Small Business Grants in Indiana
Small business money in Indiana comes mainly from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) and the Indiana Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Grants are only part of it.
Which Indiana grants fit your business?
Answer 7 quick questions and we sort the 11 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, Aug 6, 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, Aug 1, 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, Aug 5, 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 29, 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, Aug 6, 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.
View program pageLast verified, Aug 5, 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.
View program pageLast verified, Aug 6, 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, Aug 3, 2026
SBA Microloan Program
Loans up to $50,000, not grants. You borrow from a nonprofit lender near you, not from the SBA itself. The money can cover working capital, inventory, supplies or equipment. Most people get far less than the cap. The average microloan is about $13,000.
Status check, Verified July 30, 2026 at sba.gov. Rates run 8 to 13 percent. The longest term allowed is seven years. Your lender sets both, not the SBA, so two owners can be quoted very different deals. There is no deadline. You apply through an SBA approved lender in your area.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 30, 2026
SBIR/STTR Grants
Competitive federal grants for small businesses doing research and development with commercial potential. Eleven federal agencies take part. Phase I funds proof of concept. Phase II funds full development.
Status check, Verified July 30, 2026 at sbir.gov. Two different figures get quoted for this program and both are real. As of April 2026 an agency may award up to $323,090 at Phase I and up to $2,153,927 at Phase II without SBA approval, and anything above that needs a waiver. Those are ceilings, not typical awards. Each agency sets its own amounts in its own solicitation, and the sbir.gov agency table currently runs from $50,000 to $300,000 at Phase I and $400,000 to $1.83 million at Phase II. There is no single deadline. You apply through a participating agency.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 30, 2026
Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Programs
Help for minority owned businesses that need capital, contracts or new markets. MBDA runs business centers around the country. They give advice, help with bids, and point you toward lenders.
Status check, The business centers still run. The grants are a different story. Those windows are short, and they fund groups rather than single businesses. The last one we could find closed in February 2025. We found no open MBDA grant that a small business can apply for today.
View program pageLast verified, Jul 29, 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
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
Yes. Indiana offers several true grant programs that do not require repayment. The Indiana Technical Assistance Program (INTAP) provides up to $15,000 in professional services at no cost to qualifying small businesses. The Community Collaboration Fund (CCF) awards matching grants of $5,000 to $40,000 to organizations supporting entrepreneurship. The Manufacturing Readiness Grants program has awarded $57 million in non-repayable matching grants to manufacturers statewide since 2020, though it is not currently accepting applications.
The Indiana Technical Assistance Program (INTAP) is one of the most accessible recurring grant programs for Indiana small businesses. Administered by the Indiana SBDC, it provides up to $15,000 in professional services to help businesses complete growth projects. For manufacturers, the Manufacturing Readiness Grants program has been the largest program, awarding over 526 grants since its launch in 2020. The Legend Fund, with $29 million in capital, is the primary loan-based program for underserved entrepreneurs.
No. Most Indiana small business grant programs, including INTAP and the Manufacturing Readiness Grants, are open to all eligible businesses regardless of ownership demographics. However, obtaining MBE, WBE, or IVOSB certification through the Indiana Department of Administration's Division of Supplier Diversity can open doors to state procurement set-asides and programs that prioritize underserved businesses. The IEDC's Minority Business Initiative offers free certification readiness advising to help you through the process.
Timelines vary by program. For INTAP, applications are typically reviewed within a few months of the annual deadline, with projects expected to be completed within six months of the award. The Community Collaboration Fund generally announces decisions within two to three months after the application period closes. For larger programs like the SSBCI Legend Fund, the timeline depends on your lender's process. Becoming a client of the Indiana SBDC early can help streamline your application and improve your chances.
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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