If you are a small business owner, you know just how challenging it can be to find the funding to get your business off the ground or keep it running smoothly. Fortunately, there are many grants available that can give your business the financial boost it needs.
In this article, we’ll highlight five small business grants that you may not have heard about yet, but are worth exploring.
1. Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(a) Business Development Program
The SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program is designed to provide assistance to small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. The program offers a wide range of services, including training and counseling, access to government contracts, and financial assistance. To qualify, your business must be at least 51% owned by an individual who meets the program’s criteria.
2. USDA Rural Business Development Grants
These grants are offered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and are designed to support rural businesses and promote economic development in rural communities. Available funding ranges from $10,000 to $500,000, and can be used to support a wide variety of projects, including the development of renewable energy sources, the creation of new jobs, and the expansion of existing businesses.
3. National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) Growth Grants
The NASE Growth Grants program provides funding to small businesses that are looking to expand and grow. Grants of up to $4,000 are available, and can be used for a variety of purposes, including the purchase of new equipment, the development of new products or services, and marketing and advertising.
4. FedEx Small Business Grant
The FedEx Small Business Grant program is designed to help small businesses take their operations to the next level. The program awards grants of up to $50,000 to businesses that demonstrate exceptional creativity, innovation, and growth potential. Applicants are required to provide a detailed business plan and pitch their idea in a video submission.
5. Amber Grant
The Amber Grant is a unique grant program that offers funding to women-owned businesses. Each month, the program awards a grant of $4,000 to one deserving business owner, and at the end of the year, one of the monthly winners is selected to receive an additional $25,000. Unlike other grant programs, the Amber Grant does not require a detailed application or business plan. Applicants simply need to answer a few questions about their business and explain how they would use the grant money.
In conclusion, there are many small business grants available that can provide your business with the financial support it needs to grow and succeed. By exploring these lesser-known grant programs, you may find funding opportunities that you never knew existed. Remember to do your research, and carefully review the eligibility requirements and application guidelines for each grant program before you apply. With a little persistence and hard work, you may be able to secure the funding you need to take your small business to the next level.
