Last verified November 9, 2026 · How we verify

Virginia small business grants: state and city programs

As of November 2026, a Virginia small business can be matched against 91 programs: 19 Virginia state programs, 8 multi-state programs that include Virginia, 63 national programs open to VA businesses, and 1 federal grants via Grants.gov.

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We track 19 Virginia state programs. 17 are open or verified right now and named below. Most of these programs never run an ad. The money is real, but nobody tells you it exists. That's the part we fixed.

Virginia state programs

National programs open to VA businesses

Federal grants via Grants.gov

Virginia programs by the numbers

Who funds them: 6 funders: Virginia Economic Development Partnership (8), Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) (4), Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) (2), Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (1), and 2 more.
Award size: Most awards $980 to $300K.
Timing: 10 open now, 10 of them rolling. 7 between cycles; Virginia Enterprise Zone – Job Creation Grant lists its next window as “Opens January 1, 2027; closes April 1, 2027”.
What they fund: Agriculture (7), Transportation & Trucking (5), Manufacturing (4), Technology (3), Arts & Creative (1), and 3 more; 5 open to any industry.

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All 17 Virginia state programs we can name

Only Virginia's own programs, open ones first. Each names its funder and links to the official page. Annual programs spend most of the year between windows; the date tells you when to be ready.

Program	Amount	Status	Built for	Official link
Virginia Investment Performance Grant (VIP) Virginia Economic Development Partnership For businesses in operation 3+ years An existing Virginia manufacturer (in Virginia 3+ years) or an R&D firm that supports manufacturing, making a capital investment of $25 million or more. Verified Nov 9, 2026	No VIP Grant awarded shall exceed $5 million in total, and no annual payment shall exceed $1 million	Rolling, apply anytime	Existing Virginia manufacturers and R&D firms making major capital investments	Write it for me, $25 Official page (opens in a new tab)See how this fits my business →
Rail Industrial Access Program Virginia Economic Development Partnership For a new or expanding Virginia business, or a locality or railroad acting for one, connecting a site to freight rail. Grants up to $750,000 for track work; 30 percent match from the applicant. For businesses with at least 1 employee Verified Oct 26, 2026	$750,000 per locality per fiscal year	Rolling, apply anytime	The Rail Industrial Access Program provides grant funding to businesses, municipalities, and railroads in Virginia to construct or improve railroad track facilities for new or substantially expanded industrial and commercial projects. Grants support track construction, engineering, and related eligible costs for projects expected to generate significant carload volumes and employment.	Write it for me, $25 Official page (opens in a new tab)See how this fits my business →
VIPC Lab-to-Launch Grant Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation Only for early-stage Virginia startups using the Fast-Track License Agreement with a Virginia R1 university (UVA, Virginia Tech, VCU, GMU, ODU or W&M). Verified Nov 8, 2026	up to $50,000	Rolling, apply anytime	Grants of up to $50,000 for early-stage Virginia startups licensing university technology through the Fast-Track License Agreement with one of Virginia's six R1 research universities. Funds reimburse the university and pay for commercialization work. Rolling applications.	Write it for me, $25 Official page (opens in a new tab)See how this fits my business →
Logger BMP Cost-Share Program Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) You are a Virginia logging contractor current in SHARP Logger training and in good standing with DOF, and DOF approves your stream-crossing BMP plan before work starts. Verified Nov 9, 2026	75% of BMP costs, up to $6,000 ($12,000 with a portable bridge)	Rolling, apply anytime	Reimburses Virginia logging contractors 75% of the cost of water-quality best management practices at stream crossings on a timber harvest, up to $6,000, or up to $12,000 when a portable bridge is part of the project. Contractors must be current in SHARP Logger training and in good standing with DOF. DOF approves the project before work starts. Sign-up is continuous.	Write it for me, $25 Official page (opens in a new tab)See how this fits my business →
