530 Ventures / Free local business resources
Small Business Grants
Ventura County & Camarillo, CA
Free, searchable database of open grants for small businesses in Camarillo, Oxnard, Thousand Oaks, Ventura, and across California. Includes SBA, USDA, state, women-owned, and minority business grants — updated monthly.No signup required.
2026 update: The Ventura County Business Assistance Program now offers grants up to $25,000 for qualifying small businesses. The SBA Community Navigator Pilot Program continues through 2026 with expanded outreach for underserved businesses in Ventura County. New this year: the California Dream Fund includes a dedicated microgrant track ($5,000–$10,000) for women-owned and minority-owned businesses in Camarillo, Oxnard, and Thousand Oaks.
Covering: small business grants Ventura County · grants Camarillo CA · California small business funding 2026 · SBA grants · USDA grants · women-owned business grants · minority business grants · Oxnard · Thousand Oaks · Simi Valley
Searching for "Berkeley County" business loans?
"Berkeley County" most commonly refers to Berkeley County, South Carolina (part of the Charleston metro area) — not Berkeley, California (a city in Alameda County). This page is maintained by 530 Ventures, a Camarillo, California digital marketing agency, and our grant database below focuses on Ventura County and California programs. If you're looking for Berkeley County, SC funding, jump to the South Carolina directory below.
Berkeley, CA — Alameda County Funding Directory
Verified programs serving Berkeley and the broader East Bay
Technical assistance and matching grants for Berkeley-based businesses, including facade improvement and COVID recovery grants.
Microloans ($5,000–$50,000) for Bay Area small businesses and startups that can't access traditional bank financing.
Small business loans and coaching for underserved entrepreneurs across Alameda County and the greater Bay Area.
Free one-on-one advising and loan packaging assistance for Alameda County businesses.
Berkeley County, SC — Local Funding Directory
Verified programs serving Berkeley County and the Charleston metro
Berkeley County, SC offers business incentives, site selection help, and connections to state and local funding for new and expanding businesses.
Flexible financing for small businesses and community projects across South Carolina, including the Berkeley County / Charleston metro area.
Federal microloans up to $50,000 for startups and small businesses in Berkeley County and statewide, delivered through SBA intermediary lenders.
Networking, advocacy, and small business resources for companies in the Charleston metro, including Berkeley County.
530 Ventures is based in Camarillo, CA and does not directly administer these South Carolina programs — we list them as a free public resource. Always verify eligibility and deadlines with the issuing organization.
National Science Foundation (NSF) SBIR/STTR Phase I
The NSF SBIR/STTR program funds startups and small businesses to conduct research and development (R&D) on innovative, high-risk, high-impact technologies. It is designed to transform scientific discovery into societal and economic benefit.
Halstead Grant
An annual grant for emerging jewelry artists working in silver. The program evaluates business plans, marketing strategies, and financial growth to support the development of professional jewelry businesses.
NIH Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Clinical Trial Optional
Supports small businesses in the development of innovative technologies and products related to health and medicine. This parent announcement covers a wide range of biomedical research areas.
NFTE World Series of Innovation
A global competition that challenges young entrepreneurs to solve real-world problems through innovative business ideas. It provides cash prizes to winners who present the most viable and creative solutions.
USDA Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG)
A competitive grant designed to support targeted technical assistance, training, and other activities leading to the development or expansion of small and emerging private business enterprises in rural areas.
Sony Electronics Grant
Sony periodically offers grants and equipment support for small businesses and creators that demonstrate innovation in technology, photography, or videography. Applicants must align with Sony's focus on creative and technical excellence.
NIH Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Parent Grant
Federal funding for small businesses to engage in federal research and development that has the potential for commercialization in the health and biomedical sectors.
Small Business Transportation Technical Assistance
Provides financial and technical assistance to small businesses operating within the transportation sector. Focuses on capacity building and operational improvements.
UArctic Entrepreneurship Fund
Supports small-scale entrepreneurial ventures that demonstrate innovation and community impact. Open to diverse business owners looking to scale operations.
Small Business & Job Creation Grant
A grant program aimed at supporting local small businesses that contribute to job creation and economic vitality in the urban core. Open to various business types.
GK Fund Grant Support Program
Provides financial assistance to small businesses to help cover operational costs and growth initiatives. Focuses on supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs.
UBRC Program Grants
Grants designed to support minority-owned businesses with capital for expansion, equipment, or marketing. Open to businesses operating within the region.
Skip $1,000 Instant Grants
Weekly micro-grants provided to US-based small businesses to assist with operational costs. Applicants must have an active Skip profile to be considered for the weekly selection.
Skip $10,000 Grants
Monthly grant program designed to provide larger capital injections for small business growth and development. Open to a wide range of industries and business stages.
