Small business grants can help your business get the money you need to grow your business. But there are a lot of misconceptions about grants. Here’s what you need to know about finding and getting free money to start a small business (or grow an existing one).
What Is a Small Business Grant?
A grant is financial assistance that is given to a person, business, nonprofit, or corporation from federal, state, county, or local governments, or private businesses or corporations. There are a number of companies, nonprofits, and government agencies providing essentially funding to small business owners in the form of a small business grant. And the best part? Grants don’t require repayment of any kind.
Grants can be formed to target businesses based on a variety of factors, including minority-owned businesses, specific for-profit businesses as well as non-profit organizations, veteran-owned businesses, grants for women entrepreneurs, and more. For example, securing grants for a minority-owned business can help give your business a much-needed boost for growth and profitability.
You may not have to make your pitch on “Shark Tank,” refinance your home, or take out small business loans to take the next step in your entrepreneurial journey. Instead, you may be able to get money for small business needs through a business grant — if you know where to look and how to apply for small business grants.
We’ve pulled together numerous resources for business owners searching for small business grant opportunities. The majority of these have broad grant application requirements, meaning many businesses qualify.
Keep in mind that this can be a double-edged sword for applicants, though — you can apply for a lot more business grants if the qualifications are broad, but that means more competition for the grant. Often, you can find more success by finding niche grants for your industry, or based on your ownership structure and makeup. Learn how to compare business grants here.
Types of Small Business Grants
There are several types of grants, and you may only be eligible for certain ones. Grants generally come from the following sources:
- Federal state or local governments
- Foundations
- Businesses
Government grants are often the most involved, while grants made by businesses may include a “competition” aspect.
Here we’ve rounded up examples of some popular grants in these categories. However, don’t limit your search to just these grants. We’ve also included several research tools you can use to find grants that may be a fit for your business.
Private Small Business Grants
There are many private corporations that want to support small businesses in the U.S. See which of these grants you qualify for.
FedEx Small Business Grant Contest
Good for: Existing businesses
Each year since 2013, FedEx has offered $25,000 grants to businesses. The application is only open for a one-month period, so ready your applications for the next open date. You’ll need to capture your business’s story via video.
National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) Growth Grants
Good for: Growing businesses
NASE Growth Grants are offered to NASE members looking to take their business to the next level. NASE grants are worth up to $4,000 and can be used for all types of activities, like purchasing new equipment, hiring help, and creating promotional material.
The StreetShares Foundation Veteran Business Grant
Good for: Veterans
The Second Service Foundations Military Entrepreneur Challenge (MEC) features a speed coaching session, private pitch session to a judging panel, and finally an opportunity to pitch business ideas to a live audience for a chance to win a small business grant.
Businesses must be at least 51% owned by a veteran, Reservist, National Guardsman, or transitioning active-duty Military Member of any of the United States Armed Forces, the spouse of a Military Member, or the surviving spouse or child of a Military Member who died on active duty (i.e., a “Gold Star” family member). The applicant must be low income. Grand prizes vary by event. Note: The StreetShares Foundation is now the Second Service Foundation.
Nav’s Small Business Grant
Good for: Existing businesses
For several years, Nav has offered a $10,000 small business grant to help business owners solve a business problem or take their business to the next level. The Nav Small Business Grant is currently paused — but we plan to reopen it in the future, so keep an eye out.
In the meantime, Nav is here to help you secure alternative small business funding options.
eBay Up & Running Grants
Good for: eBay sellers
50 eBay Sellers will win $10,000 grant packages including cash, coaching and eBay education. The 2023 competition has ended, but keep an eye out for the 2024 grants.
Halstead Jewelry Grant Award
Good for: Jewelry startups
Are you a jewelry artist? If so, submit your portfolio and business plan to Halstead for its annual jewelry grant award of $7,500. In addition to funds, Halstead aims to help jewelry artists develop their business, fine-tune their plans, and hit their goals.
Federal Small Business Grants
The Federal government, too, offers grants to support small businesses.
Small Business Innovation Research Program
Good for: Technology companies
The federal research SBIR grant program is for entrepreneurs focused on innovations in technology that have the potential for commercialization. You can check its funding opportunities here. Focus areas from the past include clean and safe water, homeland security, land revitalization, green construction, advancement of health care, and more.
Small Business Technology Transfer Program
Good for: Energy-focused businesses
The STTR program aims to expand funding for innovative research and development leveraging existing technology. What makes this program unique from the SBIR program is that small businesses get the opportunity to formally collaborate with research institutions throughout the program. Each agency sets its own guidelines — check here for open STTR grants.
Department of Defense Grants
Good for: Research and development companies
The DoD offers grants to small businesses through the STTR program and a number of other initiatives, like the Defense Enterprise Science Initiative. The Office of Naval Research, the Air Force Office, and the U.S. Army Research Institute are all looking for research and development of technology that will help them reach their goals.
Department of Energy Grants
Good for: Innovative technology companies
The DOE offers grants through the SBIR and STTR programs for innovative research and development leveraging technology developed by a university or a DOE National Lab. Check here for its current grant openings.
National Institute of Health (NIH) Grants
Good for: Biomedical businesses
NIH is a federal agency within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). It offers business grants to small businesses developing and researching biomedical technology.
Department of Justice Grants
Good for: Public safety projects
The DOJ allocates grant funding to projects that support law enforcement, public safety activities, programs to improve the criminal justice system, and more. Here’s an overview of the agencies within the DOJ that provide grants.
Department of the Interior Grants
Good for: A variety of businesses
The DOI offers small business grants through several departments, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, Indian Affairs, National Park Service, and Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. Find other DOI grant opportunities on Grants.gov.
USDA Rural Development Business Grants
Good for: Small rural businesses
The Department of Agriculture offers both loans and grants to support businesses in rural areas to create quality jobs. It funds community projects such as the development of housing, community facilities, and other services.
National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Grants
Good for: Agriculture and food nonprofits
The NIFA is a federal agency within the USDA with a focus on leadership and funding programs. It offers grants throughout the year, which come with support and guidance. Be mindful that many of its grants are offered to nonprofits or larger businesses.
Small Business Grants for Women
While grants offered by private companies and grants for startups are available to a broader range of business owners, there are also grants for women-owned businesses. You can find resources and information at women’s business centers, but here are two business grants for women to start with. Here are 11 women-focused business grants.
The Amber Grant Program
Good for: Planning-stage businesses
The Amber Grant is a $10,000 cash grant awarded to qualifying female entrepreneurs each month. At the end of the year, monthly grant recipients will have the opportunity to win an additional $25,000 grant.
Boston Women’s Fund
Good for: New businesses
The Boston Women’s Fund provides seed money, program support, and operational funding for women-led grassroots community efforts. Find its grants for women here.
How to Find a Grant for a Small Business
Advertiser & Editorial Disclosure
A quick Google search will pull up millions of results for business grants. So many possibilities are out there that it can seem impossible to narrow down the prospects. But there are a few resources that can not only help you find the right grants for your business, but even assist in the application process, and help you identify grant opportunities that can’t be missed.
OpenGrants
OpenGrants offers the most comprehensive data set of public and private grant funding in the United States. The site offers both free and paid membership options. With the free membership, you can search the grants database, hire grant writers (for a fee), and get access to resources and guides.
With the paid membership, you can flag grants, get email alerts when new grants are added, take notes on grants, use the power search feature, export results, and get personalized matching.
Grants.gov
Free money from the government — who wouldn’t want a piece of that? Grants.gov is the federal government agency’s landing page for all federal government grants across agencies. It’s a great resource for finding grant opportunities, but small businesses may be disappointed to find that many of the grants are closed to them.
The site includes grants for school systems, local governments, individuals, and nonprofits as well, so you have to sift through to find ones that are the right fit for you. Also, the federal grants available to small businesses have specific requirements when it comes to business size. (You can read more about how the federal government determines which businesses qualify as “small” businesses in this article.)
If it seems like receiving a business grant, specifically a government-funded one, is tricky, that’s because it can be. Here are some general guidelines and requirements that the federal government uses to determine business grant eligibility requirements:
- Grants are not provided for starting a business.
- Grant money is not made available for a business to pay off debt or to cover operating expenses.
- State and local grants that are provided by the federal government may be awarded to organizations that assist with economic development.
GrantWatch
GrantWatch is another database of grants of every kind, though it’s a subscription-based service you will need to pay for. The site has a wide variety of grants offered by federal, state, and local governments, as well as foundations and corporations. The site is constantly being updated, and grants that have closed are archived.
