How to Get a Grant for Your Cleaning Business

Imagine hiring two more cleaners, upgrading to top-tier equipment, and expanding into new neighborhoods—without adding a single dollar of debt. That’s the power of knowing how to get a grant for a cleaning business.

If you’re wondering how to get a grant for cleaning business scalability, you’re in the right place. In this guide, you’ll learn:

• What grants are (and how they work)
• The top types of grants for cleaning businesses
• Where to find them
• How to apply
• Tips to boost your chances

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What Is a Grant?

A grant is money—often from the government, nonprofits, or private companies—that you don’t have to pay back.

Unlike loans, grants won’t add debt to your business, but they usually come with conditions. You may need to meet certain requirements or outline exactly how you’ll use the funds.

Why Grants Matter for Cleaning Businesses

The right grant can help you:

• Start your cleaning business
• Hire and train staff
• Buy new or upgraded equipment
• Add new services (like window or carpet cleaning)
• Expand into new areas

In short, grants give your business breathing room to grow—without draining your savings or taking out loans.

Types of Grants to Look For

1. Local and State Grants

Many cities and states offer grants to small businesses that improve public health or create jobs. Start by checking your city’s business office or state small business agency website.

2. Minority and Woman-Owned Business Grants

If you're a minority or woman business owner, you could qualify for programs like:

• MBDA (Minority Business Development Agency): Resources and grants for minority-owned businesses.
• SBA’s Women-Owned Business Resources: Resources and grants for small women-owned businesses.
• IFundWomen Grant Database: A growing list of funding opportunities.
• Cartier Women’s Initiative: International grants for women entrepreneurs.

3. Green Business Grants

Do you use eco-friendly products or sustainable practices? Look for:

• State-funded green business programs
• EPA small business support
• Local utility company sustainability grants

4. Veteran Grants

Veteran-owned businesses can apply for funding through:

• Veteran Business Outreach Centers (VBOC)
• Warrior Rising
• Hiring Our Heroes

5. General Small Business Grants

These are open to many industries:

• FedEx Small Business Grant Contest: Awards up to $30,000.
• Venmo Small Business Grant: $10,000 grants for small business owners.
• American Express Backing Small Businesses Grant: Funding and resources for growth.

Where to Find Grants

• Grants.gov: Federal grant opportunities.
• SBA.gov: Small Business Administration resources.
• GrantWatch.com: Searchable grant database.
• Your local Small Business Development Center (SBDC): Often has region-specific leads.

How to Apply for a Grant

While each grant has unique requirements, most will ask for:

• A clear business plan
• Proof of business registration
• Financial statements
• A detailed breakdown of how you’ll use the funds

Pro Tip! Save a “core” application packet so you can tweak and reuse it for multiple grant opportunities.

Take Action Now to Get a Grant for Your Cleaning Business

Grants can help you:

• Expand your services
• Hire and train staff
• Upgrade your cleaning equipment
• Grow without adding debt

You might not win every grant you apply for—but persistence pays off. Every application is a step closer to securing funding that could transform your business.

And when those new clients start calling? Service Autopilot is there to help—use the best cleaning software to manage jobs, schedule teams, and keep operations running smoothly—so you can make the most of your growth.

Related: How to Bid on Cleaning Contracts

Published on August 13, 2025, 2:45PM