How to Get a Grant for Your Pool Service Business

Leveling up any business requires investment, which is where knowing how to get a grant for your pool service business comes into play.

Whether you’re adding trucks, hiring technicians, upgrading equipment, or implementing software, costs add up quickly. While loans are a common way to finance expansion, many business owners overlook an alternative source of funding: grants.

Unlike loans, grants don’t have to be repaid. That makes them especially appealing for many pool service businesses looking to expand without taking on debt. The challenge? Grants are competitive and often come with specific requirements.

If you’re wondering how to get a grant for your pool service business, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you identify opportunities, prepare strong applications, and increase your chances of securing funding.

Here’s how to get a grant for your pool service business:

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What Types of Grants Are Available for Pool Service Businesses?

Pool service companies like yours may qualify for several types of grants, depending on your size, location, and goals:

1. Federal Grants

The U.S. government offers grants to support business expansion, innovation, and workforce development. These are often highly competitive and industry-specific, but they’re worth exploring through sites like Grants.gov.

2. State and Local Grants

Many states, counties, and cities provide grants to encourage small business development in their communities. These may support job creation, sustainability initiatives, or minority- and women-owned businesses.

3. Industry-Specific Grants

While pool service isn’t always directly listed, you may qualify for grants in related categories like small business sustainability, green energy initiatives, or training and workforce development.

4. Private and Nonprofit Grants

Foundations, corporations, and nonprofits sometimes offer grants to small businesses, especially those that align with their mission (such as environmental sustainability or supporting underserved communities).

Pro Tip! Local community development financial institutions (i.e. CDFIs) may also have grants for underserved entrepreneurs.

Steps to Get a Grant for Your Pool Service Business

1. Research Available Grants

Start by identifying the grants you’re eligible for. Check these sources:

• Grants.gov: Comprehensive list of federal opportunities.
• Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs): Free guidance on grants and applications.
• Local Chamber of Commerce: Many chambers share information about regional business incentives.
• Industry Associations: Pool and spa organizations sometimes share funding opportunities.
• Private Grant Directories: Websites like GrantWatch or Hello Alice list both public and private grants.

Pro tip! Don’t just look for “pool service grants.” Search for broader categories like “small business grants,” “green business funding,” or “workforce training grants.”

2. Match the Grant to Your Business Goals

Each grant has specific requirements. For example:

• If you’re upgrading to more energy-efficient pumps or equipment, look for sustainability or green energy grants.
• If you’re expanding your team, search for workforce development or job creation grants.
• If you’re minority- or woman-owned, you may qualify for targeted business grants.

Align your business plans with the grant’s purpose. This increases your chances of approval and helps you stand out among applicants.

3. Get Your Business Financials in Order

Grant reviewers want to see that you’re running a legitimate, financially responsible business. Before applying, make sure you have:

• A registered business license and EIN (or SIN if you’re in Canada)
• Accurate financial statements (balance sheet, income statement, cash flow statement)
• A clear business plan with growth goals
• Proof of insurance and compliance with local regulations

If your financials are disorganized, consider using pool service software (like Service Autopilot) to streamline invoicing, payments, and reporting. Organized records will strengthen your application.

4. Write a Strong Grant Proposal

A grant proposal is your chance to make the case for why your pool service business deserves funding. Be sure to:

• Tell Your Story: Share your company’s background, mission, and community impact.
• Outline the Need: Explain what challenge you’re facing (e.g., rising equipment costs, need for workforce training).
• Show the Impact: Demonstrate how the grant will help you grow, create jobs, or improve sustainability.
• Provide Numbers: Use data to show your financial health and project future growth.
• Follow Instructions: Each grant has specific requirements—missing one detail can disqualify your application.

5. Leverage Local Resources

Applying for grants can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. These organizations can help:

• SBDCs and SCORE Mentors: Provide free business counseling and grant guidance.
• Economic Development Agencies: Connect you with local grant programs.
• Chambers of Commerce: Share opportunities and write letters of support for your applications.

6. Apply Early and Often

Grant cycles are competitive, and deadlines can be strict. Apply as early as possible and consider submitting to multiple grants to increase your odds of success. Even if you don’t win the first time, use the feedback to improve your next application.

How Grants Can Help Scale Your Pool Service Business

Securing a grant can give your business the financial boost it needs to reach the next level. With grant funding, you can:

• Expand Your Fleet: Add more trucks to handle additional clients.
• Invest in Technology: Implement software like Service Autopilot to streamline scheduling, invoicing, and client communication.
• Hire and Train Staff: Build a reliable team to serve more customers consistently.
• Go Green: Upgrade to eco-friendly equipment and chemicals that appeal to environmentally conscious customers.
• Increase Marketing Efforts: Build your brand presence and attract more high-value clients.

The best part? Since grants don’t require repayment, you can reinvest your profits directly into growth.

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Now You Know: How to Get a Grant for Your Pool Service Business

Getting a grant for your pool service business isn’t always easy—but it can be a game changer. By researching available opportunities, aligning your goals with grant requirements, and submitting a strong application, you can secure funding that helps you expand without taking on debt.

For established pool service businesses looking to scale, grants provide a powerful way to invest in scaling up.

And when paired with the right tools, like Service Autopilot’s all-in-one pool cleaning software, you’ll be able to maximize that funding to streamline operations, improve cash flow, and deliver exceptional service to your customers.

Ready to take your pool service business to the next level? Book a demo now!

Related: Developing Standardized Pool Service Training

Originally published Sept 18, 2025 7:00 AM CT