Funding Guide
Greater Richmond Funding Guide
Comprehensive Resource for Entrepreneurs & Ecosystem Support Organizations
Information is subject to change. This guide is for informational purposes only — always verify current details directly with each organization's official website before applying.
Showing 107 of 107 card-based entries.
Types of Institutions
A quick orientation to the kinds of lenders and investors you'll see in this guide. Knowing the difference helps you pick the right door to knock on first.
Bank
For-profit, federally or state chartered. Best for established businesses with revenue, strong credit, and collateral. Offers term loans, lines of credit, and SBA-backed products at competitive rates.
Credit Union
Member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative. Often more flexible than banks on credit and personal relationship lending. Membership is usually tied to where you live, work, or worship.
CDFI (Community Development Financial Institution)
Mission-driven lender certified by the U.S. Treasury to serve low-income or underserved communities. More flexible underwriting and often paired with coaching. Good fit for pre-revenue business owners, credit-rebuilding business owners, or specialty industries.
SBA-Backed Lender
A bank or non-bank lender whose loan is partially guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The SBA does not lend directly — it reduces lender risk so they can approve borrowers who would otherwise miss the cutoff. Common programs: 7(a), 504, and Microloans.
Equity Firm (Angel / VC / PE)
Investors who buy a stake in your company instead of lending you money. No repayment, but you give up some ownership and a say in major decisions. Best for high-growth, scalable models with a clear path to a 10x+ return.
The 5 C's of Credit
Before any lender looks at your deal, they're weighing the same five factors. Get honest about each one and you'll know where to strengthen before you apply, and which programs on this page are realistic right now.
1. CHARACTER
- Credit history (personal & business)
- Reputation and transparency
- Payment history
- Communication with creditors
2. CAPITAL
- Financial strength (P&L, balance sheet)
- Owner investment ("skin in the game")
- Reserves and cash on hand
3. CAPACITY
- Ability to repay (cash flow)
- Debt Service Coverage Ratio
- Revenue projections
4. COLLATERAL
- Assets that can be pledged
- Equipment, real estate, inventory
- Secondary repayment source
5. CONDITIONS
- Market trends
- Industry outlook
- Competition
- Economic factors
Pro Tip: Apply to 2-3 lenders simultaneously to increase your odds. Don't put all eggs in one basket — but don't spread yourself thin either.
Documents You'll Need
Critical: Having all documents ready BEFORE you apply dramatically increases your approval odds and speed.
For Established Businesses
- Profit & Loss Statement (current year-to-date)
- Balance Sheet
- Business Tax Returns (3 years)
- Bank Statements (3 months minimum)
- Business Plan
- Entity Documentation (EIN, operating agreement, state filings)
- Owner Resume
- Personal Financial Statement (PFS)
- Personal Tax Returns (3 years)
For Startups (Pre-Revenue)
- Business Plan
- Cash Flow Projections (12–36 months)
- Owner Resume & Personal Financial Statement
- Personal Tax Returns (3 years)
- Personal Credit Report
- Entity Documentation
- Market Research / Validation
Avoiding Predatory Lending
Know what to look for before you sign.
When you need capital fast, offers that promise "same-day approval," "no credit check," or "guaranteed funding in 24 hours" can feel like a solution. But research conducted with Greater Richmond business owners found that many of these offers — especially Merchant Cash Advances that arrive through email, social media, or even the payment platforms you already use — are specifically designed to create urgency and obscure the true cost of borrowing.
Before you accept any financing offer, watch for these warning signs:
- Urgency language: "This rate expires today" or "funds available now" is a tactic designed to prevent comparison shopping. A trustworthy lender will give you time.
- Factor rates instead of APR: If a lender avoids quoting a clear annual percentage rate, the real cost is being hidden.
