Food Truck Grants to Get Your Business On The Road

If you want to start a food truck business but don’t have the capital, grants are a great option. 
Unlike loans, you don’t have to repay grants, which is very helpful when getting your business off the ground. Obtaining a grant will change the entire trajectory of your new food truck business and is worth the effort needed to acquire one. 

Food Truck Grants from the Federal Government

Small businesses are the backbone of America. It’s not surprising that the federal government provides many grant opportunities to small business owners, including food truck operators. 

Small Business Administration (SBA)

The Small Business Administration provides grants through community-based programs.

• Grants available: Some SBA grants are available through Boots to Business, Service-Disability Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Program (SDVETP), Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOC), and the Program for Investors in Microentrepreneurs (PRIME). 
• Award amount: Varies

Grants.Gov

Grants.gov is a convenient website to help you find all available grants.

• Grant types: All business grants through Grants.gov are federal opportunities. 
• Award amount: Varies

GrantWatch

GrantWatch is a search engine for grants across multiple funders, including the federal government.

• Grant details: GrantWatch currently has over 28,000 grants in its database. 
• Award amount: Varies

Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBGP)

CDBGP is a community development program through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Exchange.

• Grant details: If your food truck can help build a strong community, then you might qualify for this program. 
• Award amount: Varies

Economic Development Agency (EDA)

The U.S. Economic Development Administration provides grants to scalable startups.

• Grant details: The EDA’s Build To Scale grant program is focused on scalable startups. If you have big plans for your food truck, or a fleet, this program might be right for you. The program is especially focused on supporting entrepreneurship in areas that need a kickstart to a growing economy. 
• Award amount: Varies, the program has $45 million available in 2022. 

Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI)

The USDA offers grants through the Healthy Food Financing Initiative. Food trucks with a healthy menu might find success with this grant.

• Grant details: The goal of the program is to increase access to healthy foods in underserved areas. 
• Award amount: $20,000 to $200,000

COVID-19 Assistance Grants

As the economy recovers from the pandemic, the SBA is offering a wide range of assistance options.

• Grant details: Although not a grant, the COVID-19 EIDL program gives small businesses access to low-interest loans. If interested, you’ll need to have a current food truck business that is experiencing a loss of revenue. 
• Award amount: Varies

Restaurant Revitalization Fund

It’s no secret that the pandemic had a damaging impact on the restaurant industry. This fund, available through the SBA, is designed to help restaurants get back on their feet.

• Grant details: Food trucks are eligible for this funding option to keep their doors open. 
• Award amount: If your food truck business is experiencing pandemic-related revenue loss, the SBA’s Restaurant Revitalization Fund can provide equal funding of up to $10 million. 

Community Economic Development (CED) Program

The Community Economic Development program is available through the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. If you are aiming to create jobs through your food truck business, the CED might provide a grant.

• Grant details: The CED provides grants in communities facing persistent poverty and high unemployment. If your target location fits the program’s criteria, then you can apply. 
• Award amount: Varies

Service-Disabled, Veteran-Owned Small Business Program

Veterans with a service-related disability will find opportunities through this program. Although the focus of the program is contracting options with the federal government, you might be able to purchase surplus property from the federal government. You might like to read more about small business grants for veterans in our other article.

• Grant details: The program gives veterans priority as federal contractors. As a service-disabled veteran opening a food truck, the ability to purchase surplus property from the federal government could lead to the equipment you need at a discount. 
• Award amount: Varies

Small business isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s for the brave, the patient and the persistent. It’s for the overcomer.” – Unknown

USDA Food & Nutrition Service

The USDA offers a wide range of funding opportunities, which might be the perfect tool for your small business.

• Grant details: The USDA Food & Nutrition service offers dozens of grant opportunities. Many come with a focus on farm fresh or healthy food options. 
• Award amount: Varies

Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Grants

SBIR grants are focused on supporting entrepreneurs with a tech or scientific bent to their business. Depending on your approach to your food truck, you might qualify.

• Grant details: If you are pushing the bounds of science or technology with your food truck, SBIR grants might be a good fit. 
• Award amount: Varies

Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI) 

The CDFI fund helps mission-driven financial institutions continue to support economically disadvantaged communities.

• Grant details: The CDFI’s support helps community-based financial institutions provide affordable loan options to business owners in the area. 
• Award amount: Varies

Minority Business Development Agency

The Minority Business Development Agency, a division of the U.S. Department of Commerce, offers grants to minority business owners.

• Grant details: You’ll need to compete in the MBDA competition to win this assistance. 
• Award amount: Varies

SBA: Veteran Assistance Program

Veterans looking for a helping hand in getting their business off the ground can find it through the Veteran Assistance Program.

