Axel asked:
I’m trying to start up my own small business. I’ve heard that there are tons of government grants out there if you know where to look. Where do I look?
I’m trying to start up my own small business. I’ve heard that there are tons of government grants out there if you know where to look. Where do I look?
3 responses so far ↓
1 NC // Jan 23, 2009 at 6:19 pm
You have heard wrong. Federal government grants are given to non-profits, as well as to state and local governments, for specific projects, usually related to basic research, education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Large private foundations give grants to non-profits (including universities) for specific projects that the foundation wants to support. Individuals and for-profit businesses do not qualify for grants. Ever.
2 imisidro // Jan 26, 2009 at 4:58 pm
It is hard to find grants to start a business. Unlike the myths that some perpetuate, federal government and even private foundations hardly give grant money for a for-profit business. And yes, grants mean PAPERWORK - lots and lots of it, that is why a cottage industry of grant writers was born.
Nonetheless, you can go to the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) and Grants.gov - these are two sites created by the federal government to provide transparency and information on grants. Browse through the listings and see if you can find any grant that would support a for-profit venture.
Even if you buy books on “how to get grants” or list that supposedly has information on grants — all of them are mere rehash of what CFDA has, albeit packaged differently. But still the info is the same - hardly any grants for starting a for profit business.
Even SBA does NOT give out grants. From the SBA website…
“The U.S. Small Business Administration does not offer grants to start or expand small businesses, although it does offer a wide variety of loan programs. (See for more information) While SBA does offer some grant programs, these are generally designed to expand and enhance organizations that provide small business management, technical, or financial assistance. These grants generally support non-profit organizations, intermediary lending institutions, and state and local governments.”
Here is a listing of federal grants for small businesses. See if there is any available for individuals for starting a business — THERE’S NONE.
Most of the federal grants are given to specific target groups with specific requirements (e.g. minority business owners involved in transportation related contracts emanating from DOT - Grant#20.905 Disadvantaged Business Enterprises Short Term Lending Program
Grants are also often given to non profit groups or organizations involved in training or other similar activities (grant 59.043 Women’s Business Ownership Assistance that are given to those who will create women’s business center that will train women entrepreneurs
For private grants, you may want to check the Foundation Center’s Foundation Grants for Individuals Online. It’s a subscription based website ($9.95 per month) but their opening blurb only says that the database is ideal for “students, artists, academic researchers, libraries and financial aid offices.” Entrepreneurs are apparently not one of them, so I take it they also don’t have listings of private foundations who give grants to would-be entrepreneurs.
3 Real Georgian // Jan 27, 2009 at 6:44 pm
Applying for a Grant Where and How
By: Rebecca Game
This site is a good starting point….plus, you’ll find companies that you can research also!
Goooooood Luck!