- Community-focused language paired with pressure tactics: Many legitimate organizations specifically serve and advertise to minority-owned and underserved businesses, and finding them is exactly what this page is for. The warning sign is when that community-focused messaging is combined with urgency: "instant approval," "no credit check," or time-limited offers. A lender who genuinely supports your community will be transparent about costs and give you time to make the right decision.
- A flood of calls after one search: Searching online for business financing can put you in a data ecosystem that sells your information to high-cost lenders.
Resources on this page, including Bridging Virginia, Community Investment Collaborative (CIC), and LISC Virginia, offer fair capital and real guidance from people who know the Richmond ecosystem. You don't have to take the first offer that finds you.
Pre-Revenue Lending
KIVA
$5K – $15K | 0% Interest
Crowdfunded microloans with no interest. Perfect for pre-revenue businesses with credit challenges.
Capital Access Hub (CAH)
$5K – $50K
Focus on minority-owned businesses. Pre-revenue lending available. We Care Grant program also available.
Community Investment Collaborative (CIC)
$5K – $50K
Mission-driven CDFI providing pre-revenue and early lending with flexible terms.
Institute Capital (ICAP)
$5K – $50K
Capital readiness training + lending. Excellent for businesses needing technical assistance alongside funding.
Credit Restoration Institute
Credit-building and repair support for pre-revenue business owners who need to clean up their personal credit before applying for business financing.
Growing Businesses
Lenders for businesses with established revenue. SBA loan programs are available across most of these institutions.
Atlantic Union Bank
Term loans, lines of credit, equipment financing, real estate, and SBA. Broad commercial lending with a Virginia footprint.
Bank of America
Term loans, lines of credit, equipment, real estate, and SBA. Best fit for established businesses with strong financials.
C&F Bank
Term loans, lines of credit, equipment, and SBA. Community-focused commercial lending in central Virginia.
Citi Bank
Term loans, lines of credit, equipment, and SBA. National bank with a presence for larger commercial accounts.
First Citizens Bank
Term loans, lines of credit, equipment, and SBA. Broad commercial offerings.
First Community Bank
Term loans, equipment, real estate, and SBA. Community banking with an eye toward small business growth.
Fulton Bank
Term loans, lines of credit, equipment, real estate, and SBA. Mid-Atlantic regional bank.
Institute Capital (ICAP)
Capital readiness training paired with lending. Bridges pre-revenue business owners into the Growing Businesses bucket as their plan firms up.
JPMorgan Chase
Term loans, lines of credit, equipment financing. National bank for larger commercial accounts.
LISC Virginia
CDFI funding for growing small businesses with a focus on real estate and community development.
LOCUS
Digital lending with technical assistance for established businesses. Also fits CDFIs & Specialty.
M&T Bank
Term loans, lines of credit, equipment, and SBA. Active commercial and specialty lender.
Navy Federal Credit Union
Term loans, lines of credit, equipment, and SBA — for military-affiliated business owners.
Southern Bank
Term loans, lines of credit, equipment, and real estate. Community banking for established small businesses.
Towne Bank
Term loans, lines of credit, equipment, real estate, and SBA. Regional commercial lender.
VA DHCD
Building rehabilitation and community development financing, including Enterprise Zone RPIG grants.
Virginia Tourism Corporation
Marketing leverage grants and partnerships for Virginia tourism-related businesses. Sector-specific support for hospitality and visitor-economy ventures.
VA Small Business Financing Authority (VSBFA)
State-backed financing programs that partner with private lenders to improve access to capital for Virginia small businesses.
Woodforest National Bank
Term loans, lines of credit, and SBA. Community banking with retail-branch lending presence.
CDFIs & Specialty
Bridging Virginia
CDFI with flexible underwriting on term loans, lines of credit, equipment financing, and bridge loans for Virginia small businesses.
Community Investment Collaborative (CIC)
Mission-driven CDFI based in Charlottesville. Pre-revenue and early-stage lending with flexible terms and wraparound coaching.
