Start Up Grants For Small Businesses

Okay the real problem most people who are trying to start a business using government grants discover that the hardest part is finding them. The United States Department of Commerce do not provide any grants to people. They fund local agencies, and the money is doled out that way. There are grants through many state programs and other groups. Usually, any real government grant is awarded in the fields of education or medicine, and they have to meet very specific criteria.

If you want to really look at all the small business grants available, start with the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance or (CFDA.) They list thousands of available grants from all government agencies, but be warned that many are geared towards rural business opportunity grants, and minority grants. There are other programs that shouldn't be overlooked, these could provide you with needed equipment or training.

Here are some examples of state agencies being able to supply some if not all of your start up capital needs. Vocational Rehabilitation is a state run government agency that helps many different people get on their feet. It doesn't necessarily mean that handicapped people are the only ones who can get the help. Anyone who may have been displaced in these tough economic times can get help. For example, if you want to start a business out of your craft hobby, you can get funding for materials to make your crafts. If you should want to go out and do craft shows, they will pay the cost of booth space, lodging, and many other things.

Another agency that will help you is your local job service. While they may not give you cash, using the same scenario, you can get many other things to start your business. If you need a vehicle or a trailer to haul your stuff around, they can pay for it, or at the very least pay some of it. If you already have this, but are having trouble fixing them up, Job Service with help pay this. They can help pay the cost of booth tents, tables, chairs, displays, and a wide array of other things.

Both of these agencies will also help pay education and training costs as well. Each state differs in policies and restrictions, and you should check with you local agencies to find out what is available.

These take time to go through, find out what all the specific qualifications are, so before you start you should really ask yourself if you have the resources, or the time, to do this kind of searching? Do you need the money right away, or can you wait up to a year to be approved? There are many others as well. If you should decide to go with a small business grant, you should be prepared for a long lengthy process.

First, you will need to provide complete accurate information on your application. You should get to know your provider and anyone they work with to know what any complaints and concerns they may have. You will need a detailed and comprehensive business plan, outlining where the money will go and how it will improve your business, and in some cases, how your business will impact the surrounding community.

Tammy Love is Ms Small Biz and after 12 years in business she is a self confessed small business-oholic! She is now helping others to start and grow their own small business.