You can filter the more than 25,000 grants by category to narrow down the ones targeting small businesses like yours.
Your local librarian
Among the many, many things local libraries provide for free or at a low cost to business owners is help finding grants. Just ask your librarian. These men and women are trained researchers with access to hundreds of databases.
Libraries often work in conjunction with local Chambers of Commerce or business organizations already and may be able to connect you with experts who know the local lay of the land and help you find business grants specific to your community.
Other Resources That Can Help Your Small Business
If you’re seeing grant funding to start or grow your business, there’s another step you should consider: get help from local agencies. The following organizations can provide free help for your business, and you can find them through SBA.gov or use the links below:
Small Business Development Centers
Once you’ve exhausted your searches for grants from federal agencies, the next stop on your list should be local and state business grants. You may be able to hit paydirt and find some of these on your own, but there’s a free, local resource that may help.
When used alongside Nav, Small Business Development Centers are a business owner’s best friend. Local, regional, state, and national offices mentor small business owners and help them understand business financing options, craft marketing strategies, and connect to other local small business owners (and much more — these guys do it all).
One thing they can help with, for example, is creating a business plan that can help you create an exciting vision for your company, and a compelling pitch on how you’ll use the grant money. They may also be able to help you navigate federal small business grants.
They can also help with navigating the grant process. Very few people have as much visibility as SBDC advisors do on the local business grant and loan scene. It’s the one appointment you can’t afford to skip when searching for small business grants or loans. Nav can also help you with state regulations: We’re here to teach you how to qualify for financing in South Carolina, for example.
SCORE.org
SCORE is a nonprofit organization backed by the Small Business Administration that promotes free entrepreneurship training, tools and mentorship for American small business owners. Like SBDCs, SCORE is a free resource for entrepreneurs looking for help or expertise and they have many local experts that you can connect with. A SCORE mentor may help you identify local grant opportunities, or review your pitch to help you make it as compelling as possible.
State agencies
Many states also offer free business resources to help business owners in their state. Check your state’s Department of Corporations website (or similar website). Get on their mailing list if possible, as they may send out emails alerting you to small business grants in your state.
Demystifying Common Grant Myths
There are a lot of misunderstandings that can come with grants for small businesses. We’re here to clarify the most common ones for you.
Myth #1: There are no restrictions
Many small business owners believe that you can use the money however you want, but this isn’t true. Grants are typically given out for a specific use that you need to prove you’re making progress on, and you’ll need to fill out reports to the grant provider. Failing to do so could mean the grant is taken away from you, you’ll pay fines, or even have to serve time in jail, so it’s necessary to follow the grant requirements.
Myth #2: Grant applications are simple to put together
It may take your business weeks or even months to finish a grant application, so don’t be fooled that it’s something you can write in a day or two. The work involves a lot of planning before you even begin writing, including assessing if you’re a good fit, assigning roles, and identifying partners. Give yourself plenty of time to put the application together.
Myth #3: Grants are easy to get
Many grant programs are extremely competitive, which means they can be more difficult to get than other small business funding. Some grants have thousands of applications, so it’s important to make sure you put together the best possible version of your application before submitting to increase your chances.
Myth #4: The business with the largest need is most likely to get a grant
Grants are actually usually awarded to the business that will most likely fulfill the grant agency’s goals, not the ones that need it the most. Grantors look at credibility, a clear plan for the funds, and commitment to the business goals above financial need.
How to Apply for a Small Business Grant
Work smart and hard. Instead of filling out an individual grant application, do what every job applicant does and create a “resume” for your business that outlines your answers to the common questions business grant-givers ask of their applicants. While grants are technically free money, that doesn’t mean they come without hard work on your part.
Some applications will vary based on what’s required. For example, a local government grant will likely require an explanation of how your business’s growth and development will benefit local commerce directly, while a grant from a private company like FedEx may require a persuasive video.
Here are a few common details you may need to provide when applying for a business grant:
- Time in business
- Number of employees
- Monthly or annual revenue
- How the funds will be used
- Your business’s “elevator pitch”
- Your Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- Your social media handles (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.)
- A photo of you (and, if applicable, your partners or offices). Tip: A professional photo can go a long way, especially for companies looking to use your image on their site when announcing awards.
- A business plan. You should already have one, but if you don’t, talking to an SBDC adviser or your accountant can help you figure out the numbers, projections, and stats that reflect the current health of your business and where you can go down the road.. You should already have one, but if you don’t, talking to an SBDC adviser or your accountant can help you figure out the numbers, projections, and stats that reflect the current health of your business and where you can go down the road.
Grant Application Pitfalls to Avoid
There are several snags you can run into when you’re applying for a business grant, so let’s look at the most common mistakes to help you avoid them.
- Not paying attention to instructions: It’s extremely common but also simple to fix when you follow the instructions exactly. Not following instructions can instantly remove you from the running.
- Not reading the funder’s guidelines: You’ll need to know exactly what the purpose of the grant is, not a general idea. For example, you’d need to understand that the grantor wants to fund businesses owned by minority women rather than underserved communities in general.
- Making spelling mistakes: It’s important to proofread your grant application to make sure there are no spelling or grammatical errors.
- Not asking for a specific amount: It might seem obvious, but many grant applicants forget to include how much they need to borrow in their application.
- Missing the deadline: Many grantors refuse to accept applications after the deadline passes, so make sure you get yours in early.
Business Grant vs. Business Loan: What’s the Difference?
While both help you get money for your business, grants and business loans for small businesses are different beasts. The main difference between a grant and a loan is whether or not they require repayment. Loans require you to repay the money you borrow; a grant does not. Grants can be awarded by government departments, trusts, or corporations and given to individuals, businesses, educational institutions, or non-profits.
Grants can be notoriously difficult to get, so if you apply for funding and are rejected, consider other financing, including business credit cards.
Here are other things to know about the differences between grants and loans.
- Grants are taxable income. The IRS generally considers business grants as income for tax purposes. How your business is structured and how you report income to the IRS will determine what impact this will have on you come tax time, but generally, expect that a chunk of any grant money will go to Uncle Sam. You can head off this potential business grant downside by planning ahead and asking your accountant or tax professional to factor any grant money you’re awarded into your quarterly estimated payments (if applicable) or to help you estimate owed taxes and set aside those funds so you don’t have a larger-than-expected bill come tax time. Loans, however, are not considered income in the eyes of the IRS.
- You pay interest on loans. Grants are free money for all intents and purposes. Even a low-interest loan, however, comes at a cost. Depending on the type of business financing, you could face APRs anywhere from 5% to 150%, depending on your personal and business credit scores, cash flow, years in business, collateral, and other factors.
- Grants won’t help you build business credit. It’s one of the things that frustrates borrowers of all sorts — it takes credit to build credit. Building a business credit history with the major commercial credit reporting bureaus (most notably, Experian, Equifax, and Dun & Bradstreet), requires a tradeline of some sort. While a business grant is nothing to sneeze at — it’s free money, after all — once it runs out, you still may need additional funding to grow and expand your business. And a business grant isn’t reported to any personal or business credit reporting agencies.
- Grants are a direct competition. Loans aren’t. There’s no guarantee you’ll win a business grant or get approved for a business loan. But loans aren’t an either/or scenario where you’re competing directly with another business for the same pot of money. If you can prove to a business lender that you’re credit-worthy and your business financials are sound, you’re likely to get approved for a business loan, whether or not another business in the community applies. Business grants, however, tend to have one or a handful of winners — supplies are limited. You have to not only be a great business, but you also need to be the best business per the grant parameters. That’s not an easy feat for many grants where application requirements are broad.
- Loans can come with consequences. If you can’t make a payment or you default on your loan, you’re going to face consequences. What those consequences are depends on the loan type and what you put on the line to get approved, but can include repossessed equipment, a business lien or UCC filing, a damaged personal or business credit score, or bankruptcy. Generally with a business grant, if you use the money unwisely and spend it on something your business wants but maybe doesn’t need, your biggest risk is opportunity cost. (However, keep in mind that larger grants— and especially federal grants — may have specific reporting requirements, and they may release funds only after certain milestones are met.)
Are There Any Downsides to Business Grants?
A variety of factors make many business owners skeptical of the “free” money that business grants offer. While every grant has a different application period, rules, terms, and conditions, here are some potential downsides you should keep in mind when applying.
