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Government Funding Programs That Benefit Small Businesses

Funding options for small businesses are available from numerous federal agencies. The government can help start a business from the ground up and guide it along the way. Small-business grants are a free source of capital for new and existing businesses. You can easily ask for help from the government or give feedback to agencies that write federal rules. In this article, we’ll cover the various options entrepreneurs can acquire through such channels:

Business Grants

Federal and state governments and private organizations like corporations and foundations can all offer grants to small businesses. Small businesses eligible for specific grants include those owned by minorities and veterans. Unlike a loan, government funding for small businesses doesn’t have to be repaid in the way most people think.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) provides government funding programs for small businesses. This entity also encourages commercial banks to make loans because the agency guarantees to pay back a portion of any defaulted debt. The SBA focuses on small businesses, and it strives to help them succeed. You can even get consulting services, access to business and disaster loans, and federal contracting assistance. SBA offices all over the country provide assistance and information to small business owners.

Another great way to start your search for a federal grant is to check the options shown online. The government has a complete database of funds available for distribution. Thousands of grants are up for grabs, and businesses of all stripes can apply. A few examples of such grants are as follows:

Small Business Development Centers
Aspiring business owners and small-business owners can get help from your local small business development center. Government funding programs, loans, as well as counseling, training, and technical assistance are provided here. So, you may want to check out these organizations.

Innovation and Technology Programs
With Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer grants, tech startups can get the boost they need. A total of 11 federal agencies participate in the programs, which connect small businesses to federal grants and contracts.

State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)
Small businesses can greatly benefit from applying for government programs like STEP funding. STEP grants are given to state agencies to increase the number of exporters and sales in their jurisdiction. Export training, trade missions, and product development for international markets are all made possible with the help of STEP funding.

Investors in Microentrepreneurs Program (PRIME)
The SBA normally gives out grants to small businesses in an indirect manner. A federal program called PRIME helps groups called microbusiness development organizations (MDOs) help small business owners with low incomes.

Rural Business Development grants
Rural Business Development grants by the Department of Agriculture are available to small businesses with fewer than 50 full-time employees and less than $1 million in annual revenue located in rural areas with a population of less than 50,000. Small and emerging businesses in rural areas can benefit from this grant.

Economic Development Administration
Federal government agencies such as this provide grants, resources, and technical support for communities promoting economic growth and fostering innovation.

Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Program
The Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Program is provided by the SBA. This funding option provides federal grants to service-disabled veteran small business owners.

Applicants must meet certain ownership and operational requirements to participate in the program. So, one or more of the company’s key decision-makers must be service-disabled veterans, and at least 51% of the business’ stake needs to be owned and controlled by veterans. You can compete for set-aside contracts if you join the SDVO SBC Program.

Getting a Grant

Your small business has a better chance of acquiring government funding if a few simple steps are followed. Even if they’re simple to grasp, you must keep them in your head. Be up to date with new grant funding and ensure that the time you put into applying for a grant is worth the money you receive.

Before putting your effort into an application, make sure you are eligible. The businesses eligible to receive a grant are specified. Applicants are free to apply for a grant, but if they don’t meet the grant’s eligibility requirements, they have no hope of receiving it.

When discussing the financial aspects of your business, be honest. If you want to improve your grant proposals, check out a book from your local library.

Small businesses can get a lot of funding options through the channels and steps mentioned above. Getting a grant is a serious endeavor, and you’ll need to take it seriously to succeed. Consider applying for smaller funding options, as they are often less competitive than larger ones.

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