Foodshed Capital
CDFI specializing in food systems, agriculture, and farm-to-table businesses across Virginia.
Institute Capital (ICAP)
CDFI that pairs capital readiness training with lending. Supports pre-revenue business owners and businesses needing technical assistance alongside funding.
LISC Virginia
Community Development Financial Institution. Focus on real estate, building rehabilitation, and community development projects.
LOCUS
CDFI lending across SBA, lines of credit, acquisition/construction, commercial real estate, agribusiness, and SWAM/WAM. Digital platform with technical assistance for underserved business owners.
The Capital Collective
Richmond-based capital network connecting growth-stage business owners with aligned funders and technical assistance partners.
VA Small Business Financing Authority (VSBFA)
State-backed financing programs that partner with private lenders to improve access to capital for Virginia small businesses.
Credit Unions
Member-owned, not-for-profit alternatives to traditional banks. Often more flexible on credit and personal relationship lending.
People's Advantage FCU
Local credit union with a focus on financial education and credit building. A practical option for business owners who need to rebuild personal credit before applying for larger business financing.
Virginia Credit Union (VACU)
Member-focused credit union with strong small-business lending. Term loans, lines of credit, equipment, and auto financing for established Virginia businesses.
Equity & Investment (Equity / High Growth)
Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC)
FREE Support + SBIR/STTR ($150K–$1.5M)
FREE mentoring for tech startups pursuing federal R&D grants. Virginia ranks 3rd nationally in SBIR/STTR awards.
Virginia Venture Partners
$250K Pre-Seed | $1M Seed
State-backed equity fund for Virginia-based startups. Pre-seed and seed-stage investments.
Angel Investors & Syndicates
$25K – $250K
Individual investors and angel groups. Contact via local ecosystem partners for introductions.
Resource:Southeast Capital Landscape Map
Lender Products
Which products each major bank or credit union actively lends across Greater Richmond. A condensed view of the buckets above.
| Organization | Products | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Atlantic Union Bank | Term Loans, Equipment, Real Estate, SBA, Agribusiness, SWAM/WAM, Letters of Credit | General commercial lending |
| Bank of America | Term Loans, Lines of Credit, Equipment, Real Estate, SBA | Large commercial accounts |
| Blue Ridge Bank, N.A. | SBA | VA & NC community bank — SBA loans alongside CRE, term loans, lines of credit. mybrb.bank · (888) 331-6521 |
| Bridging Virginia | Term Loans, Lines of Credit, Pre-Revenue, Bridge Loans | CDFI – flexible underwriting |
| C&F Bank | Term Loans, Lines of Credit, Equipment, Acquisition/Construction, Real Estate, Agribusiness, Letters of Credit, Business Savings Loan | Community banking |
| Central Virginia FCU | SBA | Lynchburg-area credit union — business loans & accounts. cvfcu.com · (800) 335-0069 |
| Chesapeake Bank | SBA | 125-year-old VA community bank — local lending officers, custom-structured loans. ches.bank · (877) 436-9032 |
| Citi Bank | Term Loans, Lines of Credit | Large commercial accounts |
| First Citizens Bank | Lines of Credit, Equipment, Agribusiness, Letters of Credit | Broad commercial lending |
| First Community Bank | Term Loans, Lines of Credit, Equipment, Real Estate, SBA | Community focus |
| First National Bank (PA) | SBA | SBA Preferred Lender — 7(a) and 504 programs, multi-state including VA. fnb-online.com · 1-833-226-5362 |
| Fulton Bank | Term Loans, Lines of Credit, Equipment, Real Estate, SBA | Mid-Atlantic regional |
| JPMorgan Chase | Term Loans, Lines of Credit | Large commercial accounts |
| M&T Bank | Term Loans, Lines of Credit, Equipment, SBA, Agribusiness, SWAM/WAM | Commercial & specialty lending |
