There are a few real grants a cleaning business can apply for, but there are no federal grants for starting one, and most grants that do exist are local or private contests with a lot of applicants. For most people starting out, the realistic options are their own savings or a small loan, such as an SBA microloan.
Does the SBA give grants to start a cleaning business?
No. The SBA's grants page says plainly: "SBA does not provide grants for starting and expanding a business." Its grants go to nonprofits, resource partners and educational organizations that run counseling and training. The other grants on that page are for scientific research and for established businesses that export, which do not fit a typical house cleaning business.
USA.gov says the same thing. Its start a business page states: "There are no federal grants for starting a business." It lists personal funds, investors and small business loans as the usual ways owners get money.
Are there government grants for cleaning businesses?
Not from the federal government in any practical sense. Grants.gov explains on its eligibility page that most funding there is for organizations, not individuals, and that none of it provides personal financial assistance.
Where public grant money does appear, it is usually local. Some cities, counties and states run small business grants for a certain neighborhood, a certain kind of owner, or a specific goal such as hiring local residents. These change often, they are usually competitive, and many are for storefronts rather than home based services. The fastest way to learn what exists where you live is to ask your local Small Business Development Center (more on that below).
Which private grants can a cleaning business apply for?
These three are real programs with official rules online. Check each page before you apply, because rules and dates change.
- Jobber Grants. Jobber's program rules (dated February 19, 2026) name residential and commercial cleaning as eligible "blue collar" businesses. The 2026 round awarded 9 grants totaling up to $250,000. Applicants had to be 18 or older, live in the United States or Canada (excluding Quebec) and be members of Jobber's Home Service Community Forum. Phase One ran from March 4 to June 11, 2026, and the Jobber Grants page now says applications are closed, with a sign up for future updates.
- NASE Growth Grants. The National Association for the Self-Employed offers grants of up to $4,000 to members. There is no single yearly deadline. Applications are reviewed each quarter, and annual members can apply right away while monthly members wait 90 days. You need a grant use statement, a business plan, a recent tax return or profit and loss statement, and a photo. Funds cannot go toward existing debt or rent.
- Amber Grant. WomensNet's grant rules are open to women 18 or older who own at least 50% of a business based in the United States or Canada. Three $15,000 grants are awarded each month, and three monthly winners get an extra $75,000 at year end. Each monthly round closes at 11:59 PM Eastern on the last day of the month. There is a $15 non-refundable application fee, and the rules say you can ask for a fee waiver by email before applying.
Each of these picks a small number of winners from many applicants. Apply if you qualify, but do not build your startup budget around winning one.
Can I start a cleaning business with no money?
You can start with very little, since a small residential cleaning business mostly needs supplies, transportation and a way for customers to reach you. If you need more than your savings, a loan is far more available than a grant.
The SBA's microloan program offers loans of up to $50,000 through nonprofit lenders in your area. The SBA says the average microloan is about $13,000, interest rates are generally between 8% and 13%, and the longest repayment term is seven years. Microloans can pay for working capital, supplies and equipment, but not existing debts or real estate.
A loan has to be paid back, so borrow only what your first months of regular clients can cover.
Is a grant offer that asks for a fee a scam?
If someone promises you a government grant in exchange for a fee, treat it as a scam. Grants.gov's grant fraud page says scammers promise access to grants, "often for a fee," and that applying for a federal grant is completely free. The SBA adds that it only contacts people from email addresses ending in @sba.gov.
A small entry fee written into a private contest's own published rules, like the Amber Grant's $15 fee, is different from a "processing" or "release" fee to collect money you supposedly already won. If you are asked to pay to receive a grant, stop and check the program's official site yourself.
Who can help me find real funding for free?
Small Business Development Centers offer no cost business consulting, and an adviser can help you look for local grants and lenders near you. You can find yours through America's SBDC or the SBA's local assistance finder, which also lists SCORE mentors and other partners that offer free or low cost counseling and training.
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Questions
Does the SBA give grants to cleaning businesses?
No. The SBA says it does not provide grants for starting and expanding a business. Its grants go to nonprofits, resource partners and educational organizations that run counseling and training.
What is an SBA microloan?
A loan of up to $50,000 made through nonprofit lenders the SBA funds. The SBA says the average is about $13,000, rates are generally 8% to 13%, and the longest repayment term is seven years.
Is it a scam if someone asks for a fee to get me a government grant?
Treat it as one. Grants.gov says applying for a federal grant is completely free, and the SBA says it only emails from addresses ending in @sba.gov.
Who can help me find local grants for free?
Your local Small Business Development Center. The SBA's local assistance finder lists SBDCs and other partners that offer free or low cost counseling.
Updated October 31, 2026. For: House cleaning.