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Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed September 23, 2022
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You are a budding entrepreneur, hoping to change the world through sustainable business practices. But you are facing several challenges. Your biggest hurdle is cash flow. You've heard about small business grants, but aren't sure if you qualify. Follow along as FindLaw takes your through the various grants that may be available to you.
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Grants are sums of money, usually public (i.e. taxpayer), given to non-profit organizations, government entities or businesses to achieve certain goals considered socially and/or economically beneficial. For example, a childcare center wishing to expand services may apply for a grant to help it get started. Some non-governmental organizations and foundations also offer grants.
Grants are not easy to obtain, often require matching funds and must be used for specific purposes. Federal grants typically are not available to for-profit businesses, although some state and local grants are. Grants, unlike loans, do not have to be repaid as long as the applicable obligations are met.
The following types of grant programs may be available to small businesses:
Obligations of organizations as a condition of accepting grants may include the following:
Federal grants are not offered to for-profit entities wishing to start or expand a business. However, a wide variety of research grants are available to small businesses engaged in scientific research and development (R&D) under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. To be eligible, small businesses must meet federal R&D objectives and show a high potential for commercialization should the project prove successful.
The U.S. Small Business Administration provides links to various federal agencies offering SBIR and STTR grants. Also, you can search for federal grant opportunities by category, agency or more specific criteria. If you find one or more grants that match your needs, you must go through a registration process before applying.
Small businesses that are not directly involved in R&D activities may have more luck finding state or local grants than federal grants. In fact, some states offer grants for starting or expanding your small business.
Illinois, for example, offers grants related to coal, technology, tourism, small business job creation and other categories. The state of Texas also offers grants in various categories for small businesses. Contact your state government's business development office for more details.
If you need help locating or applying for a small business loan, contact a business law attorney to assist you. A trained legal professional can help you through the red tape you are likely to encounter and help you apply for the grant which is right for your business.
Looking to start your own business? Use FindLaw's DIY forms to get a legal business entity set up in minutes.
Contact a qualified business attorney to help you navigate the process of starting a business.
We have a DIY option you can use to save time and stress.We help you:
Prefer to work with a lawyer?Find one right now.