Small Business Grants in Massachusetts
One Massachusetts state grant is open, and it closes on 1 October 2026.
One Massachusetts state grant is open, and it closes on 1 October 2026. Business Builds pays life sciences and medtech manufacturers between $500,000 and $2,000,000 towards capital work, against a dollar for dollar match of your own money. Everything else the state runs for small businesses is either shut or is not a grant. MassDevelopment says the Biz-M-Power deadline has passed, the technical assistance round closed on 26 June 2026, and Empower Digital ended in 2023. If you are not in life sciences, the live route is the tax credit one, and EDIP takes applications until 4 November 2026 for its December council meeting, alongside the federal programs below.
Which Massachusetts grants fit your business?
Answer 7 quick questions and we sort the 13 programs on this page into likely fits and long shots. Nothing personal is asked or stored, and final eligibility is always decided by the granting agency.
Massachusetts Small Business Grant Programs
State-administered funding programs available to Massachusetts small businesses. Verify deadlines directly with the granting agency before applying.
Business Builds, Life Sciences
Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC)
$500,000 to $2,000,000
Deadline Oct 1, 2026This is the one Massachusetts state grant a company can apply for right now, and it is a real grant rather than a tax credit. MLSC expects to make up to ten awards of $500,000 to $2,000,000 for manufacturing scale-up, aimed at biomanufacturing and medtech advanced manufacturing. The catch is the match, you have to put in a dollar of your own for every dollar awarded, and that match cannot be another state grant or an in-kind contribution. The money is for capital only, buildout, fitout, equipment, site preparation and utilities. Salaries, working capital and administration are not eligible. Applications close at 11:59 p.m. on 1 October 2026, with an optional early deadline of 11:59 p.m. on 8 September 2026, work has to be finished by 30 June 2027, and you must commit to keeping a Massachusetts location for ten years. Companies from outside the state can apply but must establish a Massachusetts presence before spending the money.
SBIR Targeted Technologies (START) Grant Program
MassVentures
$100,000 for a first award
Application window reopens February 1, 2027MassVentures pays Massachusetts companies that already hold a federal SBIR or STTR Phase II award to turn that research into a business. Read the award structure carefully, because the headline range mixes three different things. A first time applicant is competing for one of sixteen Round 1 grants of $100,000. Round 2 pays $200,000 and is open only to the strongest Round 1 winners from the previous year. Round 3 is up to $500,000 of seed capital in a commercial spinout, which is an equity investment rather than a grant, so it is not non-dilutive. The application window is shut and MassVentures says on its own programme page that it reopens on 1 February 2027. Since 2012 the programme has put $46.2 million into 157 companies.
Economic Development Incentive Program (EDIP)
Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD)
Varies (tax credits)
Deadline Nov 4, 2026This is a tax credit, not cash, so it is worth something only if you have Massachusetts tax to set it against. The Economic Assistance Coordinating Council meets quarterly and awards credits to businesses that commit to creating full time jobs and investing in a project in the state. Awards typically run between $10,000 and $15,000 per job, and go higher for projects in Gateway Cities, rural or small towns and areas of economic need. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on a fixed date about six weeks before each meeting. The next is 4 November 2026 for the meeting on 16 December, then 10 February 2027 for the meeting on 24 March. Missing one deadline costs you a quarter rather than a year. You apply through the state Business Front Door after talking to a Massachusetts Office of Business Development regional director.
Biz-M-Power Matching Grant Program
MassDevelopment (Growth Capital Division)
$2,500–$20,000
Closed, no reopening date postedMatching grants for growth-oriented small and microbusinesses to offset costs of facility acquisition, expansion, equipment purchase, and other capital needs. Applicants must contribute a minimum of 20% of project costs.
Small Business Technical Assistance (SBTA) Grant Program
MassDevelopment
Up to $150,000 for FY27
Deadline Jun 26, 2026Grants to nonprofits that deliver technical assistance, business skills training, and access to capital to Massachusetts small businesses. Businesses access these services through funded SBTA provider organizations.
