Grants for Single Mothers to Start a Small Business

Grants and other funding opportunities are available for single mothers who wish to start businesses.

Being a single mother is difficult enough, especially in a depressed economy. It can be particularly trying to be both a single mother and a beginning entrepreneur, looking to finance the startup of a small business. If you're a single mother who is short on money, but not short on dreams, various grants are available to help you jump-start your venture.

Women's Financial Fund

Nonprofit companies and charitable organizations award grants to new and existing businesses. One such organization, the Women's Financial Fund, awards grants ranging from $100 to $5,000 to help women start any type of business. It also awards grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 to aid in business expansion. A $15 application/donation fee earns you the eligibility to apply for grants, which are awarded based on the quality of an applicant's business plan.

Application may be made only through an online link at womensbusinessgrants.com.

Ms. Foundation for Women

The Ms. Foundation for Women makes grants to U.S. nonprofit organizations with a 501(c)(3) status. According to the website, the foundation does not fund "individuals, scholarships, capital or endowment requests, fund-raising events, university-based research or government agencies." All grants are processed by filling out an online application form and uploading a copy of the grant proposal.

Ms. Foundation for Women
12 MetroTech Center
26th Fl., Brooklyn, NY 11201
[phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]

SCORE Foundation

SCORE is a national nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth and success of the nation's small businesses. The SCORE Foundation serves as the philanthropic support division of SCORE and assists in raising funds that support entrepreneurship. Contact your local branch of SCORE to learn about financial assistance opportunities.

There are two main offices of the SCORE Foundation.

4135 Centergate Blvd.
Sarasota, FL 34233
[phone]

1175 Herndon Pkwy.
Suite 900
Herndon, VA 20170
[phone]

Grants.gov

Although the 26 federal grant-making agencies do not provide business startup funds, they offer various other grants for single mothers. There are 900 grant programs and 21 broad grant categories, including Business and Commerce.

For further information, contact Grants.gov online or at [phone].

Small Business Administration

The SBA is the largest source of small-business financing in the United States. Through the SBA, the government issues guaranteed small-business loans with low-interest rates. Its most widely used is the 7(a) loan program.

U.S. Small Business Administration
409 3rd Street SW
Washington, DC 20416
(800) U-ASK-SBA/ [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Tips

There is no such thing as a free ride when it comes to starting up a business. However, funding is readily available for research for specific projects, for land or equipment and for business expansion.
State economic development offices may help start or expand businesses that will provide employment opportunities for other state residents.

Seek the guidance of experts before you apply for grant funding. Grant research guides and grant writing tips are available to assist you; many of these come at minimal cost or for postage only or online.

References

• Women's Financial Fund
• U.S. Small Business Administration: Financial assistance
• Grants

Resources

• Women's Financial Fund: Top ten tips for getting your business grant application accepted
• Ms. Foundation for Women
• SCORE Foundation