As mentioned above, business grant funds are taxable income for IRS purposes. The funds will still be free money for your business, but you will need to make sure you don’t spend the entire payout without planning for the added income in your tax bill.
Business grant applications take time. You’re already a time-crunched business owner wearing a million hats, do you really have time to apply for every business grant opportunity you come across? It’s a valid complaint about business grants. The likelihood of winning the grant can be small depending on the size of the contest, so you have to make your own cost/benefit analysis to figure out if your most precious asset — time — is worth it.
Small business grants may require campaigning. Many business grants require a social media component, where you campaign or share something publicly about your grant application. That’s not necessarily a negative if you have an active and vocal social media following, but campaigning does take additional time and some business owners may understandably not want to be as public about their search for money.
Any way you look at it, small business grants are a good thing. It’s worth your time and energy to explore which ones your business is eligible to apply for because money you don’t have to pay back is money that helps your business grow.
Alternatives to Small Business Grants
If you don’t have the patience to apply for a small business grant and wait to see if you’ve been awarded it, look to other options to get the financing you need.
There are plenty of small business loans available, no matter what your credit profile. If your business is established and you have excellent credit, you might qualify for a bank or SBA loan with lower interest rates. If you want access to some cash now and more later, look for a line of credit.
If you’re working to build your credit, you may be able to get a merchant cash advance or invoice financing. And if you’re just looking for a way to purchase what your business needs, there are plenty of small business credit cards available to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
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This article was originally written on November 19, 2019 and updated on January 8, 2024.
I’m really hoping that I could actually own my own business and I seated there is a lot of opportunities and I would like a chance at making a better life
Excellent stuff
Hello,
I tried applying for this grant but I am getting the March deadline unable to apply.
Where can I apply for the current quarterly grant application?
Thank you
Nathan – Nav is currently pausing the program so it can incorporate feedback from customers and grant applicants, and to develop even more ways to support small businesses. In the meantime, this article has a lot of other small business grant resources.
Is the info on this 2021 webinar current for July 2022?
Yes. New grants come and go but the information on how to find and apply for grants is similar (except for SBA EIDL grants which have closed.)
I am a producer of films and music & Im held back from working with writers and artists due to lack of funding. I have equipment that’s not standard now and I’m also looking for a large garage or small warehouse to get started up again. What can be done in my case?
Charles – Unfortunately we can’t research individual grants for you. I’d encourage you to start with the resources in this article. I’d also recommend you contact your local SCORE or SBDC to see if they can connect you to local resources. It’s free – find your local SBA resource partner here.
I’m a scientific herbalist. We do hand made herbal healing products. I’ll lake help to grow my small businesses
I’ve been in business with excavation and farming since 2017
I work full-time for another company but run my business on the side. I’m ready to take the next step and go full-time for myself but the problem is funds with the higher price on everything. I’m in need of more equipment and dump trucks so I can hire people and build the business up. Would I be eligible for a grant to help with this?
Unfortunately it’s hard for me to say. I’d suggest you explore the resources we list in the article to see what you may find. I’d also strongly encourage you to connect with your local resource partners – SCORE and/or SBDC – who can help you for FREE to find ways to grow your business. Find your local SBA resource partner here.
My husband has been scrapping metal items that individuals donate to him. Fir example washer, dryer, grills, bikes, refrigerator, ect. Now my husband removal service is in demand. He is needing more equipment, more employees. What type of grants can my husband apply for?
I wish I could help Nicole but with so many grants out there you’ll need to use the resources we mention to find grants that are the right fit.
Please contat me rdgaurding expanding my wman owned bussiness a popular nail salon
I’ve been in business for 5 years, this year is starting to be really tough, I’ve got a lot against me, the economy, fuel prices, finding reasonable parts, my money not going anywhere, needing a grant. I’m working on adding a hotshot to my business, I have a driver in a Semi and flat Bed trailer, and fuel is eating my lunch, I went in debt with a truck to run hotshot, trying to have a more of a opportunity to make more money. Needing some extra funding so I won’t be so stressed….
Good afternoon I’m a small business consultant two small business I help them with all their requirements regarding state city county and on top of all that I’m also a document processor through the court system to help the less fortunate among us that need assistance specifically African-Americans Hispanics and all people that have difficulty navigating the court or government system I do this for a living full-time.
I was wondering if there’s any help regarding my clients that I work with many of them are small business owners and employ fewer than 5 employees.
I would like to offer the services regarding federal grants or any Grant that’s available to them if possible.
Thanking you in advance for the time you’ll devote to this matter I respectfully request the urgent reply if possible and greatly appreciate your assistance in this matter.
Reubin
I’m not sure I fully understand your question. I know there are professionals who specialize in grant writing but I am not sure how common it is for small business owners to pay professionals to search for grants as a stand alone service. That doesn’t mean there’s not a market for it – I just don’t have a lot of information.
Hello I’m starting my new trucking business as owner operator and I have my own truck it’s financed by a company so I need for some gov grant to help me out and buy my trailer.
currently I’m paying $1,000.00 per month looking for some grant that could help me on buying my own trailer.
Please let me know if there’s any sources to get in touch.
Thanks
You’ll need to use the resources in this article to research grant opportunities. Unfortunately with so many different grants out there it’s impossible to keep track of them all.
It is a welcome development
I have child care business so I need grants for help, update the child care everything getting expensive. We have 3 child in my daycare. Thanks
Lalita – We hope the resources in this article will help you search for grants for your daycare business, unfortunately we can’t don’t that for you. This article may also be useful.
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Can I get a government grant to publish my book that I have written?
Patsy – You’ll need to use the resources we supplied to research whether there may be grants for what you are trying to accomplish.
Hi Patsy. You can self-publish ebooks and paperbacks for free with Kindle Direct Publishing or KDP through Amazon. Millions of readers just waiting to discover your book! Good Luck 🙂
I would like to start a business of Hot Shot. I know some of the business when I was working as a truckdriver. Hot shot with a smaller truck and trailer. I have contact that will haelp me in the hot shot business.
Since the first virus hi all my clients have had the project stopped me from a job and now two years of not being able to work lm now getting my own business in place and taking all the jobs I can get it has been very difficult to get it going and I’m in need of some tools because I have been robed and have not gotten any help with tools being purchased the grant is for me to buy tools
Hello, I am looking to start a business. I want to start a soccer development center for kids 4-18 years old. I consider it a school since they will be giving the fundamentals to improve their skills and will be taken to tournaments around the country. I will be working with local and international scouts to help and guide this kids to achieve the dream of playing at an elite level one day. I am looking for information about all that will be needed to obtain a grant to start with the basic and get the development center running.
Thank you.
Since you are at the idea stage it sounds like your first step will be to come up with a business plan. You can reach out to your local SBA resource partner for free assistance with that step. If you want to set up a nonprofit, you’ll find information here.
I’m a in daycare I’m looking for grants to build my business to make more space for my disability and special needs kids
Barbara – this article may help.
Hi there,
I’d like to start a juicebar buisiness and I have a business plan set up, the stuff I need to run the store and the menu. I’d like to be sent into the right direction to get a grant to start the business. I’m a minority and 51 will be women owned
Rebeca – feel free to reach out to Nav’s Credit & Lending team for information on your options.
Good morning,
Ms. Guillory,
What and where is a best place to ask you direct questions, I have a few I’m looking forward to speaking with you soon, thanks for any and all the help you can give.
Sincerely.
Mr. Artis Tyrone.
Tyrone – please feel free to post questions as comments on the blog.
Hi my name is Chris I have a auto detailing business I’m finding myself having to go back to a factory in the winter. Business does well in spring summer slow in fall dead in winter. My overhead for my personal & business eats up the $ . Can’t upgrade equipment or get more education to grow business the money is going to my overhead maintenance supply’s rent home overhead what do I do
Chris – My best suggestion is for you to meet with an SBA Resource Partner such as SCORE or your Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to get help with your business. They can help you work on creating a sustainable business plan – and they help for free! Find your local resource partner here.
Hello I’m a Home healthcare p provider I’ve been working at this since 2013 I would really like to do something business-wise for the veterans and the homeless provide a safe place while getting them back on their feet again so I’m thinking of a non-profit organization I’d like to get a grant to help those who have lost help or just can’t manage to get back to where they were and it’s very hard I’m a single parent and I know that I’d like to give back
I am trying for a grant I been self employed since 2005 covid19 has really hurt my business how can I get help
I’m so sorry to hear what a rough time you’ve had in your business Jerry. I would really encourage you to set up a FREE consultation with your local Small Business Development Center and/or SCORE chapter. They can help you understand federal COVID-relief funds that may be available and also help you with advice that may help you pivot your business. Again, they help entrepreneurs for free. Find your local SBA resource partner here.
