grants-for

Grants for Kentucky Small Businesses & Startups

Explore 435 active, human-verified grant opportunities tailored for small businesses, startups, LLCs, C corporations, S corporations, sole proprietors, and independent entrepreneurs operating in Kentucky. Filter funding sources across federal agencies, state economic development programs, SBIR/STTR research funding, and corporate growth initiatives, updated daily.

Recipient type
State / Region
Nationwide / International
Grant category
Funding source type

435 grants found

Grants to Kentucky Food Service Establishments Promoting the Use or Sale of Kentucky Agricultu...

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants of up to $8,000 to Kentucky food service establishments for advertising and promotional expenses. Funding is intended for the promotion of state-grown agricultural products and processed food. Eligible expenses include radio and television ads; web expenses...

GrantWatch ID#: 155749

Fellowships to Kentucky Founders of High-Tech Companies to Accelerate Business in the Startup ...

Deadline: Ongoing

Fellowships to Kentucky founders of high-tech companies seeking to accelerate their business during the startup phase. This one-year, mentor-driven program offers a variety of benefits, including but not limited to mentoring, access to resources, assistance with a...

GrantWatch ID#: 160738

Grants to USA, Canada, and International Nonprofit and For-Profit Entrepreneurial Enterprises ...

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants to USA, Canada, and International nonprofit and for-profit entrepreneurial enterprises for initiatives that address important social issues at the national or global level. Funding is intended to support efforts that aim to improve the lives of individuals ...

GrantWatch ID#: 161348

Grants to USA IHEs, Research Organizations, For-Profits, Agencies, and Individuals for Innovat...

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants to USA IHEs, research organizations, for-profit organizations, government agencies, and individuals for innovative agricultural research. Applicants are advised that required registrations may take several weeks to complete. Proposals are invited for high-p...

GrantWatch ID#: 161422

Grants to USA, India, and South Africa Nonprofit and For-Profit Social Enterprises to Benefit ...

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants to USA, India, and South Africa nonprofit and for-profit social enterprises for initiatives to benefit children and families living in urban poverty. Areas of focus include education, health, and family economic stability. Funding is intended for proposals ...

GrantWatch ID#: 162173

Grants to Kentucky Individuals, Businesses, and Organizations to Enhance the Local Quality of ...

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants of up to $500 to Kentucky individuals, businesses, and organizations in eligible communities for projects that enhance the local quality of life. Projects must be resident-driven and must demonstrate a great impact on the community. Eligible applicants must...

GrantWatch ID#: 176583

Sponsorships to USA Companies and Organizations in Multiple States to Support Events and Oppor...

Deadline: Ongoing

Sponsorships to USA companies and organizations in multiple states to support events and opportunities in the communities where the funding source does business. Past sponsorships have included athletic, artistic, and community events. Special consideration will b...

GrantWatch ID#: 182121

Emergency Assistance to USA Livestock Producers to Compensate Losses Due to Drought or Fire

Deadline: Ongoing

Emergency assistance to USA and Puerto Rico livestock producers in eligible regions impacted by grazing losses due to weather conditions. Eligible applicants are those located in counties affected by severe or extreme drought. Producers will be compensated for gra...

GrantWatch ID#: 182188

Grants to USA Nursery Tree Growers and Orchardists to Mitigate Damages Due to Disease and Natu...

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants to USA nursery tree growers and orchardists to restore and replace qualifying vines, bushes, and trees that have been damaged or lost as a result of disease or natural disaster. Funding may be requested to mitigate losses of commercially produced annual cro...

GrantWatch ID#: 182189

Grants to USA Nonprofits and For-Profits for Educational Programs for Mental Health Service Pr...

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants to USA nonprofit organizations and for-profit continuing medical education providers for education programs for healthcare providers in the area of mental health. Funding is intended for continuing medical education (CME) activities, including live, print, ...

GrantWatch ID#: 184348

Grants to USA Media Outlets to Increase Public Engagement and Awareness of News Stories

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants to USA media outlets for reporting news stories. The purpose of this program is to promote the reporting of important but under-reported stories that pertain to all residents in local communities. Funding is intended to cover costs related to reporting a sp...

GrantWatch ID#: 189191

Grants to USA Book and Comic Book Store Owners and Employees for Financial Assistance During C...

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants to USA, Puerto Rico, Guam, and US Virgin Islands booksellers, bookstore owners, and comic store employees and owners for financial assistance during unforeseen events and circumstances. Eligible stores must have a physical location. The purpose of funding i...

GrantWatch ID#: 189304

Grants to USA, Canada, and International Entities for Canadian War Memorial Projects

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants of up to $10,000 to USA, Canada, and International nonprofit organizations and for-profits, and Canadian provinces and municipalities for commemorative memorials that honor Canada's servicemen. Funding is intended to support building new memorials or restor...

