Grants for an Existing Business

The government and private foundations provide grants.

Businesses often rely on grants from both private entities and the federal government to sustain or improve their company. Grants are generally approved through a competitive process and are sometimes considered as one-time money, meaning the grant is non-renewable. Grants are different from loans as they are not expected to be repaid.

The Small Business Administration

Small business owners can find a variety of grants available at sba.gov

The Small Business Administration regularly offers benefits to businesses that fall within a certain criteria. For example according to the SBA size standards range from having 100 to 1,500 employees and covers business ranging from $0.75 million to $28.5 million. Small business can locate the grants available to them through the SBA by visiting www.grants.gov, clicking on "find grant opportunities" and then clicking on "browse by agency." Once you select the Small Business Administration a list of available grants pops up. While the Small Business Association does not provide grants for the purpose of starting up a business, they provide grants for the purpose of sustaining and expanding a small business.

Small Business Association

409 3rd Street, SW

Washington, DC 20416

1-800-827-5722

sba.gov

Grants for nonprofit businesses

There is a special category of grant opportunities for non-profits.

There are several options for nonprofit businesses seeking grant opportunities. The federal government offers an array of grants based on the type of nonprofit you operate. For example there are grants available through the Health and Human Services Department, the Department of Education and through the Environmental Protection Agency. Visit www.usa.gov, and type in "non-profit" in the search generator to locate the categories of grants available.There are also several grant opportunities for non-profits through private foundations. The $3.1 billion Kresge Foundation has offered grants since 2003. The Kresge Foundation awards grants based on categories of interest that include health, environment, education, arts and culture, human services and community development.

The Kresge Foundation

3215 West Big Beaver Road

Troy, Michigan 48084

248-643-9630

Grants for businesses owned by women

Women can also find grant opportunites through the Small Business Association.

The federal government, state governments and the private sector regularly offer grants for women who own businesses. The Small Business Administration provides financial assistance for women business owners. Visit the website and then click on WBC Grant Opportunities for a complete list. The private Women's Financial Fund offers grants ranging from $100 to $5,000 for women who are starting businesses and for women who already own a business.

References

• SBA: Office of Women's Business Ownership
• Grants.gov: Small business grants
• Small Business Association: Financial assistance
• USA.gov: USA.gov for Nonprofits
• The Kresge Foundation: Our Grants