I tried to receive the GoFund Me grant. I believe I did everything required and raised sufficient funds to qualify. I did not receive any money. I emailed several times and only received standard replies as to the requirements. They never explained what I was missing to qualify. Can anyone help me to troubleshoot this?
Yes my name is Larry I’m trying to start my own business but due to covid-19 I have not been able to Startup small business I am currently trying to start a pressure washing business but don’t know how to get a loan or a grant to get my business rolling is there any way that you can point me and the right direction
A great resource for you Larry would be your SBA resource partner such as your Small Business Development Center or SCORE. They offer free help to individuals starting businesses. Find your local offices here.
Hi my name Lemoyne Pate & Annie Pate (wife) I’m trying to get a small business grant for my business. I don’t know who to talk with to get the Grant. Can you please help me?
Annie – We hope the resources in the article will help you research grant opportunities but we don’t provide that service. Nav helps businesses find financing so if you decide to look for a loan we’d be happy to help.
Is there a way to talk to somebody on the phone about getting my business going again. It was going for over 30 years but lost it because of covid
Susan – I’m sorry to hear what you’ve been through. I would encourage you to get free help from your local SBA resource partner such as your Small Business Development Center (SBDC) or SCORE. They offer free help to small business owners. Find local help here.
Hello, Looking for a little advise,
I am currently working through the process of taking the lead in establishing a non profit organization. The primary goals is share in efforts to decrease food insecurities by serving as a fund distribution organization to low income and food desert communities in both rural and urban areas. Funds will be used to establish and maintain community gardens, as well as provide support to community food pantries. I hear so much about the many opportunities on the internet to assist with “start up” funds to begin such a journey. I have applied for some of the small grants with no luck. I mean nothing…The goal right now is for us to try and find resources to acquire our office equipment first. Such as Computers(2), software and office supplies. Once the 501(c) 3 status has been approved and we acquire the last credential to apply for government grants, we are hoping to then be able to be funded and begin our service.
Does anyone have any suggestions on the best route that we can take to try to acquire small start up grants? We would really appreciate your steering us in the right direction, as we are not having much luck at all!!!. We are assuming that the demand is so high and the organization providing these types of grants are being overwhelmed maybe? Any thoughts?
Thanks
Thank you
Hi im looking for help to start a green house for growing fruits and vegetables hydroponically. Could you give any advice where to go?
The first place I’d start is with your local SBA resource partner (SCORE or SBDC for example). Their services are free and they can help you start the process of planning your business. As far as grants go, you may want to see if there are state or federal agriculture grants available. The resources in this article can help you search for grants.
I have a electric Construction company what would be the best grant to apply for
Vincent – Unfortunately, with so many different grant programs it’s impossible for us to tell you which one is the best fit for your business. We hope the resources in this article will be helpful in your search.
Yes I would be a general contractor.
Gerri, I have a website business that promotes independent filmmakers related to hunting, fishing, and other outdoor-related activities. The turnover is mostly related to building sponsors that advertise their products on the network and some from the partner (filmmaker) fees. The business slowed down before the pandemic but it has been a deep struggle to get sponsors to sign up for advertising since. Selling ad space can be tough in general and with others struggling through the pandemic it has obviously made it even more unique. I do have an LLC for this business. Can you give me some advice on my best direction to seek a grant or support of some kind?
Todd – I wish I could advise but there are so many different programs that I can’t advise which are specific to your business. Our webinar on how to find and get grants may be of help. I would also highly recommend you connect with your local SBDC and/or SCORE chapter to see what local resources may be available to you. It’s free. Find that help here.
Ok, thanks!
Hi. Are PPP loans no longer being made? I see a banner on your website that says SBA is no longer providing. I just saw your video, thank you for the info. Also saw the SBA’s PPP application online. I didn’t know they had changed the rules, I hadn’t applied earlier because I do not have W2 employees. Do you know what lenders/entities are still accepting applications? No one in my area is doing these. The banks that did stopped processing them early on and never opened them back up.
At this moment there is limited funding left and the SBA is only accepting applications from CDFIs and MBIs. You can try applying but my sense is there are more applications pending than funding available. Until the SBA closes it completely though, it’s worth a try. (And perhaps Congress will authorize additional funding…?)
Hello, I’m from Nigeria, is there any of these grants my local business qualifies for or how do I take advantage of any available and outside my region. Thanks
Unfortunately at the time Nav is unable to help small businesses outside the US.
Marian Washington I am working with this company Davison Invention company . They are going to make my invention come alive by making my Idea and finding a company that will do my production and to put my idea into stores. I need funding to get things start I need $50,000 in funding can you help me I am desperate to get things going. They are waiting on more funding I just don’ t have anymore funding .
Marian – Whether you can get a loan depends on your credit and other qualifications. If you open a Nav account we’ll help match you to financing options.
My name is Rob, I lost my buisness due to covid, I used all my personal assets to try and survive but unfortunately I could not. I was denied a eidl loan last summer. Now I’m left with buisness loans with personal guarantees and have complications from covid. If there any kind of assistance out there to help me
Rob – I’m so sorry to hear that. I would recommend you at least talk with a bankruptcy attorney to understand your legal rights and responsibilities. The National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys would be a good place to start.
For all business do they need to be a LLC and EIN to apply for a grant?
Not necessarily, no.
I am a senior women who owns a small hair salon in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. I would appreciate any help you could give me in the form of a grant. I have not been able to get anything from the government. It’s a disgrace. There say there is help in grants but I haven’t seen any. Thank you. Have a great day
Linda – the best place to start is with your local SBA resource partners. They can help you for free to identify local opportunities and to grow your business. Beyond that, we hope you’ll find the resources in the article helpful but we aren’t able to search for you.
Hey i lost my business due to covid i could not afford rent anymore can i get agrant am really struggling
Phylis – I’m so sorry to hear about what you’ve been through. Please reach out to your local SBA resource partners to find out what options you may have for restarting your business. They offer free assistance to small businesses. Find your local office here.
I lost my job because of the covid so how do get grant to start business
thank you
Berhana – We’re so sorry to hear that. We recommend you connect with your local SBA resource partner (SCORE, Small Business Development Center, Women’s Business Center) for free help to start your business. While they don’t offer grants they can be very helpful in getting your business off the ground.
I am building a custom built packing machine for the Medical Marijuana Extraction Industry. My plan is to build and sell these one of a kind ergonomically effective devices to every extraction company in the Mid-West to start with. Each order will be to custom spec and will have a wait time. How do i get capital for equipment and material?
Bobby – If you set up a free Nav account our Credit & Lending Team will be happy to assist you in understanding your financing options. You can set up a time to talk to them – no pressure.
I started a business and it failed cause of the pandemic I want to start it back up and I need help with funding or a grant.i am not tech smart can u help me please
Two resources I recommend you consider:
1. Connect with your local SBA resource partner such as your Small Business Development Center or SCORE. They provide FREE mentoring which often includes face-to-face help (depending on COVID policies).
2. If you can, watch our free webinar about how to get a small business grant. It will give you suggestions for resources. Then you can ask your local library for help researching grants if you decide to pursue that.
Hi
Starting my own small business. I’m registered.
I need $10000 grant to revitalize my commercial ventures that would also benefit lots of people.
Im a doordash driver do we qualify for this
Yes Elizabeth you may qualify for EIDL and/or PPP. For PPP I recommend you read this article and apply soon.
This article is very informative and has alot of information on Grant’s and loans..
Thanks for the kind words!
That’s very helpful for small bussiness, which really release partial of pressure to small bussiness. Good social resource for small bussiness recovered.Thank you for suppling so useful advice. Wish more small businesses go out of strap through pandemic.
Hello i started my car dealership during the pandemic how ever i need funds for inventory can you point in the direction which grant is best to go for
Jackie – I suspect it’s going to be tough to find a grant for that purpose. However, you can always research options using the resources we mentioned in this article. You may find out you need to look for financing or investors instead.
Hi my husband and I own a small business in plumbing he is a certified and has all his credentials in plumbing and medical gas, he does everything on his own he is a hard worker that needs to get an office and trucks so he can bring a crew together. We need a loan to help him get at least 2 trucks and a office. What do you recommend ? Credit score is okay
Yoana – if he signs up for a free Nav account he can then set up a time to talk to our credit and lending specialists to see what options may be available to him.
