Top 4 Grants for Small Businesses This Fall
- A'Ja Rolfe
- Sep 3
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 10
When small business owners think of funding, the spotlight often falls on high-profile contests or corporate giveaways, but some of the most reliable, impactful opportunities are the ones we often overlook.
The SBA and SCORE have been quietly fueling entrepreneurs for decades through federal grant programs, mentorship, and technical assistance. These resources may not always trend on social media, but they’re consistent, trusted, and designed specifically to help small businesses grow and sustain themselves.
This fall, we’re highlighting four opportunities you shouldn’t miss.
1. American Express & Main Street America — Backing Small Businesses Grant
What It Is: A grant program offering 400 small businesses $10,000 each to strengthen their operations and amplify their community impact. Main Street America
Why It Matters: Designed to empower businesses that play a vital role in their local economy, this initiative helps entrepreneurs recover from challenges and reinvest in growth.
Who Should Apply: Brick-and-mortar businesses that serve as neighborhood anchors, particularly those that foster connection and community.
Fall Checklist:
Confirm eligibility and submit an application before the deadline.
Highlight how your business impacts the local community.
Prepare photos, testimonials, or stories that showcase your role as a community hub.
2. SBIR / STTR — For Innovative R&D Businesses
What It Is: The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs provide federal grants (and contracts) to help U.S. small businesses conduct research and development with commercialization potential. Small Business Administration | Wikipedia
Why It Matters: With roughly $2.5 billion in funding awarded annually across multiple agencies (especially the Department of Defense) SBIR/STTR is one of the biggest R&D funding sources for small, innovation-driven businesses.
Who Should Apply: Businesses with technical or scientific R&D projects, especially in sectors like defense, education, energy, transport, health, and sustainability.
Fall Checklist:
Check agency-specific deadlines (these vary).
Prepare a strong commercialization plan and proposal.
Use SCORE or your local Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for guidance on navigating SBIR/STTR.
3. SCORE Mentorship & Workshops — Free Expert Guidance Anytime
What It Is: SCORE—backed by the SBA—is the nation’s largest network of volunteer business mentors offering free one-on-one mentoring, educational workshops, and webinars. Small Business Administration | Wikipedia
Why It Matters: Even though SCORE doesn't give direct grants, its mentorship and training are invaluable, and totally free, for preparing compelling applications (like those for SBIR/STTR) or improving business strategies and marketing.
Who Should Use It: Any small business owner—especially those preparing funding applications or seeking strategic business advice.
How to Leverage It This Fall:
Sign up for local or virtual SCORE mentoring.
Attend workshops on grant writing, marketing, or finance.
Use SCORE guidance to strengthen your pitch materials and application packages.
4. SBA’s Manufacturing in America Grant (E2G Initiative)
What It Is: The SBA’s Manufacturing in America Grant Initiative awards funding (up to $1.1 million total) to three eligible applicants to deliver training and technical assistance for small manufacturers through the Empower to Grow (E2G) Program. Small Business Administration
Why It Matters: Though not a typical business grant, this initiative helps manufacturers (especially in industries like timber, energy, steel, and aluminum) strengthen operations, regulatory compliance, and government contracting through funded training.
Who Should Apply: Organizations or entities providing support services to small manufacturers, not manufacturers themselves. Think local nonprofits, industry associations, or state agencies.
Fall Checklist:
Verify if the program is still open for application this fall.
Collaborate with regional manufacturing support organizations to explore eligibility.
Highlight your capacity to deliver technical advice, training, and impact.
Quick Comparison: Grants & Support Options
What to Do Next This Fall
If you’re rooted in your community: Apply now for the American Express Backing Small Businesses grant.
If you’re doing R&D: Start your SBIR/STTR prep and draft proposals, define commercialization strategy, and seek SCORE/SBDC help.
If you’re seeking guidance: Reach out to SCORE for free mentoring and workshops to bolster your proposal or marketing approach.
If you support manufacturing: Confirm if the E2G grant initiative is still accepting applicants and prepare accordingly.
These programs offer tangible, impactful support right now—whether through funding, expert guidance, or capacity-building.
References
American Express Backing Small Businesses grant details Main Street America
SBIR program funding scope and agencies Wikipedia
Application guidance and strategy tips InvestopediaNav
Comments