Are you planning to start your own business? If you have decided to start your own business, you probably have some idea about the necessary start-up expenses and finances. If you have no idea how to get a grant to start a business, who is going to pay for all of that? Or where does all that money come from?
Fortunately, you don’t have to spend sleepless nights worrying about those questions. There are several organizations that are ready to help you with this by giving you money.
And the news gets even better when you discover that some US government programs are also dedicated to providing start-ups with grants to start a business. This is how you can get those…
Consider doing some research beforehand.
There are many websites on the internet that will help you. Try to find some trustworthy websites that help you find grants for your start-up. I hate to say this, but you have to be careful with those scams that try to steal money from you.
And it’s always a good idea to ask your friends or family for a referral to a reputable agency or information provider. No one can stop you from investigating on your own. Sometimes this is the best way to get the job done.
Take a look at some traditional but established sites that give out business start-up grants. Here I am going to list 3 sites that are quite popular to help you throughout your journey. Some of them are traditionally useful for grant applicants. Others have become iconic as the last hope for grant seekers.
1) Try the Small Business Administration.
This organization could be of great help in finding crucial information, valid/legitimate grants, and grants that fall into a specific category (such as minority grants, women entrepreneur grants, etc.). They tell you which grants are area-specific or given only to people with special qualifications.
2) Search Grants.gov.
This is like the national hive of grant information. You’ll get up-to-date information on the grants that are open to startups and much more. Actually, this is the site that comes with complete lists of grants broken down into a variety of categories (for example, home repair, college education, single moms, and much more).
You can search by keyword. You can search with the advanced search function. These comprehensive search interfaces allow you to literally search through the many open or approved grants.
3) Search for Business.gov.
This is another site that is a lot like Grants.gov. This site will also provide useful details on business grants. But they also add more useful resources, key information, and/or resources beyond the scope of the grant search. For start-ups, this site has two benefits: grant information and helpful start-up resources.
And finally, you can also find helpful support by locating a suitable support community. I’m sure you’ll be able to find someone who has gotten a grant to start a business in your area, just ask!