Temporary Bridge Cost-Share Program Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) You are a Virginia logging contractor current in SHARP Logger training, and DOF water quality staff approve your bridge or mat purchase before you buy. Verified Nov 9, 2026	75% of the cost, up to $6,000 (mats) or $12,000 (with a portable bridge)	Rolling, apply anytime	Pays Virginia logging contractors 75% of the cost of portable wooden or steel bridges and mats for crossing streams on a harvest, up to $6,000 for mats or $12,000 when a bridge is included. Contractors must be current in SHARP Logger training. Contact DOF water quality staff for your area; DOF approves the purchase first. Sign-up is continuous.	Write it for me, $25 Official page (opens in a new tab)See how this fits my business →
V3 Employment Grant (Virginia Values Veterans) Virginia Department of Veterans Services, Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program For businesses with 300 employees or fewer Only for V3-certified Virginia businesses of 300 or fewer staff that hired a veteran full time within 5 years of discharge and kept them 1+ year; $1,000 per hire. Verified Oct 27, 2026	$1,000 per eligible veteran hired and retained one year, up to $10,000 a year	Rolling, apply anytime	Virginia's V3 Employment Grant pays V3-certified businesses $1,000 for each eligible veteran hired and kept on full time for a year, up to $10,000 per company per fiscal year. The business must have 300 or fewer employees under common control; public agencies and nonprofits are not eligible. The veteran must have been hired within five years of discharge from active duty. Eligible applications are approved in the order received while the annual fund lasts.	Write it for me, $25 Official page (opens in a new tab)See how this fits my business →
Virginia Jobs Investment Program Virginia Economic Development Partnership For businesses with 250 employees or fewer A Virginia basic sector firm (over half of revenue from beyond Virginia) paying 1.2x minimum wage, adding 5+ full-time jobs with $100,000 invested or retraining 5+ staff with $50,000 invested. For businesses with at least 1 employee Verified Nov 9, 2026	customized based on company needs (per job basis)	Rolling, apply anytime	Grant funding to offset training and recruiting costs for companies creating jobs in Virginia. Companies choose their own training and recruitment providers, with funding ranging from $500-$1,000 per eligible job, paid as cash reimbursement.	See how this fits my business →Official page (opens in a new tab)
Growing and Protecting Forests (GAP) Cost-Share Program Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) You own 5+ acres of Virginia forest as a non-industrial owner (you own zero primary wood processing mills), meet a DOF or consulting forester first, and finish by May 31. Verified Nov 9, 2026	70% of project cost, up to the per-acre rate for each practice (5 to 100 acres a year)	Rolling, apply anytime	Pays 70% of the cost of pine and mixed forest practices, up to DOF's per-acre rate, for private non-industrial Virginia forest landowners, including individuals, corporations, LLCs and nonprofits. Owners of primary wood processing facilities are excluded. Available from 5 acres up to 100 acres per tract and per landowner each year. Landowners meet a DOF or consulting forester before applying, and practices must be finished by May 31. Sign-up is continuous.	Write it for me, $25 Official page (opens in a new tab)See how this fits my business →
Hardwood Initiative Cost-Share Program Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) You own 5+ acres of Virginia forestland, meet a DOF or consulting forester for a hardwood plan before you apply, and finish the practices by May 31. Verified Nov 9, 2026	90% of project cost, up to the per-acre rate for each practice (5 to 100 acres a year)	Rolling, apply anytime	Pays 90% of the cost of recommended hardwood forest management practices, up to DOF's per-acre rate for each practice, for private Virginia forest landowners, including individuals, corporations, LLCs and nonprofits. Available from 5 acres up to 100 acres per tract and per landowner each year. Landowners meet a DOF or consulting forester before applying, and practices must be finished by May 31. Sign-up is continuous, with approvals in April and May.	Write it for me, $25 Official page (opens in a new tab)See how this fits my business →
