January Funding and Grant Opportunities

Live Well San Diego sent this bulletin at 01/05/2026 08:00 AM PST

GRANT AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

City of San Diego: Business Incentive Program

The City of San Diego’s Business Incentive Program (BIP) provides funding to encourage businesses to expand within the city and invest in their local communities. Eligible businesses may receive up to $100,000 to offset City fees related to tenant improvements or new construction, access City loan programs, support employee hiring or training, or receive dedicated technical assistance from City staff. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Application & More Information

California STEP Program: Funding to Help Small Businesses Export

The California State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) provides funding to help small businesses expand into global markets by increasing the number of California exporters and the volume of goods and services they trade. Eligible businesses may participate in up to two trade events per fiscal year and receive up to 75% reimbursement (up to $10,000) for approved export-related expenses. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, and each STEP event has its own registration deadline.

Application & More Information

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Redemption Innovation Grant Program

CalRecycle is offering grants to support mobile unit programs, reverse vending machines, and bag drop programs for dealer cooperatives in California. Eligible applicants include dealer cooperatives, private businesses, and nonprofits with approved dealer cooperative stewardship plans. Projects must be located in unserved zones and aim to expand beverage container redemption opportunities across the state.

Learn more and apply for the Redemption Innovation Grant Program by June 30, 2026.

Kitchens for Good Microenterprise (ME) Program

Kitchens for Good’s ME program accepts early-stage food entrepreneurs in San Diego, focusing on those who have experienced barriers to accessing the resources and support needed to start their small business, including:

Catering Businesses
Food Product Developers
Food Vendors

Learn more and apply for the ME Program.

Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development division provides funding through the Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program to support essential community facilities in rural areas. Eligible applicants include public bodies, community-based nonprofits, and Federally Recognized Tribes serving communities with 20,000 or fewer residents.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Learn more and apply through the Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program webpage.

Spaces as Places Outdoor Business Grant

The City of San Diego’s Economic Development Department is offering grants of up to $20,000 to help eligible businesses expand operations outdoors through the Spaces as Places program. Funding supports the creation of outdoor dining and community gathering spaces in the public right-of-way, with priority given to businesses located in underserved communities.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Learn more and apply through the Spaces as Places Outdoor Business Grant webpage.

Community Enhancement Grant

The County of San Diego provides funding through the Community Enhancement Program to support nonprofit organizations and public agencies that stimulate tourism, promote the local economy, create jobs, and enhance quality of life.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Learn more and apply through the Community Enhancement Program webpage.

Smart & Final Charitable Foundation

The Smart & Final Charitable Foundation strives to give back to and nourish communities served by non-profits in California, Arizona and Nevada through the Pillars of Focus:

Health & Wellness
Education
Hunger Relief
Team Sports & Youth Development
Disaster Relief

Learn more and apply for a donation to your non-profit.

E-NEWSLETTER FEEDBACK

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