Top small-business grants in Georgia

    Add a header to begin generating the table of contents
    Chris Godfrey

    Page written by Chris Godfrey. Last reviewed on September 4, 2024. Next review due October 1, 2025.

    If you’re a Georgia business owner in need of funds, small business grants could be your solution. Provided by Government departments, corporations, foundations and other organizations, business grants are effectively free money. There’s no need to repay the funds if you spend them where you said you would.

      Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

      Georgia small business grants

      Covering everything from agricultural development to urban renewal, Georgia provides a wide range of small business grants for qualifying businesses. Here are a few to get you started:

      Georgia Rural Business Development grants

      Designed to promote economic development and job creation projects through the awarding of grant funds to eligible entities, Georgia Rural Business Development Grants come in two separate categories: Business opportunity grants and business enterprise grants, both of which must be used to fund  business and community projects in rural areas. To qualify, you need to be a public body or government entity, an Indian tribe, or a nonprofit entity. Awards range from $10,000 all the way up to half a million dollars.

      Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) grants

      Southern SARE is a US Department of Agriculture program that supports farmers and ranchers in southern states such as Georgia. The program focuses on improving the productivity and environmental efficiency of food producers. Grants are project-specific and may concentrate on topics such as farming education, food loss and waste, farm productivity, student support and farming research. Awards vary by grant topic. 

      MORE: Find other grants for farmers.

      Go Global Georgia grants

      Offered by the Georgia Department of Economic Development and the US Small Business Administration, Go Global Georgia grants support Georgia-based exporters to expand their businesses. Grants can be used to reimburse exporters for part of the cost of export-related activities such as training costs, overseas travel expenses, trade show attendance, marketing, export credit insurance and more. Awards vary by category. To qualify, your organization must be based in Georgia, have operated for at least one year and meet the SBA definition of a small business.

      NAACP and Leslie’s Certification Boost grant

      The NAACP and Leslie’s Certification Boost Grant is open to small businesses led by people of color, women and people with disabilities as well businesses in Historically Underutilized Business Zones. The program offers $5,000 grants to cover costs related to obtaining certifications and designations as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Women Business Enterprise (WBE), Disability-Owned Business Enterprise (DOBE). 

      MORE: Find other grants for minorities, women and black women.

      Gusto Impact Award

      Open to small business owners based in Atlanta and provided by Gusto, a payroll company, the Gusto Impact Award offers a grant to organizations with less than 75 employees, revenues under $7 million and who have been trading for at least one year. The grant awards a $10,000 cash prize, $50,000 in advertising support and free payroll software for one year.

      Cobb County Entrepreneurship grants

      The Cobb County Entrepreneurship Grants provide financial support to startups and entrepreneurs to assist them in growing their organization, creating jobs, and maintaining their business in Cobb County. Awards of up to $10,000 are available. Use the funds to pay marketing costs, buy equipment and technology, cover lease payments, leasehold improvements and more. To qualify, your business must be based in Cobb County and provide proof of participation/completion of an entrepreneurial program.

      Athens Downtown Development Authority (ADDA) grants

      If your business is located in the historic downtown area of Athens, Georgia, the ADDA may have a grant for you. Awards go as high as $15,000 although in many cases, you must provide matching funds to qualify. Use of funds varies according to the grant topic – for example, the Janey Mae Cooley Façade grant will provide up to $10,000 in matching funds to businesses that improve their business façade to preserve the individual character of their premises. 

      Atlanta Commercial Property Improvement grant

      The Atlanta Commercial Property Improvement Grant offers grants of up to $50,000 to organizations based in Atlanta. Funds must be used for internal or external improvements to commercial buildings. To qualify, your business premises must total less than 15,000 square feet and you will be required to provide matching funds of 10% of the improvement costs. Minority-owned businesses may receive priority.

      National grants available to Georgia small businesses

      If you can’t find the type of grant you need locally, these national grant programs also provide support for Florida business owners:

      Grants.gov

      Grants.gov is a one-stop shop for businesses and individuals seeking federal grants and the federal agencies that manage the grant funds. Inside the store you’ll find twenty-six federal grant-making agencies and more than 900 grant programs that award more than $400 billion in grants per year. 

      America’s seed fund

      If you’ve got a tech business or a scientific and engineering venture needing funds, America’s Seed Fund could be your solution. This grant program focuses on technology and scientific products and services that promise high commercial and societal impact. The program awards $200+ million in research and development (R&D) funding to about 400 startups across the United States every year. America’s Seed Fund is a program within the National Science Foundation and housed within the Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships.

