State & Local Business Grants Guide
Complete guide to state and local business grants. Access regional economic development funding, job creation incentives, and location-based programs to grow your business locally.
What are State & Local Business Grants?
State and local business grants are funding programs offered by state governments, counties, cities, and regional development organizations to promote economic growth, job creation, and business development in their communities. These programs often complement federal funding with location-specific benefits.
- • Economic development incentives
- • Job creation tax credits
- • Industry-specific grants
- • Export assistance programs
- • Innovation & technology funds
- • Rural development initiatives
- • Municipal business grants
- • Downtown revitalization funds
- • Small business loan programs
- • Property tax abatements
- • Facade improvement grants
- • Microenterprise assistance
Top State Business Grant Programs
California's premier economic development program providing tax credits to businesses that create jobs and make investments in the state.
Eligible Activities:
- • Business expansion
- • Facility relocation to California
- • Staying in California vs. moving
- • New job creation
- • Capital investment
Requirements:
- • Create net new jobs
- • Make capital investment
- • Multi-year commitment
- • Competitive application process
- • Performance-based awards
Texas' "deal closing" fund designed to attract and retain large-scale business projects that create significant economic impact.
Project Types:
- • Large-scale expansions
- • Business relocations to Texas
- • Manufacturing facilities
- • Corporate headquarters
- • Research & development centers
Minimum Requirements:
- • 75+ new permanent jobs
- • $1M+ capital investment
- • Wages above regional average
- • 5-year commitment
- • Economic impact analysis
New York's flagship tax incentive program for businesses creating jobs and making investments in targeted industries.
Targeted Industries:
- • Manufacturing
- • Software development
- • Back office operations
- • Financial services
- • Distribution centers
Benefits:
- • Job creation tax credit
- • Investment tax credit
- • Research & development credit
- • Real property tax credit
- • Sales tax exemptions
Local & Municipal Business Programs
Direct grants for local business development
$1K - $50KGrants for storefront and building improvements
$2K - $25KPrograms to revive downtown business districts
$5K - $100KProperty tax incentives for development
VariesReduced property taxes for qualifying businesses
5-10 yearsPublic investment in business-supporting infrastructure
In-kindHow to Find State & Local Programs
State Websites
Check your state's economic development department website
Local EDCs
Contact local Economic Development Corporations
SBDCs
Work with Small Business Development Centers
Chambers
Connect with local Chambers of Commerce
State & Local Grant Application Tips
✅ Success Strategies
- Emphasize local economic impact
- Highlight job creation and retention
- Show community involvement
- Build relationships with local officials
🎯 Key Considerations
- Understand local priorities and initiatives
- Align with economic development goals
- Consider combining multiple programs
- Plan for long-term community presence
State Economic Development Resources
Major State Programs:
- • California: CalCompetes, Innovation Hub Program
- • Texas: Enterprise Fund, Skills Development Fund
- • New York: Excelsior, START-UP NY
- • Florida: Quick Action Closing Fund
- • Ohio: JobsOhio, R&D Investment Tax Credit
- • Illinois: EDGE Tax Credit, Manufacturing Machinery
Regional Organizations:
- • Appalachian Regional Commission
- • Delta Regional Authority
- • Northern Border Regional Commission
- • Southeast Crescent Regional Commission
- • Southwest Border Regional Commission
- • State Rural Development Councils
Ready to Find State & Local Grants?
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