SBA grants: what SBA actually funds
SBA says it does not offer general grants to start or expand a business. Its grant-related funding instead has specific purposes, including research and development, exporting and organizations that provide entrepreneurial support. SBA: grants and STEP directory. Last checked .
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SBIR and STTR research funding
SBA points research businesses to Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR). These programs support work aligned with federal research objectives and commercial potential; they are not general startup-expense grants. Follow the relevant research opportunity for its applicant rules, award type and application requirements. SBA: grants and STEP directory. Last checked .
STEP grants through states and territories
STEP awards go to states and territories, which administer export assistance for eligible small businesses. Examples include trade missions, international marketing, translation, export training and trade-show participation. A business starts with its state or territory’s STEP representative, rather than applying for the state’s SBA award. SBA: grants and STEP directory. Last checked .
PRIME for microentrepreneur support organizations
The Program for Investment in Microentrepreneurs (PRIME) supports organizations that provide training, technical assistance, access-to-capital support and program development for disadvantaged microentrepreneurs. The direct grant recipient is the service organization. SBA’s grantee directory includes a 2026 list; a listing there is not an open application announcement. SBA: how PRIME supports microentrepreneurs; SBA: PRIME grantee directory. Last checked .
Growth Accelerator Fund prizes and SCALE
The 2025 Growth Accelerator Fund Competition offered prizes to entrepreneur-support organizations, including $75,000 at Stage One and an additional $150,000 opportunity for eligible Stage One winners at Stage Two. These were organization awards supporting innovation, not a standing cash grant for any startup. SBA: 2025 Growth Accelerator Fund Competition. Last checked .
SBA identifies its 2026 Supply Chain Acceleration and Logistics Enablement (SCALE) program as the successor to the Growth Accelerator Fund Competition. Its September 22, 2026 announcement awarded support organizations up to $500,000 each over two years to help small manufacturers. These are announced awards, not a currently open application round. SBA: 2026 SCALE awards and GAFC succession. Last checked .
Other grants to support organizations
SBA also funds nonprofits, educational organizations and resource partners that deliver counseling and training. Its grants overview includes support for Small Business Development Centers and veteran entrepreneurship programs. Receiving services from an awardee is different from receiving the federal grant yourself. SBA: grants and STEP directory. Last checked .
SBA’s Empower to Grow Manufacturing in America grant seeks organizations that deliver hands-on manufacturing training and technical assistance. The official page says applications are closed. It is a provider funding program, rather than an unrestricted payment to every manufacturer. SBA: grants and STEP directory. Last checked .
Questions about SBA grants
Does SBA give grants to start or expand a business?
SBA says it does not offer general grants to start or expand a business. Its grant-related funding instead has specific purposes, including research and development, exporting and organizations that provide entrepreneurial support. SBA: grants and STEP directory. Last checked .
Do I apply directly to SBA for a STEP grant?
STEP awards go to states and territories, which administer export assistance for eligible small businesses. Examples include trade missions, international marketing, translation, export training and trade-show participation. A business starts with its state or territory’s STEP representative, rather than applying for the state’s SBA award. SBA: grants and STEP directory. Last checked .
Is the Growth Accelerator Fund Competition still the current program?
SBA identifies its 2026 Supply Chain Acceleration and Logistics Enablement (SCALE) program as the successor to the Growth Accelerator Fund Competition. Its September 22, 2026 announcement awarded support organizations up to $500,000 each over two years to help small manufacturers. These are announced awards, not a currently open application round. SBA: 2026 SCALE awards and GAFC succession. Last checked .
Official SBA help
SBA’s Lender Match is a free online tool for connecting small businesses with prospective lenders. SBA: Lender Match instructions (PDF). Last checked .
SBA district offices and resource partners help with business planning and applications. The local-assistance directory includes Small Business Development Centers, SCORE, Women’s Business Centers and Veterans Business Outreach Centers, with free or low-cost counseling and training. SBA: local assistance; SBA: 7(a) loans. Last checked .
Each fact links to the official source checked on the date shown. Confirm the requirements and costs for your application with SBA or the participating lender.