GrantWatch ID#: 190275

Grants to USA, Canada, and International Nonprofits, For-Profits, and Individuals to Promote I...

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants to USA, Canada, and International nonprofit organizations, for-profits, and individuals for activities that promote privacy, security, freedom, and accessibility in technology. Funding is intended to support projects and individuals working on accessible an...

GrantWatch ID#: 190638

Grants and In-Kind Support to USA, Canada, and International Researchers and Clinicians for Pr...

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants and in-kind support to USA, Canada, and International scholars and clinicians affiliated with IHEs, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and medical centers for research and development related to dementia. Applicants must register and submit an LOI prior t...

GrantWatch ID#: 193664

Grants to USA Entities to Support Research on Food Supply and Agricultural Security

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants to USA nonprofit and for-profit organizations and public and private IHEs for research addressing dangers to the country's food supply or agricultural sector. Applicants are required to submit a concept note prior to submitting a full proposal. Funding is i...

GrantWatch ID#: 193965

Grants to Kentucky Farmers and Businesses to Improve Water Management Efforts

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants to Kentucky farmers and agricultural businesses to improve water management efforts. Funding is intended for a range of expenses, including but not limited to contracted labor, project-related equipment, and the construction or renovation of facilities. App...

GrantWatch ID#: 194785

Grants to USA Entrepreneurs to Support Recovery After Natural Disasters

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants of $2,000 to USA and territories entrepreneurs to support recovery after a natural disaster. Funding is intended to help entrepreneurs who have faced business interruptions due to an unforeseen environmental event, such as a wildfire or hurricane. Eligible ...

GrantWatch ID#: 195041

Opportunity for USA Small Businesses to Participate in a Mentorship Program

Deadline: Ongoing

Opportunity for USA small businesses to participate in a mentorship program. Mentoring businesses must participate in the application process as well. The purpose of the opportunity is to help these small businesses increase their capacity, acquire development ass...

GrantWatch ID#: 195125

Grants to Kentucky New Businesses in Eligible Locations for Start-Up Costs and Development Act...

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants to Kentucky businesses in eligible locations to assist with start-up costs and development projects. Funding is intended to help new business owners with the redevelopment of buildings in commercial areas, with the goal of attracting customers. The purpose ...

GrantWatch ID#: 197762

Grants to Kentucky Businesses in Eligible Regions for Property and Building Improvements

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants of up to $1,000 and grants of up to $2,000 to Kentucky businesses in eligible locations for property improvement projects. Funding is intended to help business owners upgrade the exterior of commercial structures and enhance properties while retaining the h...

GrantWatch ID#: 197763

Loans to USA Businesses and Nonprofits in Eligible Locations for Disaster Relief Efforts

Deadline: Ongoing

Loans to USA and territories businesses and nonprofit organizations in eligible locations for disaster relief efforts. Funding is intended to help with the recovery activities of for-profit entities and private nonprofits located in a declared disaster area. Loans...

GrantWatch ID#: 199201

Loans to USA Small Businesses to Provide Financial Support Due to Military Call-Up of an Essen...

Deadline: Ongoing

Loans to USA small businesses for financial support due to the absence of an essential employee who has been called up for active military duty. Loans will be limited to the amount of economic injury to the business and may be used for operating expenses until the...

GrantWatch ID#: 199205

Grants to Kentucky Commercial Real Estate Owners, Operators, and Tenants to Renovate Old Infra...

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants of up to $5,000 to Kentucky commercial real estate owners, operators, and tenants in eligible locations to renovate old infrastructure and support local business growth. Funding is intended for the rehabilitation of dilapidated commercial buildings. The Fac...

GrantWatch ID#: 200154

Opportunity for USA and Puerto Rico Small Business Owners to Participate in a Business Develop...

Deadline: Ongoing

Opportunity for USA and Puerto Rico small business owners to participate in a free business development program. The 12-week program is intended to provide participants with practical skills, networking, mentorship, and the development of a customized business pla...

GrantWatch ID#: 200771

Grants and In-Kind Support to USA Businesses to Promote Success in the Digital Economy

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants and in-kind support to USA, Puerto Rico, and US Virgin Islands small businesses to promote growth and success in the digital economy. Applicants are required to participate in coaching, training, and/or community events prior to applying. The purpose of the...

GrantWatch ID#: 203285

Grants to USA Businesses for Natural Disaster Recovery and Preparedness

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants of $5,000 to USA and territories businesses to prepare for and recover from natural disasters. The purpose of the program is to assist the owners of small businesses in preparing for disasters, and to provide turnaround relief funding for those prepared bus...

GrantWatch ID#: 203390

Grants to USA, Canada, and International Journalists and Newsrooms for Investigative Projects ...

