Unless your business involves the development of new technology or is a non-profit organization, it is difficult to find a grant to start or expand a small business. Learn how you can get started below.
Even though many publications and talk shows publicize grants to small businesses, there are only certain types of government grants available to small businesses. SBA, for instance, offers “Small Business Innovation Research” (SBIR) and “Small Business Technology Transfer” (STTR) grants. Grants from other agencies may also be available for new technologies, inventions, or products.
Finding and identifying government agencies that give grants for specific purposes or in specific subject areas requires considerable time, effort, and research. Getting a grant is hard work. Don’t be fooled by advertisements and promotions that state that you can get “free money” just by asking for it. There is a lot of competition for grant funds.
To be successful in winning a grant, you must provide the funding agency with a well-written proposal that clearly states your objectives and sets forth a plan and budget for your activities. Grants are “free” in that you do not have to pay back the money. However, if you are awarded a grant you may be required to provide periodic progress, program evaluation, and/or financial reports to the government.
The vast majority of government grants are given to non-profit organizations for programs and services that benefit the community or the public at large. There are other types of grants such as those from foundations, corporations, or private organizations. These non-government organizations have specific requirements as to who is eligible to apply for and receive grant funding. By and large, foundations do not make grants to for-profit enterprises.
This interactive tool from the Federal Government allows you to describe your business and your needs, and generates a list of government financing programs that may be available to you.
The SBA offers a variety of loan programs for very specific purposes. See if you qualify to participate in the programs described here.
Grants.gov is a central location for thousands of grant programs from the 26 federal grant-making agencies.
New York State government information and resources on Grants from the State Library.
New York State government information and resources on Grants from the State Library.
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1 event, | 5 events, What You Don’t Know Can Cost You: Merchant Services 101 for Small Businesses Small Business Human Resources UPMC Essential for Success Training – Multi-State Supplier Readiness Webinar Welcome to the SBDC Info Session Welcome to the SBDC Info Session | 3 events, Marketing Strategies with NeuroMarketing AI Starter Kit – Practical Tools for Small Businesses (2-Part Session) Resilience Strategies for Entrepreneurs & Sustainable Success webinar | 8 events, Grow & Fund – Weekly Business Booster (2-Part Series) Christine Curzio, owner, Simply Payments Buying an Existing Business Monthly Business Solutions Roundtable Monthly Business Solutions Roundtable Monthly Business Solutions Roundtable Christine Curzio, owner, Simply Payments Grow & Fund – Weekly Business Booster (2 Sessions) | 0 events, | 0 events, | 0 events, |
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2 events, IN-PERSON: Website Workday at the Brooklyn Public Library “Hustle for Freedom” Business Bootcamp | 9 events, Building a Small Business Website Fund Your Business With Community Convenience Sells Content Creation Without the Overwhelm: Smart Strategies for Busy Entrepreneurs Marketing to the Government Content Creation Without the Overwhelm: Smart Strategies for Busy Entrepreneurs Convenience Sells From Local to Global: Unlocking International Opportunities | 6 events, CPA Accounting Clinic Google Analytics: Learn what visitors are doing on your website and what is working and what is not EmpowerHER Expo 2025 Brand Positioning: Why Should Anyone Choose You? EmpowerHER Expo Invite 2025 | 3 events, AI Made Simple: Unlocking Growth for Small Businesses Artificial Intelligence Basics – Small Business Seminar | 2 events, | ||
1 event, “Hustle for Freedom” Business Bootcamp | 6 events, Crafting the Perfect 2-Minute Pitch Crafting the Perfect 3-Minute Pitch How to Respond to an RFP Non-Disclosure Agreements: When Should You Require an NDA, When Should You Sign an NDA Non-Disclosure Agreements: When Should You Require an NDA, When Should You Sign an NDA | 5 events, Business Entity Formation (with NELP) Business Entity Formation Workshop with NELP Business Legal Entity with NELP AI Starter Kit – Practical Tools for Small Businesses (2-Part Session) | 6 events, Bookkeeping Basics for Small Business Owners Bookkeeping Basics for Small Business Owners Cybersecurity Essentials for Small Business – Small Business Seminar Grow & Fund – Weekly Business Booster (2-Part Series) |
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