Virginia Agricultural Best Management Practices (BMP) Cost-Share Program Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation Only for Virginia farmers who carry out a conservation plan approved by their local Soil and Water Conservation District. Apply through the district. Verified Nov 3, 2026	Varies by practice and Soil and Water Conservation District	Rolling, apply anytime	Virginia shares the cost of conservation practices on farms through your local Soil and Water Conservation District. Amounts depend on the practice and the district. Available year-round to farmers who carry out an approved conservation plan.	Write it for me, $25 Official page (opens in a new tab)See how this fits my business →
Virginia Port Volume Increase Grant Program Virginia Economic Development Partnership Verified Nov 3, 2026	$50 per TEU, maximum $250,000	Between cycles Usually opens around September 2027, based on past rounds	Agriculture, manufacturing, and mineral/gas businesses growing cargo through Virginia ports	See how this fits my business →Official page (opens in a new tab)
VTC Marketing Leverage Program Virginia Tourism Corporation Only for Virginia tourism partners with a research-based marketing plan, a 1:1 or 2:1 cash match, and support letters from a DMO and a lodging partner. Verified Oct 30, 2026	Up to $20,000 (1:1 match) or $30,000 (2:1 match)	Between cycles Usually opens around February 2027, based on past rounds	A Virginia Tourism Corporation reimbursable grant that matches tourism partners' marketing spend: up to $20,000 with a 1:1 cash match, or up to $30,000 with a 2:1 match. Small businesses, attractions, lodging, museums and events can apply with a research-based marketing plan and letters of support from the local DMO and a lodging partner. The 2026 round ran February 10 to March 19.	See how this fits my business →Official page (opens in a new tab)
Port of Virginia Economic and Infrastructure Development Grant (EID Grant) Virginia Economic Development Partnership Verified Nov 9, 2026	$1,000-$3,000 per job created	Between cycles Usually opens around September 2027, based on past rounds	Companies locating or expanding maritime facilities at the Port of Virginia (25+ jobs)	See how this fits my business →Official page (opens in a new tab)
Virginia Enterprise Zone – Job Creation Grant Virginia Economic Development Partnership A Virginia Enterprise Zone business adding 5+ net new permanent full-time jobs over base year, paying 150%+ of VA minimum wage (125% if SWaM or high-unemployment area) plus half the health premium. For businesses with at least 1 employee Verified Nov 9, 2026	Up to $500-$800 annually per position	Opens Jan 1, 2027	For-profit businesses creating jobs in a Virginia Enterprise Zone	See how this fits my business →Official page (opens in a new tab)
International Trade Facility Grant Program Virginia Economic Development Partnership Verified Nov 2, 2026	$3,500 per qualified full-time employee or 2% of qualified investment expenses	Between cycles Usually opens around Fall 2027, based on past rounds	International trade facilities growing activity at Virginia ports	See how this fits my business →Official page (opens in a new tab)
Virginia Barge and Rail Usage Grant Program Virginia Economic Development Partnership Verified Nov 3, 2026	$25 per one of the following: One TEU; or 16 tons of non-containerized cargo; or One unit of roll-on/roll-off cargo moved by barge or rail	Between cycles Usually opens around September 2027, based on past rounds	A per-unit grant program for for-profit international trade facilities in Virginia that move cargo containers via barge or rail instead of trucks on state highways. Applicants must demonstrate at least 5% year-over-year increase in barge/rail cargo volume to qualify.	See how this fits my business →Official page (opens in a new tab)
Virginia Sports Tourism Grant Program Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) You run a Virginia sports venue, event venue, convention center or hotel with a sports venue, host a bid youth, amateur or college event, and match the grant 1:1 in cash. Verified Nov 9, 2026	Sized by event attendance and hotel room nights; 1:1 cash match	Opens Jan 4, 2027	Grants for Virginia venues and organizations that host competitively bid youth, amateur or collegiate sporting events between June 16, 2027 and February 16, 2030. Eligible applicants include sports venues, event venues, convention centers and hotels with a sports venue, alongside sports commissions, local governments and 501(c) sports organizations. Awards are sized by total attendance, overnight attendance and hotel room nights, with a 1:1 cash match. Applications open January 4, 2027 and close February 16, 2027.	See how this fits my business →Official page (opens in a new tab)

