Find a list of business loans as well as free grant programs in California near you below. Locate lenders, non-profits, and government programs that help disadvantaged companies. Black owned businesses, companies owned by women, Latino, and small minority owned organizations can apply funds. Get help from minority business loans in California or other sources of funding.
The amount of money as well as the application process will vary based on the lender and the program available. Free grants or loans can be issued to small or medium businesses and some lenders (or government programs) may even help minority or women entrepreneur (MWBE)s as well as Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC). If you are looking for money to start a business, or grow an existing one, assistance is available. Find more details below on the latest programs, with come focused on grants for Black women in California.
Small minority or women business loans and free grants in California
Below is a list of grants and loans for small women or minority owned businesses in California. It is updated daily with the newest announcements at the top of the list. A number of California banks, government programs, and community agencies continually issue funds to Black, Latino, women, LGBTQ and other minority owned or run businesses.
January, February, and March 2026
Multiple small business grant programs are available in San Francisco. The SF Shines Grants (deadline of March 6) will help qualified businesses purchase equipment. The applications are available now at https://www.sf.gov/apply-for-an-sf-shines-equipment-grant with additional grant based aid also to be rolled out as the year progresses.
Lake Almanor Area Chamber of Commerce, using funding from Plumas County, is accepting applications for small business grants. The root source of the funding is from The American Rescue Plan Act for Technology and Economic Development Business Support. All funds are first-come served basis to those that qualify with applications available (and details) at https://www.lakealmanorarea.com/member-tech-grant
The City of Hemet Entrepreneur and Small Business Community Development Block Grant Program is for existing small companies in the city or entrepreneurs. Applications are available until 2/5/26 with a focus on helping low-to-moderate income people in the community start and/or grow a business. Details are at https://www.hemetca.gov/1356/Entrepreneur-Small-Business-Grant.
December 2025
Danville CA Business Promotion Grant Program is providing as much as $25,000 (in total) to multiple small businesses as well as non-profits. The money is for companies, or nonprofits, that are running events to promote the area, with details and applications on the website: https://www.danville.ca.gov/797/Business-Funding-Support
November 2025
Pasadena is providing $20,000 grants to small businesses with a storefront. The money will pay for goods such as new windows, signage, outside facade items and the like. The goal is to help “beautify” the area with applications here https://www.cityofpasadena.net/economicdevelopment/commercial-facade-improvement-program/
City of Sacramento is providing 5 – 25,000 grants as part of the Stockton Blvd Plan. The government money is for the overall development of the area, whether cultural centers, tourism, diversity- inclusive initiatives or something else with details here https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/city-manager/oied/community-resources-and-financial-empowerment/ndat/major-initiatives/stockton-blvd-plan-action-grant
Carmel 2026 Arts Grant is providing over 1 million dollars to non-profits and creative people in the city. This includes those from diverse backgrounds, including LGTBQ+, immigrants and others in the arts, craft, and creative industries with details here https://forms.carmel.in.gov/Forms/ArtsGrant
By Jon McNamara
