Has anyone had success obtaining government grant money?

Question

I am trying to find agencies to write to, to apply for government grants for starting a small business. I have only got the run around online trying to find sources. Everyone wants to sell books on how to do it (with no addresses ofcourse). I just need places to apply to.

Answer 1

You stand a greater chance of getting a government-guaranteed loan through the Small Business Administration http://www.sba.gov/financing than a government grant. Read the SBA Financing page to learn about criteria needed for borrowing

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 SBA does NOT give out grants. From the SBA website http://www.sba.gov/mostrequesteditems/CON_FAQ2.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

I suggest you read the following books to get ideas of how to finance your business:

Financing Your Small Business http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1572484500/powerhomebizguid
Small Business Financing: How and Where To Get It http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0808007386/powerhomebizguid
Financing the Small Business: A Complete Guide to Obtaining Bank Loans and All Other Types of Financing http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1580626815/powerhomebizguid
The SBA Loan Book http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/158062202X/powerhomebizguid
Angel Capital : How to Raise Early-Stage Private Equity Financing http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0471690635/powerhomebizguid
Financing Your Small Business (Barron's Business Library Series) http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764124897/powerhomebizguid

For private grants, you may want to check the Foundation Center's Foundation Grants for Individuals Online http://gtionline.fdncenter.org . 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

DO NOT USE ANY ON LINE SERVICE. You're learning like I did all they want is to sell you books and CD's on how to apply. And even that doesn't help. I went to the library and there are some really good books from both private and the government on how to apply. Believe me it's HARD. I want to start a business and all the BS running around took 6 months off my plan. I was told the best thing is to find a professional who knows the in's and out's to apply for a grant, and, business grants are the hardest to get. They will push you to the SBA for a loan.

Answer 3

Just an idea but If you're a go-getter, I wonder if you could go to other small or large businesses in your community and ask for them to sponsor you. Or donate your time/ services for a fundraiser type thing raising funds to start your business. Write up some proposal of what you're trying to do and ask members of your community/ Yahoo group to help. What are you offering that could benefit them/us? I think my new philosophy is "Ask and you shall receive" Sounds corny but if you put it out there, there's a much better chance of getting what you want.

I want a place to practice massage therapy that has childcare on location. I want to find somewhere that will supply my linens and laundry service while at the same time not charging me a fortune for rent. Know of anything?

Answer 4

I doubt there are business grants ,
Just small business loans but
If any one knows , the Small Business Admin would . .

http://www.sba.gov/

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Answer 5

there are multiple distinctive supply classes presented via distinctive government companies. Many rely upon the variety of organization you desire to commence. the two hyperlinks under would desire to get you began.

Answer 6

no I haven't I think it's ALL a scam