December 20th, 2009 | 
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ParvardigarBaba asked:
I want to get government grant funding to open a business. What is the best way to go about it? I have seen a lot of sites for people to write these grants but am unsure how to proceed. Is there anyone out here who can help me? Is it possible to get government funding for a business? Any help would be great!
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federal grant money
not really, it is very hard to get a grant. there are many many people wanting the same grants and some companies hire special people to get those grants. don’t even waste your time. I know they sound appealing, but most are bull. check with your local SBA office and they can help with a loan and paper work.
small business
There is no such thing as grant money to open a business. Anyone who tells you otherwise is just a scam artist after your money.
Think about it…. if there was such a thing, why would anyone go to work anymore? Would they not open their own business instead?
personal grant money
It is hard to find grants to start a business. Unlike the myths that some perpetuate, federal government and even private foundations hardly give grant money for starting a for-profit business.
One possible exception is for companies developing or exporting agricultural goods, including food and forest product. Another exception could be the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs , which fund the research and development of technological innovation that meets specific government needs.
Your best bet actually will be from the states if they offer grant programs for women (or any other special interest groups — minorities, women, disabled, veterans, etc). Or check with non profit organizations, particularly women organizations if they offer grants. Examples include
Iowa Women’s Foundation
New Mexico Women’s Foundation
Even SBA does NOT give out grants. From the SBA website
“The U.S. Small Business Administration does not offer grants to start or expand small businesses, although it does offer a wide variety of loan programs. (See for more information) While SBA does offer some grant programs, these are generally designed to expand and enhance organizations that provide small business management, technical, or financial assistance. These grants generally support non-profit organizations, intermediary lending institutions, and state and local governments.”
Nonetheless, you can go to the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) and Grants.gov – these are two sites created by the federal government to provide transparency and information on grants. Browse through the listings and see if you can find any grant that would support a for-profit venture.
Here is a listing of federal grants for small businesses. See if there is any available for individuals for starting a business — THERE’S NONE.
Most of the federal grants are given to specific target groups with specific requirements (e.g. minority business owners involved in transportation related contracts emanating from DOT – Grant#20.905 Disadvantaged Business Enterprises Short Term Lending Program
Grants are also often given to non profit groups or organizations involved in training or other similar activities (grant 59.043 Women’s Business Ownership Assistance that are given to those who will create women’s business center that will train women entrepreneurs