Small business grants in Rhode Island
What a Rhode Island small business can apply for: Rhode Island programs first, then national ones.
- 2 open
- 1 rolling
- 0 upcoming
- Next deadline December 7, 2026
Rhode Island 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.
- StatusVARIES
Small Business Energy Efficiency Program
State of Rhode Island · Small businesses
Reimburses Rhode Island small businesses up to $20,000 for energy efficiency work recommended by an energy assessment.
- StatusCLOSED
Network Matching Grants
State of Rhode Island · Nonprofits, Small businesses, Colleges
Rhode Island Commerce grants of at least $50,000 to nonprofits, companies and colleges that support small businesses and startups.
- Closed29 MAY
Rhode Island Commercial Improvement grants
State of Rhode Island · Small businesses, Nonprofits, Local governments
Main Street and site readiness grants for developers, nonprofits and private owners improving streetscapes and commercial sites.
- Closed21 JUL
Rhode Island Innovation Vouchers
State of Rhode Island · Small businesses
Up to $75,000 for Rhode Island companies to buy R&D help from a university or research partner.
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 Rhode Island small businesses in 2025
| Program | Awarded |
|---|---|
| Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships 47.084 | $2.8 million |
| Aging Research 93.866 | $1.4 million |
| Cancer Cause and Prevention Research 93.393 | $1.1 million |
| Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research 93.855 | $702,690 |
| Alcohol Research Programs 93.273 | $309,452 |
| Mental Health Research Grants 93.242 | $308,579 |
| Biomedical Research and Research Training 93.859 | $298,530 |
| Assistance to Small Shipyards 20.814 | $274,596 |
Questions
What small business grants are open in Rhode Island now?
The next deadline is December 7, 2026 for Small Business Digital Ready grants. One program takes applications at any time.
Can I get a grant to start a business in Rhode Island?
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.