Small Business Grants in Massachusetts
Massachusetts offers more than 15 active grant and incentive programs for small businesses, administered primarily through the Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) and MassDevelopment.
In This Article
Which Massachusetts grants fit your business?
Answer 7 quick questions and we sort the 13 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.
Massachusetts Small Business Grant Programs
State-administered funding programs available to Massachusetts small businesses. Verify deadlines directly with the granting agency before applying.
Biz-M-Power Matching Grant Program
MassDevelopment (Growth Capital Division)
$2,500–$50,000
RollingMatching grants for growth-oriented small and microbusinesses to offset costs of facility acquisition, expansion, equipment purchase, and other capital needs. Applicants must contribute a minimum of 20% of project costs.
Status check, Page states The deadline to submit an application has passed for Biz-M-Power. No current deadline or reopening date is provided.
Last verified, Jul 10, 2026
SBIR Targeted Technologies (START) Grant Program
MassVentures
$100,000–$500,000
Deadline Feb 1, 2027Non-dilutive grants supporting commercialization of Massachusetts companies that have received federal SBIR or STTR Phase II awards. Covers market validation, business development, and IP strategy across sectors like biotech, AI, cleantech, and quantum computing.
Status check, The application window will reopen February 1st, 2027. Program awards grants of $100k, $200k, and up to $500k across three rounds to MA-based SBIR Phase II companies.
Last verified, Jul 17, 2026
Small Business Technical Assistance (SBTA) Grant Program
MassDevelopment
$26,700–$155,750
Deadline Jun 26, 2026Grants to nonprofits that deliver technical assistance, business skills training, and access to capital to Massachusetts small businesses. Businesses access these services through funded SBTA provider organizations.
Status check, The FY27 SBTA RFP deadline was June 26, 2026 at 11:59 p.m., which has passed. MassDevelopment's grant programs page explicitly states the application deadline has passed. Program is ongoing annually but current round is closed.
Last verified, Jul 15, 2026
Empower Digital Grant Program
MassDevelopment (Growth Capital Division)
Up to $5,000
RollingA matching grant to help small businesses improve their digital capabilities, including website development, POS systems, e-commerce, cybersecurity, and digital marketing. Applicants must work with an SBTA provider to apply.
Status check, Page shows MassDevelopment general homepage with no mention of Empower Digital Grant Program. Content discusses bonds, financing, and real estate services but not the specific grant program.
Last verified, Jul 10, 2026
Economic Development Incentive Program (EDIP)
Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD)
Varies (tax credits)
RollingOne of the largest job creation incentive programs in the Commonwealth, offering tax credits to businesses that create jobs and invest in Massachusetts. In FY2026, 16 projects received $17.2 million in tax credits. Note: this is a tax credit program, not a direct grant.
Status check, Program accepts applications on a quarterly basis. Next deadline is August 12, 2026 for the September 23, 2026 EACC meeting. Future deadlines listed through February 2027.
Last verified, Jul 15, 2026
Community One Stop for Growth
Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED)
$10,000–$500,000+
Deadline Jun 3, 2026A single application portal combining 12 state economic development grant programs for community-focused projects including commercial revitalization, infrastructure improvements, and site readiness. Over $558 million has been awarded across 283 communities since 2021.
Status check, The FY27 round full application deadline was June 3, 2026 at 11:59 p.m., which has passed.
Last verified, Jul 11, 2026
Transformative Development Initiative (TDI) Local Program
MassDevelopment
Up to $125,000
RollingGrants funding locally developed small-business support programs in Gateway Cities, including storefront improvements, marketing campaigns, and technical assistance. Since 2015, MassDevelopment has invested $38 million in TDI districts.
Status check, The TDI Local Program grant round is currently closed with no active application window or deadline posted. Third-party trackers list it as closed and MassDevelopment's official TDI page shows no open call for small businesses.
Last verified, Jul 14, 2026
Massachusetts Life Sciences Center Tax Incentive Program
Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC)
Varies (tax incentives)
RollingTax incentives for life sciences companies engaged in R&D, commercialization, and manufacturing that commit to creating new long-term jobs in Massachusetts. MLSC has deployed approximately $1 billion across grants, loans, and incentives since 2007.
Status check, The most recent (17th) round application window ran January 12 to March 31, 2026 at 2 p.m. EST. That deadline has passed. The program is ongoing and recurring but no new application period is currently open.
Last verified, Jul 17, 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 Massachusetts grant programs expect these basics to be in place.
Form your business entity
Most Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts.
Women-owned Business Grants
Massachusetts offers additional consideration for women-owned businesses through the Empower Digital Grant and Biz-M-Power programs. The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center also runs a program providing non-dilutive grant funding and executive coaching to women-led early-stage life science companies.
- ›Empower Digital Grant
- ›Biz-M-Power Grant Program
- ›Massachusetts Life Sciences Center
Minority-owned Business Grants
The SBTA Grant Program specifically supports organizations serving businesses owned by minorities, and the Empower Digital Grant gives additional consideration to minority-owned applicants. Program application resources are available in 10 languages.
- ›Small Business Technical Assistance Program
- ›Empower Digital Grant
- ›MassDevelopment
Veteran-owned Business Grants
Veteran-owned businesses receive additional consideration for the Empower Digital Grant and can access technical assistance through SBTA-funded nonprofits that specifically serve veteran entrepreneurs.
- ›Empower Digital Grant
- ›Small Business Technical Assistance Program
Technology/Innovation Business Grants
Massachusetts is a national leader in innovation funding. The MassVentures START Grant provides $100,000 to $500,000 to SBIR Phase II companies, and the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center offers grants and tax incentives for life sciences R&D.
- ›MassVentures START Grant
- ›Massachusetts Life Sciences Center
- ›SBIR/STTR Programs
Rural Business Grants
Central and western Massachusetts communities receive priority consideration for several MassDevelopment programs. The Community One Stop for Growth has awarded $133 million to rural and small towns since 2021.
- ›Community One Stop for Growth
- ›USDA Rural Business Development Grant
- ›MassDevelopment
Tips for Applying in Massachusetts
Increase your chances of approval with these state-specific tips.
- 1Register on SAM.gov early if you plan to pursue federal grants like SBIR/STTR. Registration is mandatory and can take several weeks to process.
- 2For Biz-M-Power and Empower Digital grants, you must work with a certified SBTA provider organization. Find your local provider through MassDevelopment's Small Business Resource Directory before starting your application.
- 3The Community One Stop for Growth opens its optional Expression of Interest period in January each year. Submit an EOI to receive feedback from EOED staff before the full application deadline in May or June.
- 4For Biz-M-Power grants, you must demonstrate that at least 20% of owner's funds are available at the time of application, shown through business bank account statements.
- 5Contact the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (MSBDC) for free, confidential help with grant proposals and business planning. The MSBDC operates six regional offices across the state.
State Economic Development Agency
Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED)
EOED promotes vibrant communities, growing businesses, and a strong middle class by coordinating state economic development programs, grants, and tax incentives for Massachusetts businesses.
Funding While You Wait
Grant applications in Massachusetts 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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