Of course the first step you need to take is the search for a grant program for your small businesses and the next step is the grant application.

The first step I mentioned is easier said than done. There are various resources you can reach out to for searching for that elusive grant for you. I have listed out a few of the most valuable resources which are a must for you if you want to have that complete information about the government grants for small business.

Small Business Administration – This is an agency of the federal government to aid and assist the small business and this is what it says on it’s websit sba.gov “The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation”.

State Economic development Offices – The other resource to go to is the state’s economic development office. As is known that there is nothing which is known as federal government grants, so you best bet is the state government and almost all the states have their economic developlment wings which you can visit to get more information about the grants for small businesses in your particular state.

Small business development centres or SBDC’s give out free information and counseliing for first time business owners plus they offer assistance for minority members of the community and for economically disadvanatged groups. There are about 100s SBDC’s across the country.

SCORE – Another non proft organization that can guide you and help you in your small business and this is what they say on their website “SCORE “Counselors to America’s Small Business” is a nonprofit association dedicated to educating entrepreneurs and the formation, growth and success of small business nationwide. SCORE is a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)”

Grants.gov – A government owned information storehouse of everything that is grants. It says on it’s website “Today, Grants.gov is a central storehouse for information on over 1,000 grant programs and provides access to approximately $400 billion in annual awards.”

Foundation center – This is also a powerhouse of information of grant makers and has the most comprehensive database of grants and grant makers.

Hopefully, the above resources will hlep in securing that coveted grant for you and in turn your small business into a thriving business.

The unique thing about grants is that,you are not required to pay the grants back which is in stark contrast to the loans which need to be paid back.Not having an additional burden of paying back helps in the inital years of the business which is getting off it’s feet. The other option is get equity partners into you business and hence get the funding. Now I am sure you would love it to have the business all by yourself and the event of the business running successfully you could sell equity at a late stage to get more money and also many more people as well as as outsiders would be willing to invest in it. Also, the other issue in the initial years is that mostly family members is what you rely on and god forbid if you do not have understanding family members to back you in your your dream venture with money then the only option for you is to rely on grants for small business.

The next question is from where would you get the grants for small business ? The options include grants from local, state or federal governments and several private organizations who promote enterpreneurship. Well, easy money such as grants do not come easily namely because of two reasons. Firstly, it is tough to find them and secondly, it is even tougher to geth them. You need to fill out a plethora of forms and several hurdles to cross after that to lay your hands on a grant.As I told you earlier the grants do not need to be paid back so there you are correct in assuming that competition would to get them would be tough. Persistence and patience pays in this aspect.

Filling out forms and getting through the initial hurdles is what enterpreneurs applying to get grant should be ready to do. That said is it not enterpreneurs forte to come over obstacles and be patient with an eye on the final outcome.You need to be one up on your competition anyways and the business of securing a grant is no different.

Did I scare you already ? If yes, then you need to evaluate your mental toughness ! There are plenty of resources available online that can help you secure a grant for small business. A prime example being the Grant.gov is a valuable resource which spews out of thousands and thousands of federal grants. Find a grant that is applicable to you .
Another resource that is helpful is The Foundation Center , though a private organization it has all the information assimilated in one place for all your grants related needs.

Seraching for the sources of funding is by no means an easy task but make sure that your search starts from the government grants and you should put in every effort to secure a grant for your business. Best of Luck !