California can be a wonderful state in which to open and operate a business—but it can certainly be costly. If you’re a small business owner in California and you’re looking for funding, we’ve got your back. On this page, you’ll find grants and loans that are only available to employers who own and operate businesses within California. Start scrolling and discover if you’re eligible for any of these California business grants and loans.
Department or Agency: Pacific Community Ventures
Loan or Grant title: Small Business Loans
Pacific Community Ventures makes loans of up to $250,000 to small businesses throughout the state of California. They specialize in working with groups that have been traditionally underserved in terms of access to capital or turned down from traditional loan opportunities. Eligible businesses must be in operation for at least 12 months. Funds can be used toward working capital, inventory, purchasing or repairing equipment, new construction, and other expenses.
Department or Agency: Community Vision Capital and Consulting
Loan or Grant title: Business Loans
Community Vision offers business loans with the intention of growing existing businesses. Loans range from $50,000 to $5 million and support general working capital as well as everyday operating expenses. Applicants must be located within Northern California or Central California in order to qualify. This loan also focuses on businesses that are committed to improving their community.
Department or Agency: iBank Small Business Finance Center
Loan or Grant title: Loan Guarantee Program
This program was created to give access to capital for businesses that are traditionally underserved. Small businesses throughout the state of California can apply for the Loan Guarantee Program to help their businesses to grow and create or retain jobs.
Department or Agency: California Department of Rehabilitation
Loan or Grant title: EmployABILITY Business Grant
Small and mid-sized California business owners are encouraged to create job opportunities for people with disabilities and grow their businesses with this grant program that is part of the Demand Side Employment Initiative. Funds are awarded between $20,000 and $200,000 and can be used for equipment, training, new hires that are workers with disabilities, consulting services, and more.
Department or Agency: San Bernardino County
Loan or Grant title: Mountain Small Business Grant
Businesses with a brick-and-mortar location within San Bernardino County may be eligible to apply for this grant program created to help businesses impacted by winter weather. Applicants must have 50 or fewer full-time employees for small businesses and between 50 and 500 employees for mid-sized businesses. The small business grant is a one-time award of $3,000 and the mid-sized business grant is a one-time award of $15,000.
Department or Agency: City of Long Beach
Loan or Grant title: Visual Improvement Program Grant
Businesses located within the boundaries of Long Beach, with fewer than 200 employees, and under $2 million in revenue (among other requirements) may be eligible to apply for the Visual Improvement Program Grant. Grants of $1,500 may be awarded to pay for repairs to their storefronts, including associated costs (like deductibles) that are a result of crime or vandalism.
Department or Agency: Monterey County
Loan or Grant title: Monterey County Revolving Loan
Businesses located within the boundaries of Monterey County may be eligible to apply for a revolving loan. For each $20,000 borrowed, at least one job must be created or retained. Loan amounts range between $5,000 and $400,000 depending on geographic location within the county. Funds can be used toward working capital, furniture, equipment, and other expenses.
Department or Agency: Main Street Launch
Loan or Grant title: San Francisco Revolving Loan Fund
Businesses in San Francisco may be eligible for loans ranging from $10,000 to $50,000. Funds can be used for working capital, equipment, marketing, start-up expenses, and other costs associated with doing business.
Department or Agency: Main Street Launch
Loan or Grant title: San Francisco Emerging Business Loan Fund Program
Loans ranging from $50,000 to $250,000 are available for businesses with the potential to increase economic activity in San Francisco. Additionally, the program intends to increase the number of jobs for low and moderate-income individuals. Funds can be used for working capital, equipment, marketing, start-up expenses, and other costs associated with doing business.
Department or Agency: El Dorado County
Loan or Grant title: Economic Development Block Grant Program
This El Dorado County business assistance loan program aims to stimulate the economy by encouraging new job creation, and the retention of current jobs for low-income individuals throughout the county. Start-up or expanding businesses may be eligible for a loan ranging from $5,000 to $100,000. For every $35,000 borrowed, one full-time job must be created or retained. Funds can be used toward working capital, inventory, furniture, equipment, and other expenses.