Can I Apply for a Small Business Grant If I'm Under 18?

The Short Version: You Can Apply, but Not Alone

If you're under 18 and running a real business — selling products online, offering services in your neighborhood, building an app — you're already doing something remarkable. But when it comes to grants, there's a paperwork hurdle to know about: under U.S. contract law, agreements signed by minors are generally voidable — confirm your state's rules with an attorney. A grant award is a contract. That means a funder needs an adult's signature before money changes hands.

This doesn't mean you're locked out. It means you need a structure that puts a parent or legal guardian on the paperwork alongside you.

Why Grants Require an Adult

Grant agreements are legally binding documents. They spell out how the money can be used, what reports you owe, and what happens if you don't follow through. Under U.S. contract law, agreements signed by minors are generally treated as voidable, which is one reason funders ask for an adult signatory — check the funder's terms and confirm your state's rules with an attorney.

Here's what that looks like in practice:

• The grant application itself often asks for the legal name of a registered business entity and a responsible adult.
• The award agreement requires a signature from someone who can be held to its terms.
• The bank account where funds are deposited needs an adult account holder. Ask the bank what it requires — some won't open a business account for someone under 18 without an adult.

None of this means your idea, your effort, or your business isn't real. It just means the legal system hasn't caught up with teen founders yet.

How to Structure Your Business So You Can Apply

There are a few paths teen founders commonly use:

1. Parent-held sole proprietorship or LLC — A parent or guardian registers the business in their name (or as a co-owner) and signs the grant paperwork. You run the day-to-day operations. This is the simplest route.
2. Joint ownership — In some states, a minor can co-own an LLC with a parent. The parent handles the legal signing authority while you remain the working founder.
3. Sole proprietorship in your own name — Some states let minors operate as sole proprietors, but you'll still need a parent to co-sign bank documents and grant agreements. Check your state's rules.

Whichever path you choose, you'll want an EIN (Employer Identification Number) for the business. The IRS issues EINs for free, and the application can be completed online at IRS.gov. If the business is in a parent's name, the EIN goes under their Social Security Number.

What About Youth-Specific Grants?

Some private and corporate grant programs specifically target young entrepreneurs — each one sets its own age range, so read the program's published eligibility rules. Read each program's published rules to see how it handles applicants your age and whether it asks for a parent or guardian co-signer. They're worth seeking out because:

• The eligibility rules are written with applicants your age in mind.
• Award amounts may be smaller but still meaningful for an early-stage business.

Youth-focused programs may still ask for an adult co-signer — check each program's terms. Don't be surprised by that — it's standard.

What About Federal Grants?

Many federal grants listed on Grants.gov are designed for organizations, nonprofits, and established businesses, and each opportunity lists the applicant types it considers eligible. They also require SAM.gov registration, which demands a legal adult to complete. According to SAM.gov, registration is free, but the process involves verifying a legal business entity and a responsible party.

If you're eyeing federal grants, the realistic path is having a parent register the entity on SAM.gov and apply on behalf of the business you run together. For more on how SAM.gov works, see Do I Need to Register on SAM.gov to Get a Small Business Grant?

Steps to Take Right Now

You don't have to wait until your birthday to start building toward a grant. Here's a practical checklist:

• Talk to a parent or guardian. Explain what you're building and ask if they'll serve as the legal signatory. Grant agreements have a line for a responsible adult's signature, so read each program's terms to see exactly what it asks for.
• Register your business. Work with your parent to register a sole proprietorship or LLC in your state. This gives you a legal entity that can receive funds.
• Get an EIN. Apply for free at IRS.gov. This separates your business finances from personal ones.
• Open a business bank account. Your parent will likely need to be the primary account holder. Some banks offer joint accounts for minors.
• Start looking for grants. Focus on youth entrepreneurship programs and private small business grants that match your industry and state. WinAGrant's grant search can help you filter by what fits your profile.
• Keep records. Track your revenue, expenses, and business milestones. Grant applications ask for this, and having it ready makes you look serious — because you are.

What About Business Plan Competitions?

Business plan competitions and pitch contests aren't technically grants, but they award prize money that doesn't need to be repaid. Some are open to high school students, and the prize structure can differ from a grant agreement — read the contest rules to see who may enter and what they'd sign. They're a great way to build credibility, practice pitching, and earn early capital.

One Thing to Watch Out For

If any "grant" program asks you to pay to unlock or release money, that's a red flag at any age, and it's especially predatory when targeting teens. Government grants are free to apply for, and some private funders charge a small application fee. The FTC warns consumers to be suspicious of anyone who guarantees grant money in exchange for a fee. For more on spotting scams, see How Do I Check If a Small Business Grant Is Legit Before I Apply?

Your Age Is a Feature, Not a Bug

Starting a business before you can vote is genuinely impressive. Some funders run programs written specifically for founders your age. The paperwork hurdle is real but small — a conversation with a parent and a few free registrations. Don't let a signature requirement make you think the door is closed. It's open. You just need someone to co-sign the doorframe.

Sources

• IRS — Apply for an EIN Online
• SAM.gov
• FTC — Government Grant Scams
• Grants.gov