The Best Business Grants in Arkansas
July 31, 2026
Updated:
Securing capital is often the biggest hurdle for any founder. While loans and credit cards are common, they come with the weight of repayment and interest. Grants are the ideal alternative because they generally don't have to be paid back. However, there is a catch: grants are highly competitive and can be very difficult to find. We've built this guide to help you understand the grant landscape in Arkansas.
Arkansas's business grant ecosystem is pretty narrow but it's anchored by one of the largest workforce training programs in the country. The Arkansas Office of Skills Development (OSD) administers a suite of four workforce grants covering different training scenarios: the Grow Our Own Grant, which reimburses up to 75% of training expenses for Arkansas businesses with 250 or fewer employees, up to $250,000 per quarter; the Customized Technical Grant for industry-specific or equipment-specific training, up to $250,000 per fiscal year; the Skills Gap Grant for addressing regional or industry-wide workforce gaps (typically awarded to consortiums rather than individual businesses); and the Professional Development Grant for basic training in areas like leadership and Microsoft Office, up to $50,000 per fiscal year at 50% reimbursement. Beyond the OSD workforce grants, Arkansas offers a small Technology Transfer Assistance Grant through the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and a Beautification Grant through the City of Jacksonville. Award sizes range from $5,000 technology transfer grants up to $250,000 for major workforce training projects, with most programs operating on rolling deadlines.
Arkansas businesses with international expansion goals should also explore AR-STEP, Arkansas's version of the federal State Trade Expansion Program (STEP). Administered by the World Trade Center Arkansas, AR-STEP supports export development activities like trade missions, international marketing, and translation services for Arkansas-based small businesses pursuing overseas markets. AR-STEP is one of the more meaningful funding options available to Arkansas businesses outside the state's workforce and technology grants. For more information and details on where to apply, check out our grant page for the State Trade Expansion Program.
While Arkansas's state and local grant landscape is more limited than some larger states, Arkansas businesses are eligible for hundreds of national grant programs from federal agencies, corporations, and foundations that often offer larger award sizes and broader eligibility. Those programs aren't covered on this page, but you can search our complete grant database to see every state and national grant your business qualifies for. You can also join our free weekly newsletter to get new Arkansas grants delivered to your inbox as soon as they open.
ARKANSAS GRANTS
AR Technology Transfer Assistance Grant
AR Economic Development Commission
The Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) provides limited financial support for the transfer and deployment of innovative technology. AEDC will fund up to $3,750 of costs associated with transferring new or existing technology from a qualified applicant — such as a public or private enterprise, laboratory, college or university — to an enterprise based in Arkansas. Up to $5,000 of total project costs will be considered, with the first $2,500 funded by the Authority; the remaining $2,500 is cost-shared equally (50:50) between the Authority and the enterprise. Each enterprise is eligible to receive assistance for two technology transfer projects per year. Projects are evaluated on a competitive basis.
$ GRANT AMOUNT
$5,000
Arkansas Workforce Development Grants
Arkansas OSD
The Arkansas Workforce Development Grants provide Arkansas employers with reimbursement grants of up to $250,000 to fund training programs that develop the state's workforce, reduce gaps in worker skills, and support customized technical training. Administered by the Arkansas Office of Skills Development (OSD), the program makes strategic investments in Arkansas's workforce by helping local businesses provide cutting-edge, customized employee training. The umbrella program is currently offered through four grant pathways, each designed for different training needs and business circumstances.
The Grow Our Own Grant is available to Arkansas businesses with 250 or fewer employees and reimburses up to 75 percent of allowable training expenses, with maximum funding of $250,000 per quarter. The grant is designed to help small and mid-sized Arkansas employers develop and upskill their existing workforce.
The Customized Technical Grant supports highly technical training that is specific to or customized for a particular industry, skill, or type of equipment. This grant reimburses up to 75 percent of allowable training expenses, with maximum funding of $250,000 per fiscal year.
The Skills Gap Grant addresses the growing gap between employer workforce needs and the skills of the current workforce, and is designed to target critical skill gaps across a particular region or industry rather than any one individual business. Because awards are not typically granted to individual businesses, funding levels are determined on a case-by-case basis rather than pre-set caps.
The Professional Development Grant reimburses basic professional or academic training to help equip employees for success, including skills such as leadership, conflict resolution, and Microsoft Office. This grant reimburses companies for up to 50 percent of allowable training expenses, with maximum funding of $50,000 per fiscal year.
$ GRANT AMOUNT
$100,000
Jacksonville Business Beautification Grant
City of Jacksonville
The City of Jacksonville is committed to strengthening its local economy and enhancing the community’s appeal for residents and visitors alike. Beautification of commercial properties is a proven took for achieving these goals, as well- maintained and visually appealing business districts can influence consumer behavior, attract tourism and contribute to a vibrant community atmosphere. In support of these efforts, in 2025, the City established the Rediscover Jacksonville Business Beautification Grant Program to assist local businesses with exterior improvement projects that promote economic growth and support tourism throughout Jacksonville.
The purpose of this grant program is to provide financial assistance to Jacksonville, AR businesses for projects that enhance the exterior appearance and curb appeal of their establishments. These improvements are intended to strengthen Jacksonville’s commercial corridors, attract shoppers and visitors, and promote business retention and growth by encouraging increased foot traffic and customer engagement.
$ GRANT AMOUNT
$10,000
Don't stop at state-level funding
Most business grants aren't geographic, they're tied to your industry, your stage, or your team. Our database tracks 500+ programs across every category, and our free newsletter delivers new grants to your inbox each week.