Grants for Small Businesses
106 open opportunities. Open federal grants that small businesses and for-profit companies can apply for, each explained in plain English with eligibility, deadline, and award amount.
Commercial Fishing Occupational Safety Research Cooperative Agreement (U01)
Due Jan 31, 2028Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - ERA · $150K–$975K
Open to universities and researchers, nonprofits, businesses (including small businesses), and individuals with expertise in commercial fishing and maritime safety. Funds research to improve worker safety in commercial fishing — vessel design, survival and emergency equipment, monitoring and communication systems. Awards run roughly $150,000–$975,000, administered by CDC/NIOSH.
ResearchersNonprofitsSmall businessIndividuals+1 moreNDEP STEM Open NFO
Due Feb 8, 2028Washington Headquarters Services · $100K–$10M
Open to industry, nonprofits, colleges and universities, and state or local educational agencies; foreign entities are not eligible. An ongoing 'open' announcement funding STEM education, outreach, and workforce-development programs for the Department of War's research enterprise, with specific topics released as amendments (often beginning with a white paper). Awards range widely, from about $100,000 to $10 million.
Small businessNonprofitsSchools & universitiesGovernment / tribal+1 moreUNITED STATES ARMY RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR THE BEHAVIORAL AND SOCIAL SCIENCES (ARI) BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT FOR BASIC, APPLIED, AND ADVANCED SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
Due Apr 30, 2028Dept of the Army -- Materiel Command · Amount varies
Open to higher-education institutions, nonprofits, and for-profit organizations, domestic or foreign (security restrictions may limit foreign participants; government labs, FFRDCs, and service academies can't be prime applicants). This Army Research Institute broad agency announcement funds basic, applied, and advanced research in the behavioral and social sciences tied to soldier performance and readiness. Applicants are encouraged to contact the listed technical point of contact first; funding varies by budget cycle.
ResearchersSchools & universitiesSmall businessNonprofits2026 Alaska Marine Education and Training Mini-Grant Program
Due May 1, 2028DOC NOAA - ERA Production · $15K–$75K
Open to individuals (as legal entities), commercial organizations, state/local/tribal governments, universities, and nonprofits; federal agencies and employees can't apply, and projects must be conducted in Alaska. Funds marine workforce training, seafood-safety and management education, fishing innovation, and consumer outreach. Awards are small, roughly $15,000–$75,000.
IndividualsSmall businessGovernment / tribalNonprofits+2 moreReissue of RFA-FD-23-001- Clinical Studies of Orphan Products Addressing Unmet Needs of Rare Diseases (R01 Clinical Trials Required)
Due May 16, 2028Food and Drug Administration · $0–$900K
Open to nearly any organization — universities, nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3)), for-profits and small businesses, state/local/tribal governments, and foreign organizations. This FDA R01 funds clinical trials of orphan products evaluating safety and efficacy to address unmet needs in rare diseases. Awards up to about $900,000; clinical trials are required.
ResearchersNonprofitsSmall businessGovernment / tribal+3 moreBROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT (BAA) for Extramural Biomedical and Human Performance Research and Development Department of Defense
Due Jul 31, 2028Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity - DHACA · $750K–$50M
Open broadly to any type of entity — universities, nonprofits, businesses (including small businesses), and others. This Department of Defense / Defense Health Agency broad agency announcement funds extramural biomedical and human-performance research and development through FY28. Awards span a very wide range, from about $750,000 to $50 million.
ResearchersNonprofitsSmall businessSchools & universities+3 more