Small business grants in the state of CA?

Question

I'm in the process of starting a clothing line. We are a bit short on cash and are looking for grants.

Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

There are essentially only 3 sources for grants.

Federal grants are called Small Business Innovation Research grants. These are given primarily for some new innovation. You can find out what's available at http://www.sbirworld.com. There is also info on this site about how to apply.

Some cities offer grants to small businesses if they will locate in the downtown area, for the purposes of building up downtown traffic. Check with City Hall.

Finally, private foundations offer grants. You can get a list of most US Foundations and private grant sources at http://www.foundations.org/grantmakers.html.

Answer 2

All Federal grants are listed at www.grants.gov - however, a word of advice, you will not find a Federal grant to start or expand a small business unless you are opening a day care in an under-served area or have some state-of-the-art technology that is basically proven but needs some tweaks to come into production (mostly green technology and defense technology). Other than that, the Federal government does not hand out grants. Some states do have small business incubator grant programs. Check with the state or local economic development agency for more information in your area. Note, however, that these programs were not highly funded and many no longer have funding with the economic problems states are currently experiencing.