How can I apply for a minority small business grant in North Carolina?

Question

Where can I go to apply for a minority small business grant in North Carolina?

Answer 1

It is hard to find grants to start a business. Unlike the myths that some perpetuate, federal government and even private foundations hardly give grant money for a for-profit business. And yes, grants mean PAPERWORK - lots and lots of it, that is why a cottage industry of grant writers was born.

Nonetheless, you can go to the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) http://www.cfda.gov and Grants.gov http://www.grants.gov - these are two sites created by the federal government to provide transparency and information on grants. Browse through the listings and see if you can find any grant that would support a for-profit venture.

Even if you buy books on "how to get grants" or list that supposedly has information on grants -- all of them are mere rehash of what CFDA has, albeit packaged differently. But still the info is the same - hardly any grants for starting a for profit business.

Even SBA does NOT give out grants. From the SBA website http://www.sba.gov/expanding/grants.html...

"The U.S. Small Business Administration does not offer grants to start or expand small businesses, although it does offer a wide variety of loan programs. (See http://www.sba.gov/financing for more information) While SBA does offer some grant programs, these are generally designed to expand and enhance organizations that provide small business management, technical, or financial assistance. These grants generally support non-profit organizations, intermediary lending institutions, and state and local governments."

Here is a listing of federal grants for small businesses. See if there is any available for individuals for starting a business -- THERE'S NONE.
http://12.46.245.173/pls/portal30/CATALOG.BROWSE_BENEF_RPT.show

Most of the federal grants are given to specific target groups with specific requirements (e.g. minority business owners involved in transportation related contracts emanating from DOT - Grant#20.905 Disadvantaged Business Enterprises Short Term Lending Program

Grants are also often given to non profit groups or organizations involved in training or other similar activities (grant 59.043 Women's Business Ownership Assistance that are given to those who will create women's business center that will train women entrepreneurs

For private grants, you may want to check the Foundation Center's Foundation Grants for Individuals Online. It's a subscription based website ($9.95 per month) but their opening blurb only says that the database is ideal for "students, artists, academic researchers, libraries and financial aid offices." Entrepreneurs are apparently not one of them, so I take it they also don't have listings of private foundations who give grants to would-be entrepreneurs.

Answer 2

Grants are offered by different jurisdictions usually for programs for the public good. You need to identify your area of expertise or research. If it is a for profit venture there will not be grants available unless it is to give away your services. IE training or tutoring for minorities in the science.

Otherwise you will have to get a loan. To get capital funding information, go to the SBA website. www.sba.gov. They will have preferred member banks all across the country even in NC that offer SBA Loans. They will have guidelines for the different types of financing. The SBA just guarantees the loans the banks give the money. They (the Banks) usually require good credit and some assets.

Answer 3

Go to the federal bldg. Ask for the small business loan dept. There is a lot of money out there for minorities. Be sure you have all of your documentation, including business plans, cash needed, etc.

Answer 4

With a Business Plan in hand, see the SBA.

Answer 5

Start with the government's web portal at www.firstgov.gov. They have links to every department and program available.