| Navy Federal Credit Union | SBA | Military-affiliated credit union |
| New Horizon Bank | SBA | Powhatan-based community bank — SBA-active with a $2M–$4M sweet spot across Central VA into Hampton Roads. newhorizonbank.com · (804) 419-6363 |
| Peoples Bank | SBA | SBA Preferred Lender (Peoples Bancorp, OH-HQ) with Richmond branches — 30+ yrs SBA experience, top-15% nationally in 7(a). peoplesbancorp.com · 1-800-374-6123 |
| Southern Bank | Term Loans, Lines of Credit, Equipment, Real Estate | Community banking |
| SouthState Bank | SBA | Southeast regional — dedicated SBA team for 7(a) and 504 long-term financing; Richmond branches. southstatebank.com · (800) 277-2175 |
| Towne Bank | Term Loans, Lines of Credit, Acquisition/Construction, Real Estate, SBA | Regional commercial lending |
| Truist (BB&T) | Lines of Credit, Equipment, Real Estate, Auto, SBA, Letters of Credit | Full-service commercial |
| VA Credit Union (VACU) | Term Loans, Lines of Credit, Equipment, Real Estate, Auto | Member-focused credit union |
| Virginia National Bank | SBA | Charlottesville-based community bank with Richmond market presence — case-by-case commercial structuring. vnb.com · (877) 817-8621 |
| Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. | SBA | National SBA Preferred Lender — 7(a) up to $5M, 504 up to $15M for RE/acquisition/equipment/working capital. wellsfargo.com/biz/sba · 1-800-225-5935 |
| Woodforest National Bank | Term Loans, Lines of Credit, Acquisition/Construction, Real Estate, Auto, SBA | Community banking + retail-branch lending |
Government Programs
SBA Programs Available Through Banks Above:
- SBA 7(a): Up to $5M for general business use (working capital, equipment, expansion)
- SBA 504: Real estate & equipment financing with long-term fixed rates
- SBA Microloans: Up to $50K through intermediary lenders
SBA doesn't lend directly—it guarantees bank loans. Personal guarantee typically required.
USDA Rural Development
Multiple programs for rural businesses: RBDG, Rural Microentrepreneur, VAPG (up to $250K for value-added ag products), REAP (energy efficiency).
FREE Help: VSU Small Farm Outreach (ext.vsu.edu)
VA DHCD Programs
Building rehabilitation, community development. Enterprise Zone RPIG grants (20–30% of project cost).
VA Small Business Financing Authority
State-backed financing programs. Various loan products for Virginia businesses.
Grants don't need to be paid back, but they're competitive and usually tied to a specific program, industry, or geography. Always confirm current cycles and deadlines before applying.
Henrico Small Business Boost Program
$8,000 value in marketing packages
2026 — Check henricocitizen.com
10 Henrico small businesses receive free 6-month digital advertising packages including display ads, e-blasts to 27,000+, sponsored content & social promotions. Must be in Henrico, for-profit, non-franchise, ≤100 employees, with a functional website.
SCALE UP Henrico (0% Small Business Loan Fund)
$10,000–$75,000 at 0% interest
Rolling — Apply through Bridging Virginia
Administered by Bridging Virginia using $750K in CDBG funds. Covers staffing, marketing, equipment, inventory, working capital. Must be Henrico-based, create at least 1 living-wage job. Contact: bridgingvirginia.org
Henrico Investment Program (HIP) / Enterprise Zone Incentives
Varies by incentive
Ongoing — Contact 804-501-7640
Local enterprise zone incentives for qualifying commercial businesses in Henrico. Includes business investment rebates and job creation grants. Contact HIP staff before applying. henrico.gov/revit
Richmond Enterprise Zone — Employment Assistance Grant
Up to $7,500 per 2-year period
Ongoing — rva.gov
$400 per new permanent position (max $7,500/2 yrs). Must be in a Richmond Enterprise Zone. Positions must pay ≥1.5x federal minimum wage. Contact Richmond Dept. of Economic Development.
