If you're a small business owner, you'll likely be interested in learning about federal grants for small business. Find out who's offering small business government grants, and how you can become the recipient of a small business grant. Whether you're seeking small business start up grants, small business grants for women or minority small business grants, you'll benefit from proper education and training.

There are a few ways you can pursue small business grants education and training. Government and state agencies offer plenty of small business grants information, from online lists of resources to workshops. You also can find seminars and workshops about federal small business grants offered at local colleges. Some grant writing programs also will cover how to write small business grants.

1. Search federal and state government websites for information about small business grants.
2. Take seminars and workshops which address available programs regarding small business grants.
3. Enroll in grant writing courses for an education in small business grants.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn who is offering grant money for small business

Government and state agencies are a good place to start pursuing small business grants education and training. Their websites will provide information and links to small business grant programs, funding organizations and even educational opportunities. Learn how and where to get government grant money for small business through many of these federal and local agencies.

I recommend: Small Business Innovation Research conducts workshops and conferences on its small business grants program, which includes workshops about granting agencies. The homepage of the U.S. Small Business Administration provides links to small business grants information and providers, as well as free online courses.

Sign up for workshops, seminars or conferences in small business grants

Perhaps the best way to get small business grants education and training is through specific workshops and seminars, as well as individual counseling. Many states offer small business development centers at local colleges to help small business owners start and operate their businesses. You can learn about small business grants through many of the programs conducted by these centers.

I recommend: The Illinois Small Business Development Center offers one-on-one counseling, seminars and workshops and small business grant assistance at McHenry County College. New Mexico State University partners with the New Mexico Small Business Development Center Network to offer a Grants Small Business Development Center, where you can get access to counseling, workshops and seminars in all aspects of small business, including small business grants.

Get an education in small business grant writing

You can find out a lot about small business grants when you take a course in grant writing. Many grant writing programs cover federal small business grants. You can choose live classes or online instructional manuals to help you understand and write small business grant proposals.

I recommend: The Small Business Center Program at Nash Community College offers seminars covering many small business topics, including one on grant writing. Grantwriters.com has several grant writing courses you can purchase and download, with one specifically addressing small business grants and funding.

Grants for starting a small business are more desirable than a loan because they don’t have to be paid back. Unfortunately, federal grants for small business aren’t readily available. However, there are ways to obtain small business start up grants if you fit certain criteria. You may also be able to qualify for a specialized small business grant through state agencies.

The first step is researching and finding a grant that your company might qualify for. Check out the following possibilities for federal and state grants:

1. Apply for a small business grant if your company participates in specialized activities or research.

2. Explore your state's resources to find possible grant opportunities.

3. Receive grants if you are a minority small business owner.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find out if your company's extensive research qualifies you for a small business grant

If you plan to perform research within your company that the government might be interested in, you could have a shot at a federal grant. Government programs such as Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) give a certain percentage of research and development funds to eligible small businesses. In addition, if your company falls into a specific niche, such as industries that deal with housing, education, energy, transportation, or security, the government might have a grant for you.

I recommend: Check out Grants.gov if you think your company could qualify for a grant based on the requirements above. SBIR.gov has a page of possible funding opportunities for your small business if you choose to participate in research, and includes a list of solicitation dates for funding.

Look for small business government grants from your state

Every state offers some resources to small businesses, whether it is just advice on starting a business in that specific state, or links to possible loans and grants. Take advantage of these resources when looking for a grant, as you just might stumble over one you do qualify for.

I recommend: The U.S. Small Business Administration lists resources for each state so you can check out requirements to get a grant or other financial possibilities. Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) also provides a page of state grant resources, such as how and where to possibly obtain a grant through your state.

Take advantage of minority small business grants

If you are a minority business owner, such as a woman or part of any ethnic group that is considered a minority, you have a lot of options available. Federal small business grants for women and other minorities are the government's way of trying to level the playing field when it comes to business. There are hundreds of websites online that link to beneficial grants for your business as long as you qualify.

I recommend: The MBDA exists to provide resources for minority business owners, from possible grant leads and links to relevant conferences to general advice. Before applying for grants for minority business owners, get registered at Grants.gov. This will get you access to lists of available grants that are constantly updated.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Never give out information over the phone to companies that call you claiming that you qualify for a small business grant. There are many scams out there that do this, so be aware.