How would I go about apllying for a small business grant?

Samara Siewers: You're not likely to get one. Most of the ads you see that promise information on getting a grant to start a business are just scams. There's really a very limited amount of money out there for private individuals, and the restrictions are very tight.For information on what legitimate grants are available, here is the official Web site: http://www.grants.govFor information on running a small business, and on getting small business LOANS (not grants), check the SBA: http://www.sba.govFor helpful advice and resources about starting and running your business, check with the wonderful people at SCORE: http://www.score.org/index.html...Show more

Stanton Valdivia: You can go to SCORE.org to access their FREE business tools, which includes a section on financing. Also, the Small Business Administration is a really great source of information and includes info on financing.Best wishes on your new venture!

Damion Oleksa: 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/sbaprograms/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/mostreques! teditems/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, technical, 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 individual! s 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 other 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

Elvin Mannheimer: Try this website http://www.grant4free.comYou may find the information you need. Good luck!