We track 2 more Virginia programs that are not open, dated or verified closely enough to name here yet. The quiz still checks your business against them.

City and county programs in Virginia

Open only to businesses in one city, county or local area, so they are not counted in the Virginia totals above.

Bedford County Childcare Facilities Grant
Bedford County Economic Development Authority (VA)
Only for child care providers licensed in Virginia, or becoming licensed through the grant, with the project in Bedford County outside Bedford town limits.
Bedford County only
Up to $30,000 (50% reimbursement match); total pool $30,000 divided among qualified applicants · Rolling, apply anytime · Official page ↗
Start Small Campbell Grant
Campbell County Department of Economic Development
Only for businesses under 3 years old or opening their first Campbell County location; applicants attend 2 qualifying workshops, write a business plan and complete a mentor review.
Campbell County only
$5,000 · Opens Spring 2027 · Official page ↗
Facade Improvement Grants (FIG)
Virginia Beach Development Authority
For businesses with 50 employees or fewer
Only for exterior building, site or outdoor dining improvements on commercial or industrial zoned property in Virginia Beach, matched dollar for dollar by the applicant.
City of Virginia Beach only
One grant between $1,000 and $10,000 to match the applicant's investment of at least the same amount · Between cycles (Usually opens around January 2027, based on past rounds) · Official page ↗
Williamsburg Small Business Investment Grant
City of Williamsburg Economic Development Authority
You own a business or commercial property in the City of Williamsburg, VA, will improve its street-visible exterior, and pay at least half the cost.
City of Williamsburg only
Up to $7,500 (50% match) · Rolling, apply anytime · Official page ↗
Loudoun County Tourism Grant Program
Loudoun County
You run an event, attraction, program or marketing campaign in Loudoun County, VA that draws regional or national visitors and overnight hotel stays.
Loudoun County only
Varies by project · Between cycles (Usually opens around Spring 2027, based on past rounds) · Official page ↗
Business Growth Grant (Mecklenburg County, VA)
Mecklenburg County Economic Development & Tourism (Virginia)
For businesses with 50 employees or fewer
For businesses in operation 1+ year
For businesses with at least 5 employees
Mecklenburg County only
Up to $50,000 (1:1 match, 4 grants) · Closes Nov 30, 2026 · Official page ↗
Home-Based Business Transition Grant (Mecklenburg County, VA)
Mecklenburg County Economic Development & Tourism (Virginia)
For businesses in operation 1+ year
Only for home-based businesses in Mecklenburg County, VA that will move into a commercial location there within two months of signing the grant agreement.
Mecklenburg County only
Up to $15,000 in 1:1 matching funds (50% reimbursed) · Closes Nov 30, 2026 · Official page ↗
E-Commerce Grant (Mecklenburg County, VA)
Mecklenburg County Economic Development & Tourism (Virginia)
For businesses in operation 1+ year
Mecklenburg County only
Up to $10,000 per business (1:1 matching, up to 50% reimbursement) · Closes Nov 30, 2026 · Official page ↗
Smart Start Business Development Grant
Portsmouth Economic Development Authority (City of Portsmouth, VA)
For businesses with 10 employees or fewer
For businesses less than 4 years old
Only for for-profit small businesses with non-residential operations in Portsmouth, VA: city business license, 0-3 years old, 10 or fewer FTE; MOBI course first; one award per business.
Portsmouth only
Up to $2,000 · Reopens, date not announced yet (Round 3: January 1-31, 2027 (per schedule on page)) · Official page ↗
EDA Micro-Business Grant Program
Prince George County Economic Development / Economic Development Authority
For businesses with 25 employees or fewer
Only for for-profit, non-publicly-traded businesses that complete two of: SBDC counseling, a County Business Resource Meeting, or SCORE counseling. 3:1 recipient match expected.
Prince George County only
Up to $25,000 (3:1 match expected from recipient) · Between cycles (Usually opens around Summer 2027, based on past rounds) · Official page ↗
Facade Improvement Program
City of Richmond, VA Department of Planning & Development Review
Only for buildings in Richmond's Arts and Cultural District Incentive Zone (owners or tenants).
Richmond only
Reimbursement up to one-half of eligible facade costs; $13,614 remaining · Rolling, apply anytime · Official page ↗
Closes in 5 days
Business Equipment Acquisition Program (BEAP) Grant
Roanoke County Economic Development Authority
For businesses in operation 1+ year
Roanoke County or Vinton for-profit at a commercial site, 1+ year local, 2+ FTEs, whose last BEAP award (if any) came before the previous two fiscal years; up to 50% of equipment, 1:1 match.
For businesses with at least 2 employees
Roanoke County only
Up to $15,000 (2–49 FTE) or $20,000 (50+ FTE); reimburses up to 50% of equipment costs; 1:1 match required · Closes Nov 15, 2026 · Official page ↗

