A Complete Guide to Grants in Virginia for Small Businesses

Virginia, known for its historic towns, cities, rich culture and birthplace to numbers of American pioneers stands out as one of the best states in the U.S. for entrepreneurs. With its economic development, a high-quality workforce and many businesses resources, the Commonwealth of Virginia has cultivated an environment where small businesses and startups can thrive.

Grants in Virginia for small businesses are one of the most powerful resources available to entrepreneurs. These Grants are non- repayable forms of financial assistance provided by governments, foundations or private institutes to support business owners, making them one of the best sources to fund your business. This article breaks down active and upcoming grants in Virginia for small businesses, organized by key regions and niche business categories.

Why Grants over loans?

Business funding grants and loans are the top option when financing a business. Unlike loans, Grants do not need to be repaid, allowing business owners to invest in business` growth and expansion without any future obligations. Other features of Grants except for the crucial capital injection like targeted support to women- and minority-owned businesses, rural or local enterprises, research and development activities makes its a more favorable option.

Receiving a grant from a reputable source enhances the credibility of the business. As the business acquires more visibility in the marketplace, it attracts more customers, investors, and other stakeholders.

Every year, as small businesses and large corporations are the foundation of economic growth in Virginia, with more than $12,670.00 million dollars in grants and additional local government funding sources of $8,970.00 million dollars; most of the federal budget for government grants is put into the business sector. With such advantages and business resources available, it makes complete sense to explore grants in Virginia for small businesses as your top priority.

Regional Grants in Virginia for Small Businesses

Several cities and counties are offered grants in Virginia for small businesses through local programs and resources.

Fairfax County

Fairfax Founders Fund

This Grant provides technical assistance to early- stage startups in Fairfax Country with up to $50,000 in funding. As one of the key grants in Virginia for small businesses, it aims to strengthen economic development by growing innovation-based businesses and jobs. With this it also addresses underrepresented and diverse founders as women, people of color, veterans and persons with disabilities. To meet the eligibility requirements for this grant fund, the applicant must be for-profit companies, must be a legally existing entity registered and in good standing with Virginia’s State Corporation Commission.

Roanoke

Roanoke offers various business grants and incentive programs to support both existing and new businesses. Let’s have a detailed look at these grant funds:

Business Equipment Acquisition Program (BEAP)

This grant aims to help businesses in Roanoke County and the Town of Vinton. It offers funding opportunities for eligible for-profit businesses looking to enhance their operations through the acquisition of new capital. To meet the eligibility requirements for this grant fund, the business has operated as for-profit entity for at least a year, employing more than three full-time employees at a physical location in Roanoke.

Small Business Investment Grant Program ( Roanoke County)

This grant was designed to assist Virginia’s small business looking forward to raising capital. It provides grants to investors willing to invest in small businesses. The goal of these grants is to increase new investment that will provide a long-term benefit by increasing capital investment and creating jobs in Virginia.

Virginia Business Ready Sites Program (VBRSP)

This Grant program promotes development and characterization of sites to enhance the Commonwealth’s infrastructure. Out of the total funds allocated, $3.88 million goes to the sites represented by the Roanoke Regional Partnership.

Enterprise Zone Facade Grant Program

The Facade Grant program is administered through the Economic Development Authority. Businesses located in designated Enterprise Zones in Roanoke can apply for reimbursement on approved facade renovations up to one-third of the amount invested, with an award cap of $25,000.

Norfolk

If you operate a small business in Norfolk and are a United States citizen, you may be eligible to apply for various new small business grants in Virgina to expand your business. 

The Norfolk Office of Economic Development offer regional business grants and financing opportunities through its Capital Access Program (CAP). It provides financing for new, existing, and expanding businesses in Norfolk. It offers Micro Grants, Norfolk EDA Small Business Grants, Reimbursable Grants, and Norfolk Revolving Loan Funds.

• Other grants that might be available to the businesses or organizations in Norfolk are:
• Small Business Transition Grant for Early Career Scientists
• Small Business Innovation Research Program - Phase II
• Small Business Regional Training
• HHS/ACL/NIDILRR: Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) Phase I

For more information about grants in Virginia for small businesses in Norfolk, Visit usgrants.org

Virginia Beach

Economic Development Investment Program (EDIP)

The Virginia Beach Development Authority (VBDA) has been administering this program on behalf of the City Council since 1994. The program may provide cash grants to eligible companies based on the average annual salary and number of new jobs created, and/or new capital investment made over a 36-month period or 48 months for APZ-1 awards.

Small Business Grant Program

The Small Business Grant Program administered by the Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development to assist small, women, minority, veteran or disabled veteran-owned Virginia Beach businesses grow and expand. It provides grants for development of an online or mobile presence, purchase of inventory, marketing, business expansion, purchase of inventory or equipment. It is to be noted that grants are funded on a first-come, first-served basis based upon availability of funds, compliance with program guidelines, and submission of a complete application.

