Do you have a money tree in your backyard? Yeah, me neither.

You want free money? Well, the next best thing is grant money.

A grant is a way to get money to fund your ideas and projects. Unlike loans, most grants don’t have to be repaid.

So, if you’re thinking of starting a business, you probably want to know if there are any grants available to help your start your business.

The good news is that you can get grants from the federal government, your state government, and any for-profit or non-profit organization.

What grants can I get for a small business?

Grants.gov is for organizations that support the development and management of government-funded programs and projects.

GrantWatch is another website that allows you to search for grants. However, this website isn’t free. It’s a subscription-based service that starts at $18 per week. Other payment options include $45 per month, $90 every quarter, and $199 per year.

One advantage of GrantWatch is that it offers a variety of grants from federal, state, and local governments, and foundations grant funding. It also has grants available for all types of businesses, e.g., LLC, corporations, small businesses, and for-profit organizations.

OpenGrants is another website that has a great database that you can search for free. It allows you to hire a grant writer (for a fee). It also features resources and guides.

However, if you want to take notes, get email alerts, export results, etc., you will need to pay $29 a month for these extra premium features.

The Amber Grant was founded in 1998. So, it’s been around a long time. To qualify for the Amber Grant, the business must be owned by a woman or women with at least 50% ownership. The business owner(s) must also be at least 18 years old, and the business must be based in either the U.S. or Canada.

The Amber Grant is a $10,000 cash grant award. This award is given out every month. At the end of the year, all of the monthly winners will be able to win an additional $25,000.

Keep in mind, there is a $15 application fee for the Amber Grant.

Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR)

The federal research SBIR grant program was created for the purpose of innovative small businesses that focus on research and development.

Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR)

The STTR is another program that focuses on researching and developing new technology. However, this program requires a business partner that’s a non-profit research institution.

Small Business State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Program

This program provides financial assistance to programs that focus on exports. This program has handed out over $200 million to grow small business exports.

US Economic Development Administration (EDA) Grant

The EDA is the only federal government agency that focuses exclusively on economic development. So, it plays an important part in fostering regional economic development in communities across the nation.

EDA works directly with communities to help them build their local businesses. EDA grants can also help with planning, technical assistance, and infrastructure. And the EDA provides financial assistance to help communities innovate.

Finally, the EDA also helps communities who’ve experienced economic issues or distress to help them recover.

Patagonia Corporate Grant Program

This grant program provides funding to nonprofits that focus on the protecting and preserving the environment. Funding can range from $5,000 to $20,000.

National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) Growth Grants

NASE has the sole goal of helping the self-employed community. So, every quarter they give out $4,000 to help entrepreneurs grow their business.

The catch is that you have to be a member of NASE. A Growth Grant applicant must be a member in good standing for three months before they submit an application.

So, a monthly member must wait at least 90 days to apply after they join NASE.

Hivers & Strivers Investment Program

Hivers & Strivers invest only in businesses that were created by U.S. military veterans. It’s also important to know that veterans are only 5% of the employment population.

However, veterans make up only 9% of business owners. So, veterans contribute a whopping $1.4 trillion to the U.S. economy.

There are funding opportunities that range from $250,000 to $1 million.

Wrapping It Up

Businesses start up every day with not a lot of money and/or resources. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Grants are a great way to get your business off the ground, because you won’t have to pay this money back. So, you should look for grants as soon as you have your business idea.

Grants can come from a number of different sources, including corporations, governments, and non-profit organizations. And the best part is most grants won’t cost you any money to apply.

The grants listed above aren’t a complete list, but this should help you get started. Once you find a grant, make sure you put your best foot forward.

It cost nothing but your time to get some free money for your next business idea!

So, do any of these grants look good or do you have any other grants you would like to share with the class?