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants to USA, Canada, and International journalists and newsrooms for investigative projects with a focus on inequities in healthcare. The purpose of the program is to help expose health system failures and inequities. Funding may be used for the hard costs of re...

GrantWatch ID#: 204813

Grants to USA, Canada, and International Journalists and Newsrooms for Investigative Projects ...

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants to USA, Canada, and International journalists and newsrooms for investigative projects with a focus on gender equality. Special consideration will be given to projects that focus on systemic issues, projects that include and elevate underrepresented voices,...

GrantWatch ID#: 204815

Loans to USA Nonprofits and For-Profits for Disaster Relief Efforts

Deadline: Ongoing

Loans to USA and territories nonprofit organizations, small businesses, and agricultural cooperatives for disaster relief efforts in eligible locations. Funding is intended for economic recovery support and operating expenses for businesses that are not able to me...

GrantWatch ID#: 205930

Grants and In-Kind Support to USA Start-Ups Led by Military Veterans for Assistance in Busines...

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants and in-kind support to USA start-up business ventures led by military veterans. The purpose of this program is to help veteran entrepreneurs successfully build their businesses. In addition to funding, businesses will receive support in strategic planning, ...

GrantWatch ID#: 206648

Grants to USA Farmers, Ranchers, and Landowners to Implement Conservation Practices in Agricul...

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants to USA farmers, ranchers, and landowners to implement conservation practices in agriculture. Applicants must contact the funding source prior to submitting an application. Successful applicants will receive funding and technical assistance in order to devel...

GrantWatch ID#: 207277

Opportunity for USA Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners to Participate in a Professional D...

Deadline: Ongoing

Opportunity for USA entrepreneurs and small business owners to participate in a professional development program to gain valuable resources, connections, and skills. The two-to-three-month program will provide group education workshops and individualized coaching ...

GrantWatch ID#: 208319

Grants to USA, Canada, and International Organizations, Businesses, and Individuals for Projec...

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants to USA, Canada, and International organizations, businesses, and individuals for projects related to cybersecurity. Funding is intended to develop cybersecurity capabilities powered by artificial intelligence. Priority will be given to projects that incorpo...

GrantWatch ID#: 209338

Grants to USA Qualifying State and Local Associations for Disaster Relief

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants to USA qualifying state and local associations for disaster relief. Applicants must contact staff prior to submitting an application. Applicants must contact staff prior to applying. Funding is intended to address housing-related concerns in communities fol...

GrantWatch ID#: 210441

Financial Assistance to USA Pharmacy Owners to Repair Pharmacies Following a Disaster

Deadline: Ongoing

Financial assistance to USA and territories pharmacy owners to repair pharmacies following a disaster. Funding is intended to repair community pharmacies in the wake of illnesses, accidents, disasters, and other unfortunate circumstances. Applicants do not need to...

GrantWatch ID#: 210442

Grants to USA and Canada Individuals and Businesses for Disaster Relief Efforts

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants of up to $2,000 and grants of up to $2,500 to USA and Canada businesses and individuals in the rental sector for assistance in the wake of a disaster. Funding is intended to provide support after natural disasters that significantly impacted rental operatio...

GrantWatch ID#: 210493

Grants to USA For-Profits, Nonprofits, Agencies, Tribal Entities, and IHEs for Programs and Ev...

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants of up to $7,000 and grants of up to $10,000 to USA and territories government and tribal agencies, nonprofit and for-profit organizations, IHEs, faith-based entities, workforce agencies, and veterans service organizations for events and programs that benefi...

GrantWatch ID#: 211725

Grants and In-Kind Support to USA, Canada, and International Businesses to Upgrade Systems

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants and in-kind support to USA, Canada, and International businesses, startups, and fintechs to help them streamline and upgrade their payment systems. In addition to monetary support, companies will receive mentorship, marketing support, and the use of the fun...

GrantWatch ID#: 212065

Grants to USA Black-Owned Small Businesses for Financial Support

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants of up to $2,000 to USA small back-owned businesses for financial support and growth. Funding is intended to help strengthen these brick-and-mortar businesses and thereby promote diversity in the American business environment. Grantees can use the funds for ...

GrantWatch ID#: 212113

Grants to USA and Puerto Rico BIPOC-Owned Businesses to Assist with Financial Emergencies

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants of up to $1,000 to USA and Puerto Rico BIPOC-owned businesses to assist with financial emergencies. Funding is intended to help alleviate the burden of unexpected financial needs caused by natural disaster, equipment repair, theft, vandalism, and other crim...

GrantWatch ID#: 212154

Grants and In-Kind Services to USA, Canada, and International Nonprofits and Developers for AI...

