Dos and Don’ts of Searching for a Small Business Grant
by Christina Lee on June 23rd, 2009
If a small business grant still seems within reach – that is, if your business meets basic qualifications – then it may be time to figure out where to search for such funding.
Do take advantage of programs offered though your state government, including the Department of Commerce and Chamber of Commerce. A quick online search for “(your state) small business grants” may also prove to be fruitful.
Do not start searching through the U.S. Small Business Administration. The agency does not offer grants to start up or expand small businesses. However, it does offer a variety of loan programs for such financing.
Do remember to search for grants provided by private and non-profit institutions, especially if you are a woman or minority business owner.
Do not completely disregard the federal government in your search. Grants.gov acts as the clearinghouse for a number of small business grant programs, Just make sure to do an advanced search for “small business” to find them.
On a final note – do make sure, regardless of where you apply, that you and your business meet the specific grant program requirements. This may include but is not limited to location, sales revenue, purposes of funding. If the program is rather extensive, then consider hiring a professional grant proposal writer to help with your application.