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Step 1
Get as many business certifications as possible. Some business certifications are small disadvantaged business (SDB), disabled veteran or veteran owned, woman-owned, and minority-owned.
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Step 2
Register for your DUNS number and enroll in Central Contractor Registration (CCR). After these components have been completed, register with Grants.gov. You will be able to do a keyword search to find grants specific to your expertise.
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Step 3
Research the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. Even though this program is very competitive, one of the best aspects is that there are eleven federal agencies’ participants; therefore, you have more options.
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Step 4
Sign up to attend classes or workshops at your local Small Business Development Centers (SBDC). At the centers, you will learn about other small business resources, such as how to get a business grant. As a graduate, you will have access to their services for life.
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Step 5
Look for companies that specialize in help companies get business grants. Always – ask for references and check with the Better Business Bureau.
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Step 6
Partner with a larger, more established company to get a government grant. This would be very beneficial especially if you are a business startup or small business. Be prepared before approaching a company to partner with, for you will have to convince them of your competencies, or in other words, what you are bringing to the table. Many times, larger companies look for qualified smaller companies to partner with, especially ones with certain certification, which include being woman-owned.
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Step 7
Hire an experienced grant writer or grant company to complete your application if you decide to not partner with another company and apply for the business grant. Because of the competitive nature of getting business grants, you do not want to chance having a badly written application. Remember – to ask for references and check with the Better Business Bureau.
