A grant is money you don't have to pay back. That's why competition is high. But every year, federal agencies, state governments and private foundations award billions of dollars to small businesses across the United States.
Where to look
- Grants.gov: the central directory of federal funding.
- SBA (Small Business Administration): specific programs for exporting, research and development.
- State and local governments: many Florida counties run their own small business programs.
- Private foundations and corporations: programs like those from FedEx, Visa or your local chamber of commerce.
What they almost always require
- A registered business in good standing (EIN, licenses up to date).
- A clear business plan: what you'll do with the funds and what impact it will have.
- Basic financial statements.
While you wait for an answer
Grants take time: weeks or months. If your business needs capital now, a line of credit or a short-term loan can bridge the gap without compromising your application.
Let's talk about your options. Our team will guide you at no cost.