I am in oil and gas having hard times now can start a small hotshot business have made contact with companies that will keep me hauling for them I just have to get a 3\4 ton truck or bigger
My fiancé owns his own business Strickler&Sons fencing company but when Covid hit us here in Pa everything was shutting down so he is looking for grants to help buy equipment and etc what grants are the best for us to apply for.
Brooke – I’m sorry to hear how difficult it’s been for him. Unfortunately I can’t say what’s best for his business. He’s going to have to research options to see what he may be eligible for. I hope the resources we shared here will help him in his search. I would definitely encourage him to also check out PPP which can be forgiven.
Hello, I have a firewood business that I have been building for the last two years. With covid hitting and the last year the business has grown. It has grown so much that I can’t keep up with supply that is being demanded. I started out the first year by myself and now have hired another person to help with the work load but still can’t keep up. I have researched and have found a few ways that will help my business keep up. I own 5 chainsaws and cut 6 days a week for 8 hour days. The work load is very difficult. If I could get help purchasing a firewood processor and a piece of equipment would sure help me grow my small business. Where do u recommend I should look to get the best assistance with expanding my business?
Raymond – Have you signed up for Nav? It’s free, and we match you to financing options that may allow you to get funding to buy the equipment you need. Our Credit & Lending team is always happy to talk with you about financing options – no pressure.
I need help
Hy i have a business of making atchar and send to deference places but since corona starts i have a lot of damages that leads me to go down so i don’t know how can I get help
I’m not sure I fully understand your question but it sounds like a great place for you to start would be to reach out to your Small Business Development Center and/or SCORE. Both of those organizations provide FREE mentoring to small business owners. Find your local office here.
My friend has a mechanic shop at his home. Covid has really affected his business. I’m trying to help him find out if there are any kind of grants or monies available to help him during this pandemic. He does the work himself and has no employees.
He should definitely check out PPP. Beyond that I hope the resources in this article will be helpful for looking into other options.
I am a small business owner, I have 14 commercial retail spaces. With this Pandemic my commercial building have been closed. I have fallen behind on some payments with bank. Now they want to take the plazas from me. I have a lot of equity in the building’s. But bank refuses to work with me. I’m drawing and need help refinance using my equity. Please help!
Michael, please reach out to Nav’s Credit & Lending team to see if there are options for you. You can call them at 844-636-2445 or schedule an appointment through your Nav acccount. (If you don’t have a Nav account you can set one up for free at Nav.com.)
I am a single woman landlord who hasn’t been paid rent since March 2020 is there any relief for me what should I do how do I start
Tracy – You may be able to qualify for an EIDL loan. Learn more about that program here. I would also recommend you reach out to SCORE or your SBDC to see what other relief may be available.
I have a roll number I have my un card I travel to pow wows craft shows incestables selling my spiritual things that I make my small Hobby has died from all of the covid-19 I do not know how long continue not making any money with my spiritual things I make I do not know if there is free money out there handcraft dream catchers make beaded earrings Exedra
I became a home maker for 24 years after I married my husband who is now devorcing me because he’s in love with a younger woman from work. I have nothing, and no one. I don’t even have a car as my husband sold it to by a truck few years back. I would like a grant to buy a four plex and rent it out as income so I can survive. I am afflicted with agoraphobia and working outside a home is very difficult. Soon I will be homeless. I hope I can get some help.
Thank you.
I appreciate the ability to read AND understand this entire article. Thank you for the down-to-earth tone and the honest advice on requirements and expectations. I am confident in my grant writing skills, but I know my business concept is going to put me in a position where I’m up against some major players. I want to be as educated and prepared as possible before I begin. Thank you for the resources!
You’re welcome! We also have a webinar coming up with SCORE about small business grants. You can register here.
Hello Amy
I was just starting my personal chief and special events catering service when the pandemic hit. I could see that my services were going to be a hit. But now I have had to move and need to start all over again. Is there someone who might be able to help me get back on my feet?
Thanks
Cathey
I’m so sorry to hear that Cathey. Have you tried reaching out to your local Small Business Development Center or SCORE? They offer free assistance to small business owners, and may also be able to direct you to local grants or assistance programs.
I would like to get a free grant so I can open up me a small engine & tractor repair. I work for someone else,love to have my own business and to accomplish something in life. I’ve been working on small engine for 21 yrs….
We are a minority woman owned small beauty salon. Covid has kill our business. Even when they opened up again we were only able to take appointments. No walk-ins. Just being closed has left our customer base way down. Rent, utilities, etc still have to be paid. Would we qualify for a grant of some sort?
Maria – Please read our new articles about EIDL and PPP.
I am trying to get my home IMPROVEMENT service back on track need help with another small line of $50,000
If you are looking for a small business loan feel free to sign up for a Nav account. It’s free and you’ll see any available loan matches. You can also talk with our Credit & Lending team at any time.
I am trying to start a nonprofit organisation to help make things for people as a small business Do I need a LLC
Not necessarily. I’d recommend you get legal advice on the best structure for your nonprofit.
Iam trying to start a second hand store in these hard times for people I need about 15 thousand dollars to start my business
David – I’ll be honest it’s going to be a lot of work to find a grant to start a second hand store. You’re probably better off trying to look for financing. I’d recommend you start by watching our Youtube video on start up financing and I’d really encourage you to meet with SBDC or SCORE who can help you with starting your business. They offer free assistance.
hi I own a Tanning salon … I also am a hairstylist I work out of Tanning salon I have no employees at the moment I cannot afford payroll .. hardly making bills late on all… I could use the money for bills and pay roll .
thanks in advance
Shawnbakers@yahoo.com
I own a spa and I am a massage therapist – Covid has closed our doors for so many months and we are finding ourselves closed again – I am in jeopardy of losing this business I have had for 18 years – I still have all my bills and rent and zero income – I could use a grant to help me catch up –
I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW TO APPLY FOR APPLY FOR GRANT FOR SMALL WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS
Is it too late to apply for a small business grant for this year?
Each grant has different deadlines so it depends on the grant.
The comments was a great help to me. But I still need to apply for a grant to start up my own small business, and from the comments it will be really hard.
We are a one man Farm Drainage company. Have not worked since covid-19 started. We are trying to live on social security and pay business bills and loans off. Am living virtually on nothing. Could use some cash flow immediately.
Have you thought of starting a gofund me account asking for anyone who wants to help people get employment to donate to your company. who knows maybe you’ll get enough donations you would be able to help the bigger companys.
I have a rental and kayak touring business that I recently started up last year but due the slowing of activities in contact with others the business has really took a quite a debt where my insurance runs me $650 a month and then my taxes are coming up my renew for my Hillsborough county taxes are coming up my license plates are coming up lots of bills are adding up I picked up a full-time job during the day to work to try to make ends meet unfortunately this is not meeting my kayaking business goes for the mango groves here for The preserve and Hillsborough county I was setting up to work with Tampa Bay clean up crew to become a siteman site captain there for cleanup on the Cockroach Bay road with severely needs it unfortunately trying to get this ready going again for the cleanup on the boat ramps and waterways for the Cockroach Bay and kayaking trails I had set up also for helping out with the handicap with the children and needs program for fishing tournaments with it is set up for the use of life jackets preserves and equipment for them to be able to go out to the fishing tournament but it’s benefit program unfortunately I am unable to proceed in this process because of financial problems
Erica – if you are still looking for assistance you may want to check out the new EIDL grants and new PPP loans.
I’m interested in a Small Business Grant because of Coviv19 business has lost work and employees cut back reason of slow work and shutting down. Has not been able to fully come back. Rent and other financial needs. Please consider assistance help me please, I am working free to open my business everyday ,
Taruna,
We provide information about COVID-19 assistance grants but we do not make those grants. You’ll need to reach out to the organizations making these grants.
Do you know some legit places that are doing the grants?
I need to find grants for non-profits. Can you help with that??
We hope the articles we’ve provided will give you a place to start in your research but you’ll either need to do the research yourself or hire someone to help you.