Richmond Enterprise Zone — Business Relocation Rebate
Up to $10,000 (one-time)
Apply within 9 months of move-in
50% reimbursement of eligible relocation expenses for businesses moving into a Richmond Enterprise Zone. Apply through rva.gov/economic-development/incentives
Richmond Enterprise Zone — Loan Fee Rebate
Up to $1,000 (one-time)
Apply within 9 months of loan close
Covers loan financing fees for private, federal, or state loans. City-originated loans are excluded. Must be in a Richmond Enterprise Zone.
Richmond Enterprise Zone — Development Fee Rebate
Up to $3,000 (one-time)
Ongoing
Permit fee rebate for renovation or construction of commercial/industrial facilities in a Richmond Enterprise Zone.
Bridging Virginia — Richmond Loan Fund (CCCF Funded)
$1.2M pool / loans vary
Rolling — Schedule intake now
Freshly funded in May 2026 by Governor Spanberger's Commonwealth Capital for Communities Fund. Covers Richmond, Henrico, Chesterfield, Hanover, and Hampton Roads. Capital at prime minus 2%. Contact: cahub@bridgingvirginia.org
City of Richmond Microgrants (via MBL)
Varies by round
Watch thembl.org for new rounds
The City of Richmond periodically releases microgrant funds for historically underserved businesses in retail, hospitality, and personal services, administered by the Metropolitan Business League (MBL). Sign up for MBL alerts to catch new windows.
Bridging Virginia CDFI — Greater Richmond Loan Fund
Varies; prime minus 2% interest
Rolling
Explicitly covers Chesterfield and Hanover counties as part of the 2026 CCCF award. Small businesses can schedule intake appointments at bridgingvirginia.org. Administered by a certified CDFI.
Good Company — Ecosystem Support
N/A (resource navigation)
Ongoing
A coalition of nonprofits supporting business owners across Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico, and Richmond. Connects businesses to capital, grants, and mentors. Contact through Bridging Virginia's website.
Hanover Chamber of Commerce — Grant Watch
Varies
Ongoing
The Hanover Chamber actively monitors and alerts members to regional grant opportunities (including Comcast RISE, state programs, and local funds). Contact: hanoverchamberva.com
Metropolitan Business League (MBL) — Capital & Resource Access
Varies by program
Ongoing membership
Richmond's primary organization for small, women- and minority-owned businesses. Administers grants on behalf of city/county partners. Members get first access to new funding. 54+ years serving RVA. thembl.org
ChamberRVA — Small Business Programs
Varies by program
Watch chamberrva.com
ChamberRVA partners with MBL and corporate funders (Altria, Capital One, Dominion Energy) to launch grant rounds for Richmond-region businesses. Join to receive early notifications.
Community Foundation for Greater Richmond
Varies by cycle
Watch cfrichmond.org
Funds programs serving small businesses across the Richmond metro (City + Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, Powhatan). Supports economic mobility for underserved entrepreneurs.
Richmond SCORE Chapter — Free Mentoring
Free mentorship
Ongoing
Retired business executives provide free mentoring and often have advance knowledge of local grant windows. P.O. Box 2515, Midlothian, VA 23113. score.org or call (800) 634-0245
SWaM Certification — Virginia DSBSD
FREE — Unlocks future grants
Ongoing / Rolling
State certification for Small, Women-owned, and Minority-owned businesses. Opens access to state contracts (40% procurement goal), exclusive grants, and visibility in Virginia's vendor database. Valid 5 years. sbsd.virginia.gov
Virginia Economic Equity Fund (DHCD)
Varies by cycle
Watch dhcd.virginia.gov
Expands capital access for small, women-, and minority-owned businesses. Administered through VA Dept. of Housing & Community Development. Works alongside CDFI partners to fund underserved entrepreneurs.
