If you want to find out if you are eligible for any number of government funded grants, you'll want to do a little research as to what kinds of grants are available. Government grants for new businesses are usually limited in scope, leaning toward new non-profit organizations that invest in research and development. Government funded business grants tend to follow the trends of what is favorable in popular culture. For example, it may be easier to get a grant if your new business is doing research on alternative energy sources rather than a new line of makeup.
Familiarize Yourself With Two Web Sites
You'll want to get to know www.mygovernmentresources.com and www.grants.gov. Both of these Web sites have pages describing what requirements you must meet to be eligible for government funded small business grants. For some of these grants, you can enter a quick bit of information about yourself and your proposed company (not a full grant proposal or application, just a little information) in order to find out if there are any grants available that look like they would fit your needs.
Basic Eligibility Requirements for Government Business Grants
The basic eligibility requirements are that you meet the US Small Business Administration's size requirements and that you are based in the United States. Manufacturing companies and mining corporations should be around 500 employees (or more); wholesale companies must have at least 100 employees. Revenue expectations must fall within a specific range for retail, service, construction, agricultural and special trade contractors.
Certain Sub-Groups Are Favored Over Others
New businesses that benefit education or are non-profit organizations get higher priority than businesses offering general products and services. Native American Tribal Governments, public housing organizations and Indian housing all get special consideration because of the general public benefits assumed. The government prefers to supplement the creation of businesses that will benefit underprivileged segments of society and those that will promote economic growth overall.
 | 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're looking start up a new business, you should look into the possibility of landing a small business grant. While small business startup grants are few and far between, you may be eligible for this tax-free, interest-free money. |