Hi I’ve done home and property estate clean outs for the past 10 years. I offer my services free of charge and I am given all the property left after an estate sale ends my jobs is to remove everything left inside and out including garbage I then would earn my living by selling items by swap meet and posting adds on the internet I am overwhelmed with merchandise due to the pandemic which has halted my sales I need a building to sell my merchandise ranging from A to Z can I get help for this thrifty business I have called RM Property Services
Roger, I would recommend a couple of things. The first is for you to connect with your local Small Business Development Center (SBDC) or SCORE. They offer free help to small business owners in their community. Find your local office at SBA.gov/tools. Second if you are looking to buy real estate you’ll either be looking for an owner selling their own property and willing to carry the note (let you make payments), a commercial real estate loan or perhaps an SBA 504 loan. If you set up a free Nav account you can discuss options with one of our credit & lending specialists.
I am a small roofing and remodeling company I just started and I need help legtifying my company pls help.
Jonathan, have you set up a free Nav account? If so that would be a good start. This article may help as well: 14 Step Checklist to Make Your Business Legitimate
I am looking for a grant to buy my own building to start my own daycare business
It may be hard to find a grant to buy a building. But there may be programs that can help you finance a daycare business as well as some smaller grants that may help. You may want to review this article as well.
My painting business has drastically slowed due to covid, constantly am getting cancellations. I need help to advertise.
Pls I want decoration business, pls I need d money to start up
This video on start up financing may help.
Hi I need Grant for my business due to covid 19 pandemic my business capital very low, awaiting your kind consideration.
We don’t make grants for COVID-19 relief unfortunately. You may want to contact your local SBDC or SCORE office for referrals and assistance.
can I get a grant to improve my mobile home park?
While we hope the resources in this article are helpful for researching grants, there are thousands of grants out there and we aren’t able to research specific ones.
Please I need a grant to help my business that as been affected because of covid pls help me
My recommendation is that you reach out to your local Small Business Development Center and/or SCORE office to find out what’s available. They offer free mentoring to small businesses. Find local help here.
Great work/research Susan. (((HUGS)))
My son is wanting to start a construction /roofing business is there any free grants
It will be hard to find a grant for that type of start up. But you may want to encourage him to reach out to their local Small Business Development Center and/or SCORE office to find out what’s available. They offer free mentoring to small businesses. Find local help here.
Please, I want buy mechanical equipment for my business ok
I was curious of your opinion of attempting to write up a business plan and use Grant’s and means of approved for a drive in theatre set up post Corona. I have several u uque ideas that I wanna keep to myself ofcourse but this would be in a rural town and help create jobs and give teens parents and young children something to do as we have nothing here. Although we are on a major highway between 2 interstates in florida.
I have a small shop in the town of electrical second hand,we buy and we sell,phones,computers,tvs,console gaming etc
We repair and we have Internet service for printing as well.
We are trading since 2019/08 and became LTD on April 2020.
We are really struggling to keep the shop after covid19.
We been trying bounce back loan but all banks is refusing new customers.
We have a business account but is not a hight street bank.
There is any other grant we could apply for??
Marlize – I’m sorry to hear how your business is struggling. I’d encourage you to connect with your local SBDC and/or SCORE office. They offer free assistance to business owners and may be able to alert you to local grants or assistance programs.
When you write “good for existing businesses” does that mean revenue or can it be a startup? I’m beyond the idea phase. I’m technically operational, just pre revenue. Would you recommend any of these to me or do I just head to SBA resources?
These programs are typically for businesses with revenues but you will need to check each program’s requirements.
Hi I have business of restaurant but due to covid I loss my income. Now looking for grand to restart
My business is Agriculture. We have been hit hard by the virus In the spring when we opened for the season no one was getting out So our monthly income dropped drastically Our business had large orders for strawberries in the spring and apples in the fall both were canceled because so many working from home Now it is the fall and things have not gotten any better We normally have school groups come for fall field trips and since schools are still closed we will not have that income coming in either We do fall festivals for added income and they have all been canceled. I’m almost at the end of my money We need a grant not a loan Building payment are coming due and payments for our stocked items. So where can you direct me
I’m interested in a Small Business Grant because of Coviv19 business has lost work and employees cut back reason of slow work and shutting down. Has not been able to fully come back. Rent and other financial needs. Please consider assistance.
I don’t understand. I’ve had my Cleaning business since 2007. Sole proprietor. And I was denied for the PPP the EDIL and the bridge grant 2 other grants. I don’t understand why?? Or what to do. I’m really going under here and need any kind of help.
I’m so sorry to hear that Carrie. You may want to reach out to your local Small Business Development Center and/or SCORE for assistance. They offer free counseling to help business owners and may know of local assistance programs. Find your local offices here.
Thanks for making the world a wonderful place for people to live by meeting their needs
I’m trying to get the small business owner grant for my fiance.
Hi I am interested in your grant, I am running a mini butcher, I need to buy iquipments and I have a land no structure, I am running it in my garage I will be very appreciated if I could get help for my butcher shop
. I would like to see if l can get Government Grants in my home for Babies or one and two years old while there parents work or want to help give someone a job .l am trying to get some help to startup my business new born to 6moths old
I need to warn you it’s hard to find grants for startup businesses. You can certainly try reaching out to your local SBA resource partners (visit SBA.gov/tools) to find out if there are programs like that.
Could someone point me to grants that are available for a business that started on April 2020. All grants require to have been in business since February 15th 2020. Thank you
Nelson – I’d encourage you to get help from your local SCORE chapter or SBDC office. Use the SBA local assistance locator to find one in your area. They may be able to direct you to local resources that can help.
I am a homebased travel agent looking for resources to continue providing services to my clients. The travel industry has been very slow due to COVID-19 so many are not traveling. I have been in the business for 10 years and need grant resources information to continue my business. I would definitely would be interested in receiving information so that I am able to continue motivating clients to travel and experience something new.
Hi,
How can I get money to open a Small Business Grants COVID-19 Relief
Is there someone I can talk to over the phone ?
Patricia – Your best bet is to reach out to your local SCORE chapter or SBDC office. Use the SBA local assistance locator to find help in your area. They offer free assistance to small business owners.
Ive been promoting safe drug use/harm reduction for years by giving “kits” (for iv users) to people in the city i live in im looking for grant for funds to include face mask, hand sanitizer. Im trying to expand by going farther into the homeless encampment. Do you know of any grants
This sounds like a nonprofit grant. Most of our information is aimed at small business grants. I’d recommend you start your search at Grants.gov.
All I want to do is by a truck, so I can support my mother and my ladyfriend and her daughter, and help others if possible. I’m been working all my life for others that, takes advantage of others, I’ve been working all my life, as a trucker that’s all I know I’m asking for help that’s all. Yours truly
Most of the top 8 grants are outdated from 2018.
Good day pls, I need money to start small scale business, am a private school teacher, ever since the pandemic, no work and no one is ready to pay, pls am dying
Hi I am a poor man, I used to work in an educational institution, now it is closed, and I have lost my job, now I want to run a battery powered auto risk business, but I have no one to backup, so I am asking you for help.
My suggestion is you get help from your local SCORE chapter or SBDC office. Use the SBA local assistance locator to find your local office. They offer free help to entrepreneurs.
I am a small business owner operator and I am in need of help keeping my business as an essential business running
Raymond – I would encourage you to reach out to your local SCORE chapter or SBDC office. They provide free assistance. Use the SBA local assistance locator to locate your local office.
I am a home based travel agent. Thought my host agency provides a lot of marketing tools, I, as an individual travel agent, still need to market my business to be able to provide a “show and tell” to clients or potential clients. Travel is key when being a travel agent but I can’t afford too. Is there a grant that would allow me to use the monetary gift for traveling as an expense?
Hello, Is there a grant to help me to help others by having an outreach in my state. I need funds for that, please advise. My husband and I want to help the homeless in our community and give food to people who need it right now. How can I get funds for that?
Debby – You’re likely looking for grants for charitable organizations but our information is primarily focused on grants for for-profit businesses.
Hi,my husband and I opened a Trading company,we are trying so hard to find grants so that the company can get going.We just need to get a property where we can work,we need to buy chemicals,tools and other things so we dont know where to go and we want to start very soon.Hope we’ll hear from you soon.Thanks.Kind Regards.
It is hard to get a grant for a startup small business. I would recommend you start by contacting your local SBA resource partner such as SCORE for free mentoring to help you get your business started successfully.
Great article.
