Government grants for small businesses are available for growth, expansion, paying wages, and other purposes
Taking a loan is something that may come to your mind first while looking for funding to grow your small business, but it can be challenging to get the money you need. However, do not overlook other possibilities, like grants, which are essentially free money that you are not required to repay provided you are eligible, and utilize it for the purpose for which it was given. The US Small Business Administration (SBA) provides government grants for small businesses through its two programs – Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR), and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR). The funds are given to small businesses who undertake scientific research that helps meet federal research and development objectives, and have a high potential for commercialization.
Awards by SBIR and STTR range between $50,000 to $250,000, and are generally awarded for a period of six months to one year. The objective of the awards is to help small businesses continue with their research and development efforts. State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) awards are given to state entities to increase exports and sales in the state. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers government grants for small businesses who have fewer than 50 workers, and less than $1 million in gross revenue. Additionally, if you operate your business in a rural area with population under $50,000, you could be a prime candidate to receive government grants for small businesses through USDA.
Some more government grant opportunities
Grants.gov is the ultimate database of all grants offered by the federal government. You can search grants by category, like small businesses, education, home improvement, healthcare, etc. Another good resource to look for government grants for small businesses is the US Economic Development Administration (EDA), that administers grants for economically depressed communities, and for stimulating new jobs. Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVO SBC) program by SBA offers grants to service-disabled veterans. To qualify, you must meet certain ownership and operational requirements, like the business must be at least 51% owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans, and you must have at least one service-disabled veteran in decision making of your business.
Exercise due diligence while applying
Applying for a government grant for small business, or any other grant for that matter, is an arduously long and involved process, so it’s crucial that you apply at the earliest for the grant opportunities that come up, and for which you feel yourself to be eligible. However, the entire process may feel overwhelming, as you have to complete a lot of documentation, your business plan, vision and mission statements, and more. Although grant money is technically free, you need to put time and effort, and exercise due diligence to ensure that your grant application is as good as possible.
Gain access to latest and updated information on current grant opportunities
If you are applying for a grant for the first time, the entire process may appear to be quite overwhelming to you, and you may even miss the published deadlines, or submit erroneous documents. In order to help you win a government grant for small businesses, GovernmentGrants.us offers the services of its professional grant writers who will craft a perfect grant application for you. The website also has updated and accurate information about other grant opportunities, like minority grants, childcare grants, Pell Grants, commercial property grants, and more, that you can access by paying a small monthly membership fee of just $29.95. This membership fee is refundable in case your application is rejected by the grantor. You just need to forward the rejection letter to GoovernmentGrants.us to immediately get your refund.
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