Small Business Grants in South Dakota
South Dakota offers approximately 15 active grant and incentive programs for small businesses, primarily administered by the Governor's Office of Economic Development (GOED).
In This Article
Which South Dakota 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.
South Dakota Small Business Grant Programs
State-administered funding programs available to South Dakota small businesses. Verify deadlines directly with the granting agency before applying.
Proof of Concept Fund
Governor's Office of Economic Development (GOED)
Up to $25,000
RollingProvides funding to conduct research demonstrating the technical and economic feasibility of an innovation before commercialization. Applicants must commit to commercializing results in South Dakota and provide a 10% matching cash or in-kind investment.
Status check, Page states applications can be submitted at any time. Program provides up to $25,000 for research demonstrating technical and economic feasibility of innovations in South Dakota.
Last verified, Jul 13, 2026
Workforce Development Program
Governor's Office of Economic Development (GOED)
Up to 50% of training costs, up to $500 per employee
RollingReimburses eligible South Dakota companies for employee training expenses. Applications must be submitted at least three weeks before training begins, and trainees must earn at least $15 per hour.
Status check, Application packets are available online. Applications must be submitted at least three weeks before training begins. Rolling deadline confirmed, no specific end date stated.
Last verified, Jul 13, 2026
South Dakota Jobs Grant Program
Board of Economic Development
Varies (projects under $20M for facilities, under $2M for equipment)
RollingProvides grants to offset upfront costs for companies relocating, expanding, or upgrading equipment in South Dakota. Applications must be received within 90 days after construction begins.
Status check, Program accepts applications on a rolling basis for facilities under $20M and equipment under $2M. Page shows public records through CY2026, indicating program is currently active.
Last verified, Jul 13, 2026
Dakota Seeds Internship Grant
Governor's Office of Economic Development (GOED) / SD EPSCoR
$2,000–$10,000 per intern (varies by degree level)
Rolling (approved quarterly)Provides matching funds to businesses employing student interns in STEM, manufacturing, and accounting fields. Companies are capped at five interns and reimbursed up to 50% of salary paid.
Status check, Page explicitly states Dakota Seeds is no longer an active program. The program was discontinued after 2011, though historical reports are available through 2024.
Last verified, Jul 13, 2026
Economic Development Partnership Program
Governor's Office of Economic Development (GOED)
Varies (matching grants)
RollingProvides matching grants to fund equipment, training, new staff, or to establish and replenish local revolving loan funds for housing and economic development programs.
Status check, EDPP remains part of GOED's active toolkit with no official termination, but applications are evaluated quarterly by the Board of Economic Development with no publicly advertised deadline. Direct applicants must be nonprofits, municipalities, counties, or tribal governments, not small businesses.
Last verified, Jul 9, 2026
Community Development Block Grants (CDBG)
Governor's Office of Economic Development (GOED) / HUD
Varies by project
Deadline Oct 1, 2026Federally funded program providing grants for community infrastructure, workforce training, and industrial development projects that benefit low- and moderate-income individuals.
Status check, The page confirms biannual deadlines of April 1 and October 1, so the next deadline is October 1, 2026. Applicants work with local planning districts to apply.
Last verified, Jul 13, 2026
Local Infrastructure Improvement Program
Board of Economic Development
Varies by project
Deadline Jul 31, 2026Provides grants to fund the construction or reconstruction of infrastructure serving economic development projects. Applications are reviewed quarterly by the Board of Economic Development.
Status check, Page lists Local Infrastructure Improvement Grant among available programs. Based on quarterly deadline schedule (Jan 31, Apr 30, Jul 31, Oct 31), next deadline is July 31, 2026.
Last verified, Jul 17, 2026
Specialty Crop Block Grant Program
South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Varies by project
RollingEnhances the competitiveness of specialty crops produced in South Dakota. Funds can support market access, food safety, pest control, and research for fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and horticulture crops.
Status check, Page shows 2026 Request for Proposals is available with application documents. No specific deadline stated, consistent with rolling basis. Contact information and application materials provided.
Last verified, Jul 13, 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
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
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
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 South Dakota grant programs expect these basics to be in place.
Form your business entity
Most South Dakota 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 South Dakota.
Rural Business Grants
South Dakota's rural businesses benefit from multiple funding options, including USDA Rural Business Development Grants and the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. GOED also offers agricultural loan programs such as the Agribusiness Bond Program and Livestock Loan Participation.
- ›USDA Rural Business Development Grant
- ›Specialty Crop Block Grant Program
- ›Agribusiness Bond Program
Technology/Innovation Business Grants
Entrepreneurs and companies with innovative products can access the Proof of Concept Fund for up to $25,000, as well as SBIR/STTR technical assistance through the South Dakota SBDC. The Dakota Seeds program also supports STEM-focused businesses.
- ›Proof of Concept Fund
- ›SBIR/STTR Program
- ›Dakota Seeds Internship Grant
Tips for Applying in South Dakota
Increase your chances of approval with these state-specific tips.
- 1Check the GOED financing and incentives page (sdgoed.com/partners/financing-incentives) regularly, as many programs operate on a rolling basis with quarterly review cycles.
- 2Coordinate with your regional planning district before applying for CDBG or Local Infrastructure Improvement grants. Planning districts assist with application preparation and submission.
- 3For the Proof of Concept Fund, prepare for a dual review process. Your application will undergo both a technical review by the Research Affairs Council and a business review by private equity investors.
- 4Submit Workforce Development Program applications at least three weeks before training begins. Awards are paid on a reimbursement basis, so plan your cash flow accordingly.
- 5Contact the South Dakota SBDC (sdbusinesshelp.com) for free, confidential consulting on grant applications, business planning, and financial projections before you apply.
State Economic Development Agency
Governor's Office of Economic Development (GOED)
GOED provides financing, incentives, and technical assistance to help new and existing South Dakota businesses grow, create jobs, and access capital.
Funding While You Wait
Grant applications in South Dakota 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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