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US State Government Grants Education and Training

Learn what it takes to become a state government grants specialist

By Michele Vrouvas
If you're a business consultant who'd like to specialize in small business consulting, learning how to assist your clients in applying for free government grants is an excellent place to begin. Most small businesses need government grants they never repay. The federal government recognizes this and that's why it provides billions of dollars in free government grants for women starting their businesses, or more minorities or any entrepreneur just getting started.

Whether your client is seeking federal or state government grants, you will need to perform some basic research on government grants in general. You'll also have to become quite adept at completing what usually are lengthy grant applications. Take the following steps as you begin your US state government grants education and training:

1. Do background research on free state grants.

2. Find out what it takes to prepare a winning proposal for free state government grants.

3. Teach your clients state government grant information they’ll use after they receive the grant.

 

Get background information on how to apply for free government grants

Learn which state agency reviews grant applications, whether your client qualifies for grants and what kind, and what government grants are currently available.
Try: Venture Worthy provides free, online advice about the grants available for small businesses in particular. The Applicant User Guide on Grants.gov walks you through the process of applying for grants.

Learn how to prepare applications for free state government grants

Find out how to write an executive summary, a project description and a page explaining the funding requirements for your proposal.
Try: Non Profit Guides educates you with step by step instructions on how to write winning grants. Even if you’re not a non-profit organization, you can follow their tips. Foundation Center.org breaks down all parts of the grant writing proposal, from research to its budget and conclusion.

Arm yourself with state government grant information necessary to comply with free government grants

When your clients apply for free government grants, there are sometimes special guidelines that your client must follow. When you understand the strings attached to these grants, you can teach your clients to comply. Displaying an understanding of this during the grant application process will greatly increase your clients' chance of receiving free government grants.
Try: Grant Writing USA offers grant management seminars that will help you teach your clients how to comply with the guidelines and requirements that accompany many free government grants. The EPA offers training programs that you can recommend to your non-profit clients to help them properly manage their grants. The American Association of Grant Professionals National Conference is a great way for you to get the grant management training your company needs.

 

  • As you pursue your US state government grants education and training, you'll quickly learn that not all agencies who say they offer grants are reputable. Contact your state's treasury department or office of business development to verify whether the grant is from a trustworthy source.

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