A guiding principle in the United States is that anyone can succeed with enough hard work and determination. But there are resources available to help your business become a cornerstone of your community. Each year, state and government grants provide thousands of businesses the opportunity for growth and development. Knowing where to look and how to apply for these grants can seem daunting at first, but you should know there are a lot of resources to find business grants ease the application process.
Find business grants
In order to receive money, you need to find business grants for which your organization is eligible. The majority of business grants are not awarded to individuals, and start-up grants differ from other grants, so you must follow guidelines and restrictions when applying for any grant.
To find business grants, start with you local community. Universities, charitable foundations, local government and other booming corporations may offer grants for businesses. These could include research and development (R&D) grants on a small scale, funding for philanthropic ventures, educational grants and community revitalization grants.
Next, check with your state’s government for funding opportunities. Visit your state’s website to find business grants and contact information. Then, contact each state department that could be relevant to your needs. No agency is going to track you down and ask if you’d like to receive money, so you can’t be afraid to go after it. Most departments will appreciate your enthusiasm, and if funding is not available from one agency, a representative may be able to suggest another department that could better fit your needs. Some state grants are aimed at bettering the business for the sake of the community. This can include construction for daycare centers or the expansion of local tourism. Visit the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to find business grants and construction opportunities.
The majority of federal grants for businesses are awarded as research and development funding. These grants promote a partnership between two companies or organizations to produce results that further economic growth and commercialization. The Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) and Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) programs provide research and development opportunities. Through the SBA, small businesses can search for grant opportunities; attend SBIR-STTR conferences and workshops; and apply for research and development grants.
Available resources to find grants for businesses
The Foundation Center website hosts a list of grants for businesses available centered around philanthropy. Information can be found at the Center’s network of libraries, community centers and educational institutions. The Center does not grant funds, but it does provide a list of granters.
BusinessUSA offers aid on searching for grants, completing the application process and registering your business. You can also search for local and state resources.
Search and apply for grants at Grants.gov, a site dedicated to improving government services.
FedBizOpps lists federal contracts for businesses of all sizes. Although not grants, contracts are an excellent source of funding and a way to build relationships with government officials in your industry. FedConnect also lists grants and contracts for registered users.
The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance compiles grant programs offered government-wide.
Talk to your colleagues, associates and professional network contacts to discuss business grant opporutinites they may know about. In doing so, you may find out about new programs or you may decide to partner for a grant. Above all, be persistent in your search to find business grants.
This article is written by Jon Emge who is a Senior Debt Advisor writing for a range of financial sites includingwww.bankruptcy.org.uk and www.paydayloans.co.uk