How to find grants and loans the business qualifies for in 2026

Learn how small business founders can prepare, search, compare options, and find grants and loans the business may qualify for.

By CDings · 2026-10-09

CDings is published by the makers of Raise Buddy and ProductCost, which are compared here alongside other tools.

Get your business details and documents ready, decide what funding you need, search several sources, and check every funder's rules before applying. Raise Buddy is one option that lists grants, loans, credits, prizes and other funding you may be able to apply for after you paste your website or describe what you do. ^[1]

Option	What it does	Cost
Raise Buddy Free plan ^[2]	Opens programs up to $1,000. ^[2]	Free. ^[2]
Raise Buddy Plus plan ^[2]	Opens programs up to $5,000. ^[2]	$14.99 a month. ^[2]
Raise Buddy Pro plan ^[2]	Opens every program, with advisors' review and AI connection. ^[2]	$199 a month. ^[2]

What you need before you start

Prepare the basic facts a funder may ask for before looking for grants and loans. Keeping these details together makes it easier to review opportunities.

Business structure. Know whether the business is a sole proprietorship, LLC, partnership, corporation or another type.
Location. Keep the registration location and operating location ready.
Business description. Write a short explanation of what the business sells and who it serves.
Business history. Note when the business started, its size, and basic revenue information.
Tax information. Gather recent tax returns and any tax agency letters. Check each funder's own document list.
Funding purpose. Decide whether the money is for equipment, hiring, inventory, research, expansion, or another need.
Ownership details. Record who owns the business because some programs have specific ownership rules.

A simple summary page with these facts can help keep applications consistent.

Step by step

Define the funding goal. Decide what the money will support and whether a grant, loan, or another funding type matches that goal.

Set basic search rules. Note the location, industry, business age, ownership details, and other requirements that matter for eligibility.

Search reliable sources. Review government programs, local business offices, lenders, and other organizations that offer funding opportunities.

Read eligibility rules carefully. Check who can apply, what the money can be used for, deadlines, and required documents before spending time on an application.

Build a shortlist. Separate opportunities into ones that match now, ones that need preparation, and ones that need more information.

Confirm unclear details. Contact the funder or lender when rules, documents, or spending limits are not clear.

Prepare each application. Adjust answers to the specific program and provide the requested information.

Track applications. Record where each application was sent, when it was submitted, and what action comes next.

Review results and update the search. Funding programs change, so keep business details ready for future opportunities.

Tools that can do it

Different sources can help with different parts of finding funding.

Government program lists. Government websites can show grant and loan programs. Check each program's own rules, documents, and deadlines.

Local business support offices. Local organizations may provide information about programs in a specific area. Check what services they provide and whether there are costs.

Banks, credit unions, and community lenders. These organizations can explain loan options, required documents, and costs for borrowing.

Raise Buddy. Raise Buddy is made by the team that publishes this site. You paste your website or describe what you do, and it lists grants, loans, credits, prizes and other funding you may be able to apply for. ^[1] Each match says whether you can apply, what one step stands in the way, or what is unclear, with the funder's own words. ^[3] It can read a Schedule C, Form 1120, 1065 or 990, or an IRS letter, from a photo or PDF into a draft profile you confirm, and it does not keep the EIN or the papers. ^[4] It includes private foundations that take applications, read from their own Form 990-PF tax returns. ^[5] It covers 25 other ways to raise money, such as SAFEs, SBA loans and equity crowdfunding, each with its official rules and a first step. ^[6] It keeps track of where each of your applications stands, but you apply on the funder's own site. ^[7]

The Free plan opens programs up to $1,000, Plus is $14.99 a month and opens programs up to $5,000, and Pro is $199 a month with every program, advisors' review, and AI connection. ^[2] The first three matches in each section open on every plan. ^[2] A guest's search list ends after 5. ^[8] Only English is shown for now. ^[9]

Common mistakes to avoid

Applying without checking eligibility. A funding opportunity only helps when the business meets the stated rules.

Ignoring spending limits. Some funding can only be used for certain purposes, so check the allowed uses before accepting money.

Relying on a list without checking the source. Confirm deadlines and requirements with the funder or lender.

Confusing grants and loans. Grants and loans have different repayment expectations and costs.

Waiting until the last minute. Documents, registrations, and answers can take time to prepare.

Using different business details in different places. Keep financial and business information consistent across applications.

Not tracking follow-ups. Missing a request for information can slow down the process.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a grant and a loan for a small business?

A grant is money that usually does not need repayment, but it may have rules about who can receive it and how it can be used. A loan must be repaid and usually includes interest. Founders should compare the purpose, cost, and requirements of each option before choosing a funding path.

What documents are needed to find small business funding?

Common documents include business registration details, location information, a business description, and recent tax records. Some funders or lenders may request additional information. Check each program's own document list because requirements can differ between funding sources.

Can a business check eligibility before applying for funding?

Yes. Review the funder's rules for business type, location, ownership, spending limits, and required documents before applying. Raise Buddy gives each match a statement about whether you can apply, what one step stands in the way, or what is unclear, using the funder's own words. ^[3]

Does Raise Buddy apply for grants and loans for a business?

No. Raise Buddy keeps track of where each application stands, but the business applies on the funder's own site. ^[7] The founder still needs to review the requirements, prepare answers, and send the application through the required process.

How much does Raise Buddy cost?

Free plan opens programs up to $1,000; Plus is $14.99 a month (up to $5,000); Pro is $199 a month (every program, advisors' review, AI connection). The first three matches in each section open on every plan. ^[2]

Try Raise Buddy

Sources

Raise Buddy's own description of itself (the product of this site's publisher)
Raise Buddy's own description of itself (the product of this site's publisher)
Raise Buddy's own description of itself (the product of this site's publisher)
Raise Buddy's own description of itself (the product of this site's publisher)
Raise Buddy's own description of itself (the product of this site's publisher)
Raise Buddy's own description of itself (the product of this site's publisher)
Raise Buddy's own description of itself (the product of this site's publisher)
Raise Buddy's own description of itself (the product of this site's publisher)
Raise Buddy's own description of itself (the product of this site's publisher)