• Grant details: Along with grants, you’ll find business plan workshops, mentorship, and training available. 
• Award amount: Varies

Local Government Food Truck Grants

The federal government isn’t the only game in town. Local governments also provide grant opportunities. 

SBA: Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)

SBDCs are scattered across the country and provide access to business development resources.

• Grant details: These centers will have information on grants you may qualify for. Additionally, many have resources available to help you start your business. 
• Award amount: Varies

Delta Regional Authority (DRA)

The Delta Regional Authority serves 252 counties and parishes in the Delta region, near the southern portion of the Mississippi river.

• Grant details: You can submit proposals to be considered for funding. Additionally, you can take part in a year-long Small Business Academy to kickstart your business. 
• Award amount: Varies

CA.Gov: California Dream Fund Program

California entrepreneurs can find funding options through the California Dream Fund.

• Grant details: Small business owners can apply for grants after completing a training and consulting program. 
• Award amount: Up to $10,000

Texas: Incentives & Grants

Texas has a business-friendly reputation. The state offers many grants and incentives to help you grow your business.

• Grant details: Texas offers many funding opportunities, one is the Small Business Incubator Fund, which can help you grow your small business. Additionally, you can get access to training. 
• Award amount: Varies

New York City Job Creation and Retention Program

NYC wants to build jobs and keep small businesses in town.

• Grant details: The Excelsior Jobs Program offers help in the form of a tax credit on up to 6.85% of wages per new job. As you hire new employees for your business, this could add up quickly. 
• Award amount: Varies

Winners are not afraid of losing. But losers are. Failure is part of the process of success. People who avoid failure also avoid success.” – Robert Kiyosaki

DC Small and Local Business Grant

Washington DC offers grants with a focus on preventing food waste. If you are committing to avoiding food waste in the city, this grant could be significant.

• Grant details: Food trucks applying must commit to minimizing their food waste. 
• Award amount: Up to $300,000

Kansas Job Creation Fund

Kansas has been aggressive about creating jobs in the state by helping businesses set up shop.

• Grant details: If your food truck will create jobs in Kansas, you can apply for this program. 
• Award amount:  Varies

Louisiana Community Development Block Grant

The Louisiana Community Development Block is focused on creating economic opportunities for the state’s residents.

• Grant details: As a new food truck in Louisiana, you might qualify for this grant funding. 
• Award amount: Varies

Chicago Small Business Improvement Fund

The Chicago Small Business Improvement Fund is designed to help commercial property owners make improvements.

• Grant details: If you plan on purchasing a property to park your food truck permanently, this grant might help you make necessary improvements. 
• Award amount: Up to $150,000

Seed Chicago

Seed Chicago is focused on creating new jobs. With a plan to create jobs, your food truck might qualify.

• Grant details: You’ll have an especially good application if you can bring your food truck to areas with a history of disinvestment. 
• Award amount: Varies

Miami Mom & Pop Small Business Grant

Miami-Dade County offers small business grants to new and existing business owners.

• Grant details: You can use the grant funds to make minor renovations, buy equipment, purchase supplies, and market your business.
• Award amount: Varies

Dayton Texas

Dayton, Texas offers local small businesses several incentives for choosing to operate in their city.

• Grant details: You must move your business operations to Dayton. 
• Award amount: Up to $25,000

Non-Profit and Corporate Food Truck Grants

Let’s explore non-profit and corporate food truck grant opportunities. 

NASE Growth Grants

The National Association for the Self-Employed offers grants to small business owners.

• Grant details: You must become a NASE member to apply. 
• Award amount: Up to $4,000

NAV Small Business Grants

The NAV’s small business grant program is currently closed.

• Grant details: After providing grants to thousands of business owners, this opportunity is closed. 
• Award amount: N/A

FedEx Small Business Grant Contest

FedEx runs a grant contest for small businesses, which you can compete in as a food truck owner.

• Grant details: In 2023, the competition opens on January 31. 
• Award amount: Up to $30,000

Wells Fargo Community Giving Grants

Wells Fargo provides grants to small business owners around the country.

• Grant details: The grant application period opens in February 2023. 
• Award amount: Varies

StreetShares Foundation Business Awards

StreetShares, now the Second Service Foundation, provides training resources to veterans who want to start their own businesses.

• Grant details: You may need to participate in a competition to win this grant opportunity. 
• Award amount: Up to $15,00

Warrior Rising

Warrior Rising is another organization that helps veterans achieve business success.

• Grant details: If accepted into the program, you’ll get plenty of hands-on help with growing your food truck business. 
• Award amount: Varies

Other Food Truck Grants

Last but not least, you’ll find an assortment of other grant opportunities below. 

