How to apply for a small business grant for FREE

If you are like most business owners you know all too well the cost of operating and expanding your business. Belive it or not there are programs out there that help small businesses get the money they need. These are called grants. Grants are money from the government or private parties that nevr has to be paid back!

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A lot of patience
• Internet Connection
• Business Plan
• Optional - Legal Aide

1. First thing is first, you need to understand that getting a grant is not going to happen overnight. There are thousands of businesses out there applying for the same grant that you are. Sometimes obtaining a grant can closer be related to winning the lottery. It is hard work and takes much patience to complete, so give yourself some time and careful planning.

2. Next, find a program that relates to your business. You can find these leads for free at SBA.gov or GRANTS.gov. Make sure to read the entire grant information page as well as what they expect you to include in your application. Some grants require a certain number of employees, some grants are dsigned for "going green", and others are for minorities and women only. You will need to be informe in which grant program you qualify for and plan to work with that grant.

3. Next you wil need a business plan. Many business owners seek the help of a lgal aid for this. Your business plan is the way you "sell" your business to the grant board. In a way it is your audition card. Your business plan lets the Grant Boar know how well your business is preforming, how you plan to improve, and where your strengths are. The Grant board will only give money to a business ownr who they feel will help the community and have success with the money given. So make it count.

4. Now that you have a list of grant programs and you have a business plan next you will need to submit your plan. Most grants will ask you to mail your application, I suggest that you use a traceable type of mailing such as USPS Priority Mail. Also make sure that you mail your appliction no later than 7 days before the deadline. Applications recieved after a deadline date are often discarded unreviewed.

5. Finally, wait. You will hear from the grant board usally within 2 months following the closing date. They will more than likely contact you via postal mail with a desision. Best of Luck!

Tips & Warnings

• Be prepared!
• Do your research!
• Don't get discouraged. It may take a couple tries before you get a grant.

Resources

• Small Business Admin
• Government Grants