Commonwealth's Capital for Communities Fund (CCCF)
$2.48M deployed May 2026
Ongoing via CDFI partners
Governor Spanberger announced $2.48M in May 2026 to CDFIs including Bridging Virginia (Region 4/5 = Richmond metro). Apply through Bridging Virginia. bridgingvirginia.org
Virginia Small Business Financing Authority (VSBFA) — Microloans
Varies
Rolling
Offers microloans, capital access fund (credit enhancements for bank loans), and an equity incentive grant for businesses attracting investors. sbsd.virginia.gov/virginia-small-business-financing-authority
Virginia Small Business Investment Grant (SBIG) — FY2027
Varies
FY2027 cycle — Watch sbsd.virginia.gov
FY2026 cycle is closed. Watch for FY2027 opening. Encourages investment in Virginia small businesses for working capital, growth, and expansion. sbsd.virginia.gov
GO Virginia — Regional Economic Development Grants
Varies by project
Rolling via Regional Councils
Statewide program funding regional collaboration on economic development. Richmond area falls under GO Virginia Region 4. Contact the Region 4 GO Virginia council for current opportunities.
Virginia Enterprise Zone (VEZ) — Real Property Investment Grant
Up to $100,000+
Ongoing via DHCD portal
For businesses making significant capital investment in designated enterprise zones. Also includes Job Creation Grants of $400–$800/year per eligible position. dhcd.virginia.gov
Microbusiness Marketing Leverage Program
Varies
Seasonal — Check DHCD
For businesses with ≤20 employees. Designed to boost tourism-related businesses (boutiques, breweries, food businesses). Could apply to retail/salon businesses. dhcd.virginia.gov
Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Grant
$10,000
Year-round 2026; reviewed monthly June–Dec
Apply ONCE, remain eligible all year. Complete 2 free courses/events on the Digital Ready platform to unlock application. 10 winners selected per month. LISC administers. digitalready.verizonwireless.com
digitalready.verizonwireless.com
Intuit QuickBooks Small Business Hero Program
$20,000
Phase 4 opens May 15, 2026
Must be nominated by someone other than the owner. U.S.-based, in operation ≥1 year, ≤99 employees. 3 winners per quarterly phase. Apply via Intuit website.
Amber Grant (WomensNet)
$10,000/month + $50,000 year-end
Rolling monthly (May 31, then June 30, etc.)
Women-owned businesses only. One application enters all categories. August category is Hair Care & Skincare — ideal for salon businesses. $15 fee. ambergrantsforwomen.com
NASE Growth Grant
Up to $4,000
Rolling quarterly
Must be active NASE member in good standing (≥3 months). Can use for hiring, marketing, equipment, or expansion. Salon/retail qualifies. Rolling quarterly applications. nase.org
Freed Fellowship Grant
$500/month + $2,500 annual
Rolling — Encouraged for women/minority owners
Monthly $500 microgrant for U.S. small business owners. Monthly winners eligible for $2,500 annual award. No application fee. Women and minority entrepreneurs especially encouraged.
Breva Thrive Grant
$5,000
Q2 open — Check brevaapp.com
Quarterly grant for entrepreneurs making measurable community impact. Open to underrepresented business owners. Q2 applications open April 1, 2026.
Skip Instant Grants
Varies
Twice weekly (Tues & Fri deadlines)
Skip platform offers rolling instant grants announced 2-3 days in advance. Must be a Skip member. Short application turnaround. helloskip.com
Galaxy Grant (Hidden Star)
$3,500
Multiple rounds/year — Check hiddenstargrant.com
For women and minority business owners. Offered multiple times per year. Administered by Hidden Star nonprofit supporting underserved business owners.
Women Founders Grant
$5,000
Monthly rolling; next deadline June 30
For U.S.-based businesses ≥51% women-owned. $25 application fee. Women Founders Grant LLC website.