Multi-state programs that include Virginia

Each of these covers more than three states, so we list them here instead of counting them as Virginia state programs.

Exploring and Enhancing Outdoor and Heritage Tourism in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed
National Park Service
Only for Chesapeake Gateways Network members (or applicants who self-nominate to join) with a project inside the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Covers 6 states (plus DC), including VA
$10,000-$50,000 · Between cycles (Usually opens around Fall 2027, based on past rounds) · Official page ↗
Southern SARE Producer Grant
Southern SARE
Only for established farmers and ranchers (or farmer-majority groups such as co-ops) running an on-farm sustainable agriculture research project; funds cover research costs only.
Open in 13 states, including VA
Up to $20,000 (individual farmer); up to $25,000 (farmer group) · Between cycles (Usually opens around September 2027, based on past rounds) · Official page ↗
Young, Beginning, and Small Farmer Grant Program
Horizon Farm Credit
For businesses with annual revenue up to $350K
Only for farmers in Horizon Farm Credit territory who are young (18-35), beginning (10 yrs or less Schedule F income) or small (under $350,000 gross cash farm income)
Open in 5 states, including VA
Ten $20,000 grants per year · Reopens, date not announced yet · Official page ↗

We track 5 more multi-state programs that include Virginia and are not open, dated or verified closely enough to name here yet.

Also open to VA businesses: 63 national programs and 1 federal grants via Grants.gov. They are the same in every state, so we list them by who they fund: women-owned, veteran-owned, minority-owned, or by industry.

Every verified grant deadline in the next 90 days is on one page: the live deadlines list.

Open right now in Virginia

Virginia Investment Performance Grant (VIP): No VIP Grant awarded shall exceed $5 million in total, and no annual payment shall exceed $1 million, rolling, apply anytime. Built for: Existing Virginia manufacturers and R&D firms making major capital investments
Rail Industrial Access Program: $750,000 per locality per fiscal year, rolling, apply anytime
VIPC Lab-to-Launch Grant: up to $50,000, rolling, apply anytime
Logger BMP Cost-Share Program: 75% of BMP costs, up to $6,000 ($12,000 with a portable bridge), rolling, apply anytime
Temporary Bridge Cost-Share Program: 75% of the cost, up to $6,000 (mats) or $12,000 (with a portable bridge), rolling, apply anytime
V3 Employment Grant (Virginia Values Veterans): $1,000 per eligible veteran hired and retained one year, up to $10,000 a year, rolling, apply anytime
Virginia Jobs Investment Program: customized based on company needs (per job basis), rolling, apply anytime
Growing and Protecting Forests (GAP) Cost-Share Program: 70% of project cost, up to the per-acre rate for each practice (5 to 100 acres a year), rolling, apply anytime
Hardwood Initiative Cost-Share Program: 90% of project cost, up to the per-acre rate for each practice (5 to 100 acres a year), rolling, apply anytime
Virginia Agricultural Best Management Practices (BMP) Cost-Share Program: Varies by practice and Soil and Water Conservation District, rolling, apply anytime

