New Business Financing Grants
- Small businesses that are involved in scientific research may qualify for federal grants. Businesses must meet the standards of the federal governments research objectives. They must also have the potential to commercialize their work. Federal agencies that provide grants include the United States Department of Agriculture, Department of Commerce, Department of Energy and Department of Defense. Each department has its own eligibility requirements.
- Organizations both inside and outside the government provide grants for women owned businesses. The Women's Funding Network is one organization that offers funding opportunities for female entrepreneurs. The Small Business Administration does not provide grants directly themselves, but they supply information for women who are interested in finding grants.
- Young business owners can take advantage of grants to start or grow their businesses. Many organizations want to invest in new talent and help new entrepreneurs create businesses that will thrive. Some grants available to young entrepreneurs include the Bank of America Youth Entrepreneur Awards, Youth Venture, the Brick Awards and Collegiate Business Plan Competition Circuit. Again, these programs all have their own requirements and young entrepreneurs need to be familiar with before applying.
- Grants are also available for business owners with disabilities. The Small Business Administration works with disabled veterans to help them find grants to expand their business. Private grants are also available through a number of channels such as TechSoup.org for business owners who need computers or software to grow their companies.
- Grants are available for minority business owners as well. The National Minority Supply and Diversity Council is one organization that helps assist minority business owners. The SBA and organizations for minority business owners such as the Black Chamber of Commerce provide information on different small business grants available to minority entrepreneurs.
