As businesses across the globe prioritize sustainability, small businesses are at the forefront of this movement. However, sustainability comes with a price, and many small businesses face financial hurdles when trying to adopt green practices. The good news? There are a number of grants specifically aimed at supporting small businesses in their journey toward sustainability and eco-friendly innovation.
These grants help businesses invest in renewable energy, waste reduction, and innovative green technologies. They’re not just a boost for the environment — they’re also a financial lifeline for businesses looking to cut costs and increase efficiency.
1️⃣ EPA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program 🌿💡
Website: epa.gov
What It Is
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) SBIR Program is designed to support small businesses that are developing innovative environmental technologies. This grant encourages businesses to tackle some of the most pressing issues related to clean water, air quality, and waste reduction.
Who It’s For
- Small businesses based in the U.S.
- Businesses developing projects in environmental technology, pollution prevention, or energy efficiency.
Funding Amount
- Phase I: Up to $100,000 to develop a prototype or proof of concept.
- Phase II: Funding of up to $400,000 to $1,000,000 for project development and commercialization.
How It Helps Small Businesses
- Funds early-stage innovations that could become commercialized.
- Provides an opportunity to develop game-changing technologies that contribute to a cleaner, greener planet.
Pro Tip
Start by focusing on an innovative idea that addresses a specific environmental problem. The EPA prioritizes projects related to air, water, soil, and energy efficiency.
2️⃣ USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) 🌞🌾
Website: usda.gov
What It Is
The USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) offers financial assistance to rural small businesses and farmers to support energy-efficient upgrades and the adoption of renewable energy systems. From solar panels to wind turbines, this grant helps businesses reduce their energy bills and environmental impact.
Who It’s For
- Rural small businesses and agricultural producers in the United States.
Funding Amount
- Grants: Cover up to 25% of the project’s total cost.
- Loan Guarantees: Cover up to 75% of total project costs.
How It Helps Small Businesses
- Reduces energy bills by supporting the installation of solar panels, wind turbines, and energy-saving equipment.
- Helps businesses operate more efficiently while becoming more self-sufficient in energy production.
Pro Tip
This grant works well for businesses looking to add solar panels, wind energy systems, or energy-saving HVAC systems. If you operate a farm or a small business in a rural area, this is your golden ticket to energy savings.
3️⃣ Department of Energy (DOE) EERE Advanced Manufacturing Office (AMO) Grants ⚙️🔋
Website: energy.gov
What It Is
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Manufacturing Office (AMO) provides funding to boost energy efficiency in manufacturing. Their goal is to support innovation in clean manufacturing technologies that reduce emissions and save energy.
Who It’s For
- Small to mid-sized manufacturing businesses focused on energy efficiency, clean energy, and sustainable production.
Funding Amount
- Funding amounts vary, but they typically fall within the range of $50,000 to $1 million depending on project scope.
How It Helps Small Businesses
- Supports the development of new energy-efficient manufacturing technologies.
- Provides technical support and guidance on energy management.
Pro Tip
If you run a small manufacturing business and are looking to reduce energy costs and improve efficiency, this grant can support your R&D efforts. Look for areas where you can improve energy usage, like HVAC systems, production line efficiency, or waste reduction technologies.
4️⃣ National Science Foundation (NSF) Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program 💡📘
Website: nsf.gov
What It Is
The National Science Foundation’s STTR Program supports partnerships between small businesses and research institutions to develop new, market-ready products and technologies. This grant offers funding for innovative projects in sustainability, energy, and environmental sciences.
Who It’s For
- Small businesses collaborating with research institutions.
- Projects focused on environmental sustainability, clean energy, or innovative technology development.
Funding Amount
- Phase I: Up to $256,000 for early-stage R&D.
- Phase II: Up to $1,000,000 for development, testing, and commercialization.
How It Helps Small Businesses
- Provides funds to test new technologies.
- Helps bridge the gap from research to commercialization, turning ideas into sellable products.
Pro Tip
Focus on building a strong partnership with a university or research institution. The STTR program requires small businesses to partner with a research institution, so having a strong academic connection is essential.
5️⃣ Wells Fargo Clean Technology and Innovation Grant 💸🌱
Website: wellsfargo.com
What It Is
The Wells Fargo Clean Technology Grant supports small businesses and startups working on clean technology solutions. It aims to accelerate projects in energy efficiency, water conservation, and sustainable agriculture.
Who It’s For
- Startups and small businesses working on projects related to renewable energy, water conservation, and clean tech.
Funding Amount
- Grant amounts vary, but past recipients have received funding between $25,000 and $500,000.
How It Helps Small Businesses
- Provides critical funding for early-stage development and testing.
- Helps small businesses scale their operations to reach commercial viability.
