Small Business Grants in Arkansas
Arkansas offers more than 10 active grant and incentive programs for small businesses, administered primarily through the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) and its Division of Science and Technology.
In This Article
Which Arkansas grants fit your business?
Answer 7 quick questions and we sort the 12 programs on this page into likely fits and long shots. Nothing personal is asked or stored, and final eligibility is always decided by the granting agency.
Arkansas Small Business Grant Programs
State-administered funding programs available to Arkansas small businesses. Verify deadlines directly with the granting agency before applying.
Arkansas SBIR Matching Grant Program
AEDC Division of Science and Technology
Up to $50,000 (Phase I) or $100,000 (Phase II)
RollingProvides discretionary matching grants of up to 50% of federal SBIR Phase I and Phase II awards to eligible Arkansas technology businesses. You must first secure a federal SBIR award to qualify.
Status check, Program provides matching grants up to 50% of federal SBIR awards. Applicants must have been awarded a federal SBIR award to be eligible. Disbursements made on reimbursable basis.
Last verified, Jul 15, 2026
Arkansas Business and Technology Accelerator Grant Program
AEDC Division of Science and Technology
Up to $250,000
RollingA discretionary grant for organizations that sponsor full-time, immersive accelerator programs to mentor start-up companies. Applicants must be registered with the Arkansas Secretary of State and involved in targeted sectors such as manufacturing, software, biotech, or agriculture.
Status check, The program is active, with AEDC awarding $2M to 12 accelerator programs in December 2025. The official AEDC page remains live. No fixed deadline found; review is rolling and tied to Board meeting cycles.
Last verified, Jul 15, 2026
Office of Skills Development (OSD) Training Grants
Arkansas Office of Skills Development
Varies (reimburses 50%–75% of training costs)
RollingOSD funds workforce development through several grant types including Grow Our Own (for businesses with 250 or fewer employees), Customized Technical, Professional Development, and Skills Gap grants. Reimbursement covers up to 75% of eligible training expenses.
Status check, Page confirms OSD Training Grants are available for Arkansas businesses. Application information and guidelines are accessible online. No specific deadline mentioned, consistent with rolling basis.
Apply / Learn MoreLast verified, Jul 15, 2026
Technology Development Program (TDP)
AEDC Division of Science and Technology
Up to $100,000
RollingProvides royalty financing for qualified science and technology projects with economic and employment growth potential in Arkansas. The program has been used to bridge SBIR Phase I and II funding gaps, create prototypes, and validate university technology.
Status check, Page describes TDP as providing royalty financing up to $100,000 for qualified science and technology projects. No deadline specified, appears to be an ongoing program.
Last verified, Jul 15, 2026
Technology Transfer Assistance Grant (TTAG) Program
AEDC Division of Science and Technology
Up to $5,000 (matching)
RollingA matching grant that supports the transfer and deployment of innovative technology to Arkansas-based enterprises. AEDC funds up to $3,750 per project, with costs shared between AEDC and the business. Each enterprise may receive assistance for two projects per state fiscal year.
Status check, Page describes TTAG as a matching grant program with AEDC funding up to $3,750 of costs, with up to $5,000 total project costs considered. No deadline specified, appears to be ongoing competitive evaluation.
Last verified, Jul 17, 2026
Community Assistance Grant Program (CAGP)
Arkansas Economic Development Commission
Up to $1,500,000 per project
Deadline Aug 15, 2026Provides grant funds to cities, counties, and nonprofit organizations for community and economic development projects that reduce poverty, promote self-sufficiency, and revitalize communities. Requires a flexible 20% match from the applicant.
Status check, Application period closes August 15, 2026. Applications accepted starting July 1, 2026. Notice of award expected Fall or Winter 2026.
Last verified, Jul 17, 2026
Applied Research Grant Program
AEDC Division of Science and Technology
Up to 50%–66% of project costs (matching)
RollingProvides matching grant funds to create applied research partnerships between private industry and Arkansas colleges and universities. AEDC may fund up to 66% of costs if the participating business is principally located in Arkansas.
Status check, The Applied Research Grant Program is absent from AEDC's current Science and Technology commercialization page, which lists other active programs instead. No explicit closure notice exists, and no deadline is posted, making status unclear.
Last verified, Jul 15, 2026
Federal Grant Programs
These federal programs are available to small businesses in every state.
SBA 7(a) Loan Program
The SBA's primary lending program guarantees loans through participating lenders. This is a loan, not a grant. But the terms favor small businesses that may not qualify for conventional financing.
Status check, This is a loan program, not a grant. The 7(a) Loan Program provides loan guarantees to lenders for small business loans up to $5 million. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis through participating SBA lenders.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 14, 2026
SBA Microloan Program
Provides small, short-term loans up to $50,000 through nonprofit intermediary lenders. Funds working capital, inventory, supplies, or equipment. Interest rates typically run 8% to 13%. Repayment terms reach up to six years.
