Small Business Grants for Construction & Trades (2026)
Construction and trades businesses form the physical backbone of the American economy, yet many contractors and builders struggle to access the capital needed to bid on larger projects, purchase equipment, or expand their crews. Grants and government programs can bridge this funding gap without taking on debt.
The SBA offers several programs particularly valuable to construction businesses. The 8(a) Business Development Program provides disadvantaged construction firms with access to federal sole-source contracts worth up to $4.5 million. The HUBZone program gives construction companies in underutilized areas preferential access to government contracts with a 10% price evaluation preference.
State and local economic development agencies frequently fund construction-related projects through programs like EDA Public Works grants, which support infrastructure development in economically distressed communities. Many states offer workforce training grants that construction companies can use to upskill employees in areas like green building, safety compliance, and new construction technologies.
Corporate grant programs from organizations like Hello Alice, Verizon Digital Ready, and Comcast RISE are open to all industries, including construction. These programs typically provide $5,000-$25,000 for business growth, technology adoption, and marketing improvements.
Energy efficiency and green building present growing grant opportunities for construction businesses. The USDA REAP program funds renewable energy installations, and many state programs offer incentives for contractors specializing in energy-efficient construction methods.
Construction businesses with minority, veteran, or women ownership have access to additional set-aside programs at both the federal and state level, significantly expanding their funding opportunities.
Active Construction & Trades Grants74 Available
Award Amount
$4,000 - $4,000
NASE Growth Grant
Award Amount
$10,000 - $50,000
Amber Grant for Women
Award Amount
$1,000 - $10,000
Skip Monthly Business Grants
Award Amount
$5,000 - $25,000
IFundWomen Universal Grant Application
Award Amount
$10,000 - $10,000
Verizon Small Business Digital Ready
Award Amount
$10,000 - $10,000
Venmo Small Business Grant
Award Amount
$10,000 - $10,000
California Dream Fund
Award Amount
$10,000 - $1,000,000
Texas Enterprise Fund
Award Amount
$10,000 - $25,000
Global NY Grant Fund
Award Amount
$5,000 - $25,000
NYS Business Seed Funding
Award Amount
$5,000 - $5,000
Florida Export Marketing Plan
Award Amount
$5,000 - $150,000
Illinois Back to Business (B2B)
Award Amount
$100,000 - $500,000
Advantage Illinois (SSBCI)
Award Amount
$2,000 - $10,000
Global Access Program (GAP)
Award Amount
$600,000 - $5,000,000
EDA Public Works Program
Award Amount
$150,000 - $2,500,000
EDA Economic Adjustment Assistance
Award Amount
$75,000 - $150,000
SBA Growth Accelerator Fund Competition
Award Amount
$50,000 - $4,500,000
SBA HUBZone Program
Award Amount
$50,000 - $4,500,000
SBA 8(a) Business Development Program
Award Amount
$50,000 - $4,500,000
SBA Women-Owned Small Business Contracting
Award Amount
$20,000 - $5,000,000
California Competes Tax Credit
Award Amount
$50,000 - $1,000,000
California IBank Small Business Loan Guarantee
Award Amount
$2,000 - $500,000
Texas Skills Development Fund
Award Amount
$3,000 - $6,000
Florida Qualified Target Industry Tax Refund
Award Amount
$25,000 - $2,000,000
Illinois EDGE Tax Credit Program
Award Amount
$10,000 - $245,000
Illinois Small Business Capital & Infrastructure Grant
Award Amount
$10,000 - $1,000,000
InvestOhio Tax Credit
Award Amount
$10,000 - $50,000
JobsOhio Small Business Grant
Award Amount
$35,000 - $250,000
OneGeorgia Authority Grants
Award Amount
$50,000 - $1,000,000
Georgia REBA (Regional Economic Business Assistance)
Award Amount
$100,000 - $5,000,000
North Carolina Job Development Investment Grant
Award Amount
$50,000 - $1,000,000
One North Carolina Fund
Award Amount
$50,000 - $500,000
Golden LEAF Foundation Open Grants
