How exactly can I get a grant for my small business?

Shane Getler: Don't do it Because Obama is going to increase taxes on small business owners.

Burt Cheevers: I have signed on with a grant writing company that claims to be able to find grants for businesses, but not start up money, which the powerbiz chick seems interested to point out to everyone. I can answer any questions you have about them.

Vita Moodie: I suggest you look for investors or max out your credit cards (pretty expensive, but the easiest form of capital for small businesses)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 http://www.sba.gov/aboutsba/sbaprogra! ms/sbir/index... , 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 includeIowa Women's Foundation http://www.iawf.org/New Mexico Women's Foundation http://www.nmwf.org/guidelines.htmlEven SBA does NOT give out grants. From the SBA website http://www.sba.gov/mostrequesteditems/CON_FAQ2.htm..."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 http://www.sba.gov/financing for more information) While SBA does offer some grant programs, these are generally designed to expand and enhance organizations that provide small business management, techn! ical, 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) http://www.cfda.gov and Grants.gov http://www.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.http://12.46.245.173/pls/portal30/CATALOG.BROWSE_B...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 ot! her 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...Show more