Small Business Grants in Indiana
Indiana offers approximately 15 active grant, loan, and incentive programs for small businesses, primarily administered by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) and the Indiana Small Business Development Center (SBDC).
In This Article
Which Indiana 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.
Indiana Small Business Grant Programs
State-administered funding programs available to Indiana small businesses. Verify deadlines directly with the granting agency before applying.
Legend Fund (SSBCI Loan Participation Program)
Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC)
Up to $29M distributed statewide
RollingA loan participation program distributing up to $29 million through mission-driven local lenders to increase lending to Indiana small businesses. At least 37% of funding is dedicated to traditionally underserved businesses, including minority-owned and women-owned enterprises.
Status check, Program runs until 2031 or until funding runs out. Rolling applications accepted through participating lenders. Small businesses can pre-apply with compatible lenders.
Last verified, Jul 10, 2026
Indiana Technical Assistance Program (INTAP)
Indiana Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Up to $15,000
Deadline Feb 18, 2026An annual program providing up to $15,000 in professional services from a qualified vendor to help small businesses complete growth and improvement projects. Eligible projects include technology development, intellectual property legal assistance, and SBIR/STTR grant writing.
Status check, The 2026 application cycle closed February 18th at 4:59 PM ET. Projects were to be completed July through December 2026. No new cycle announced yet.
Apply / Learn MoreLast verified, Jul 17, 2026
Community Collaboration Fund (CCF)
Indiana Commerce Office / IEDC
$5,000 - $40,000
RollingMatching grants for entrepreneur support organizations (ESOs) to create new community collaborations, services, and programming that benefit Indiana's entrepreneurial ecosystem. In 2026, $925,107 was awarded across 28 community-led projects statewide.
Status check, The 2026 CCF application window ran February 1 to March 2, 2026 at 5:00 PM EST and has closed. No 2027 cycle or new open window has been announced.
Apply / Learn MoreLast verified, Jul 14, 2026
Manufacturing Readiness Grants
IEDC / Conexus Indiana
Matching grants (1:1 investment match)
ClosedMatching grants for Indiana manufacturers investing in smart technologies such as automation, robotics, 3D printing, and data analytics. Since 2020, $57 million in grants have been awarded through 526 awards in 79 counties. The program is not currently accepting applications.
Status check, The page explicitly states The Manufacturing Readiness Grants program is not accepting applications for the foreseeable future. The program ran through July 2021 to June 2025 per the state budget appropriation.
Apply / Learn MoreLast verified, Jul 17, 2026
State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) Venture Capital
IEDC / Elevate Ventures
Up to $99M allocated statewide
RollingIndiana received $99 million in federal SSBCI funding to expand venture capital investments for early-revenue companies. Investments are made through Elevate Ventures, the state's venture development partner, in pre-seed, seed, and early-stage funding rounds.
Status check, Indiana SSBCI venture capital program is active and ongoing, with IEDC stating it runs until 2031 or until funding is exhausted. No fixed application deadline is posted; access is rolling. No pauses or closures reported.
Last verified, Jul 9, 2026
Skills Enhancement Fund (SEF)
Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC)
Up to 50% of eligible training costs
RollingReimbursable grants to businesses for costs associated with training and upgrading skills of employees. Grants must lead to post-secondary credentials, nationally recognized industry credentials, or specialized company training, and result in wage increases for existing employees.
Status check, SEF is active with no fixed deadline, accepting applications on a rolling/project basis. IEDC official page and regional partners describe it as a current incentive with no closure, pause, or sunset language found.
Apply / Learn MoreLast verified, Jul 15, 2026
EDGE Tax Credit
Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC)
Up to 100% of new withholdings (up to 20 years)
RollingA refundable corporate income tax credit for businesses creating new jobs and making capital investments in Indiana. The credit is calculated as a percentage of expected increased tax withholdings from new job creation and can be phased in annually for up to 20 years.
Status check, The EDGE Tax Credit program provides refundable corporate income tax credits for job creation and capital investment. The page describes the program as active with no application deadline specified. Rolling basis confirmed.
Apply / Learn MoreLast verified, Jul 10, 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 Indiana grant programs expect these basics to be in place.
Form your business entity
Most Indiana 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 Indiana.