Her Agenda Breakthrough Grant
$5,000
September 18, 2026
For women entrepreneurs who subscribe to Her Agenda Newsletter. Must be U.S.-based, 18+, in business ≥1 year. $25 fee ($12.50 for insiders). heragenda.com
AT&T She's Connected
$50,000 (grand); $5,000 (runners-up)
Check att.com/shesconnected
Open to U.S.-based women-owned businesses with ≤51 employees. All industries including salon/retail qualify. Grand prize also includes 1 year free AT&T service.
Women Founders Network Fast Pitch
Up to $25,000
May 31, 2026
Pitch competition for women-founded U.S. businesses. CPG/Non-Tech track fits retail/beauty product businesses. $25,000 for 1st place in each category. womenfoundersnetwork.org
Get Nearshored Manufacturing Grant
$1,000 (3 winners)
May 15, 2026
For businesses producing physical products earning under $5M/year and looking to move supply chain to U.S., Canada, Latin America, or Europe. Written or video pitch.
Spectrum Reach Pay It Forward
TV & streaming ad package
December 31, 2026
Complimentary TV/streaming advertising, original commercial, and mentoring for locally-owned small businesses. Must have operated ≥1 year, not advertised with Spectrum in last 13 months.
SBA 7(a) Loan Program
Up to $5M
Rolling
Most common SBA loan. Use for working capital, equipment, inventory, buying existing business. Richmond SBA office serves all non-DMV Virginia counties. Fixed or variable rates up to 10-year terms. sba.gov/offices/district/va/richmond
SBA 504 Loan Program
Up to $5M
Rolling
For equipment or real estate purchases. Equipment serves as collateral. Up to 25-year terms for real estate. Requires a Certified Development Company (CDC) partner.
State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI)
Up to $230M statewide
Via partner lenders — Ongoing
Federal program deployed through Virginia. Supports loan programs and early-stage equity financing for Richmond-area businesses. Contact Virginia's SSBCI administrator or local CDFIs.
USDA Rural Business Development Grant
Varies
Check grants.gov
For businesses in eligible rural areas. Some Hanover and Chesterfield areas may qualify. Funds technical assistance, training, and equipment. usda.gov
L'Oréal USA x NAACP Inclusive Beauty Fund
$25,000 (12 grants)
Closed Apr 23, 2026 — Winners announced June 2026
For beauty businesses: salon owners, suite owners, braiders, aestheticians, stylists, barbers. Administered via Hello Alice. Watch helloalice.com for next round.
Makers Mindset Grant
$10,000 (3 grants)
Closed Apr 23, 2026
For women-owned CPG businesses in beauty, food, beverage, pet, tech goods, and home goods. Winners also receive access to a business owner community. Watch Hello Alice.
Virginia SBIG — FY2027
Varies
Closed FY2026 — Watch for FY2027 opening (est. fall 2026)
State investment grant for Virginia small businesses. FY2026 closed. Monitor sbsd.virginia.gov for FY2027 application window.
Comcast RISE — Richmond
$5,000 cash + $17,500 media & tech package
Last round: May 2024 — Watch for 2026 round
Comcast awarded 100 Richmond-region businesses in 2024. Program has returned to Richmond multiple times. Watch ComcastRISE.com and MBL/ChamberRVA channels for next announcement.
FedEx Small Business Grant Contest
$50,000 (1) + $20,000 (9)
Typically opens Feb–Mar annually
Requires active FedEx account ≥6 months. Must be U.S.-based for-profit with 1–99 employees. Winners announced in May. fedex.com/smallbusinessgrants
Richmond Economic Resilience Grant (Bridging Virginia)
$10,000
Closed Feb 23, 2026 — Loan fund still open
Grant window closed; however the companion loan fund (prime minus 2%) remains active. Contact cahub@bridgingvirginia.org to schedule a loan intake appointment.
