How to Get Small Business Grants: A 2026 Guide

Small business grants are one of the most underused resources available to NYC entrepreneurs.

6/14/20263 min read

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Business Grants

Small business grants are one of the most underused resources available to NYC entrepreneurs. Unlike loans, grants do not need to be repaid. But they require research, documentation, and a system for tracking opportunities and deadlines. This guide covers exactly how to find, filter, and apply for grants as a small business owner in New York City.

Types of Small Business Grants Available in NYC

Government Grants

Federal, state, and city government agencies offer grants for small businesses, particularly those owned by minorities, women, and veterans. Key sources include the NYC Small Business Services (SBS), Empire State Development (ESD), and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

Corporate and Foundation Grants

Large corporations and private foundations fund small business grants as part of their corporate social responsibility programs. These often target specific industries, demographics, or geographic areas. DTC has won grant funding through this category, including the HoneyBook Breakthrough Grant.

Industry-Specific Grants

Many grants are targeted at specific industries — food and beverage, technology, creative businesses, healthcare, and nonprofits all have dedicated grant programs. Knowing your industry category helps you filter to the most relevant opportunities.

Certification-Based Grants

MWBE certification (Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise), DBE certification, and veteran-owned business designations all open doors to grant programs specifically set aside for certified businesses. If you are eligible for certification, pursuing it dramatically expands your grant options.

How to Find Grants You Actually Qualify For

The biggest mistake small business owners make with grants is applying for everything without filtering first. Grant applications take time. A targeted approach — 5 well-matched applications — outperforms 20 generic ones every time.

Filter by: business age (many grants require 1–2 years in operation), revenue range, industry, location, and ownership demographics. The Grant Hub at Designed To Conquer does this filtering for you — every listing is verified and categorized so you can find matches quickly.

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What You Need Before You Apply

EIN (Employer Identification Number)
Business formation documents (LLC operating agreement or articles of incorporation)
Business bank account statements (typically 3–6 months)
A business description that clearly explains what you do, who you serve, and your impact
Any relevant certifications (MWBE, SBA 8a, WOSB, etc.)
A business plan or pitch deck (required for larger grant amounts)

Writing a Grant Application That Gets Read

Most grant applications ask the same core questions: What does your business do? Who does it serve? What will you use the funds for? How will the grant impact your growth or community?

The businesses that win grants are specific. They name the exact number of employees they plan to hire, the specific equipment they will purchase, or the particular neighborhood they serve. Vague answers get passed over. Specific, documented impact gets funded.

How AI Can Help You Apply

AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude can help you draft grant application narratives, review your business description for clarity, and identify gaps in your documentation. AI does not replace the research and specificity required — but it can significantly speed up the drafting process.

The Grant Hub includes access to an AI assistant, Camilla, that helps members navigate grant applications directly within the platform.

Frequently Asked Questions About Small Business Grants

Do I have to repay a grant?

No. Grants are not loans. If you receive a grant and meet its reporting requirements, you keep the funds without repayment. Some grants have restrictions on how the money is used — those terms are always disclosed before you apply.

Can a new business apply for grants?

Many grants require 1–2 years of business history, but not all. There are grants specifically for startups and new businesses, particularly those in underserved communities or targeted industries.

How competitive are small business grants?

Highly competitive. Large grant programs can receive thousands of applications. The best way to improve your odds is to apply to grants you genuinely match, write specific and documented applications, and apply early — most programs review on a rolling basis.