Small Business Grants for Manufacturing (2026)
American manufacturing is experiencing a renaissance driven by reshoring initiatives, supply chain security concerns, and federal investment in domestic production capacity. Small manufacturers are well-positioned to benefit from a robust ecosystem of grants, tax credits, and technical assistance programs.
The NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) operates centers in all 50 states, providing technical assistance, workforce development, and consulting to small and medium-sized manufacturers. These centers help companies adopt new technologies, improve processes, and access funding opportunities.
SBIR/STTR programs across multiple federal agencies fund manufacturing innovation. The DOD SBIR program is particularly relevant for manufacturers developing defense-related components. The DOE funds advanced manufacturing and clean energy production technologies. NSF supports fundamental manufacturing research and technology commercialization.
State programs provide significant additional funding. Ohio's Third Frontier invests heavily in advanced manufacturing. Michigan's Business Development Program targets manufacturing projects. Texas's Product Development Fund supports manufacturers developing new products. Pennsylvania's Ben Franklin Technology Partners funds manufacturing innovation across the state.
The SBA's Made in America Manufacturing Grants support organizations providing training and technical assistance to small manufacturers. While these flow through intermediaries rather than directly to businesses, they create valuable resources that manufacturers can access at no cost.
Corporate programs complement government funding. Amazon Business grants, FedEx programs, and Verizon Digital Ready grants are all available to manufacturing businesses looking to grow operations, adopt digital tools, or expand into new markets.
Active Manufacturing 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
What is the NIST MEP program and how does it help manufacturers?▼
The Manufacturing Extension Partnership operates centers in all 50 states providing technical assistance, workforce training, supply chain optimization, and technology adoption consulting for small and mid-sized manufacturers. Services are often subsidized or free. Find your local MEP center at nist.gov/mep.
Can small manufacturers get SBIR grants?▼
Yes. Manufacturers developing innovative products or processes can apply for SBIR grants through DOD, DOE, NSF, and other agencies. DOD SBIR is particularly relevant for defense supply chain manufacturers. Phase I grants provide $100K-$275K for feasibility studies with no equity given up.
Are there grants for buying manufacturing equipment?▼
Several programs help with equipment costs. State economic development grants often cover equipment purchases. Illinois offers capital grants up to $245K for small businesses including manufacturers. Ohio JobsOhio provides grants up to $50K. The SBA 504 program offers favorable equipment financing.
What states offer the best grants for manufacturers?▼
Ohio (Third Frontier, JobsOhio), Michigan (MBDP, Going PRO), Pennsylvania (Ben Franklin), Texas (Product Development Fund), and Illinois (EDGE, Capital grants) are among the strongest states for manufacturing incentives. Colorado and Minnesota also run programs targeting advanced manufacturing.