Grants for small business

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This information was gathered from a November 2023 workshop our team attended, that was put on by the GA Small Business Development Center. They have a wealth of resources for small businesses, a lot of them free.  For more information you can visit their website at https://georgiasbdc.org/ For businesses in other states, you can  search for the local SBDC in your area.

Grants are a way that the government, foundations, some corporations and individuals assist in having their passions for something fulfilled. There are many different types of grants and grantors.

Grants are used to fund research or government programs to achieve the objective the government wishes to occur; for example to reduce homelessness, discover vaccine for disease, stimulate the economy etc.

Few grantors have the objective of someone starting a business, but the business could be addressing a need that the grantor has a passion about. When looking for grants, grantee needs should align with the grantor’s passion or objective.

Grants Myths

Government Grants

Foundations and Corporations Grant

Business grants

Grants for Women 

Grants for Minorities-owned businesses

Grants for Veterans

More on Grants 

Here are a few myths relating to Grants:

There are No Restrictions.

Many small business owners believe that you can use the money however you want, but often this isn’t true. Grants are typically given out for a specific use. You will need to prove you’re making progress, and you’ll need to fill out reports to the Grantor. Failing to do so could mean the grant is taken away from you, you’ll pay fines, or even serve time in jail, so it’s necessary to follow the grant requirements.

Grant applications are simple to put together.

It may take weeks or even months to complete a grant application, so don’t be fooled that it’s something you can write in a day or two. The work involves a lot of planning before you even begin writing, including assessing if you’re a good fit, assigning roles, and identifying partners. Give yourself plenty of time to put the application together.

Grants are easy to get.

There are many business looking for Grants. Most grant programs are extremely competitive, which means they can be more difficult to get than other small business funding. Some grants have thousands of applications, it is important to make sure you put together the best possible version of an application before submitting to increase your chances.

The business with the largest need is most likely to get a grant.

Grants are usually awarded to the business that will most likely fulfill the grant agency’s goals (Passion), not the ones that need it the most. Grantors look at credibility, a clear plan for the funds, and commitment to the business goals above financial need.

ductions, saving you money every year.

• Most Grants will require a full grant proposal or request.
• Government grants tend to be very specific in the style, manor, order and necessary documentation required to apply.
• Private foundations must pay out at least 5% of their assets each year in the form of grants/other charitable activities, to maintain tax-exempt status.
• Some grants are only offered to applicants that are approved, so you must ask to get approved before applying.
• Most grants will require a professional grant writer to perform the task of applying for and winning the grant. Then the fun (and documentation) really begins
• Grantors do not give grants without expectations, documentation and verification.
• Grants are given to meet a need and all project objectives must be attainable and measurable.
• A request for a Point-of-Sale System for sounds like a need and something one should be able to get a grant for, right? How does it help the meet the Grantor’s objective?
• Remember, grants are awarded to address the passion of the grantor.
• The key is to find a grantor whose passions align with grantee needs.

 RESEARCH, RESEARCH, THEN RESEARCH SOME MORE!

The United States Government has been issuing grants for centuries. The goal of granting funds is to stimulate the economy by creating new jobs and supporting businesses.

Once granted, the government does not require funds to be repaid (free money). Every funding opportunity comes with requirements the applicants need to follow.

• All Federal Government and most Departments use the site, https://www.grants.gov/, except for the National Endowments for the Arts.

• Funding Agencies and categories can be found at https://www.usgrants.org/, as well as additional instructional information.

• Federal Grants require you to apply through the Grants.Gov website and be very meticulous when submitting a request. Those that have errors will be rejected.

• State and municipalities typically offer their grant programs through their respective Economic Development or Community Affairs offices.

• There are also Downtown Development Authorities that offer grants for downtown businesses.

• The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are highly competitive programs that encourage domestic small businesses to engage in Federal Research/Research and Development (R/R&D) with the potential for commercialization. 11 Federal Agencies participate in the SBIS program. Through a competitive awards-based program, SBIR and STTR enable small businesses to explore their technological potential and provide the incentive to profit from its commercialization. https://beta.www.sbir.gov/

• Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)/ Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs Phase I (SBIR/STTR Phase I) https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2022/nsf22551/nsf22551.htm

• By including qualified small businesses in the nation's R&D arena, high-tech innovation is stimulated, and the United States gains entrepreneurial spirit as it meets its specific research and development needs.

