Small business grants in Maine
What a Maine small business can apply for: Maine programs first, then national ones.
- 2 open
- 2 rolling
- 0 upcoming
- Next deadline December 7, 2026
Maine and regional programs
- Closes08 DEC
Northeast SARE Farmer Grant
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education · Small businesses, Individuals
Grants for farmers in the Northeast to try new sustainable practices and share what they learn.
- ApplyANYTIME
Maine Technology Institute Business Innovation Funding
State of Maine · Small businesses
Grants and loans for Maine businesses developing new products and technology; first grants usually run $10,000 to $30,000, up to $100,000 per business over time.
National programs you can apply for
- Closes07 DEC
Small Business Digital Ready grants
Verizon · Small businesses
$10,000 grants for U.S. for-profit small businesses that take free courses or events on Verizon's Digital Ready platform. Ten businesses are picked each month.
- ApplyANYTIME
Amber Grant
WomensNet · Small businesses
Monthly grants for women-owned businesses in the U.S. and Canada, with a larger year-end grant, from WomensNet. One short application covers every grant.
Federal grants to Maine small businesses in 2025
| Program | Awarded |
|---|---|
| Renewable Energy Research and Development 81.087 | $15 million |
| Drug Use and Addiction Research Programs 93.279 | $1.5 million |
| Vision Research 93.867 | $775,623 |
| Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program / Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program 10.212 | $316,525 |
| Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships 47.084 | $197,309 |
| Cooperative Research Program 11.472 | $191,853 |
| Science 43.001 | $99,995 |
Questions
What small business grants are open in Maine now?
The next deadline is December 7, 2026 for Small Business Digital Ready grants. 2 programs take applications at any time.
Can I get a grant to start a business in Maine?
Startup grants are scarce. Most listed programs fund existing businesses, exports, training or research, and several state options are loans. A few national programs, such as the Amber Grant for women-owned businesses, take newer businesses; check each program's rules on age and revenue.
Do I have to pay to apply for a grant?
No. Real grant programs never charge to apply or to receive an award. Anyone asking for a fee before you get grant money is running a scam.