How to Find Legitimate Small Business Grants
Small business owners are the backbone of the economy. According to Thomas M. Sullivan, chief counsel for advocacy for the federal government's Small Business Administration, "Small businesses innovate and create new jobs at a faster rate than their larger competitors. They are nimble, creative, and a vital part of every community across the country." However, small businesses often struggle to find much needed funds for expansion, as they rarely have a large pool of stockholders or investors supplying funds. However, there are a number of legitimate grant programs available for small business owners.
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Instructions
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Review the Small Business Administration website. The SBA primarily focuses on providing low-interest loans to small business owners. However, a small number of grants are made available each year. The majority of these grants are designed to benefit programs that support small businesses by providing financial or technical assistance. The SBA branch office in your state may be able to better provide you with relevant grant information.
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Contact your state's economic development office, which is responsible for the growth of small businesses in your state. A representative from this office should be able to direct you to above-board grant programs for your specific company.
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Peruse Grants.gov, which is owned and maintained by the federal government. This database lists all available federal grant programs currently open for applications, many of which you or your company may be eligible for. The site also links to other reputable federal agencies and departments offering a wide array of grants that may be a good fit for you.
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Apply for grants that can benefit you as well as your business. For example, women looking to change careers or advance their companies by enrolling in higher educations courses may be eligible for AAUW's Career Development Grants. These grants, which can total as much as $12,000, may be of use to you. Minorities and women in businesses not traditionally dominated by women are given special consideration.
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Tips & Warnings
Enroll in a grant writing workshop to polish your application skills and network with others who may be able to direct you to little-known small business grants.
Thoroughly research any unfamiliar programs before handing over money or your personal information to avoid scam artists.