Virginia small business grants, program by program

Virginia Investment Performance Grant (VIP) (Virginia Economic Development Partnership): No VIP Grant awarded shall exceed $5 million in total, and no annual payment shall exceed $1 million

Existing Virginia manufacturers and R&D firms making major capital investments. Verified against the funder's own page Nov 9, 2026. Official page ↗

Rail Industrial Access Program (Virginia Economic Development Partnership): $750,000 per locality per fiscal year

The Rail Industrial Access Program provides grant funding to businesses, municipalities, and railroads in Virginia to construct or improve railroad track facilities for new or substantially expanded industrial and commercial projects. Grants support track construction, engineering, and related eligible costs for projects expected to generate significant carload volumes and employment. Verified against the funder's own page Oct 26, 2026. Official page ↗

VIPC Lab-to-Launch Grant (Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation): up to $50,000

Grants of up to $50,000 for early-stage Virginia startups licensing university technology through the Fast-Track License Agreement with one of Virginia's six R1 research universities. Funds reimburse the university and pay for commercialization work. Rolling applications. Verified against the funder's own page Nov 8, 2026. Official page ↗

Logger BMP Cost-Share Program: 75% of BMP costs, up to $6,000 ($12,000 with a portable bridge)

Run by Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF). Reimburses Virginia logging contractors 75% of the cost of water-quality best management practices at stream crossings on a timber harvest, up to $6,000, or up to $12,000 when a portable bridge is part of the project. Contractors must be current in SHARP Logger training and in good standing with DOF. DOF approves the project before work starts. Sign-up is continuous. Verified against the funder's own page Nov 9, 2026. Official page ↗

Temporary Bridge Cost-Share Program: 75% of the cost, up to $6,000 (mats) or $12,000 (with a portable bridge)

Run by Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF). Pays Virginia logging contractors 75% of the cost of portable wooden or steel bridges and mats for crossing streams on a harvest, up to $6,000 for mats or $12,000 when a bridge is included. Contractors must be current in SHARP Logger training. Contact DOF water quality staff for your area; DOF approves the purchase first. Sign-up is continuous. Verified against the funder's own page Nov 9, 2026. Official page ↗

V3 Employment Grant (Virginia Values Veterans): $1,000 per eligible veteran hired and retained one year, up to $10,000 a year

Run by Virginia Department of Veterans Services, Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program. Virginia's V3 Employment Grant pays V3-certified businesses $1,000 for each eligible veteran hired and kept on full time for a year, up to $10,000 per company per fiscal year. The business must have 300 or fewer employees under common control; public agencies and nonprofits are not eligible. The veteran must have been hired within five years of discharge from active duty. Eligible applications are approved in the order received while the annual fund lasts. Verified against the funder's own page Oct 27, 2026. Official page ↗

Virginia Jobs Investment Program (Virginia Economic Development Partnership): customized based on company needs (per job basis)

Grant funding to offset training and recruiting costs for companies creating jobs in Virginia. Companies choose their own training and recruitment providers, with funding ranging from $500-$1,000 per eligible job, paid as cash reimbursement. Verified against the funder's own page Nov 9, 2026. Official page ↗

Growing and Protecting Forests (GAP) Cost-Share Program: 70% of project cost, up to the per-acre rate for each practice (5 to 100 acres a year)

Run by Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF). Pays 70% of the cost of pine and mixed forest practices, up to DOF's per-acre rate, for private non-industrial Virginia forest landowners, including individuals, corporations, LLCs and nonprofits. Owners of primary wood processing facilities are excluded. Available from 5 acres up to 100 acres per tract and per landowner each year. Landowners meet a DOF or consulting forester before applying, and practices must be finished by May 31. Sign-up is continuous. Verified against the funder's own page Nov 9, 2026. Official page ↗

Hardwood Initiative Cost-Share Program: 90% of project cost, up to the per-acre rate for each practice (5 to 100 acres a year)

