Small Business Grants in Maine
Maine's small business economy is built on fishing and maritime industries, tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, and a growing technology presence in Portland. The Maine Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) and Maine SBDC are the primary state resources for grants.
Find My Maine Grants — $97Browse by category:
Maine's Small Business Economy
Maine's key industries include fishing and seafood, tourism, manufacturing, agriculture, and technology. Grant programs are often tailored to these sectors, meaning businesses in these industries tend to qualify for more opportunities — and face less competition for state-specific awards than for purely federal programs.
Top Grants Available to Maine Businesses
These are nationwide programs with no state restrictions. Maine businesses qualify for all of them.
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
U.S. Small Business Administration
Federal funding for small businesses engaged in research and development with potential for commercialization. Phase I up to $275K, Phase II up to $1.75M.
Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR)
U.S. Small Business Administration
Similar to SBIR but requires partnership with a university or research institution. Strong for commercializing academic research.
Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG)
USDA Rural Development
Grants for rural businesses and cooperatives to improve economic conditions. Targets businesses in rural areas (populations under 50,000).
EDA Build to Scale Program
Economic Development Administration
Supports organizations that accelerate the development of regional innovation economies by building a pipeline of scalable companies.
Minority Business Development Agency Grants
U.S. Department of Commerce - MBDA
Supports minority-owned businesses through business centers, capital access programs, and federal contracts.
SBA Community Navigator Pilot Program
U.S. Small Business Administration
Provides access to SBA resources and capital for underserved small businesses including minority, veteran, and women-owned businesses.
DOT Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program
U.S. Department of Transportation
Certification program that provides access to federally funded transportation contracts. DBE certification opens doors to set-aside contracts.
IFundWomen General Grant
IFundWomen
Ongoing grants and coaching for women-owned businesses. IFundWomen partners with major brands to fund women entrepreneurs.
Want to see which of these you qualify for?
Our AI reviews your full profile against 50+ grant programs and tells you exactly which ones you qualify for — plus writes your application drafts.
Get My Personalized Maine Grant Report — $97MaineState Programs & Resources
In addition to federal grants, Maine has state-specific programs worth exploring.
Maine DECD Small Business Programs
Administers the Maine Small Business and Entrepreneurship Commission programs, Maine Technology Institute grants, and various economic development loans.
Maine SBDC
The Maine SBDC offers free consulting and grant research at centers across the state.
Maine Technology Institute (MTI)
Provides grants and investments to Maine technology-based businesses, particularly those in life sciences, marine science, and advanced manufacturing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there grants specifically for Maine businesses?▼
Yes — Maine has state-specific programs including Maine DECD Small Business Programs, Maine SBDC, Maine Technology Institute (MTI). In addition to the federal grants above, our report includes guidance on finding and applying to Maine-specific programs.
Are there grants for Portland or Bangor small businesses?▼
Portland has the Portland Regional Chamber and city-level economic development programs. Bangor has the Eastern Maine Development Corporation and various programs through the Bangor Region Chamber.
Does Maine have grants for fishing or maritime businesses?▼
Maine's fishing industry has strong grant support through NOAA, the Maine Department of Marine Resources, and the Maine Lobstermen's Association. Aquaculture businesses have specific programs through the Maine DMR.
Are there Maine grants for rural or agricultural businesses?▼
Maine's rural economy benefits from USDA Rural Development grants, the Maine Agricultural Marketing Loan Fund, and programs through the Maine Farmland Trust for agricultural businesses.
Do I have to pay back a grant?▼
No — grants are free money that does not need to be repaid. Unlike loans, grants are awarded outright for qualifying business activities. Some grants have reporting requirements (spending documentation) but no repayment obligation.
How long does it take to receive grant money?▼
It depends on the grant. After approval, most federal grants disburse within 30-90 days. State grants vary. Some private grants (like Hello Alice and Amber Grant) can move faster. Our report identifies the fastest grants to apply for.
What if I don't have any certifications?▼
Many top grants are open to all small businesses regardless of certifications. That said, certifications like WOSB, VOSB, or MBE can dramatically increase the number of grants you qualify for. Our report includes a certification roadmap if you qualify.
Ready to find your Maine grants?
Answer a few questions about your business. Our AI matches you against 50+ grant programs and writes your application drafts — in minutes.
Get My Maine Grant Report — $97One-time fee. Instant delivery. No subscription.