One of the most frequent questions we receive is about grants for small businesses. Unfortunately, the idiot on TV -- the one in the suit covered in dollar signs -- has raised a lot of false hopes with lines like:"Millions from untapped grant sources...all free! Use it to start any business!"
Sorry to say, the dollar signs on this guy's suit have more to do with what he's made selling his book, than what you can get for free from the federal government. Here are the facts.
The government’s largest grant source is the Small Business Innovation Research program (SBIR). True, it offers grants from agencies such as the Dept. of Health and the Dept. of Energy. But, their funding is aimed at very narrowly defined research projects like those that cure cancer, and develop alternative fuels. Not your everyday small business endeavors.
Other specialty grants are available from philanthropic and business organizations for things like HIV research, space technology, and solutions to world hunger. Local, County, State, and Foundation grants sometimes target businesses involved in education, poverty, and the arts. But, sorry to say, the corner store or home-based business isn’t going to send the Warren Buffet’s of the world running for their checkbooks.
One final note, there are a number of micro loan programs that typically provide $10,000 and up to $35,000 to encourage start-up and expansion loans for small business. Some are offered at very attractive interest rates, particularly if the business is located in a disadvantaged area. Visit Accion International or the U. S. Small Business Administration at www.sba.gov for more information.
Small Business Grants -- Fact or Fiction - To learn more about this author, visit Kate Lister's Website.
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