Small Business Grants in Massachusetts
Massachusetts runs its small business programmes through three bodies. They are the Executive Office of Economic Development, MassDevelopment, and MassVentures.
Which Massachusetts 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.
Massachusetts Small Business Grant Programs
State-administered funding programs available to Massachusetts small businesses. Verify deadlines directly with the granting agency before applying.
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 29, 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, Aug 5, 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, Aug 1, 2026
Biz-M-Power Matching Grant Program
MassDevelopment (Growth Capital Division)
$2,500–$20,000
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 29, 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, Aug 6, 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 29, 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 30, 2026
Massachusetts Life Sciences Center Tax Incentive Program
Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC)
Varies (tax incentives)
Deadline Mar 31, 2026Tax 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, Aug 5, 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 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
- ›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
Yes. Massachusetts offers several grant programs that do not need to be repaid. The Biz-M-Power Matching Grant Program provides up to $20,000 in matching funds for small businesses with fewer than 20 employees. The Empower Digital Grant offers up to $5,000 for digital capability improvements. For tech startups, the MassVentures START Grant provides $100,000 to $500,000 in non-dilutive funding to SBIR Phase II companies.
The Biz-M-Power Matching Grant Program, administered by MassDevelopment's Growth Capital Division, is one of the most accessible grants for everyday small businesses in Massachusetts. It provides matching grants of $2,500 to $20,000 for businesses with fewer than 20 employees and under $2.5 million in annual revenue. Funds can be used for facility improvements, equipment purchases, and other capital needs.
No. Most Massachusetts grant programs are open to all eligible small businesses regardless of ownership demographics. However, programs like the Empower Digital Grant and the SBTA Grant Program give additional consideration to businesses owned by women, minorities, veterans, immigrants, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Certification is not required but may strengthen your application for certain programs.
Timelines vary by program. For the Biz-M-Power Grant, rounds typically take several months from application to award notification. The Community One Stop for Growth follows an annual cycle with applications accepted in May or June and awards announced in the fall. MassVentures START Grant applications have specific deadlines, with awards announced within a few months. Working with an SBTA provider or the Massachusetts SBDC can help make your application easier.
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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