Empower Digital Grant Program
MassDevelopment (Growth Capital Division)
Up to $5,000
Deadline Jun 30, 2023A matching grant to help small businesses improve their digital capabilities, including website development, POS systems, e-commerce, cybersecurity, and digital marketing. Applicants must work with an SBTA provider to apply.
Community One Stop for Growth
Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED)
$10,000–$500,000+
Deadline Jun 3, 2026A single application portal combining 12 state economic development grant programs for community-focused projects including commercial revitalization, infrastructure improvements, and site readiness. Over $558 million has been awarded across 283 communities since 2021.
Transformative Development Initiative (TDI) Local Program
MassDevelopment
Up to $125,000
Deadline Oct 31, 2025Grants funding locally developed small-business support programs in Gateway Cities, including storefront improvements, marketing campaigns, and technical assistance. Since 2015, MassDevelopment has invested $38 million in TDI districts.
Massachusetts Life Sciences Center Tax Incentive Program
Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC)
Varies (tax incentives)
Deadline Mar 31, 2026Tax incentives for life sciences companies engaged in R&D, commercialization, and manufacturing that commit to creating new long-term jobs in Massachusetts. MLSC has deployed approximately $1 billion across grants, loans, and incentives since 2007.
Federal Grant Programs
These federal programs are available to small businesses in every state.
SBA 7(a) Loan Program
The SBA's primary lending program guarantees loans through participating lenders. This is a loan, not a grant. But the terms favor small businesses that may not qualify for conventional financing.
Learn moreSBA Microloan Program
Loans up to $50,000, not grants. You borrow from a nonprofit lender near you, not from the SBA itself. The money can cover working capital, inventory, supplies or equipment. Most people get far less than the cap. The average microloan is about $13,000.
Learn moreSBIR/STTR Grants
Competitive federal grants for small businesses doing research and development with commercial potential. Eleven federal agencies take part. Phase I funds proof of concept. Phase II funds full development.
Learn moreMinority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Programs
Help for minority owned businesses that need capital, contracts or new markets. MBDA runs business centers around the country. They give advice, help with bids, and point you toward lenders.
Learn moreGet Grant-Ready
Before you apply, most Massachusetts grant programs expect these basics to be in place.
Form your business entity
Most Massachusetts grant programs require applicants to be a registered LLC, corporation, or nonprofit. If you haven't formed yet, that's the first step.
$39 + state fee. Includes registered agent, business address, and more.
Get your EIN
An Employer Identification Number is free from the IRS and required on nearly every grant application. You can apply online and receive it immediately.
Open a business bank account
Grant funds need to go into a dedicated business account, not your personal checking. Most agencies will ask for your banking details on the application.
Mercury is a fintech company, not an FDIC-insured bank. Banking services provided through Choice Financial Group and Column N.A., Members FDIC.
Grants by Business Type
Targeted programs for specific business owners in Massachusetts.
Women-owned Business Grants
Massachusetts runs no grant reserved for women owners. Biz-M-Power weighs it, and that round is shut. The Life Sciences Center funds women led early stage life science companies with non dilutive money and coaching. Everything else here is advice, not cash. Start at a free SBDC office.
- ›Biz-M-Power Grant Program
- ›Massachusetts Life Sciences Center
- ›Massachusetts SBDC
Minority-owned Business Grants
The technical assistance money pays nonprofits, not businesses. Those nonprofits then advise minority owned firms at no charge. That is the real route in. Application resources come in ten languages. No certification is required to use a funded provider.
- ›Small Business Technical Assistance Program
- ›MassDevelopment
- ›Massachusetts SBDC
Veteran-owned Business Grants
Massachusetts has no veteran only business grant. What exists is free help. Technical assistance nonprofits serving veteran founders are funded through the state. The SBDC advises at no cost. Federal certification opens contracting work rather than grant money.