Hi yes my self and my partner we trying to open up like a small breakfast and lunch spot we need the grant to open it up we just need 10,000 how do i go about getting a grant to start up
It’s hard to get a grant to start a brand new business. I’d start your efforts by connecting to your local SBDC or SCORE. They provide free mentoring to entrepreneurs.
need help
I have a small business that I opened about less than a year. I do have another job that I pay my small business with but it is getting hard to keep it up I’m locked in to my Lease for another two yrs. This is my first business so I don’t know much about all these grants.I don’t know who to talk to about getting the right information about the grants. It seems like I’m just getting the runaround about this situation.Maybe this will be the exception
If I got grant I would start fixing up some of these empty houses, to bring down crime.
I have heard many people received the small business grant that don’t have small businesses. They lied on the application. Why would you just give $10,000 to anyone who puts their name and a number of employees on an application? I know people personally who have done this that don’t even have a job. My husband works a meat plant that his coworkers have done this and woke up to $10,000 in their banks. Now small businesses that do need the grant to stay afloat can’t get anything because the funds are exhausted. Shame on you for not having to do a more in detail application and just giving any yahoo money!
This is something I have been needing for many years. With alot of hard work and help from my family and a few friends I have a business that does provide a service for over half of this City. I will help in community projects all around our Country to ensure the well being of our people.
It won’t be good for them when the Feds come knocking asking what you did with the money
So I guess if I’m in a trucking business that repaired roads city streets and any type of road construction to help maintain our rush in traffic and keep everyone happy on the smooth roads and work a lot of night shifts just so traffic is not delayed and because of the pandemic I am going broke waiting for jobs to start there is no grants or loans to keep the road trucking business guy going?? Just so yo know i have been trying to get this started since march.. now making payments on the equipment since march.. Insurance and equipment payments are about to break me.. need help
PPP or EIDL may be options for your business.
So I guess if I’m in a trucking business that repaired roads city streets and any type of road construction to help maintain our rush in traffic and keep everyone happy on the smooth roads and work a lot of night shifts just so traffic is not delayed and because of the pandemic I am going broke waiting for jobs to start there is no grants or loans to keep the road trucking business guy going??
Wes – Have you considered applying for PPP? For many lenders today is the last day to apply so I want to make sure you are aware of that option. You can apply here.
Also EIDL is available directly through the SBA. Here’s an article that may help: Frequently Asked Questions About Applying for SBA Disaster Loans Due to Coronavirus
TIME IS TOUGH JUST TRYING STAY UP AND GOING
I have non for profit organization which is 501(c)(3). Our main focus is to provide shelter,food and counseling to the homeless or those who may become homeless
do to losing their home. Is their a grant I can apply for to help us to better serve the community.
You’ll need to research grants to find them. I hope the resources in this article will be helpful as you do that.
Great article,
It is wonderful to see company’s rally together during these challenging times. Some ones to add to the list:
1. Covid19 Resilience Grant – this is aimed to help support app-based startups that are positively benefiting the community, with up to $10,000 in ad credit for each eligible startup. Open to 20 countries. https://appsamurai.com/covid19-resilience-grant/
2. Assist Her Business Relief for businesses that have been negatively affected by the pandemic. I believe this is U.S. only based though. https://twu.edu/center-women-entrepreneurs/assisther-emergency-relief-grant/
Hi I am running a business out of my house for 3 years I would like to build a new building for my business. Is there any grants for that.
Unfortunately I don’t know details of all of the thousands of grants out there. I hope the resources in this article will be helpful to you as you research grants.
Hi! My husband, I and a few friends are trying to find a grant to start a business. There is a place already set up for what we want to do. Just need the help of getting the property getting the tools and some supplies to get started. I don’t know how to go about doing this but we all want to do this as soon as possible.
Larissa – We provide these resource as a starting point but you’ll have to research specific grants yourself. Just to warn you – it’s hard to find grants to start a business. I suggest you get help from your local SCORE chapter or SBDC office. Use the SBA local assistance locator to find help in your area.
I have an on line used furniture business that was successfull for over a year until the corona pandemic.I shut down for 3 months. Was exposed to corona virus both me and my son are disabled and are suffering financially because of the pandemic. I am hoping to get a grant of $10000 . Any suggestions? I did manage to hold onto one of my 3 warehouse of furniture
Did you apply for PPP and EIDL? Those are my first suggestions.
Hello, I had questions about 2 ideas I had about grants. The first one was about getting a grant to open a community center for the youth. I was thinking pool tables, games, food, ect.. even counselors available if needed or after school care. I’m a social worker in a rural town and there’s no place for the youth to hang out or no place for activities. There’s not even a movie theatre here. One must travel 35 miles to another town.
My second inquiry is about about opening a bakery/sandwich/snack shop. All homemade items and pick up. I would need a few kitchen items. I already have a building and am serv safe certified. What grants could I look into for this?
Shaundra – We’ve listed these resources as places you may look to for grants but you’ll need to do the research yourself in terms of what may be available to you. Most grants don’t fund ideas however. Since you’re still in the inquiry phase I recommend you get from your local SCORE chapter or SBDC office. Use the SBA local assistance locator to find help in your area.
I currently a female mobile Maintenance technician with a basic Auto tech certificate from the Texas workforce commission in 2007 and have had experience in a broad range of technical maintenance areas and administration. I decided to go independent and mobile after the covid 19 stimulus check and used it to buy basic hands tools. Since then I’ve built clientele in the area and have since spent over $2,000 on tools but I’m in need of the more expensive diagnostics equipment to do my job effectively. I’m working out of my new car right now but I’m setting up a service truck I already own to serve my operation better. Is there a grant I can get to aid in obtaining the more costly specialty equipment I need? The return profit will pay for the software and operating costs I need as well
Alexa,
You’ll have to research these programs to find out what may be available but it can be hard to get a grant for a startup business. I’d suggest you start by reaching out to your local Small Business Development Center (SBDC) or SCORE office. They offer free small business help. Find your local office here.
I’m starting a painting House business. And I need all the equipment. A air sprayer painting machine and a generator and a trailer to haul off my equipment loan to go spray houses
Looking forward
Looking forward
I am just getting started in my business healthy buckets
I specialize in soil and composting. I grow every thing in buckets and large containers. But I have not earn money from my busniness yet. I need money for hoop or tunnel house and land. But.i dont have a busniness license yet. Because I have not earn any business for my work. Can I still get a grant to help until I do?…thankyou!
I have Day Spa and acupuncture wellness center in Coral Springs Florida
I’ve are Carlos and Arelis Vasquez owners of a small mom and pop dry cleaning service. We have cleaned many outfits for the unemployed going for interviews. We have a sign on our window which reads if you are unemployed and need an outfit cleaned for a interview we will clean it for FREE. We have been doing this for 19 years now with every few donations. Lately we have been contact by agencies. I cannot supply free cleaning for agencies because it’s too much but we agree on doing like 2 to 3 a month for some agencies. We do this to give back to the community. We would like to know if there are any interested donors who would like to help us continue this popular cause. Our story is on YouTube under Carlos and Arelis Vasquez.
I want to buy machines woodwork and Blinds that’s why I’m looking grants I have four people now working under me please help thank you in advance
I’m a poultry farmer where by I produced the eggs for human consumption and I need the grants for the expansion of my poultry farm, so that I will be able to produced in a very large quantity and employ more labour…..
I actually started my business in support of victims of domestic violence and abuse called Bold Expression LLC. It’s a womens fashion accessories store that promotes finding your self worth and then owning that by providing the tools needed to be free to create boundaries, be who you are, and expressing that in your style with respect for your self and those around you. I provide affordable tip tier quality make up, jewelry, makeup, and all things that accessorize personality. My hope is to use the funds from sales to fund my own shelter and program creating support for those who understand that there is nothing normal about domestic violence and want to break the cycle for themselves ending the cycle for their children by retraining our brains to shift the thought process
Hello im michael and I have actually already started doing home remodeling work but I would like to know if there is a grant that would help me get my business going better so im not having to struggle between start and finish of each job
thank=
Michael,
Each business grant has different requirements but I think it will be challenging to find one for the situation you are describing. I think you’d be better off looking for financing sources to help improve cash flow. Vendor accounts are one, and business credit cards are another you may want to consider. Feel free to reach out to Nav’s Credit & Lending Team at 844-636-2445 to go over your options.
My Lisa Pugh just getting started with my business starting my sports camp for inner city girls age 9yrs to 16yrs my Grant’s are needed to help on sports equipment that is highly needed in our community were our youths need structure and guidance with being active and learning discipline.