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants of up to $5,000, grants of up to $10,000, grants of up to $20,000, and in-kind services to USA, Canada, and International nonprofit organizations, developers, and researchers for projects in Artificial Intelligence. Funding is intended to support innovative...

GrantWatch ID#: 213528

Grants to USA Nonprofits and For-Profits to Increase Access to Affordable Capital

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants and in-kind support to USA nonprofit organizations and businesses to improve access to interest-free capital. Funding is provided as recoverable grants that are repaid if and when the recipient achieves specific financial milestones. The purpose of the prog...

GrantWatch ID#: 213824

Opportunity for USA Tech Companies to Participate in an Education Technology Accelerator

Deadline: Ongoing

Opportunity for USA early-stage technology companies to participate in an education technology accelerator. The program includes mentorship from experienced professionals, a variety of valuable resources, access to funding, and ongoing support after the conclusion...

GrantWatch ID#: 214423

Grants to USA, Canada, and International Companies to Facilitate Product Marketing

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants of up to $25,000 to USA, Canada, and International companies to facilitate marketing of their product. Eligible companies have not yet brought their product to market and plan to use the funding source's tools to do so. Applications are welcome from all ind...

GrantWatch ID#: 214429

Grants to USA Private Sector Lenders for Affordable Housing Projects

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants to USA private sector lenders to increase affordable housing in rural locations. Funding is intended to be used by borrowers for the purchase, construction, and improvement of multi-family rental housing units for moderate- and low-income residents. Eligibl...

GrantWatch ID#: 214809

Loans to USA Power Supply Providers to Construct, Expand, and Maintain Electric Distribution F...

Deadline: Ongoing

Loans to USA power supply providers, including nonprofit and for-profit organizations, Tribes, and government agencies to construct, expand, and maintain electric distribution facilities in rural areas. Funding is intended to improve electric service in rural area...

GrantWatch ID#: 214813

Loans to USA Corporations, Utility Districts, Nonprofits, and Agencies to Implement Energy Eff...

Deadline: Ongoing

Loans to USA and territories corporations, utility districts, cooperatives, nonprofits, and agencies to implement energy efficiency measures in rural areas. The loans are intended to fund upgrades and/or replacements that will provide small businesses and rural fa...

GrantWatch ID#: 214818

In-Kind Grants to USA, Canada, and International For-Profits to Integrate Artificial Intellige...

Deadline: Ongoing

In-kind grants to USA, Canada, and International for-profits to integrate artificial intelligence software into a new startup or product. The program is intended to support the use of artificial intelligence voices and sounds in products. Grants will only be award...

GrantWatch ID#: 215413

Grants to USA AI Startups to Support Innovation in the Field of Artificial Intelligence

Deadline: Ongoing

Grants to USA AI startups to support innovation in the field of artificial intelligence. Funding is intended to provide support to entrepreneurs who have developed creative applications of AI across all sectors. The program is intended to advance AI technology and...

GrantWatch ID#: 215808
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Navigating Small Business & Entrepreneur Funding

Unlike loans, business grants provide non-dilutive capital that does not need to be repaid. Funding sources range from federal innovation programs to private corporate initiatives supporting women-owned, minority-owned, and veteran-owned small businesses. GrantWatch is a full grant lifecycle platform, supporting every stage from prospecting through post-award reporting, with the Grant Prospecting Dashboard and Grant Funding Pipeline to track opportunities, GrantWatch Intelligence™ to uncover best-fit funders faster, and the AI Grant Writing Tool to accelerate proposal development.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a cost to search or apply for grants on GrantWatch?

A free GrantWatch account includes newsletter updates, access to grant listings, and light use of the Grant Prospecting Dashboard, Grant Funding Pipeline, Claim Your Profile, and AI Grant Writing Tool features. To fully search, filter, and track grants as a serious grant seeker, a MemberPlus+ subscription is required. GrantWatch does not charge a fee to apply for a grant directly with a funding source, and never requires payment in exchange for a guaranteed award.

Do small businesses and LLCs actually qualify for grants?

Yes. Thousands of federal, state, and corporate grant programs specifically fund for-profit small businesses, technology startups, agricultural operations, and local service providers.

Are there grants available for new startup businesses?

Yes. Startup grants are available through state economic development agencies, business incubators, corporate pitch competitions, and federal research initiatives.

What is the difference between a small business grant and a loan?

Grants provide equity-free, non-repayable capital meant for business development, hiring, R&D, or expansion. Loans require full repayment with interest.

Are there specific grants for women, minority, or veteran business owners?

Yes. Corporations and government agencies regularly launch dedicated grant initiatives aimed at supporting diverse founders and veterans.

How often is the GrantWatch grant database updated?

GrantWatch's research team human-verifies and updates listings daily, with over a thousand new grant opportunities added each week. Deadlines, eligibility rules, and award amounts are checked regularly to keep the database accurate.