      WomensNet grants

      Offering a total of $435,000 in awards per year, this is one the most generous grants programs available. The WomensNet Amber Grants awards multiple grants per year, with $10,000 being offered monthly in three separate categories (total of $30,000 per month available).  Participants who win a monthly prize also automatically qualify for the draw for an annual $25,000 award – with three prizes available, one for each award category.

      You can apply for any of these grants by completing an online application and paying a $15 entrance fee.

      National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) grant

      Florida entrepreneurs who work for themselves may be eligible for a National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) business growth grant of up to $4,000. Since 2006, nearly $1 million has been awarded through the program, with grants used for marketing, advertising, hiring employees, expanding facilities and other specific business needs. Note that you must be a member of NASE to apply for a grant. (Membership fees may be applicable).

      Program for Investors in Microentrepreneurs (PRIME)

      To help address the needs of America’s smallest businesses, the Small Business Administration (SBA) operates the Program for Investment in Microentrepreneurs (PRIME). The SBA annually awards PRIME grants to pay for training and technical support for microenterprises, or businesses with fewer than five employees and that generally lack access to conventional loans, equity, or other banking services. In 2023, the program provided grants to 32 businesses for a total value of $8 million. 

      FedEx small business grant contest

      FedEx operate an annual prize competition for small business owners. All you need is a US-based business that’s been in operation for six months plus a FedEx business account that’s also at least six months old. Program participants must produce a presentation that reveals how a grant award could boost their business. Ten winners share a total prize pool of $230,000 – with a $50k first prize and nine x $20k prizes for the runners-up. All ten winners also get free access to a range of FedEx small business services. 

      Military entrepreneur challenge

      The Second Service Foundation offers the Military Entrepreneur Challenge. This is a nationwide grant program that gives veteran, military spouses, and Gold Star Family entrepreneurs the opportunity to network, learn, and compete for capital to grow their small business. Applicants pitch their business ideas to a live audience for a chance to win a small business grant. Award sums vary by location. 

      MORE: Find other grants for veterans.

      Resources for Georgia-based businesses

      If a grant can’t give your organization what it needs, try these other small business resources:

      Georgia Small Business Development Centers

      The University of Georgia has 18 Small Business Development Centers located across the state. Managed by the US Small Business Administration, the centers support new entrepreneurs as well as existing small-business owners. Check in to access on-demand training programs, webinars and a range of consulting services.

      Grow Georgia

      With the aim of supporting minority-owned businesses, Grow Georgia offers business resources that focus on business funding, networking, certifications, training, Fortune 500 contract opportunities and commercial expansion initiatives.

      Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

      Providing access to consultations, seminars and workshops for the state’s Hispanic business community, the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce also offers business development, leadership programs, and business discounts to its members.

      Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE)

      ACE is a nonprofit organization that offers financing and education to small businesses in Georgia. It focuses on people of color, women and low-to moderate-income business owners.

      MORE: Discover other small business financing options.

      Metro Atlanta Chamber

      Supporting small businesses in Atlanta or those considering a move to the city, the Metro Atlanta Chamber can provide entrepreneurs with invaluable information about the community, Georgia’s tax system and state and local incentives programs.

      Startup Atlanta

      Find out how to launch a new business and boost your business networking with Startup Atlanta.

      MORE: Apply for an SBA startup loan to get your new venture off the ground.

      SCORE

      If you need help preparing business plans for the grant process or when applying for small-business loans, SBA partner SCORE could be the resource you require. Access free training classes and free business mentors to give your application the best chance of success.

      How do I get small business grants in Georgia?