- ›Small Business Technical Assistance Program
- ›Massachusetts SBDC
Technology/Innovation Business Grants
This is where the largest awards sit. The MassVentures START grant pays SBIR Phase II companies $100,000 to $500,000, and it is paused right now. The Life Sciences Center runs grants and tax incentives for research. Federal SBIR and STTR money never touches the state. Apply to the agency direct.
- ›MassVentures START Grant
- ›Massachusetts Life Sciences Center
- ›SBIR/STTR Programs
Rural Business Grants
Central and western towns get priority in several MassDevelopment programs. The Community One Stop for Growth is the main door. A city or town applies, not your business. Its round is closed. Ask your town hall when the next one opens.
- ›Community One Stop for Growth
- ›MassDevelopment
Tips for Applying in Massachusetts
Increase your chances of approval with these state-specific tips.
- 1Register on SAM.gov early if you want federal money like SBIR or STTR. Registration is required. It can take weeks.
- 2Start at a certified technical assistance provider. MassDevelopment lists them in its Small Business Resource Directory. Their advice is free. They know which round opens next.
- 3The Community One Stop for Growth takes an optional Expression of Interest each January. Send one. Staff give feedback before the spring deadline.
- 4Biz-M-Power wants proof that 20 percent of the owner's own funds are ready at the time you apply. Bank statements show it. Have them before the round opens.
- 5Call the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center. Help with proposals and planning is free and confidential. Six regional offices cover the state.
State Economic Development Agency
Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED)
EOED promotes vibrant communities, growing businesses, and a strong middle class by coordinating state economic development programs, grants, and tax incentives for Massachusetts businesses.
Funding While You Wait
Grant applications in Massachusetts can take weeks or months to process. These options can bridge the gap.
Grants in Other States
All state grant guidesFrequently Asked Questions
Yes, and one of them is open. Business Builds, run by the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, awards $500,000 to $2,000,000 to life sciences and medtech companies for manufacturing buildout and equipment, and applications close on 1 October 2026. It is a real grant, never repaid, but you must match it dollar for dollar with your own money and spend it on capital rather than salaries. Outside life sciences the picture is thinner. Biz-M-Power matched up to $20,000 and MassDevelopment says its deadline has passed. Empower Digital ended in 2023. The MassVentures START grant pays SBIR Phase II companies $100,000 for a first award, and its window reopens on 1 February 2027.
Biz-M-Power, in the years it runs, because it is the one open to ordinary small businesses rather than a single industry. MassDevelopment matches $2,500 to $20,000 for firms under 20 staff and under $2.5 million in revenue. You must show 20 percent of your own money first. It buys facility work, equipment and other capital needs. That round is shut and no reopening date is posted, so the grant you can actually apply for today is Business Builds, and only if you are in life sciences or medtech manufacturing.
No. Most Massachusetts programs take any eligible small business. Ownership is not a gate. Some do weigh it. The technical assistance money favours nonprofit providers serving women, minority, veteran, immigrant and LGBTQ+ owners. Certification is never required. It can still strengthen a file.
Longer than most people expect, and the deadline is only the start. Business Builds closes on 1 October 2026 and funded work has to be finished by 30 June 2027, so the real constraint is whether your project is shovel ready, not how fast the state pays. EDIP runs on a quarterly council cycle, applications due about six weeks before each meeting, so missing 4 November costs you until 10 February 2027 rather than a whole year. Biz-M-Power rounds ran several months from filing to award. The Community One Stop for Growth follows a yearly cycle and its 2026 round closed on 3 June 2026. A free Massachusetts SBDC adviser can tell you when the next one lands.
Was this article helpful?
Grant programs change frequently. Deadlines, eligibility requirements, and funding amounts listed here may be outdated. Always verify information directly with the granting agency before applying. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice.
Questions about Massachusetts small business grants
No comments yet. Ask the first question and a member of our team will answer.
Leave a comment