Small Business Grants — Ventura County & Camarillo, CA (2026)
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
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.
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses
An investment program that provides small business owners with practical business education, access to capital, and support services to help them grow and create jobs.
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.
California State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)
Helps small businesses enter global markets by providing support for trade events, export training, and international marketing expenses.
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.
Small Business Readiness for Resiliency (R4R) Grant
Provides disaster recovery support for small businesses that have pre-registered and completed the disaster preparedness checklist. Designed to help businesses recover after declared emergencies.
Freed Fellowship Grant
A monthly grant for underrepresented U.S. small business owners that includes no-strings-attached funding plus mentorship and community support.
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.
HerRise Microgrant
Monthly microgrants targeted at under-resourced women entrepreneurs to expand access to capital. Must be at least 51% women-owned.
Rural Business Development Grants
Provides funding to public entities, tribes, and nonprofits serving rural areas for small business development and job-creation projects.
Community Connect Grant Program
Provides financial assistance to eligible applicants to deliver broadband service at or above 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload speeds to rural areas lacking sufficient access.
California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC)
Offers income tax credits to businesses that want to locate in California or stay and grow in California.
California Capital Access Program (CalCAP)
Encourages banks and other financial institutions to make loans to small businesses that have difficulty obtaining financing.
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.
Restaurants Care Resilience Fund
Offers $5,000 grants to California-based restaurant owners and commercial caterers to support their operations and build long-term resilience.
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.
Ojai Valley Land Conservancy Small Business Environmental Grant
Grants for small businesses in the Ojai/Ventura area implementing sustainable practices, conservation, or environmental responsibility.
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.
California Main Street Program
Technical assistance and grant funding for revitalization and marketing of downtown/commercial areas in local communities.
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.
SBA Microloan Program
Loans up to $50,000 for small businesses with limited access to conventional financing. Quick approval process, flexible terms.
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.
California Small Business Loan Guarantee Program
State-backed loan guarantees for small businesses unable to obtain conventional financing. Up to 90% guarantee.
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.
California Film Commission Production Grant
Grants for media production companies, filmmakers, and creative businesses producing content in California.
Oxnard Business Improvement District Facade Improvement Grant
Grants for Oxnard-based businesses to improve storefront appearance, signage, and exterior renovations.
Technology Startup Accelerator Grant
Grants and funding for tech startups in California focused on climate tech, clean energy, or digital innovation.
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.
FedEx Small Business Grant Contest
Annual contest awarding $50,000 in grants to small businesses across the U.S. Open to any for-profit small business. Public voting component.
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.
California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) Programs
Administers state programs supporting California small businesses including grant and loan programs for underserved communities and emerging businesses.
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.
IBank Small Business Finance Center – Disaster Relief Loan Guarantee
Loan guarantees for small businesses in California impacted by disasters or economic downturns, including Ventura County businesses.
SBA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program
Federal program funding R&D with commercialization potential. Grants up to $2M for small businesses engaged in scientific research and development.
California Competes Tax Credit
Tax credit (not a grant, but significant) for businesses that want to grow in California. Available to businesses of all sizes and industries.
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.
Grant database updated monthly. Always verify eligibility and deadlines directly with the issuing organization.
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