Award Amount
$50,000 - $2,000,000
Michigan Business Development Program
Award Amount
$5,000 - $200,000
Michigan Going PRO Talent Fund
Award Amount
$5,000 - $25,000
Michigan Match on Main
Award Amount
$2,000 - $10,000
Washington State Export Voucher Program
Award Amount
$25,000 - $250,000
Washington Small Business Flex Fund
Award Amount
$5,000 - $50,000
Massachusetts Biz-M-Power Crowdfunding Match
Award Amount
$50,000 - $2,000,000
Virginia Commonwealth Opportunity Fund
Award Amount
$50,000 - $1,000,000
Minnesota Job Creation Fund
Award Amount
$50,000 - $500,000
Oregon Business Development Fund
Award Amount
$10,000 - $50,000
Maryland Small Business Grant Program
Award Amount
$5,000 - $25,000
Hello Alice Small Business Growth Fund
Award Amount
$20,000 - $20,000
Allstate Main Street Grants (Hello Alice)
Award Amount
$10,000 - $50,000
Fund Her Future Grant (H&R Block)
Award Amount
$1,000 - $15,000
Kiva 0% Interest Microloans
Award Amount
$15,000 - $25,000
Amazon Business Small Business Grant
Award Amount
$20,000 - $20,000
Intuit QuickBooks Small Business Hero
Award Amount
$10,000 - $10,000
Ladies Who Launch Program
Award Amount
$500 - $2,500
Freed Fellowship Grant
Award Amount
$30,000 - $100,000
Cartier Women's Initiative (2027 Cycle)
Award Amount
$10,000 - $50,000
EmpowHer Grant
Award Amount
$7,500 - $7,500
Halstead Grant for Jewelry Designers
Award Amount
$15,000 - $15,000
Girlboss Foundation Grant
Award Amount
$5,000 - $5,000
Red Backpack Fund (Spanx Foundation)
Award Amount
$5,000 - $5,000
Tory Burch Foundation Fellows
Award Amount
$10,000 - $10,000
NAWBO / Mastercard Small Business Grants
Award Amount
$2,000 - $5,000
Second Service Foundation Veteran Awards
Award Amount
$10,000 - $25,000
Hiring Our Heroes Small Business Grant
Award Amount
$5,000 - $50,000
PenFed Foundation Veteran Entrepreneur Program
Award Amount
$25,000 - $25,000
NAACP Powershift Entrepreneur Grant
Award Amount
$25,000 - $25,000
NAACP x L'Oreal Beauty Industry Grants
Award Amount
$10,000 - $20,000
Fearless Strivers Grant (Fearless Fund + Mastercard)
Award Amount
$1,500 - $5,000
First Nations Acorn Fund
Award Amount
$10,000 - $50,000
NBMBAA Scale-Up Pitch Challenge
Award Amount
$5,000 - $10,000
NDI Small Business Hub (Disability Entrepreneurs)
Award Amount
$25,000 - $25,000
NAACP Power Forward Small Business Grant
Award Amount
$5,000 - $15,000
USHCC / Wells Fargo Hispanic Business Grants
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there specific grants for construction companies?▼
While few grants target construction exclusively, many programs are highly relevant. SBA 8(a) and HUBZone programs provide preferential federal contracting. EDA Public Works grants fund infrastructure projects. State workforce training grants help construction companies train employees. General small business grants from Verizon, Hello Alice, and others are open to contractors.
Can a general contractor get government grants?▼
Yes. General contractors can access SBA contracting programs (8(a), HUBZone, WOSB), state economic development grants, workforce training funds, and general small business grants. Contractors who also develop or build their own properties may qualify for additional programs like EDA and USDA rural development grants.
What grants help construction companies buy equipment?▼
State economic development grants often cover equipment purchases. The SBA 504 loan program provides favorable financing for heavy equipment. Illinois Small Business Capital grants fund equipment for disadvantaged business owners. Many state workforce development programs also cover training on new equipment.
Are there grants for minority-owned construction firms?▼
Yes. The SBA 8(a) program is specifically designed for socially and economically disadvantaged business owners and is heavily used by minority-owned construction firms. State and local DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise) programs provide additional contracting opportunities. NAACP and NBMBAA also offer grants for Black-owned businesses in any industry.