There are literally billions of dollars available to small businesses through government grants and loans. This federal money is awarded as grants to individuals, educational institutions, non profit companies, corporate entities and of course, small businesses.

These government grants have opened many pathways for small business owners and have also provided opportunities to earn a higher education that can assist in starting or expanding business offerings as well as starting up entirely new businesses. The best thing about earning money through government grants is that you never have pay the money back – unlike government loans.

The government realizes that there is a huge need to support small business. After all small businesses are the backbone of the American economy. There are many ways the government reaches out to help small businesses. Government programs help small businesses get established and stay compliant with governmental regulations and rules. The small businessman is often protected under this form of governmental legislation and he may very well be offered perks over the larger businesses and corporations functioning in the same marketplace to level the playing field as much as possible.

Minorities and women are both especially prone to qualify for government small business grants and loans. The government works hard to stimulate new businesses and to cultivate the growth of existing ones – especially those founded by minorities and women. The United States offers different programs including small business grants, loans and programs to reach out to its millions of small business owners.

Grant programs available for small businesses are awarded through the various government agencies rather than through a central area. For example a grant available to a woman or minority focused business or business leader might be available through any agency including the Department of Commerce or the Small Business Administration. Any agency can provide funds for a small business grant.

Often these grants have reasonable criteria regarding the use of the funds and part of the grant proposal process will be outlining how you plan to use the funds, However, there are still many grants available that can help you expand or support your small business as it grows and reaches out to capture a new customer base that don’t require the same level of documentation. Many industry-specific small business grants can be found through departments that work within your industry. The government and its agencies announce new grant programs daily, so there are always new opportunities available to finance or expand your business through government money.

Finally, there is no limit to the number of small business grants you can apply for. So you should be encouraged to summit as many grant proposals to the various agencies as possible. Check for applicable grants as they become available. This is the best way to stay abreast of what opportunities are available. Knowing what is available is easily the best way to increase your likelihood of earning large sums of free money to use in your business.

Q: Where do I find government grants?
A: Government grants including small business grants are offered by all agencies within the government. This is true at every level of the government, but primarily at the federal level. There are hundreds, if not thousands of grant opportunities released every month. If you want to find government grants that suit your business, you would do well to use an online service that seeks out and consolidates grant opportunities on your behalf. This sort of program can save you countless hours tracking down the various small business grant opportunities across the various government agencies.

Q: How much money can I get in government grants?
A: The amount of money you earn varies by the agencies that are funding the particular grant. Depending on the grant program you’re considering and the agency that is offering the grant, you can stand to receive anywhere from $500 to $5,000,000.

Q: Do government grants have to be repaid?
A: Government grants are sums of money designated to be used in a particular way. By writing a grant proposal, you’ll be telling the agency or other lending body exactly what you plan to do with the grant money. This should be inline with the criteria of the grant, of course. Once your grant proposal is approved, you’ll not be expected to ever repay the funds so long as you continue to fulfill your criteria. In the vast majority of cases, these criteria are broad and applicable across many areas.

Q: How long does it take to get money once I’m awarded a grant?
A: The length of time for a grant to be awarded and for funds to reach you varies widely. It can take days or months or anywhere in between.

Q: Can I get more than one government grant for my business?
A: There is no limit on how many government grants you can apply for. Submit applications for as many grants as you like in as many agencies as possible to find the best results. 

Q: Will my credit affect anything when applying for grants?
A: As you are applying for an awarded grant rather than a credit card or loan, your credit has no bearing on the grant proposal process.