and public entities through this Washington state grant.
Construction-ready projects that have a good plan and can begin work immediately will be prioritized over other applicants, as will businesses that will deliver benefits to the community overall and conduct meaningful community engagement. Grants award totals will range from $50,000-$2,500,000. This grant will help fund community outreach, as well as enhance clean energy development, and encourage the installation, deployment and construction of more clean energy technologies within Washington communities.
State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)
Eligible Businesses: Businesses expanding internationally.
Last Entry Date: Not listed
Grant Amount: The total program funding is $900,000, distributed among multiple recipients. Individual awards vary based on eligible export expenses, the Export Voucher Program reimburses a percentage of pre-approved costs.
The STEP grant is applicable to businesses all over the United States, but each state has its own director, so the Washington State Department of Commerce oversees this state’s Export Voucher Program This grant is designed to help small businesses overcome obstacles relating to exporting and helps cover costs associated with expanding into international markets. It is a voucher program that helps offset the cost of marketing materials and flight costs associated with establishing business relations overseas.
Federal grants available to Washington businesses
There are many grants that are available to Washington businesses on a federal level. Therefore, even though these are also available to businesses all over the nation, you as a Washington State small business owner can still benefit from these federal small business grants:
SEED Fund
Powered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) on a federal level, the SEED Fund consists of both the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. The fund has been part of funding America’s businesses since 1982 and continues to make an impact today. This grant provides funding for small businesses and to fund early-stage technology. It is focused on advanced research, focused entrepreneurs and a wide variety of technology applications. The SBA guides all the agency’s implementation of both the SBIR and STTR programs.
Eligibility for America’s Seed Fund
To determine if you are eligible for America’s Seed Fund through the SBIR or STTR programs, consider the following eligibility requirements:
- Have a business and are either a permanent resident or U.S. citizen.
- Employee fewer than 500 employees (most businesses that apply have fewer than 10).
- Are a for-profit entity and do business in America.
Although this is a federally based fund, the SBA allows local partners to train and support area businesses and obtain this assistance through America’s Seed Fund. Find local assistance to see how your business might benefit. Then apply to enjoy this federal funding.
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.
Small Business Transition Grant for New Entrepreneurs
This transition grant is specific to entrepreneurs who are operating a clinical trial and is funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This grant is designed to help facilitate the transition and career development of new entrepreneurs through small business funding, while also aiding research and development. It supports small businesses as they in turn employ researchers and the development of various medical implementations. This also includes training, mentoring and career development overall. The HIH’s overarching mission is to “improve health and save lives,” and this grant is aimed at doing just that. The last day to apply is May 11, 2027.
How to apply for and find federal grants
There are several grants available that utilize federal funding in some format. If you are looking for grants that might apply to your field or to your individual business as a small business owner, visit Grants.gov. There are some general tips for applying for grants as well to keep in mind (outlined below). These are applicable no matter what type of grant you are hoping to win.
Corporate and private foundation grants
Last, but certainly not least, when it comes to finding a grant for your small business, you should consider corporate and private foundation grants. This category encompasses a huge amount of the grants available throughout America, and many are specifically focused on niche specialties and demographic fields that deserve a boost. Read on for a sampling of a few that are currently open:
Start.Pivot.Grow Micro Grant (CLOSED)
The Start Pivot Grow micro grant was awarded quarterly and provides $2,500 to the winning business to help cover essential expenses while investing in growth opportunities. There was a rolling deadline for this grant as it is open year-round and awarded quarterly. It was sponsored by UPS, Wells Fargo, Dallas College Foundation and !Integral!ty.
The Start.Pivot.Grow Micro Grant program closed permanently on January 1, 2026. The organization is now focusing on educational resources and technology tools for small businesses.
Hustler’s Microgrant
This cleverly-named grant is perfectly suited to small businesses. It is made possible by HerSuitSpot and Deja Vu Parker. The Hustler’s Microgrant provides monthly grants of $1,000 to small business owners and entrepreneurs. Grants are awarded monthly. The mission for this grant is simple: “to provide grants and invaluable resources to promising small businesses across the United States.”
Eligibility: Any small business owner or entrepreneur in America.
American Express Backing Small Business
Main Street America and American Express began collaborating in 2021 via this grant to support economically vulnerable small businesses, and it’s still going strong today. Applications usually open in the spring and there is a submission limit, so if you are a qualifying small business owner, apply early. This grant provides anywhere from $10,000 (typical) up to $30,000 (enhancement grants). The Backing Small Businesses grant program enables small businesses that are locally significant to their area to overcome hardship and continue to grow and have a positive community impact.
The 2025 application round is now closed. A 2026 round has not yet been announced.
Eligibility: Independently owned and operated small businesses, employing 20 or fewer full-time employees. Your business must also be located in a historic or older commercial district. This grant is also only applicable to brick-and-mortar stores.
FedEx Small Business Grant Contest (CLOSED)
The FedEx Small Business Grant Contest ran from 2012 through 2024 and is no longer accepting applications.
FedEx E-Commerce Learning Lab
FedEx, in partnership with Accion Opportunity Fund and e-commerce experts at 37 Oaks, runs a four-month hands-on program designed to help small business owners strengthen their e-commerce strategy and grow their online sales. Participants who graduate receive a $5,000 grant to reinvest back into their business. The Fall 2026 cohort application period has closed.
Visa She’s Next Fund (CLOSED)
The Visa She’s Next Fund, a global initiative supporting women entrepreneurs, is no longer accepting applications in the United States. Visit visafoundation.org for any new programs they may announce.
Application process & best tips for applying to any grants
Obviously, getting awarded a business grant isn’t guaranteed as there are many applicants and stiff competition, and the higher the grant amount, the more intense that competition and the higher the application demands. Thankfully, we at Tailor Brands can help your business stand out among the pack when applying for grants. For example, when applying, we advise you to:
- Search Regularly: Search for grants regularly as there are new opportunities every week.
- Research: Learn about the company you are attempting to get a grant from, such as their values, vision and mission. Understand what they value so you can position your business as meeting these goals.
- Gather: Make sure you have all your business information ready and at hand. This includes business taxes, bank records, and more.
- Follow Instructions: Perhaps more than anything else, make sure you follow all the grant requirements when applying. Not doing so will often get your application rejected.
- Consider Winners: Take a look at past winners and see what makes them stand out. Take this into consideration when applying yourself.
- Follow Up: Don’t apply and then forget it, instead follow up in a couple of days or a week or so after applying, showing your excitement about the potential of winning the grant.
Conclusion
Securing a small business grant in Washington can open the door to growth, innovation, and long-term stability. With the right preparation and persistence, these opportunities can provide the financial support you need to launch new projects, hire employees, or expand your operations. Remember to research eligibility requirements carefully, follow all application instructions, and highlight your business’s community impact. Whether you are looking at how to start a business, or scaling an existing one, Washington’s grant programs can give you the boost you need to reach your next milestone.