Entreprenista Evolve Grant with IT Cosmetics
A seasonal grant for revenue-generating women founders who have been in business for at least one year and generate $100,000+ in annual revenue. Designed to help women-led businesses scale operations.
Business Forward Ventura County Resources
A centralized portal providing access to capital, mentorship, and workforce training for startups and small businesses in Ventura County. It connects local entrepreneurs with regional financial resources and support networks.
California Grants Portal
The official state database for finding active grant opportunities for small businesses, non-profits, and startups across California. It aggregates state-level funding programs for various sectors.
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program
A competitive program that encourages domestic small businesses to engage in Federal Research/Research and Development (R/R&D) with the potential for commercialization.
Her Agenda Breakthrough
Grant and mentorship opportunities specifically for women-owned businesses looking to break through barriers in their respective industries. Focuses on professional development and capital support.
Small Business Administration (SBA) Local Assistance
Provides access to local resource partners in Ventura County, including SBDCs and SCORE, which offer guidance on securing funding, business planning, and government contracting.
Quantum FAST Challenge
This challenge provides funding to support the development and commercialization of quantum technologies. It is designed for innovative startups and tech-focused small businesses working on advanced computing solutions.
GrantWatch California Small Business Grants
A comprehensive database of active, human-verified grant opportunities for California-based small businesses, startups, and independent entrepreneurs.
Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)
Provides grant funding and loan guarantees to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or energy efficiency improvements.
Small Business Management Program Scholarships
Scholarships for small business owners to participate in management training programs to improve operational efficiency.
FundMatch Program
Provides 50% reimbursement for eligible international marketing and promotion expenses for small businesses in the food and agricultural sector.
Women Investing in Women Grants
A grant program specifically designed to support women-led business initiatives and professional development.
Export-Import Bank Working Capital Loan Guarantee
Provides guarantees to lenders on loans to small business exporters, ensuring they have the capital needed to fulfill international sales.
Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program
Supports women entrepreneurs with a grant, business education, and access to a network of mentors and peers.
California Dream Fund
Provides micro-grants to underserved entrepreneurs who complete intensive business consulting and training programs.
Value-Added Producer Grants (VAPG)
Helps agricultural producers enter value-added activities related to the processing and/or marketing of bio-based, value-added products.
Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Grant
A grant program for small businesses that complete two courses or events on the Verizon Digital Ready platform. Funds are awarded to support business growth and operations.
NASE Growth Grants
Provides funds to NASE members to support specific business development needs such as equipment, marketing, or hiring. Applicants must be NASE members.
USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)
Provides grants and loans to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy systems.
Rural Business Development Grants
Provides funding to public entities, tribes, and nonprofits serving rural areas for small business development and job-creation projects.
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Match Program
Provides matching funds to small businesses that have received Phase I or Phase II SBIR/STTR awards from federal agencies.
Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program
Offers loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations to provide training and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and micro entrepreneurs.
Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Business Center Program
Supports minority-owned businesses by providing technical assistance, access to capital, and market opportunities.
SBA Empower to Grow (E2G) Manufacturing Grant
New $50 million grant program supporting small manufacturers in critical industries with workforce training, equipment, and facility upgrades. Part of the Made in America initiative. Awards up to $500,000 for eligible small manufacturers.
Entreprenista Evolve Grant
Quarterly $5,000 grant supporting women founders at their next phase of growth. No restrictions on use — funding can go toward marketing, operations, inventory, or hiring. Next cycle open now.
Santander Cultivate Small Business Program
Free 12-week virtual program for early-stage food entrepreneurs, with a focus on historically underserved founders in low-to-moderate income neighborhoods. All graduates receive a $2,500 grant; top participants eligible for up to $20,000 in unrestricted capital grants.
Shophand $5K Small Business Boost Grant
Designed to help non-tech small business owners solve their biggest operational or tech challenge. $5,000 cash grant paired with hands-on Shophand support. Awarded 3 times per year. Applications due June 30, 2026.
Skip Instant Grants
Recurring $1,000 grants awarded to small business owners through live drawings held multiple times each week. Easy low-barrier application — several winners selected per live event. Good for Camarillo micro-businesses needing quick capital.
Genesis for Good Catalyst Empowerment Grant
Competitive grant for very small businesses in low-to-moderate income communities across Southern California counties, including Ventura County. Provides up to $10,000 plus mentoring and tools to strengthen business infrastructure and create local jobs.
Founders First SIFP Supplier Grant
Certified small business suppliers can receive a $5,000 unrestricted quarterly grant through the Supplier Innovative Finance Program (SIFP). Eight suppliers selected per quarter. Winners also receive a scholarship for additional coaching and business accelerator access.