PHASE 1

The objective of Phase I is to establish the technical merit, feasibility, and commercial potential of the proposed R/R&D efforts and to determine the quality of performance of the small business awardee organization prior to providing further Federal support in Phase II. SBIR/STTR Phase I awards are generally $50,000 - $295,294 for 6 months (SBIR) or 1 year (STTR), without a waiver

PHASE 2

The objective of Phase II is to continue the R/R&D efforts initiated in Phase I such as Prototype development. Funding is based on the results achieved in Phase I and the scientific and technical merit and commercial potential of the project proposed in Phase II. Typically, only Phase I awardees are eligible for a Phase II award. SBIR/STTR Phase II awards are generally $$500,000 to $1,972,282 for 2 years without a waiver

PHASE 3

The objective of Phase III is for the small business to pursue commercialization objectives resulting from the Phase I/II R/R&D activities. The SBIR/STTR programs do not fund Phase III. At some Federal agencies, Phase III may involve follow-on non-SBIR/STTR funded R&D or production contracts for products, processes or services intended for use by the U.S. Government.

America’s Seed Fund Startup Expo (https://www.sbir.gov/startupexpo)

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Office of Investment and Innovation (OII) plays a substantial role in the Federal Lab-to-Market ecosystem, serving as the hub of the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) programs – also known as America’s Seed Fund. These highly competitive programs encourage domestic small businesses with the potential for commercialization to engage in Federal Research/Research and Development (R&D) and are an important resource for a wide-range of researchers, innovators, inventors, entrepreneurs, and startups working on big ideas. Applications were due by Feb. 24th

America’s Seed Fund Startup Expendables entrepreneurs with technology developed through the SBIR/STTR programs an opportunity to present their innovative ventures to leading members of the broader innovation ecosystem and the American Public.

USAID.gov-USAID is the world’s premier international development agency and a major force driving development results. USAID’s work propels U.S. national security and economic prosperity, demonstrates American generosity, and promotes a path to recipient self-reliance. The goal of foreign aid should be ending the need for its existence, and USAID provides development assistance to help countries on a development journey to self-reliance – looking at ways to help lift lives, build communities, and establish self-sufficiency.

Development Innovation Ventures Grant—Open on rolling basis. Keep in mind that thethree core principles are: (a) rigorous evidence of impact, (b) cost-effectiveness, and (c) a viable pathway to scale and sustainability via the market or public sector. DIV assesses each applicant through the lens of these principles, commensurate to the stage or type of funding sought.

USDA: Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program

• Applications must be received by 11:59pm EST on November 22,2023

• Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP) provides grants to help eligible processors expand their processing capacity, which create new, better and more processing options for meat and poultry producers.

• USDA Rural Development designed the MPPEP to encourage competition and sustainable growth in the U.S. meat processing sector, and to help improve supply chain resiliency.

• Entities that engage or plan to engage in meat and poultry processing, including private, non-profit, tribal, cooperative, state or local government, among other entities. Private entities must be independently owned and operated. All entities must be domestically owned, and their meat and poultry processing facilities must be physically located and operated within the U.S. or its territories

Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) Current Closing Date for Applications:

                   Sep 30, 2024                               Award Ceiling:                                   $5,000,000

• The purpose of HBIIP is to increase significantly the sales and use of higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel by expanding the infrastructure for renewable fuels derived from U.S. agricultural products.

• The program is also intended to encourage a more comprehensive approach to market higher blends by sharing the costs related to building out biofuel-related infrastructure.

• Who may apply? Transportation fueling facilities including Fueling stations, convenience stores, hypermarket fueling stations, fleet facilities (including rail/marine), and similar entities with capital investments. Fuel distribution facilities, such as terminal operations, depots, and midstream partners, and similarly equivalent operations. Home heating oil distribution facilities.

                   https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/348100

• Available for any small business in a rural area for any energy reduction project.

• The REAP program to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses reduce energy costs and consumption and helps meet the Nation's critical energy needs. Applications for REAP may be submitted at any time throughout the year.https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/energy-programs/rural-energy-america-program-renewable-energy-systems-energy-efficiency-improvement-guaranteed-loans

• Current Closing Date for Applications: Sept 30th, 2024

• Awards between $1,500 and $1,000,000

The requirements are to be in an area with 50,000 or less in population and a small business is defined as 500 employees or less.

• Funding or It seeks applications for projects for the construction, expansion, or modernization of (a) commercial facilities for the front- and back-end fabrication of leading-edge, current generation, and mature-node semiconductors; (b) commercial facilities for wafer manufacturing; and (c) commercial facilities for materials used to manufacture semiconductors and semiconductor manufacturing equipment, provided that the capital investment equals or exceeds $300 million.

