If you're looking to land government business grants, you'll want to prepare adequately such that your grant proposal will stand out from the competition, and you want to find a grant that best matches your company's goals, which will improve your chances. Consider taking a class or reading a book on how to write winning business grant proposals, and then spend some time checking out the following sources:
Go to www.grants.gov
This Web site will list the eligibility requirements and the details of government grants for small businesses. It will educate you as to what to expect when you apply for a grant, when grant application deadlines are set and what exactly is needed from you when you apply.
Check Out www.mygovernmentresources.com
This Web site breaks down agency government grants and provides a two-minute eligibility survey that is quick and easy to use. If you are a minority, work within a specific industry or are starting up a non-profit, you will be especially interested in the category grants listed on this Web site.
Visit Your State Government Web Site
Opportunities may be available at the state level. In particular, look for local grants, industry-specific grants and project-specific grants.
Contact Community Leaders or Foundation Chairs
Ask those who are in the know about grants supporting your specific industry or trade. Many times these people will know of federal grants for small businesses that may not be widely publicized. Network through industry-specific social groups, and ask around at business conferences. Many times foundation chairs will cooperate with government agencies to make sure a specific business or project is funded; talk to the right people, and that project or business could be yours.
 | Grants for small business may appear to be free money, but the criteria you need to meet in order to receive one are strict, the applications can be complicated and the process can take months or even years to complete. |
 | Small business grants are difficult to find, but can make a significant difference in the start up of your small business. |
 | The easiest way to find women business grants is to hire a professional proposal writer to find the grants. However, if you are determined to find grant money on your own, plan on doing a lot of research. |
When applying for business grants, it's easy to make these simple proposal-sinking mistakes, especially if you are not educated in how to write a grant proposal before you apply. |
If you want to find out if you are eligible for any number of government funded grants, you'll want to research what kinds of grants are available. Many of these grants lean toward non-profit organizations that invest in research and development. |