CDFA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program
Federal passthrough grants for California specialty crop businesses — fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops. Supports research, marketing, food safety, and education projects. Ventura County agricultural businesses commonly qualify.
SBA 8(a) Business Development Program
Nine-year program providing federal contracting assistance, training, and mentoring for socially and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs.
Camarillo Chamber of Commerce Small Business Scholarship
Grants and scholarships for Camarillo-based small business owners for business training, certifications, or professional development.
USDA Rural Business Development Grant
Grants (not loans) for rural small businesses, agricultural businesses, and producer networks in eligible areas.
SBA Veterans Business Outreach Program
Training, mentoring, and funding support for veteran-owned small businesses. Priority in federal contracting.
Agricultural Export Program Grant
Grants to help agricultural businesses export California products internationally. Market research, trade show funding.
Ventura County Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Matching Funds
Matching grants that support business owners who get consulting services through SBDC. Up to 50% match on SBDC consulting fees.
Ventura County Economic Development Association Business Growth Fund
Direct grants and low-interest loans for businesses in Ventura County demonstrating growth potential and job creation.
Ventura County Latino Business Roundtable Growth Grant
Grants for Latino-owned businesses in Ventura County focused on business expansion, job creation, and community development.
Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Contracting Support
Certification and contracting support for minority-owned businesses to bid on state and local contracts. No direct funding but contracting advantages.
California Inclusive Entrepreneurship Fund
Grants and technical assistance for disadvantaged entrepreneurs, Black/Latino-owned businesses, and underrepresented founders.
Thousand Oaks Community Foundation Small Business Grant
Grants for small businesses in Thousand Oaks and surrounding areas focused on community impact and local employment.
SBA Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Lending
Lending programs through certified CDFIs offering favorable rates and terms to underserved small businesses and startups.
Nonprofit Capacity Building Grant
Grants for nonprofit organizations to build organizational capacity, technology infrastructure, and leadership development.
Digital Marketing & E-Commerce Transition Grant
Grants to help retail and service businesses modernize online presence, build e-commerce capability, or improve digital marketing.
Oxnard Business Improvement District Facade Improvement Grant
Grants for Oxnard-based businesses to improve storefront appearance, signage, and exterior renovations.
Energy Efficiency Upgrade Grants for Small Businesses
Rebates and grants for small businesses that upgrade to energy-efficient equipment, LED lighting, HVAC systems, and renewable energy.
Workforce Development Grant for Small Businesses
Grants to help small businesses hire, train, and develop employees. Subsidized training programs and wage support.
Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contracting Program
Support, training, and certifications for women-owned businesses seeking federal contracts and grants.
SCORE Mentoring & Business Assessment Grants
Free mentoring and subsidized business assessments to help with business planning, marketing, and growth strategy.
Ventura County Microbusiness Program
Microloans and technical assistance for very small businesses in underserved areas of Ventura County.
SBA Community Advantage Loans
SBA-backed loans (not grants) of up to $350,000 for small businesses in underserved markets, including Ventura County minority-owned and women-owned businesses.
Amber Grant for Women
Monthly $10,000 grant and an annual $25,000 grant awarded to women-owned small businesses across the U.S. Simple application process.
National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) Growth Grants
Grants of up to $4,000 for NASE members to support micro-businesses and self-employed entrepreneurs with business growth needs.
Hello Alice Small Business Grants
Platform that distributes grants from corporate partners to small business owners across the U.S. Grants range from $1,000 to $25,000 with multiple open opportunities at any time.
USDA Rural Business Development Grant
Grants for small and emerging businesses in rural areas, including parts of Ventura County. Funds technical assistance, training, and equipment.
Ventura County SBDC Small Business Consulting & Grants
Free business consulting and periodic access to micro-grants and loan programs for Ventura County small businesses. Connects businesses to state and federal funding.
Ventura County Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Programs
Provides local small businesses with access to micro-loans, technical assistance grants, and business development resources specific to Ventura County.
Small Business Grant FAQs
What grants are available for small businesses in Ventura County right now?
The live cards on this page show every grant currently tracked as open or rolling, including SBA microloans, California state programs, Ventura County and Camarillo-area local funding, and women- and minority-owned business grants. Filter by location or category to narrow the list, and verify deadlines with the issuing organization before applying.
Do I have to repay a small business grant?
No. A grant is funding you do not repay, unlike a loan. Note that some listings on this page — such as SBA microloans — are loans rather than grants; those are labeled accordingly and do require repayment with interest.
How long does a grant application take?
It depends on the program. Simple local microgrants can take an hour or two of paperwork plus a short review. State and federal grants typically require a business plan, financial statements, and two to three years of tax returns — budget two to six weeks to prepare a competitive application.
Grant database updated monthly. Always verify eligibility and deadlines directly with the issuing organization.
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