Façade Improvement Grant (FIG)

This grant program supports small businesses in enhancing their properties; it offers matching grants of up to $ 10,000 for exterior upgrades. This grant is also awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. The application portal for FIG might open again in January 2026.

Niche Categories: Targeted Grants in Virginia for small businesses

Beyond regional specifics, numerous grants in Virginia for small businesses are allotted to target women entrepreneurs, tech, retail, people of color, and other minority owned businesses.

Amber Grant Foundation

This organization has funded women-owned businesses since 1998. This year they are awarding a trio of $10,000 Amber grants each month. To put a cherry on top, at the end of the year, winners will be automatically eligible for an additional year-end $25,000 Amber grant.

Business Women's Giving Circle

This giving circle, part of The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia, awards grants to organizations serving girls and young women in Northern Virginia in STEM, leadership, and entrepreneurship.

Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce Grants

The Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce has received grants from GO Virginia to support business acceleration programs for Black entrepreneurs.

Regional Innovation Fund (RIF)

This program, administered by Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC), provides funding to entrepreneurial support organizations (ESOs) that serve science and technology-based businesses. These ESOs help build and strengthen Virginia's innovation ecosystem. VIPC also offers the Federal Funding Assistance Program (FFAP) to assist early-stage companies in applying for federal SBIR/STTR grants. 

The Virginia Food Access Investment Fund (VFAIF)

The Virginia Food Access Investment Fund (VFAIF) is a statewide program that focuses on equity and justice in local food systems by investing in new or expanding food retailers that address food access issues in the Commonwealth. As one of the targeted grants in Virginia for small businesses, VFAIF offers grant awards ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 per project, per year to fund business development, construction, rehabilitation, equipment upgrades, and expansion of grocery stores and small food retailers. This program focuses on low-income and low-access communities. Applicants may be individuals, farms, nonprofits, organizations, or for-profit businesses.

Tips to Apply for Grants in Virginia for Small Businesses

Obtaining a grant is a thoughtful process and needs in-depth research and planning to outshine competition. Here are a few tips for entrepreneurs to obtain funding from grants in Virginia for small businesses.

• Read the Guidelines Closely: Every grant has specific eligibility criteria. Ensure that your business and project fulfill the objectives of the grant programs offered for small businesses in Virginia.
• Understand what Funders look for in a Grant Application: It is crucial to align with the project’s goal. Showing how your project meets the grant program’s objectives is key to securing grants in Virginia for small businesses.
• Crafting a Captivating Grant Proposal: Your Grant proposal must convince the funder of your business plans, give a detailed justification of your budget and use of funds. Make sure to tell your business story, as Grant reviewers are constantly looking for compelling missions that have a potential positive impact.
• Seek Assistance: Don't hesitate to reach out to your local Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for guidance and support with the Grant application process. Virginia SBDC network is the largest provider of advising, training and business resources for small businesses throughout the Commonwealth, ready to assist business owners pursuing grants in Virginia for small businesses.

Final Thoughts

Grants for small businesses in Virginia can be beneficial for expansion without incurring a debt burden. These targeted grants can positively change your life. There are definitely many people competing for funding, however. It is very important to monitor Virginia SBSD and usgrants.org. Many of the programs are annual with predictable application periods. With the right preparation and interesting grant narrative, one can easily get approved for grants in Virginia for small businesses.

FAQs about grants in Virginia for small businesses

What are your options if you don’t qualify for a grant?

If you’re not eligible for grant opportunities, Virginia offers a range of other funding options. The Virginia Small Business Financing Authority (VSBFA) programs are available to provide financing for businesses, not-for-profit and economic development authorities to foster economic growth and development across the Commonwealth.

How often are new grant programs announced?

Grants in Virginia for small businesses are announced on a variable schedule, depending on the specific program and funding source. Some are recurring annual programs with predictable application windows, while others are launched in response to specific conditions like Covid-19 or to support industries. To stay informed, regularly check the websites of the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (SBSD).

 How can I apply for a grant as a woman entrepreneur?

Applying for an Amber grant is an easy task; you just need to submit your application, sharing the story of your business, its challenges, and opportunities. You would be charged a standard $15 application fee.

 How do I know if my business is eligible for grants programs?

Each program has a unique set of requirements. Generally, these include your business's location, (it must be in Virginia, and often a specific city or county), and business type (whether it’s a start-up, for-profit or non-profit organization). When applying for grants in Virginia for small businesses, always read the grant guidelines thoroughly before investing time in an application.

 What documents are typically required in a grant proposal?

To apply for a business grant, you'll need a combination of documentation demonstrating your business's legitimacy, financial health, and the purpose of the grant request. Common documents include business licenses, permits, and registrations; financial statements; tax returns; bank statements; and a business plan.

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