Run by Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF). Pays 90% of the cost of recommended hardwood forest management practices, up to DOF's per-acre rate for each practice, for private Virginia forest landowners, including individuals, corporations, LLCs and nonprofits. Available from 5 acres up to 100 acres per tract and per landowner each year. Landowners meet a DOF or consulting forester before applying, and practices must be finished by May 31. Sign-up is continuous, with approvals in April and May. Verified against the funder's own page Nov 9, 2026. Official page ↗

Virginia Agricultural Best Management Practices (BMP) Cost-Share Program (Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation): Varies by practice and Soil and Water Conservation District

Virginia shares the cost of conservation practices on farms through your local Soil and Water Conservation District. Amounts depend on the practice and the district. Available year-round to farmers who carry out an approved conservation plan. Verified against the funder's own page Nov 3, 2026. Official page ↗

Virginia Port Volume Increase Grant Program (Virginia Economic Development Partnership): $50 per TEU, maximum $250,000, usually opens around September 2027, based on past rounds

Agriculture, manufacturing, and mineral/gas businesses growing cargo through Virginia ports. Verified against the funder's own page Nov 3, 2026. Official page ↗

VTC Marketing Leverage Program (Virginia Tourism Corporation): Up to $20,000 (1:1 match) or $30,000 (2:1 match), usually opens around February 2027, based on past rounds

A Virginia Tourism Corporation reimbursable grant that matches tourism partners' marketing spend: up to $20,000 with a 1:1 cash match, or up to $30,000 with a 2:1 match. Small businesses, attractions, lodging, museums and events can apply with a research-based marketing plan and letters of support from the local DMO and a lodging partner. The 2026 round ran February 10 to March 19. Verified against the funder's own page Oct 30, 2026. Official page ↗

Port of Virginia Economic and Infrastructure Development Grant (EID Grant) (Virginia Economic Development Partnership): $1,000-$3,000 per job created, usually opens around September 2027, based on past rounds

Companies locating or expanding maritime facilities at the Port of Virginia (25+ jobs). Verified against the funder's own page Nov 9, 2026. Official page ↗

Virginia Enterprise Zone – Job Creation Grant (Virginia Economic Development Partnership): Up to $500-$800 annually per position, next window Jan 1 to Apr 1, 2027

For-profit businesses creating jobs in a Virginia Enterprise Zone. Verified against the funder's own page Nov 9, 2026. Official page ↗

International Trade Facility Grant Program (Virginia Economic Development Partnership): $3,500 per qualified full-time employee or 2% of qualified investment expenses, usually opens around Fall 2027, based on past rounds

International trade facilities growing activity at Virginia ports. Verified against the funder's own page Nov 2, 2026. Official page ↗

Virginia Barge and Rail Usage Grant Program (Virginia Economic Development Partnership): $25 per one of the following: One TEU; or 16 tons of non-containerized cargo; or One unit of roll-on/roll-off cargo moved by barge or rail, usually opens around September 2027, based on past rounds

A per-unit grant program for for-profit international trade facilities in Virginia that move cargo containers via barge or rail instead of trucks on state highways. Applicants must demonstrate at least 5% year-over-year increase in barge/rail cargo volume to qualify. Verified against the funder's own page Nov 3, 2026. Official page ↗

Virginia Sports Tourism Grant Program: Sized by event attendance and hotel room nights; 1:1 cash match, next window Opens January 4, 2027 and closes February 16, 2027

Run by Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC). Grants for Virginia venues and organizations that host competitively bid youth, amateur or collegiate sporting events between June 16, 2027 and February 16, 2030. Eligible applicants include sports venues, event venues, convention centers and hotels with a sports venue, alongside sports commissions, local governments and 501(c) sports organizations. Awards are sized by total attendance, overnight attendance and hotel room nights, with a 1:1 cash match. Applications open January 4, 2027 and close February 16, 2027. Verified against the funder's own page Nov 9, 2026. Official page ↗

Starting a business in Virginia: what grant money exists

Most grant money goes to businesses that already exist. The SBA says it plainly: it "does not provide grants for starting and expanding a business." New owners usually start with savings, a loan, or a narrow grant built for one kind of business.

