Here’s Where Small Business Money is Hiding in 2026

If building or growing a business is on your agenda for 2026, there’s no need to start from zero on funding. In fact, many small business owners miss out on grant opportunities because the information feels scattered, outdated or unreliable.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has done some of the sorting for you. Its CO— platform maintains a “live list” of more than 100 grants and funding programs for small businesses. It pulls together federal, state, nonprofit and corporate opportunities in one place and updates the list regularly.

This saves time and cuts down on dead ends. Some of the grant opportunities include (the full list with links is here):

• Amex Shop Small Grants Program offers $20,000 grants to qualifying brick-and-mortar businesses.

• Verizon Small Business Digital Readiness Program pairs free education with the opportunity to earn a $10,000 grant.

• Amber Grant Foundation awards monthly grants to women entrepreneurs throughout the year.

• America’s Seed Fund through the National Science Foundation supports early-stage, innovation-driven businesses.

Grants may not be the answer for every business, but knowing what’s available opens the door to more financing options as you plan for 2026.

I cover how funding fits into the bigger picture in my books Your First Business Blueprint, written for first-time founders, and Blueprints Beat Cocktail Napkins, a practical guide to business planning. Check them both out on Amazon.