Spark Grant
$5K–$25K
Money to get set up, buy your first equipment or win your first customers.
- Under 2 years in business, or earning under $50,000 a year
- You can apply before your first sale
- Any industry that meets our rules
Grants up to $300,000
Small business grants
Grants up to $300,000 for small businesses.
Fill in one application and we’ll show you which grant fits your business. It’s free to apply, and you never repay the grant.
Takes about a minute
Not sure your business qualifies? Answer five quick questions and find out.
The grants
Three grants. Pick the one that fits.
Each grant is for a different stage of business. The application checks which ones you qualify for as you go.
Growth Grant
$25K–$100K
For businesses with steady sales and a clear next step, like a new hire, more stock, better equipment or a new way to sell.
- 2 years or more in business
- $50,000 or more in yearly revenue
Expansion Grant
$100K–$300K
Our biggest grant. For established businesses opening a new location, buying major equipment or moving into a new market, and creating jobs as they grow.
- 3 years or more in business
- $250,000 or more in yearly revenue
- At least 2 people working in the business
What it pays for
What can you spend it on?
Most real business costs. Your budget shows reviewers where each dollar goes.
- Equipment and tools
Ovens, vans, machines, tools - Inventory and supplies
Stock for a big order or a busy season - Hiring and payroll
Wages for a new hire - Marketing and sales
Signs, a website, ads - Technology and software
Point-of-sale systems, booking tools, apps - Space and renovations
Rent, repairs or a build-out - Training and certifications
Courses for you or your team - Working capital
Day-to-day running costs
How it works
Four steps from applying to getting paid.
- 01
Apply online
It takes about 30 minutes. Your answers save as you go, so you can finish later.
- 02
We review it
We check you meet the rules. Then our panel scores your application.
- 03
Interview
Finalists meet the panel on a 30-minute video call.
- 04
Get paid
Winners are announced April 1, 2027 and paid by direct deposit.
How we choose
Everyone is scored the same way.
Reviewers score four things. We publish them so you know what matters before you start writing.
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30%
Community impact
Will the grant create jobs, help your neighborhood or support the local economy?
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25%
Business viability
Do people want what you sell, and can the business keep going?
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25%
Use of funds
Is the plan clear and realistic, and does the budget match what you asked for?
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20%
Readiness to deliver
Can you and your team carry out the plan?
Reviewers never see the optional ownership questions.
Grant snapshot
Expansion Grant: up to $300,000 to open a new location, buy major equipment or hire.
For businesses trading for 3 years or more, with $250,000 or more in yearly revenue and at least two people on the team. Paid in three parts over 12 months, each one when you reach a milestone.
Business plan required. Free to apply.
Key dates
Spring 2027 cycle
-
Oct 1
Applications open
-
Jan 15
Applications close
11:59 pm Eastern
Next -
Feb 12
Eligibility screening complete
-
Mar 5
Finalists notified
Interviews run through March 19
-
Apr 1
Winners announced
Everyone who applied hears back
Who can apply
If you run a small business in the U.S., you can probably apply.
- For-profit and based in the U.S. (any state, or D.C.)
- Independently owned, not a franchise or a subsidiary
- Fewer than 100 employees and under $5 million a year in revenue
- You’re 18 or older and an owner or officer of the business
- New businesses can apply for the Spark Grant, even before their first sale
Quick check
Could your business qualify?
Five yes-or-no questions. Nothing is saved or sent.
-
1
Is your business a for-profit company based and operating in the U.S.?
-
2
Is it independently owned, and not a franchise, a subsidiary or a public company?
-
3
Does it have fewer than 100 employees and under $5 million a year in revenue?
-
4
Are you 18 or older, and an owner or an officer allowed to apply for the business?
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5
Is the business free of the activities we can’t fund?
Stay safe
We will never ask you to pay us.
There’s no fee to apply, and no fee to receive a grant. If someone asks you for money in our name, it’s a scam. We never ask for your bank login, card number or Social Security number by email, text or phone, and our emails only come from @saffrongrants.com.
Questions
Things people often ask us.
Can’t find your answer? Email [email protected] and a real person will reply.
See all questionsIs it really free to apply?
Yes. There’s no fee to apply and no fee to receive a grant. If anyone asks you to pay to get a Saffron Grants grant, it isn’t us. Please report it.
Do I have to pay the grant back?
No. It’s a grant, not a loan. You don’t pay it back, there’s no interest and we don’t take a share of your business.
Can new businesses apply?
Yes. The Spark Grant is for new and very small businesses, including ones that haven’t made a sale yet but have a clear plan.
How long does the application take?
Most people finish in about 30 minutes. Your answers save in your browser as you go, so you can stop and come back later on the same device.
Is the grant taxable?
Usually, yes. Grants paid to businesses normally count as taxable income, and we’ll send an IRS Form 1099 where the law requires one. It’s worth asking a tax professional about your situation.
Do the ownership questions affect my score?
No. They’re optional, reviewers never see them, and they’re never used in scoring. They only help us report on who the program reaches.
Applications close January 15, 2027