Wyoming has 81,924 small businesses, 98.9% of all businesses in the state, and they employ 135,636 people, 65.2% of the state’s workforce (SBA Office of Advocacy, 2025 profile). 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. 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 for your Wyoming LLC or other small business.
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 (grant help, not a grant)
The Wyoming Grant Assistance Program (WYGAP) is a project of the Wyoming State Budget Department. It is not a grant program in itself and provides no direct funding. It is a free “technical assistance program” that helps state agencies, local and tribal governments, nonprofits and 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 (PAUSED)
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
- At least one founder has completed an accelerator, been a finalist in a pitch competition, previously exited a business, or previously run a venture-backed business that failed or closed.
The program runs one competition cycle per 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.”
The Kickstart program is currently paused until further notice. Check with the Wyoming Business Council before applying.
SBIR Matching Grant Program
The Wyoming SBIR Match Grant Program provides support to small businesses that have received federal funding through the Small Business Innovation Research (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 year-round. Qualifying applicants pitch virtually to the Wyoming Business Council.
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 (wage reimbursement up to $18 per hour)
- Business Training Grant (up to $3,000 per trainee, or $4,000 for preferred training, and up to $75,000 per business per fiscal year)
- Apprenticeship Training Grants
- Wyoming Safety Improvement Fund (up to $10,000 per business per year, with a 10% match, or 20% if you aren’t enrolled in a Workers’ Compensation discount program; first come, first served; apply by the 25th of the month)
Application process: best practices and tips
The DWS programs generally require grant applicants to be in good standing with the Wyoming Secretary of State, the state’s Workers’ Compensation and Unemployment Insurance programs, HireWyo and the Workforce Development Training Fund, and to hold the licenses and permits their work requires. Businesses less than one year old need 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.
Register in the DWS Grants Management System first. Approval can take one to two weeks. Applications are then accepted at any time, within each program’s timing rules. For example, Business Training applications must be submitted 30 to 110 days before training, and internships can start at least 15 days after submission.
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 part of the cost a business incurs to expand into new markets. Check the program guidelines for the current reimbursement rate and cap.
Application process: best practices and tips
Market Expansion Grants are available to for-profit businesses based in Wyoming, with more than half their workforce based in Wyoming, and which declare their intention to keep their primary operations in the state. A registered agent or virtual address in Wyoming doesn’t count as a physical location. 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 (up to $100 per night for up to 10 nights; meals aren’t covered)
- Event personnel
- Advertising and marketing
Apply at least 30 days before the activity.
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. The current request for proposals is closed, and the next one opens in January 2027.
Wyoming Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund (loan program)
A “brownfield” is a property or facility that remains abandoned or underused because of potential contamination. The Wyoming Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund (WBRLF) is a loan program, not a grant for businesses. It offers loans to private developers to clean up brownfield sites. Subgrants go to towns, cities, counties and other eligible entities, not businesses. The site owner must enroll in the Voluntary Remediation Program. 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.
SBIR and STTR funding comes in phases:
- Phase I: feasibility
- Phase II: development
- Phase III: commercialization, which uses other, non-SBIR funding
The SBIR and STTR programs award more than $4 billion a year in grants and contracts. 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
- More than 50% owned and controlled by 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 directly to the funding agency. The agency providing the funding makes the final decision about whether to approve a grant.
Note: The SBIR and STTR programs lapsed on September 30, 2025, after Congress missed the reauthorization deadline. Both programs were reauthorized on April 13, 2026, through September 30, 2031.
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 $50,000; and
- Working capital grants of up to $200,000.
Application process: best practices and tips
The USDA does not accept VAPG applications year-round. The most recent application window closed April 22, 2026. Watch USDA Rural Development for the next round. 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 run once or for a few years 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: WomensNet awards $15,000 Amber Grants to women entrepreneurs every month, and three of each year’s monthly winners receive an additional $75,000 year-end grant. The application fee is $15 and is non-refundable.
Conclusion
Wyoming offers a wide range of funding opportunities for entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. From state programs like the SBIR Matching Grant and Market Expansion 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, a budget for Wyoming LLC costs, 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.