Pro Tip
Since Wells Fargo focuses on early-stage support, you’ll want to show that your project has the potential for long-term growth. Highlight how your project will create sustainable impact and reduce carbon emissions.
6️⃣ Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) Grants ⚡🌿
Website: masscec.com
What It Is
The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) supports clean energy and climate-related projects in the state of Massachusetts. The grants fund projects related to carbon reduction, clean transportation, and environmental justice. Small businesses can receive funding for energy-efficient upgrades, electrification, and green tech implementation.
Who It’s For
- Small businesses based in Massachusetts.
- Businesses working on projects related to renewable energy, clean transportation, or green technology.
Funding Amount
- Funding varies depending on the project. Some programs offer direct grants, while others offer technical support and access to pilot projects.
How It Helps Small Businesses
- Provides funding to support the adoption of clean energy technologies.
- Helps businesses transition to energy-efficient and sustainable practices.
Pro Tip
If you’re a Massachusetts-based business, consider applying for funding to cover costs related to solar energy installations, electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, or energy storage technologies.
7️⃣ Enterprise Green Communities Grants 🏠🌿
Website: enterprisecommunity.org
What It Is
The Enterprise Green Communities Grants focus on sustainable housing development, but they also support small businesses involved in green construction and retrofitting projects. The grants help fund the development of eco-friendly affordable housing, with a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability.
Who It’s For
- Small developers, architects, and construction companies working on sustainable housing projects.
- Businesses involved in green building materials, energy efficiency, and climate-resilient construction.
Funding Amount
- Charrette Grants: Up to $5,000 for design and planning.
- Sustainability Training Grants: Up to $5,000 for sustainability training and certification.
How It Helps Small Businesses
- Provides support for planning, design, and construction of eco-friendly, affordable housing.
- Offers access to training grants for businesses interested in sustainable development certifications.
Pro Tip
If you’re in construction, development, or green retrofitting, you can apply for a Sustainability Training Grant to pay for training your team in sustainable practices, which can boost your business’s competitive edge.
8️⃣ DOE Small Business Vouchers (SBV) Program 💡⚙️
Website: sbv.org
What It Is
The Small Business Vouchers (SBV) Program, run by the Department of Energy (DOE), connects small businesses with national laboratory resources to help them commercialize energy technologies. Instead of cash, businesses receive access to high-tech equipment, world-class facilities, and expert consulting to help test and develop new products.
Who It’s For
- Clean energy startups and small businesses looking to scale and commercialize new technologies.
- Businesses in the fields of energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainable technology.
Funding Amount
- Instead of cash, businesses receive access to labs, testing equipment, and industry experts.
- The value of the voucher varies depending on the project.
How It Helps Small Businesses
- Provides access to state-of-the-art testing facilities and research labs.
- Accelerates product development and testing for clean energy technology startups.
Pro Tip
This is not a traditional grant. It’s a voucher system that gives you access to world-class facilities, equipment, and guidance. If your business is working on new energy tech, this could be a game-changer.
9️⃣ EPA Environmental Justice Small Grants Program ⚖️🌍
Website: epa.gov
What It Is
The Environmental Justice Small Grants Program, run by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), funds community-driven projects that address environmental justice issues. This grant is perfect for small businesses involved in local sustainability efforts or projects designed to reduce environmental harm in underserved communities.
Who It’s For
- Nonprofit organizations, community-based organizations, and small businesses.
- Companies focusing on projects related to environmental justice, pollution reduction, and community-led sustainability.
Funding Amount
- Grants up to $100,000 per project.
How It Helps Small Businesses
- Supports community-driven environmental justice initiatives.
- Helps small businesses align with corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals.
Pro Tip
If your business serves communities disproportionately affected by environmental issues, this grant could be a great fit. Look for ways to position your project as a “community-driven initiative” to increase your chances of approval.
🔟 Coca-Cola Foundation Community Support Grants 🥤🌿
Website: coca-colacompany.com
What It Is
The Coca-Cola Foundation Community Support Grants fund sustainability projects focused on water conservation, recycling, and climate protection. Businesses that aim to reduce waste, improve water efficiency, or support community development are encouraged to apply.
Who It’s For
- Nonprofits, small businesses, and community organizations focused on environmental sustainability and water stewardship.
Funding Amount
- Funding amounts vary depending on the project’s goals and scope.
How It Helps Small Businesses
- Supports initiatives focused on recycling, clean water, and waste reduction.
- Helps small businesses reduce operational waste and align with sustainability goals.
Pro Tip
The Coca-Cola Foundation is known for its focus on water conservation and recycling. If your business has a focus on water-efficient technologies or plastic waste reduction, this grant is a natural fit.
