Starting a business isn’t a piece of cake. It requires capital, skills, and resources. Many startups face financial constraints in the United States. Some investors apply for loans from banks and other lenders. Small business investors can seek grants to fund their enterprises. You can get a grant from banks, local governments, lenders and government agencies. The following are five small business grants entrepreneurs can get in the U.S.A.
1. IdeaCafe Grant
Small business investors who qualify for a grant receive $1,000 from IdeaCafe. IdeaCafe considers enterprises with innovative entrepreneurial ideas. Existing business owners and people who are planning to start their businesses can apply for an IdeaCafe grant. It has a simple application process that includes filling in an online form and registering for the IdeaCafe membership. Web-users vote for a winner in the IdeaCafe business community.
2. Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR)
Small business owners need to partner with a licensed research institution to join the STTR. It comprises five federal agencies that allocate funds to collaborate with upcoming businesses. The grant starts from $150,000 to $1 million.
3. National Association for the Self-Employed Grant (NASE)
The NASE provides small businesses with $4,000 grants. It only considers micro-businesses. The association requires you to spend the grants in advertising, expanding and marketing your investment. The National Association for the Self-Employed grant has provided grants of up to $1,000,000 since 2016.
Here are the requirements for a NASE grant:
- Join NASE
- Provide a business plan and resume
- Have a genuine business need
The NASE membership has varying subscription costs. For example, monthly membership costs $12 and above per month. Members can access the online grant application.
4. Rural Energy for America Program
The United States Department of Agriculture runs the Rural Energy for America Program. It focuses on small enterprises that are in rural areas. Businesses that want to construct, buy, or adopt energy-efficient technologies can get the grant. Moreover, you can partner with a USDA loan guarantee with a federal business grant to cover up to 75 percent of your project costs.
5. FedEx Small Business Grant
FedEx organizes a grant contest for small businesses. It offers ten different grants that start from $15,000 to $50,000. Entrants need to be older than 17 years and their business should have operated for a minimum of six months. Also, the enterprise should have less than 100 workers.
Visit the FedEx website to submit your entry. It includes short descriptions about your investment such as an elevator pitch, how you will use the proceeds and what makes your enterprise unique. Participants need to submit their contact information, business address, and name. You can add a one-minute video clip on the application.
Start-up business grants have helped many people establish their businesses. Unlike loans, you aren’t required to repay a grant. Just apply and you will get the grant if you qualify. Some grants are meant for certain uses. If you need a business grant, contact New USA Grant via (888)364-1123. We offer grants to different types of startups and guide investors through the application process.
