Small Business Grants in Washington
Washington State offers more than 15 active grant, loan, and incentive programs for small businesses, primarily administered by the Washington State Department of Commerce.
In This Article
Which Washington 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.
Washington Small Business Grant Programs
State-administered funding programs available to Washington small businesses. Verify deadlines directly with the granting agency before applying.
Clean Energy Grants Program
Washington State Department of Commerce
$50,000 - $2,500,000
Deadline Nov 5, 2025Grant funding for clean energy projects that modernize the electric grid, promote solar energy deployment, and enhance community resilience. Approximately $32 million was available to public and private entities in the most recent round.
Status check, The 2025 cycle closed November 5, 2025 at 4 p.m. PT, with awards announced December 2025 and contracts starting February 2026. That deadline has passed.
Last verified, Jul 9, 2026
Green Jobs Grant Program 2026
Washington State Department of Commerce
Varies by project
ClosedGrant funding for projects demonstrating high-wage clean job creation, clean manufacturing infrastructure investment, and workforce development for the clean energy economy.
Status check, The 2025 program was open and continuous until funds obligated, but the Commerce Submittable portal currently shows no open calls for submissions. Awards have been made, suggesting funding is fully obligated. No active application window found.
Last verified, Jul 9, 2026
STEP Export Voucher Program
Washington State Department of Commerce
Up to $5,000
Deadline Sep 29, 2025Cash reimbursements for small businesses to offset expenses of expanding international sales. Eligible costs include trade show fees, airfare, translation services, and export training.
Status check, The most recent official guidelines cover grant year October 1, 2024 to September 29, 2025, with all funded export activities required to conclude by September 29, 2025. That deadline has passed.
Apply / Learn MoreLast verified, Jul 9, 2026
WSMA Microenterprise Grants
Washington State Microenterprise Association
$10,000
Deadline Jan 7, 2026Grants to nonprofit organizations that provide business training, technical assistance, and access to financing for Washington small businesses with five or fewer employees, with a focus on BIPOC entrepreneurs and underserved communities.
Status check, Both the Statewide and Urban Grant programs are marked NOW CLOSED with application deadline of January 7, 2026 by 5 p.m. PST. No current open opportunities listed.
Last verified, Jul 14, 2026
Paid Family and Medical Leave Small Business Grants
Washington Employment Security Department
$1,000 - $3,000
RollingGrants for employers with 150 or fewer employees to help cover costs when a team member takes Paid Family and Medical Leave. You can apply for up to 10 grants per year, one per employee on leave.
Status check, The program is currently open and actively accepting applications. No fixed calendar deadline exists; employers must apply within 12 months of each employee's Paid Leave start date. Program continues under 2026 rules with no pause or closure reported.
Apply / Learn MoreLast verified, Jul 14, 2026
SkillSource Small Business Investment Grants
SkillSource
Up to $80,000 total pool
Deadline Sep 22, 2025Grant funds for Latine, Tribal, Black, Asian, Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander-owned businesses in Chelan, Douglas, Grant, Adams, and Okanogan counties. Funding supports business startup, recovery, or growth.
Status check, Application period was September 4 to September 22, 2025. Grant period ended June 30, 2026. Program year has concluded.
Last verified, Jul 13, 2026
Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) Grants
Washington State Department of Commerce
Varies by project
RollingCERB provides grants and loans to rural communities for public infrastructure projects that support private business development and job creation.
Status check, CERB is active with ~$76M available, awarding grants as recently as May 2026. Deadlines are rolling, tied to board meetings 8 weeks prior. Only local governments and tribes may apply directly, not small businesses.
Last verified, Jul 16, 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 Washington grant programs expect these basics to be in place.
Form your business entity
Most Washington 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 Washington.
Women-owned Business Grants
Washington's Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises (OMWBE) certifies women-owned businesses for increased contracting opportunities with state and local governments. Certification can also qualify your business for the Linked Deposit Program and access to the MRSC Statewide Small Works Roster.
- ›OMWBE Certification
- ›Washington State Department of Commerce
Minority-owned Business Grants
OMWBE provides state and federal certifications for minority-owned businesses, opening doors to set-aside contracts and direct buy opportunities. Programs like WSMA Microenterprise Grants and SkillSource Investment Grants specifically target BIPOC entrepreneurs.
- ›OMWBE Certification
- ›WSMA Microenterprise Grants
- ›SkillSource Small Business Investment Grants
Veteran-owned Business Grants
The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs offers Veteran-Owned Business certification. State agencies are encouraged to purchase from certified veteran-owned businesses through the WEBS vendor registration system.
- ›Washington Department of Veterans Affairs
- ›WEBS Registration
Rural Business Grants
Washington's Associate Development Organizations (ADOs) operate in all 39 counties and connect rural businesses to grants, loans, and technical assistance. The Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) provides grants specifically for rural community economic development.
- ›CERB Grants
- ›Associate Development Organizations
- ›USDA Rural Business Development Grants
Technology/Innovation Business Grants
Washington's Industry Sector Development programs support technology, aerospace, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing businesses. The Clean Energy Grants Program and Green Jobs Grant Program fund innovation projects, and federal SBIR/STTR grants are highly competitive for Washington's tech startups.
- ›Clean Energy Grants Program
- ›Green Jobs Grant Program
- ›SBIR/STTR Grants
Tips for Applying in Washington
Increase your chances of approval with these state-specific tips.
- 1Register your business on the Washington Electronic Business Solution (WEBS) portal at des.wa.gov to receive bid opportunities and self-certify as a small business.
- 2If you are a minority-owned, women-owned, or veteran-owned business, apply for OMWBE certification through the Access Equity portal to access set-aside contracts and additional funding opportunities.
- 3Contact your county's Associate Development Organization (ADO) before applying. ADOs are partially funded by the Department of Commerce and can connect you to local grants, training, and site location assistance.
- 4Visit the Washington SBDC at wsbdc.org for free, confidential business advising. SBDC advisors can help you refine your grant application, develop financial projections, and prepare required documentation.
- 5Monitor the Department of Commerce contracting page at commerce.wa.gov/contracting regularly, as new grant opportunities are posted throughout the year with short application windows.
State Economic Development Agency
Washington State Department of Commerce
The Department of Commerce strengthens key industries, expands international trade, helps small businesses grow, and supports local economic development partners across all 39 Washington counties.
Funding While You Wait
Grant applications in Washington 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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