Most Virginia state grants reward companies creating jobs or shipping through the Port of Virginia, so they rarely fit a brand-new business.

The Virginia SBDC offers no-cost individualized advising, from start-up to established businesses.

Grant programs

Southern SARE Producer Grant

National grant programs

Straight answers

Some of these say "between cycles." What do I do right now?

Get ready before the window opens. Virginia Enterprise Zone – Job Creation Grant lists its next window as “Opens January 1, 2027; closes April 1, 2027”; Virginia Sports Tourism Grant Program as “Opens January 4, 2027 and closes February 16, 2027 (per vatc.org)”. The owners who win are the ones whose applications are ready the week a window opens, not the ones who find out it existed the week it closed.

Does Virginia have state business grants?

We track 19 Virginia state programs. The 17 named on this page are each checked against the funder's own page, and 10 are open now, including Virginia Investment Performance Grant (VIP) and Rail Industrial Access Program. Most Virginia state grants pay for one purpose, like creating jobs, moving cargo through Virginia's ports, or large capital investments, not general cash for any business.

Is there a grant to start a business in Virginia?

Not a general one. Virginia's state grants mostly reward hiring and port cargo. For a new business, Virginia's Small Business Development Centers offer no-cost advising, including help finding funding.

Are there city or county business grants in Virginia?

Yes. Some cities and counties run their own. Right now we list 12 local programs. They are open only to businesses in that area, so they are not counted in the Virginia totals above.

What grants can a small Virginia business actually get?

If you are hiring, the Virginia Jobs Investment Program pays about $500 to $1,000 per new job toward training and recruiting, and Enterprise Zone job grants add up to $500-$800 annually per position. Everyone else should look at the national and federal programs linked above.

Does the SBA give grants to small businesses in Virginia?

Not for starting or growing a business. The SBA says it plainly: it "does not provide grants for starting and expanding a business." Virginia's own small-business lender, the Virginia Small Business Financing Authority, makes direct microloans of up to $150,000 to businesses already operating in Virginia, without a bank in the deal.

What grants does Virginia's small business department offer?

The Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity does list grant programs, but they are not general cash for running a business. Its Small Business Investment Grant pays investors who put cash into Virginia small businesses; in the department's words, these are "not grants awarded directly to the small business." Its fiscal year 2026 application period is closed. Its Technical Assistance Grants fund outside help for very small and disadvantaged-owned businesses that are applying for, preparing to apply for, or have already applied for an SSBCI capital program or another government small business program, "limited to legal, accounting and financial advisory services."

Are there grants for minority-owned or women-owned businesses in Virginia?

Virginia's Small, Women, and Minority-owned Business (SWaM) certification is not a grant. The Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity runs it for "enhancing procurement opportunities for qualifying businesses participating in state-funded projects." It helps certified businesses compete for state contracts. We know of no Virginia state grant only for minority-owned or women-owned businesses; national programs are on our minority-owned and women-owned grant pages.

Are there Virginia grants for the film and entertainment industry?

For film productions, yes. The Virginia Film Office's Motion Picture Opportunity Fund is a grant fund that follows the same guidelines as the state's Motion Picture Tax Credit Fund.

What's the difference between state, national, and federal programs?

State programs are run through Virginia agencies and partners and are limited to VA businesses or projects. Less competition. National programs are run by companies and foundations and are open to businesses in every state. Federal grants come through Grants.gov and tend to be larger and more paperwork-heavy.

Do I pay these back? How current is this list?

No. Grants are not loans. Each row shows the date we last checked it against the funder's own page. How we verify.

Which of these fit your Virginia business?

This page can't read your business. The 3-minute quiz can. It matches your industry, state, and ownership against all 91 programs and shows you where you stand.

See how many grants fit my business