Mike,
talk to your local banks about lines of credit. also, see if your area has a local SCORE.org chapter, or a SBDC (small business development center), or your local chamber of commerce. all these provide free business help/guidance. Lastly, make sure you know how to properly bid/quote jobs as you don’t want to be too low where you lose money should a job take longer or involve more than you thought it would.
Have you filed a schedule C for 2019? If you have then you should look at the SBA EDIL loan. It’s not a grant but having the same type of company for 23 years now I wish I could have got the loan they are offering now when I first started. It honestly would have put me in a much better position than I’m in. I’m not complaining about where I am just saying it took a decade of struggles between jobs to get to where I can comfortably wait for a check rather than chasing my checks constantly and any bounced check would have ruined my entire company. Luckily I have great customers I get lots of scam calls and checks in mail about 1 per month and one of those would have ruined me in the beginning so don’t hurry to advertise on internet. I am a by Referal only company and it’s saved me from scammers many times just the bad deposit fees alone the one time I accidentally deposited a scammers check was horrible.
Anyway the SBA loan was easy very helpful and amazing re-payment terms for a construction company good luck and you needed to not listen to 75% of articles on the internet about the horrible EDIL loans and the difficult requirements. If you’re legit you won’t have any problems with the SBA loan terms and the things every website says about the loans is information on old SBA loans not the current SBA disbursed money.
Great article
I’m looking to open up a Nurse Health Coach business. I would need s grant to assist in the startup and travel to different locations for presentations.
Good afternoon, how to apply for the grants for a start up business?
Celine,
Every grant program is different. You’ll need to research ones you believe are appropriate for your business and then read their guidelines carefully. This article may help: How to Win a Business Grant
Is this for real or this a scam???
This article was really informative for start-up funding and grant qualifications.
i love the article and legwork you did. After many years of many grants and of doing everything perfectly right and answering every grant question to a tee with a small amount of innovation statements, i only secured 2. I still find there a a select few who always get the grant. its like a secret society of known universities, professor names, agencies, and what seems like a secret lingo. Many if us newbies don’t even bother anymore and this is coming from someone who was often designated as the PI.
I have managed to buy a small piece of land I am hoping to turn into a haven for bees and butterflies making welsh honey. I need help with financing for plants etc beehives and cultivation of the land . are there any grants for this kind of business please
Hi Pauline,
As I’ve mentioned in other comments it’s hard to say which specific grants are a fit for your business. The resources we have shared here are meant to be a starting point for your research. I also encourage you to look into financing sources as that may be the best route for your new business. Check out: Where’s the Money? The Top Ten Sources for Financing and How to Qualify
I want to start a Hot Shot Services transporting equipment ,,my company will be named G/R Hot Shot Services transporting, I need a grant are there any grant available for this busines
Sidney,
It’s impossible for us to say what grants may be available for your specific business, but hopefully the resources we outlined in this article will give you a starting point for your research. I also recommend you take full advantage of the resources available through SCORE and SBDCs. Use the SBA local assistance locator to find free help in your area.
I would love to open up a good ole bingo parlor up n between chesnee n n.c. line. And i think it would be good for all ages. Just have a good time playing enjoy their selfs. I need to find the best way to find a grant that would help me get ready n open up with a grand opening also to get my equipment supplies to operate it. Any information would be helpful
Do you want for any free grants for a small business because I want some help to open up a small business truck I we need about $50k or $70k
What can i do if i do t know how to do a financial plan in my business plan.
Michelle, are you working with an accounting professional or small business mentor? If not I’d encourage you to talk with one. Get free help from your local SCORE chapter or SBDC office. Use the SBA local assistance locator to find help in your area.
Would you, by chance, happen to know of any grants that would apply to a small trailer parts and service store? There are no facilities in my area that cater to specifically to small trailers. I already have my EIN, however I don’t have the facilities or the money for inventory. I am looking for around $5000 to start. I used to work for a trailer sales and service as a parts associate, and before that a small trailer mechanic, however 99% of their business was catered to tractor trailers. I couldn’t tell you how many people I had to turn away because they needed parts immediately and couldn’t wait for parts to be special ordered. This also creates a financial burden on small farmers in the area as they would also have to pay for shipping on special ordered parts as well as prepay for ordered parts that most any trailer parts supplier should have on the shelf. I would also cater to marine and RV trailers as well since I’m not that far from the coast, surrounded by lakes, and not far from a major interstate highway. I would also like to start an outreach program in trailer maintenance and basic mechanics for 4H and FFA as knowledge, however limited, in this area are important to our future farmers and ranchers.
I have a couple of suggestions for you. First, I’d suggest you meet with your local SBDC and/or SCORE chapter to get free help getting your business off the ground. Use the SBA local assistance locator to find help in your area.
Secondly, a grant may not be the only way to go. You may be able to get a microloan to purchase what you need to get started, for example, or even utilize a small business credit card. Get a free Nav account here to help you understand financing options.
Do you happen to know if any of the Grants would apply to a Woman owned Residential Review Appraisal Company? I need approximately $5,000-6,000 to obtain certifications in the additional states I am not currently certified in. Right now I am the only employee, but I do plan to
Andrea,
The truth is you won’t know without reading the guidelines and applying to the ones that seem right for you. Three suggestions:
1. Get help from your local SCORE chapter or SBDC office. Use the SBA local assistance locator to find help in your area. They may be tied into local funding sources.
2. Read our article on how to get business grants:
How to Win a Business Grant
3. Consider financing sources like small business credit cards or microloans if a grant isn’t an option. Our free SCORE eguide can help:
Where’s the Money? The Top Ten Sources for Financing and How to Qualify. Once you’ve reviewed that, set up a free Nav account to review your MatchFactor recommendations.
We wish you the best!
I want to start a build net house and grow anthurium plant for sale as a business . but I havent credit for start it. I need 5000$ for start.
Hi my partner and I are wanting to open a country cooking restaurant. We live in myrtle beach and there is alot of seafood places everyone is looking for southern food. I already own two successful businesses and just need 30,000 to start this business. We already have the clients who will follow us. He is already a cook and people love his cooking and will follow when he and I open. We have already LLC the business and already signed the contract and zoning and business license are complete..Let me know what we are able to be able to get
Karen,
Nav’s Credit & Lending team is always happy to talk with you about your lending options, no pressure. We work with over 100 lending options. You can reach them through the Marketplace tab in your Nav account.
I need some money to go into vegetable production. This will help me generate some income for me and also help solve problems of malnutrition in my community.
Are there any grants out there for a snow cone stand business start up? I’ve already gotten LLC and tax id
Hi Natalie! We aren’t aware of any grants specifically for snow cone stands, but there are many general-purpose grants you would qualify for. Our advice is to visit a local Small Business Development Center or SCORE office for help on local grant opportunities as well.
Hi Ben. I as well, am interested in opening and running a food truck. I haven’t been certified for food handlers or any kind of certificates as of yet, but plan on doing so soon. I have been cooking and selling food from home for several years now, (no vendors license) and have several followers interested in my food when i get things up and running. Literally begging me to hurry up I have zero credit, no bank account anymore cause of non activity, and i wanted to know what you suggest i do first. Ok first i should get a bank account haha, but Im also trying to get a grant to buy my own truck, fully furnished with all the necessary equipment, which at the low end will be about 15 grand and upwards of 35. I guess what im saying is who, what, where, when, why, and how should i go about my Small business startup?? Thanks bud
Frank – A couple of suggestions:
1. Make an appointment with your local SBDC and/or SCORE Center to access their free resources for starting a business.
2. Watch our video on financing a startup.
Is there any grants for apparel lines? I have a passion for health and fitness. I want to share that through my fitness line, any information I would appreciate. thank you.
Hi Nduna! We aren’t aware of any grants specifically for apparel lines, but there are many general-purpose grants you would qualify for. Our advice is to visit a local Small Business Development Center or SCORE office for help on local grant opportunities as well.
Hi I have a traveling mobile bus photography studio,and having a hard time finding grants.i work alone and have been closed since covid 19 shout my state down,I work really hard to stop my business, I’m 57 and it’s harder now to start over
Good info. Lately I been getting scammers trying to say they are with certain companies trying to get me to invest money into getting a grant.
So its good to know where and who the real grant funders are.
Is this a loan or a grant?
My business was affected by the covid I have a cleaning business right now I have customers that will there’s that will not allow me in the house and some will my cleaning business is on a roller coaster right now I need help
I am sorry it’s been such a tough time for your business. I encourage you to talk with your local SBA resource partner to find out what help is available to your business. They offer free assistance to small business owners.