Minority-owned Business Grants
Indiana's Minority Business Initiative (MBI), operated by the IEDC and funded in part by the U.S. Minority Business Development Agency, provides certification readiness advising, technical assistance, and contract support for minority business enterprises. The Legend Fund allocates at least 37% of its $29 million to traditionally underserved businesses.
- ›Indiana Minority Business Initiative
- ›Legend Fund (SSBCI)
- ›Division of Supplier Diversity
Women-owned Business Grants
Women entrepreneurs in Indiana can obtain WBE certification through the Indiana Department of Administration's Division of Supplier Diversity. The Central Indiana Women's Business Center, a partnership between the SBA and the Indy Chamber, provides access to capital ranging from $1,000 to $50,000 and business coaching.
- ›Central Indiana Women's Business Center
- ›Division of Supplier Diversity
- ›Legend Fund (SSBCI)
Veteran-owned Business Grants
Indiana offers the Indiana Veteran-Owned Small Business (IVOSB) certification through the Division of Supplier Diversity, providing access to state procurement opportunities. Veteran-owned businesses can also apply for SBA VetCert certification for federal contract set-asides.
- ›IVOSB Certification Program
- ›Division of Supplier Diversity
- ›SBA VetCert
Rural Business Grants
Nearly a third of Manufacturing Readiness Grant dollars have gone to manufacturers in rural areas. Indiana's SBDC operates 10 regional offices statewide, and the Community Collaboration Fund supports entrepreneurship projects in rural communities across the state.
- ›Manufacturing Readiness Grants
- ›Indiana SBDC Regional Offices
- ›USDA Rural Business Development Grant
Technology/Innovation Business Grants
Indiana's SSBCI program allocates $99 million for venture capital investments through Elevate Ventures for early-stage tech companies. The IEDC also supports the SBIR/STTR matching grant program and Certified Technology Parks to foster high-tech business growth.
- ›SSBCI Venture Capital
- ›SBIR/STTR Matching Program
- ›Certified Technology Parks
Tips for Applying in Indiana
Increase your chances of approval with these state-specific tips.
- 1Register your business with the Indiana Secretary of State through the INBiz portal (inbiz.in.gov) before applying for any state grant or incentive program.
- 2Become a client of your nearest Indiana SBDC regional office before applying to INTAP. There are 10 offices statewide, and there is no cost to become a client.
- 3If you are a minority, woman, or veteran-owned business, apply for MBE/WBE/IVOSB certification through the Indiana Department of Administration's Division of Supplier Diversity to unlock state procurement opportunities.
- 4Prepare a detailed business plan, recent financial statements, tax returns, and proof of Indiana business registration. Most programs require these documents.
- 5Watch for annual application windows. INTAP typically opens in January with a February deadline each year. Manufacturing Readiness Grants open when new funding is appropriated by the Indiana General Assembly.
State Economic Development Agency
Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC)
The IEDC is Indiana's primary economic development agency, managing tax credits, workforce training grants, innovation and entrepreneurship resources, and capital access programs for small businesses statewide.
Funding While You Wait
Grant applications in Indiana 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.
Questions about Indiana small business grants
2 comments
Lena tabb
July 8, 2026
Is there any grants available to a woman in her 50’s who wants to open a laundromat?
Richard MooreStartupOwl team
Senior Finance & Banking Editor · July 8, 2026
Hi Lena, good question, and I'll give you the honest version rather than the hopeful one. There is no grant anywhere that exists specifically for laundromats, and none of Indiana's open-to-any-industry programs are taking applications right now (we recheck every program on this page weekly, so it will update the moment one reopens). Your age makes no difference at all, no program checks it. Being a woman does help you in one real way here. The Legend Fund, run by the IEDC, is open on a rolling basis and gives priority to women-owned businesses. It is a loan rather than a grant, but honestly that is the realistic path for a laundromat. They are equipment-heavy builds, and most people fund them with an SBA loan (microloans up to $50,000, the 7(a) for bigger build-outs) plus financing from the machine manufacturers, then treat any grant as a bonus on top. The national women-focused grants are collected in our small business grants for women guide in the Fund section. One practical tip before applying for anything, register the LLC and open a business bank account first, every program on this page expects both. Good luck, a well-placed laundromat is a genuinely solid business.
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