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 There are tons of financial assistance programs available to entrepreneurs and business owners in the United States. Eligibility varies, but there are enough opportunities for everyone to pursue. You just have to be diligent, persistent, and consistent in your quest. Below, you will find 10 great suggestions on how to apply for and obtain small business grants.
1) Check With Your Local Government Agencies. Many cities, counties, and states give away money to local businesses. Why? Because they want you to create jobs and more tax revenue. Many times they won't highly publicize these opportunities, but it's in your best interest to give them a call and/or search their web sites.
2) Check With Federal Government Agencies. The federal government doesn't give business grants directly to businesses, but they do give money to foundations who in turn can give money to small businesses. The federal agency in charge of this is the Grants Program Management Office, and all of their opportunities are listed publicly at www.grants.gov
3) Check With Major Corporations. Nearly every major corporation in this country has a foundation that gives away grants to enhance communities, and many of these are grants to start or expand a business. Start with the companies that are headquartered in your home state, and find out if they offer financial assistance for local businesses. If not, venture out and inquire about companies that are not in your state. Many times, they don't care where you live.
4) Search The Internet. Use Google and Yahoo to conduct a search using the term "business grants". You can even throw in the name of your city, county, state, etc. Carefully review the results, and look for web sites that other web sites are linked to. Doing so, will help you to find opportunities that may be casually listed on a blog or some type of directory. You may even come across a recent news article about a new opportunity.
5) Ask Around. When attending professional networking functions and social mixers, never hesitate to ask people that you meet about new opportunities. Many times, small business grants are given away to people who happen to be in the right place at the right time. Never underestimate the importance of creating a relationship with a power player and his/her associates.
6) Visit Your Local Library. Contrary to popular belief, libraries are still an excellent resource and store a lot of information that is not accessible in other places. Go to your library as soon possible; look for grant books and directories and ask specific questions to your librarian. You'll be surprised what you can find.
7) Make Sure It's Legit. The Internet is full of many misleading opportunities. Be cautious, and make sure that the organization or company has a professionally developed web site. Also, make sure they have a phone number, email address, physical address - and are not requiring you to pay to apply. Some legit web sites, however, do sell access to their directory of opportunities for a monthly fee. Other legit web sites may sell e-books that list grant opportunities. This is okay, as long as you are not paying to submit an actual grant application.
8) Be Patient. Many entrepreneurs make the mistake of rushing through the process of finding and applying for a business grant. The reality is, that looking for and qualifying for the right opportunity can take some time. In fact, it can take up to a year or more before you actually get the funds needed into your possession. Also, you may not immediately find the opportunity that is best for you.
9) Be Thorough. When applying for small business grants, make sure to dot your "I's" and cross your "T's". In other words, be thorough and complete. Many opportunities will require lenthy applications that can seem endless. Stay the course, and remember that being inaccurate or skipping questions may disqualify you.
10) Be Optimistic. Many allow the process of applying for grants to intimidate them and scare them away. Yes, it can be time consuming and tedious - but in the end it is very well worth it. Remember, grants do not have to be repaid. This is free money. Don't give up, and stay positive. You'll be glad you did!
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