Lumpkin Foundation Grant

The Lumpkin Foundation offers food-related grants in Illinois and Texas. Typically, the grants focus on fresh food options.

• Grant details: You’ll need to find the program that suits your food truck’s menu and location. 
• Award amount: Varies

Rural Business Enterprise Grants

The USDA offers Rural Business Development grants to help rural business owners move their businesses forward.

• Grant details: The grant is available in rural areas and surrounding cities of less than 50,000. 
• Award amount: Varies

Idea Cafe Grant

The Idea Cafe Grant has helped thousands of business owners take their businesses from idea to reality.

• Grant details: It’s helpful to have a solid business plan in place. 
• Award amount: Varies

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." — Lao Tzu

The Amber Grant

Amber Grants are available through WomensNet in honor of Amber Aigdahl.

• Grant details: Specifically designed for women business owners building their business dreams. 
• Award amount: Up to $25,000

Women’s Business Centers

Women’s Business Centers are available through the SBA and can be found around the country.

• Grant details: You’ll find access to free training to get your business off the ground. 
• Award amount: Varies

Eileen Fisher Woman-Owned Business Grant

The Eileen Fisher grant is focused on helping women get their businesses off the ground.

• Grant details: Typically, grant-winning businesses have a focus on environmentally friendly practices. 
• Award amount: Varies

How to Apply for and Receive Food Truck Grants

There is no shortage of grant opportunities. Here’s how to apply. 

Learn About the Process

Every grant opportunity is a little bit different. As you explore your options, get familiar with the general process. Typically, you’ll need to build out an extensive application to submit before a critical deadline. 

Research Your Options

Not every grant opportunity is the right fit for your business. Instead of spreading yourself too thin, research all of your options in advance. If possible, only apply for grants that look like a great fit for your business. As you do your research, write down any deadlines for the program. 

Determine Your Eligibility

Many grant opportunities have a specific goal. For example, the grant funder might want to help women start their businesses or encourage healthy food options in rural areas. Look for grants that match your business goals. Don’t waste time applying for grants that aren’t a good fit. 

Complete and Submit the Application

In many cases, grants require an extensive application. If you are applying for a grant, be aware of the deadlines. As you complete the application, follow all of the directions carefully. Also, make sure to include details that help your business stand out.  

Tips to Ensure Your Food Truck Business Gets Funded

The goal of applying for grants is to get the funding you need. Here are some times to help you reach that goal. 

Keep Up with Grant Opportunities

Grant opportunities change on a regular basis. You can’t apply for a grant if you don’t know about the opportunities. Take the time to check out grants.gov on a regular basis. Plus, sign up for the mailing list at your local Chamber of Commerce for news on local opportunities. 

Check Past Funding

Many grants have been around for years. As you build your application, look at past grant winners. If there is a common theme among the winners, try to emphasize those points in your application. 

Seek Assistance

A small business mentor might be able to help you build a successful grant application. After all, they already know what the organizations are looking for. Consider working with a local business organization, or a past winner, to create a standout application. 

Tailor Each Application

Although it’s tempting to send along the same details to every grant application, that’s not a good move. Typically, the selection committee can tell if they’ve received a premade application. Take the time to tailor your application for the specific grant. It will take more time, but it increases your chances of success. 

Apply Selectively

Don’t apply to every single grant opportunity out there. Instead, look for opportunities that match up with your business goals. For example, if you plan on serving burgers, don’t apply for grants focused on healthy food opportunities. 

Don’t Procrastinate

Procrastination is the killer of many business ideas. Don’t delay sending in an application. Otherwise, you might miss the deadline. 

Alternatives to Food Truck Grants

If you aren’t having any luck landing food truck grants, there are other options.

• Online lenders: Many online lenders are willing to provide loans to food truck operators. You might like to read more about food truck loans and how to qualify.
• Business credit cards: If you are comfortable with a higher interest rate, business credit cards could help you fund the essentials of getting started. 

Business Mentoring Organizations That Could Help

The right advice from a helping hand could make all the difference in your business. Here are some places to ask for help:

• Local Chamber of Commerce: The Chamber of Commerce in your area often has resources to help new businesses move forward. 
• Women’s Business Center: WBCs offer classes and support for your startup. If you are a woman, this could help you start or grow your food truck business.
• Small Business Administration: The SBA has office locations throughout the country to assist business owners. As you get started, you can find resources here. 

Final Word 

Food trucks have become one of the most popular culinary trends in the U.S. and food truck grants present an opportunity to start or grow your business. Although there is a range of options, it’s best to apply to grant opportunities that align with your business goals. It never hurts to apply. Remember, the worst they can do is say no.