Directory compiled May 2026 from local, state, and national sources. Grant programs, amounts, and deadlines change frequently — always verify current status directly with the administering organization before applying. This list is informational only and is not an endorsement.
Step 1: Application Best Practices
DO:
- Apply to 2-3 lenders simultaneously (it's a lot of work — keep it focused)
- Get FREE SBDC review before applying
- Be honest about credit issues (transparency helps)
- Keep personal and business finances fully separated
- Follow up regularly
- Layer multiple funding sources (grants + loans + equity)
DON'T:
- Apply to just one lender
- Apply without proper documentation
- Pay to apply for government programs
- Start building work before grant approval
- Write off everything on taxes (makes lending harder)
- Give up after one rejection
Step 2: Debt or Equity?
DEBT (Loans)
Choose if:
- Want to keep ownership/control
- Have predictable revenue
- Need smaller amounts ($5K–$500K)
- Traditional business model
Types: Term loans, lines of credit, microloans, SBA loans
EQUITY (Investment)
Choose if:
- High-growth tech/scalable business
- Need large capital with no immediate revenue
- Want strategic partners
- Can offer 10x+ returns
Warning: 60–70% failure rate, 7–10 year horizon
Step 3: What Stage Are You?
| Stage | Characteristics | Best Options | Amount Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Revenue | Planning, no sales yet | KIVA, CAH, CIC, ICAP, Grants | $0 – $50K |
| Early | Some revenue, less than 2 years | Microloans, CDFIs, Equipment financing | $5K – $250K |
| Growing | Established, 2+ years, strong revenue | Banks, SBA, Commercial loans, Lines of credit, LOCUS | $50K – $5M+ |
| Tech/High-Growth | Scalable model, rapid growth potential | VIPC, Angels, VC, VA Venture Partners | $25K – $20M+ |
Special Situations
I have CREDIT PROBLEMS
- 1.Start with Credit Restoration Institute
- 2.While repairing, try: KIVA, People's Advantage FCU, CDFIs
- 3.Get FREE counseling at SBDC
I'm a TECH STARTUP
- 1.VIPC – FREE SBIR/STTR mentoring
- 2.VA Venture Partners – State equity fund
- 3.Angel investors – Local networks
- 4.Consider accelerators/incubators
Resource:Southeast Capital Landscape
I'm FOOD & AG
- 1.VSU Small Farm Outreach – FREE USDA help
- 2.USDA VAPG – Up to $250K
- 3.Foodshed Capital, ICAP, LOCUS
- 4.Traditional lenders also available
I need to REHAB a BUILDING
- 1.Check: Enterprise Zone? Historic?
- 2.LISC Virginia, VA DHCD, SBA 504
- 3.Layer multiple sources (55–65% funding possible)
- 4.CRITICAL: Apply BEFORE starting work
Ready to Get Started?
Get Free Help
Schedule a FREE consultation with Capital Region SBDC to review your business plan and capital readiness.
Visit SBDCGather Documents
Review the requirements section and prepare your materials before approaching lenders or grant programs.
Apply Strategically
Use the decision tree to identify multiple strong-fit lenders and move in parallel instead of one at a time.
Important: This guide is updated as of May 2026. Grant programs, deadlines, and availability change frequently. Always verify current status directly with program administrators before applying.
Start Here (FREE)
Capital Region SBDC
- Service: FREE business counseling, capital readiness, business planning
- Website: capitalregionvasbdc.com
- Address: 7814 Carousel Lane, Suite 100, Richmond, VA 23294
- Phone: 804-510-1615
- Best For: Everyone — start here before applying anywhere
Good Company
- Service: Ecosystem navigation, warm referrals to lenders
- Email: hlyne@1717collective.org
- Address: 1717 E Cary St, Richmond, VA 23223
- Best For: Capital navigation, ecosystem connections
Pro Tip: Always ask for a warm introduction through your SBDC counselor or ecosystem partner. Warm introductions significantly increase your chances of approval.