Grants for Small Businesses
Small-business grants are available from federal and state authorities, as well as private companies. Here’s a list of useful resources.
Researching and applying for funding can take a lot of time and effort. Here’s a list of federal, state, and private small-business grants and tools to get you started.
Grants for small businesses from the federal government
Government agencies are among the largest grantors, supporting a wide range of businesses from environmental conservation to child care services. Although applying for government grants can be scary, they are excellent possibilities for small business owners trying to expand.
Grants.gov is a comprehensive database of grants offered by numerous government departments, including the United States Department of Education and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs: SBIR and STTR grant programs focus on technology innovation and scientific research and development. Small businesses can use the programs to get federal grants and contracts from 12 different government entities.
To be eligible, you must own and operate a for-profit business with less than 500 employees and meet other criteria.
USA.gov: This government website doesn’t have any federal small-business grants, but it does have resources for beginning or growing a business, including a link to GovLoans, which offers information on the several types of federal small-business loans available.
Grants for small businesses from the state and region
The Economic Development Administration is a division of the United States Department of Commerce that provides grants, resources, and technical help to communities in order to promote economic growth and innovation.
Each state’s agency assists businesses in obtaining funding (including state or regional grants), securing locations, and attracting staff. You can look for regional offices and local resources in the economic development directory.
Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs): Small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs can get help from your local SBDC. They’re frequently affiliated with local colleges or the state’s economic development agency, and many may support businesses with finance, counseling, training, and technical assistance.
Grants for small businesses from corporations
A charitable component of many businesses and large companies includes small-business grants. Some award money to NGOs that serve specific industries, while others give to for-profit businesses.
FedEx Small Business Grant Contest: The company’s annual grant competition awards $250,000 to 12 small businesses, with the grand prize winner receiving a $50,000 grant and $7,500 in FedEx print and business services. The 2021 contest starts on Feb. 16.
The competition is accessible to for-profit small businesses established in the United States that have been in operation for at least six months and employ no more than 99 people.
National Association for the Self-Employed: NASE members can apply for monthly small-business grants of up to $4,000, as well as an annual $3,000 college scholarship for their dependents, through the National Association for the Self-Employed. Completed applications are reviewed quarterly in April, July, October, and January, and grants are distributed throughout the year.
The competition is accessible to for-profit small businesses established in the United States that have been in operation for at least six months and employ no more than 99 people.
NASE members can apply for monthly small-business grants of up to $4,000, as well as an annual $3,000 college scholarship for their dependents, through the National Association for the Self-Employed. Completed applications are reviewed quarterly in April, July, October, and January, and grants are distributed throughout the year.
Specialty small-business grants
Many organizations focus their financial efforts on specific neighborhoods to help promote entrepreneurial success across demographics.
Questions that are frequently asked
What are the best ways to find funding for a small business?
Small-business grants are available from government agencies, state organizations, and private businesses. The government database grants.gov, your local Small Business Development Center, and charities like the Local Initiatives Support Corp are all ideal locations to start your search.
What are the requirements for a small-business grant?
The awarding organization will determine the grant qualifications. Businesses in rural or low-income areas, as well as those operated by women or minorities, may be given priority. Before applying for a grant, read the entire qualifying criteria to see whether your business qualifies.
If your business does not qualify for a grant at the moment, you should consider a business loan from G-Force Funding.
Apply today with G-Force Funding for business loans from $10,000 – $1,000,000.
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