• PIN Number: 2023-NIST-CHIPS-CFF-01
• https://www.nist.gov/chips/notice-funding-opportunity-commercial-fabrication-facilities

• Cybersecurity by Open AI Inc Grants will be given in increments of $ 10k. Funding is intended to develop cybersecurity capabilities powered by artificial intelligence. Estimated Total Program Funding $ 1M. https://openai.com/blog/openai-cybersecurity-grant-program

• Internet Freedom Fund by Open Technology Fund Activities that promote privacy, security, freedom, and accessibility in technology. Funding is intended to support projects and individuals working on accessible and open technology focused projects that promote human rights, Internet freedom, and open societies. Candidates may apply for up to $900,000 and no less than $10,000. Note, however, that OTF’s target support ceiling is $300,000, with most supported efforts receiving between $50,000 and $200,000. https://www.opentech.fund/funds/internet-freedom-fund/

 Foundation Grant Directory Online - https://candid.org/

• Search for Foundations by name, tax ID, location or giving range.

• Search by their Forms 990 and 990-PF for those that have funded.

• 242,000 Grantmakers that account for $52B in annual funding.

• 24.8 MILLION + grants.

• 90% of United States Foundations do not have a website. Only 1% of foundations award grants through open RFPs (Request for Proposals)

• Private foundations must give out 5% of their assets each year, but it does not all have to be in the form of grants.

• There is an expense to subscribe to this website

• https://helloalice.com small business grants for every stage of your small business adventure, recommended based on your unique profile and delivered to your inbox weekly. The search for free money doesn't get any easier! (Very few grants listed currently)

• http://bigdatabase.com Database of more than 25,000 foundations, corporate donors, matching gift programs, in kind donations and government grant makers. (Subscription based)

• https://grantstation.com: Newsletter and access to Grant Writers ($169 a year, $219 for two years).

• https://www.opengrants.io/offers a comprehensive data set of public and private grant funding in North America. The site offers both free and paid membership options. With the free membership, you can search the grants database, hire grant writers (for a fee), and get access to resources and guides.

• https://www.fundsforngos.org/latest-funds More on International level, but there are some US based grants and site is free!

• https://grantsforus.io/ Excellent listing of Grants and grants by States and Cities (This one is FREE)

• https://www.nav.com/resource/small-business-grants/ Resources for Small Business Owners

• http://www.npguides.org/ NP stands for non-profit. Links connects you to several grantor websites.

• Appalachian Regional Grants: ARC uses Congressionally appropriated funds to invest in the Region’s economic and community development through grants. In Fiscal Year 2021, Congress appropriated a record $180 million for the Appalachian Regional Commission. As part of our unique federal-state partnership, ARC’s grant application process begins at the state government level. All ARC grants align with the investment priorities outlined in our current Strategic Plan and reflect state plans and strategies.

• ARC also issues specific Requests for Proposals for research and evaluation contracts on topics directly impacting economic development in the Appalachian Region. https://www.arc.gov/grants-and-opportunities/

• Check your Regional offices for opportunities for Grants.

• EDGE Fund: provide financial assistance to eligible applicants that are being considered as a relocation or expansion site there is competition with another state for location of a project; the various state’s Fund is used when the health, welfare, safety and economic security of the citizens of the state are promoted through the development and/or retention of employment opportunities.

• REBA Fund: an incentive program that used to help "close the deal" when companies are considering your state and another state or country for their location or expansion. These funds may be used to finance various fixed-asset needs of a company including infrastructure, real estate acquisition, construction, or machinery and equipment.

• Economic Development and Community Affairs Grants - locally, many offices provide grants and tax incentives to promote their state and communities. Check your local offices.

• The Cobb Travel & Tourism (CT&T) https://travelcobb.org/arpa-grant/ is inviting applicants to apply for the Hospitality & Tourism – Workforce Employee Retention Grant program. Donor Name: Cobb Travel & Tourism (CT&T) State: Georgia County: Cobb County (GA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 12/08/2023 Grant: $1000 to $10,000

• The City of Fairburn, GA has allocated $300,000 from its American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to the Small Business Grant Program: Grant Deadline:11/30/2023. Small businesses may apply for up to $10,000 to bring outstanding payroll current and for future payroll including employee benefit expenses. Grant funds must be spent within 60 days of the grant award not to extend.https://www.fairburn.com/news/small-business-grant-program

• The City of South Fulton has the Small Business Advancement Administration Grant Program in response to the financial challenges presented by the COVID-19 Pandemic. Deadline:11/17/2023 Grant:$10,000 to $100,000 City of South Fulton Department of Economic Developmenthttps://www.cityofsouthfultonga.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID