Small business funding options expand with grants and competitions in 2026

Small business owners in 2026 have access to various non-dilutive funding options, including grants, pitch competitions, and state-level capital programs.

Emigrant Bank has announced the recipients of its 2026 Small Business Grants, which support small businesses and nonprofits within the New York metropolitan area. These grants provide capital without the requirement of repayment or the loss of equity.

On a broader scale, GrantWatch has released its annual roundup of national grants. Other specific opportunities include the SPIE Startup Challenge for ventures in optics and photonics, and the North Carolina Small Business Center Network’s Startup Showdown, a statewide pitch competition supported by the Wells Fargo Foundation.

Funding types vary significantly: true grants do not require repayment or equity, whereas pitch competitions often award prize money alongside mentorship, and state-level programs may offer loans, guarantees, or equity investments.