How to Find Information on Free Grants to Start Small Business

Finding a grant to start a small business will required research and commitment.

Small business grants have created a buzz in for more than 30 years, especially among those with that undying commitment to entrepreneurship. Waiting in the wings, of course, are those seeking to exploit such passion with marketing headlines that read "Free Governments Grants for Every Small Business." Is it all a myth, or perhaps, could there be some truth behind the exaggeration?



The truth be told, there are limited grants out there for small businesses that are non-commercial in nature; getting one of those grants though is not a matter of applying, then raking in free cash. Very few government departments offer such grants and the ones that do have strict criteria. Finding a private commercial grant proves just as challenging, considering that most organizations, foundations or corporations, reserve such grants for specific purposes showing the most promise.

Instructions

1. Visit the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance website to learn about various government organizations at the state and federal level offering grants for businesses. The CFDA provides a comprehensive listing of programs available for entrepreneur activity.

2. Check with the Federal Register to learn about announcements and notices of federal departments offering grant opportunities. The Federal Register offers an in-depth website, not just for grants, but also for the daily publication of rules, proposed rules, and notifications of government departments. You will also find executive orders and other documents related to presidential authority. Typing in the word "grants" in the search box will return an extensive lives of grant related topics.

3. Visit the US government's grant website (www.grants.gov) to learn more about specific grants offered for businesses. As well, if you find a grant that you qualify for, you can apply directly on the website. You will need to register on the US government website, if you want to apply for any grants from the Federal government, no matter which part of the federal government the grant comes from.

4. Check with private corporations and foundations that might offer grants for your business. A foundation will often award grants to businesses that can demonstrate helping that foundation reach its long-term goals. The same applies to corporations. While corporations do not usually advertise the fact (you will need to approach the corporation's board directly) foundations do. You can begin your search by visiting the Foundation Centers website.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep in mind, by law, a foundation remits at a minimum five percent of its market value, or income, annually in the form of contributions to the public. If it does not, it risks losing its tax-exempt status. This does not mean, however, the money is free for the taking. Competition for foundation grants proves intense and foundations tend to provide grants only to the most promising business propositions.

References

• Web Pro News: Where to Find Small Business Grants of Start-ups
• Business: Official Business Link to the US Government

Resources

• Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
• Grants: Learn About Federal Grants
• Federal Register
• Foundation Center