Ultimate Guide to Small Business Grants in California

Updated April 4, 2022

Are you a small business owner looking for grants in California? You've come to the right spot. This page contains grants that are currently open for California small businesses. Bookmark this page as we update it frequently.

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Skip Small Business Grant Program

Deadline to apply: Applications accepted year-round
Grant amount: $1K
Eligibility: Open to all small business owners and entrepreneurs
Grant information: Since March of 2020, we have been donating our YouTube revenue back to individuals and small businesses. On the third Wednesday of every month, we award several $1K grants to help business owners power their passion.
Apply: To learn more about our grant — including how to get EXTRA entries — read this short article. If you want to apply right away, here is our grant application page.

Temporary Outdoor Business Operation Grant

Deadline to apply: Currently, there is no posted deadline.
Grant Amount: $3K or $5K.
Eligibility: Business must be located in the city of San Diego.
Grant information: This program provides grants up to $3K (or $5K if located in a low- and moderate-income area) to small businesses to help with adapting operations amid COVID-19. Businesses can use the grants to construct or modify outdoor decks and platforms to bring them in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). More restrictions apply.
Apply: Apply for the Temporary Outdoor Business Operation Grants program online.

500 Global Flagship Accelerator Program

Deadline to apply: Applications accepted year-round.
Funding Amount: $150K.
Eligibility: Open to tech-related entrepreneurs located in the city of San Francisco.
Grant information: Those who are accepted into this program receive a $150K investment in return for a 6% stake in your business, hands-on support, networking, an MBA-like program, and more.
Apply: Apply for the 500 Global Flagship Accelerator Program online.

Elaine F. Stepanek Foundation Restaurant Fund

Deadline to apply: Currently, there is no posted deadline.
Funding Amount: Up to $10K.
Eligibility: Restaurants must be located in the Santa Ynez Valley of California.
Grant information: Restaurants in the Santa Ynez Valley could not have more than than $3M in total sales in 2019 and must have had at least a 25% reduction in sales in 2020 due to Covid-19. If you opened in 2020, you can contact Jessica Sanchez at jsanchez@SBFoundation.org to discuss exceptions.
Apply: Learn more and apply for the Elaine F. Stepanek Foundation Restaurant Fund online.

Long Beach Small Business Grant Programs

Deadline to apply: May 15, 2022
Funding Amount: Up to $25K
Eligibility: Must be located in Long Beach, have fewer than 200 employees, have less than $2M in recurring revenue, and may need to meet other criteria.
Grant information: There are currently three grant programs open for businesses — one for restaurants and breweries/bars, one for personal services and fitness businesses, and one for all other small businesses.
Apply: Learn more and apply online.

San Luis Obispo Small Business Grant Program

Deadline to apply: April 30, 2022.
Funding Amount: $5K or $10K depending on the number of employees.
Eligibility: Restaurants must be located in the Santa Ynez Valley of California.
Grant information: Must have fewer than 25 employees and must have been negatively impacted by Covid-19. Funds can be used for payroll and benefits costs, costs to retain employees, mortgage, rent, utility costs, other operating costs, and other covid-19-related expenses.
Apply: Learn more and apply online.

Other Small Business Grants

We'll update this page with new grants as we find them. If you don't qualify for the California grants currently mentioned here, check back later and take a look at the following grant guides.

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