Status check, The SBA Microloan Program provides loans up to $50,000 through intermediary lenders. No application deadline specified. Program appears to be ongoing and available through SBA-approved intermediaries.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 14, 2026
SBIR/STTR Grants
Competitive federal grants for small businesses doing research and development with commercial potential. Twelve federal agencies take part. Phase I awards fund proof of concept. Phase II supports full development.
Status check, SBIR/STTR is an ongoing rolling program. Phase I awards $50,000-$275,000 over 6-12 months. Phase II awards $750,000-$1.8 million over 24 months. No single deadline shown; applicants apply through participating agencies.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 15, 2026
USDA Rural Business Development Grant
Grants for rural small businesses and communities in areas under 50,000 people. Covers technical assistance, training, and business planning. Awarded to public bodies, tribes, and nonprofits.
Status check, The USDA RBDG program is currently listed as closed. The most recent cycle deadlines were June 15, 2026 for SECD applications and June 30, 2026 for remaining applications, both of which have passed.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 14, 2026
Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Programs
Federal programs for minority-owned businesses seeking capital, contracts, or market access. MBDA Business Centers sit across the country. They offer consulting, procurement help, and financing referrals.
Status check, MBDA operates ongoing business center services but competitive grant windows are time-limited and targeted at organizations not individual businesses. The only identified grant (WEP) closed February 2025. No currently open general MBDA small business grant found.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 15, 2026
Get Grant-Ready
Before you apply, most Arkansas grant programs expect these basics to be in place.
Form your business entity
Most Arkansas grant programs require applicants to be a registered LLC, corporation, or nonprofit. If you haven't formed yet, that's the first step.
$39 + state fee. Includes registered agent, business address, and more.
Get your EIN
An Employer Identification Number is free from the IRS and required on nearly every grant application. You can apply online and receive it immediately.
Open a business bank account
Grant funds need to go into a dedicated business account, not your personal checking. Most agencies will ask for your banking details on the application.
Mercury is a fintech company, not an FDIC-insured bank. Banking services provided through Choice Financial Group and Column N.A., Members FDIC.
Grants by Business Type
Targeted programs for specific business owners in Arkansas.
Technology/Innovation Business Grants
Arkansas offers the strongest grant support for technology and innovation-focused businesses. The SBIR Matching Grant provides up to $100,000 in state matching funds, the Business and Technology Accelerator Grant offers up to $250,000, and the Technology Development Program provides up to $100,000 in royalty financing.
- ›SBIR Matching Grant Program
- ›Business and Technology Accelerator Grant
- ›Technology Development Program
- ›AEDC Division of Science and Technology
Rural Business Grants
Rural Arkansas communities benefit from several AEDC programs including the Community Assistance Grant Program (up to $1.5M), Rural Community Grant Program, and Rural Services Block Grants. Federal USDA Rural Business Development Grants are also available for rural projects.
- ›Community Assistance Grant Program
- ›AEDC Division of Rural Services
- ›USDA Rural Business Development Grants
Women-owned Business Grants
Women entrepreneurs in Arkansas can access the ASBTDC Lab2Launch Accelerator, which prioritizes outreach to woman-owned businesses for SBIR/STTR funding. National programs like the Amber Grant also provide monthly grants of $10,000 to women-owned businesses.
- ›ASBTDC Lab2Launch Accelerator
- ›Amber Grants for Women
Tips for Applying in Arkansas
Increase your chances of approval with these state-specific tips.
- 1Register your business with the Arkansas Secretary of State before applying to AEDC programs. Good standing with the Secretary of State is a requirement for the Business and Technology Accelerator Grant and other AEDC programs.
- 2For SBIR-related state grants, you must first secure a federal SBIR award before applying for the Arkansas SBIR Matching Grant. Contact the ASBTDC for free proposal preparation assistance through the Lab2Launch Accelerator.
- 3Contact AEDC directly at 501-682-7329 to confirm current program availability and deadlines before investing time in your application. Many AEDC grants are discretionary and subject to funding availability.
- 4Prepare a detailed budget and project plan showing progression from concept to commercialization. Programs like the Technology Development Program require a well-defined plan from idea to prototype to production.
- 5For OSD Training Grants, work with your local community college or workforce center on the grant-writing and reimbursement process. OSD requires documentation of training expenses for reimbursement.
State Economic Development Agency
Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC)
AEDC is a division of the Arkansas Department of Commerce that creates economic opportunities by attracting higher-paying jobs, supporting business expansion, and administering grant and incentive programs for small businesses statewide.
Funding While You Wait
Grant applications in Arkansas can take weeks or months to process. These options can bridge the gap.
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Author
Senior Finance & Banking Editor
Richard is the veteran anchor of the site's financial content. Raised in the Midwest and starting his career in Chicago's commercial banking sector, he spent over a decade underwriting small business loans before moving into financial journalism. He doesn't get swept up in startup hype; he cares about unit economics, APYs, and fee structures.
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Grant programs change frequently. Deadlines, eligibility requirements, and funding amounts listed here may be outdated. Always verify information directly with the granting agency before applying. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice.
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