Small Business Grants

Find out if your company qualifies for a small business grant
By Autumn Rivers, Lead Copywriter Webflo Studios 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.

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.
Try:  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.
Try:  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.
Try:  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.

• 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.