      Georgia business owners can improve their chances of winning a small business grant by preparing in advance. Key tasks to take care of include:

      • Identify your need for the grant. Why do you need the money? What will you use it for? You must present a strong case for funding to secure a business grant. No matter if you want to start a business, grow an existing company, conduct research or undertake a creative project, having a clear vision of what you wish to achieve with the grant money is crucial
      • Search for suitable grants. Once your goals are set, you can search for grants that fit your mission objectives. Identify the qualification rules, time limits and any restrictions that may apply. 
      • Prepare your application. Few grant programs are the same. As well as the application forms, grantors may also ask you to provide a presentation deck, submit endorsements, create a financial plan, or write a detailed grant proposal. Make sure your ambitions are clear. Point out the benefits that receiving an award will deliver for your business, your community and everyone your venture will engage with.  Be positive but maintain feasibility. This is your opportunity to present your case for funding in the best possible light.
      • Submit your application. Check the submission guidelines – online, hard copy, or both, and submit your grant application well in advance of the posted deadline in case there are last minute issues with receipt. 
      • Wait for a decision. Be patient. Grantors are often inundated with applications and the review process of all submissions can take time. However, you should at least follow up with the grantor to ensure your application was received and is being processed. You could also use this time to search for other funding options in case your application is not successful.

      What are the alternatives to grants?

      Business loans may provide an alternative source of funding for your business or new venture. Don’t miss out on the Small business loans in Georgia.

      Online lenders will typically be the best option for this type of financing, but you may pay higher interest rates and fees than you would with traditional banks. Credit checks are standard with most commercial financing, but depending on the type of loan you choose, you may not need to provide collateral:

      Term loans

      Term loans are the most common type of commercial loan. You receive a single, lump-sum cash injection and then pay it back in regular installments over a fixed period of up to 25 years. Collateral may be required. Also look at the Small business loans in Georgia.

      Business line of credit

      A business line of credit is a business loan that functions like a high-value credit card. Borrowers can withdraw as much as they want when they want from a loan facility up to the limit of their borrowing. You only pay interest on the sums you withdraw, not the whole credit line. This can significantly reduce your borrowing costs. Collateral may be required.

      Invoice financing

      Also known as account receivables financing. Borrow against the value of your unpaid invoices. The lender will usually provide up to 95% of the invoice value within a few days or even hours of the bill being raised.  Your invoices act as security for the loan, no added collateral required.

      Equipment financing

      Equipment loans use the asset you’re financing as security – no added collateral is required. You use the equipment as you pay for it and the lender maintains a lien on the machinery. Once you pay the loan back, the lender releases the lien, and you own the equipment outright. 

      Merchant cash advance

      Merchant cash advances are designed for businesses that accept customer payments by credit and debit card. You borrow against the value of your card sales. As your card sales increase, your borrowing limit goes up. Pay the loan back with a fixed percentage of your card sales on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. Your sales act as security for the loan, no added collateral is required.

      Revenue-based financing

      Revenue-based financing functions like a merchant cash advance but with higher borrowing limits. Based on the size and regularity of their total revenues, (not just their credit card sales), businesses may receive a lump sum and pay it back over a short-term schedule, typically by small deductions from their daily sales. This type of loan can usually be secured quickly as qualification rules are less intensive and credit scores are not so critical. No added collateral is required.

      SBA microloans 

      Nonprofit and community-based lenders can provide SBA Microloans to business owners who may struggle to secure standard business financing. Available up to $50,000, SBA microloans also come with more relaxed qualifying rules and can usually be secured with FICO scores as low as 500, or even with no credit score at all. Be aware that these type of business loans often require a personal guarantee that makes you personally responsible for the debt.

      Get started with Swoop

      Working with business finance experts can make all the difference when applying for grant funding. Contact Swoop to discuss your borrowing needs, get help with your application and compare top quality small business grants and business loans from a choice of providers. Give your business the chance it deserves. Register with Swoop today.

      Written by

      Chris Godfrey

      Chris is a freelance copywriter and content creator. He has been active in the marketing, advertising, and publishing industries for more than twenty-five years. Writing for Wells Fargo Bank, Visa, Experian, Ebay, Flywire, insurers and pension funds, his words have appeared online and in print to inform, entertain and explain the complex world of US consumer and business finance.

      Swoop promise

      At Swoop we want to make it easy for SMEs to understand the sometimes overwhelming world of business finance and insurance. Our goal is simple – to distill complex topics, unravel jargon, offer transparent and impartial information, and empower businesses to make smart financial decisions with confidence.

      Find out more about Swoop’s editorial principles by reading our editorial policy.

      G
      E
      T

      Q
      U
      O
      T
      E

      Create your free Swoop account to explore grant funding alternatives

      Clever finance tips and the latest news

      delivered to your inbox, every week

      Join the 70,000+ businesses just like yours getting the Swoop newsletter.

      Free. No spam. Opt out whenever you like.

      Looks like you're in . Go to our site to find relevant products for your country. Go to Swoop