Starting a new business requires having the necessary funds to get it off the ground. There are many private and government grants available to help you succeed. Grant applications are available through websites such as Grants.gov and GuideStar, the national database of nonprofit organizations. The benefit to receiving a grant is that you often don't have to pay it back as you would a loan, and many grant applications don't require you to jump through hoops to get approval. Instead, most ask for basic information based on your financial needs. Here are some helpful tips to get the money you need.
Instructions
1. Search for government and private grants online. GuideStar is a popular site to search if you are starting a nonprofit organization. Foundation Center has a database of 95,000 foundations. The site also offers online training on run your small business effectively and other helpful classes and courses. See the Resources section provided here.
2. Check for eligibility of the grant. Before you start filling out the online application, be sure you meet the eligibility requirements for the grant. Read the rules over carefully before beginning, as your application may be discarded if it does not have the proper application requirements.
3. Include as many details as possible. To increase the likelihood of having your grant application approved, it is crucial to include as much information about your need for financial assistance as you can. Besides your name and address, information such as what your business provides or will provide, how much you need and how you plan on spending the money if you receive it are some of the mandatory questions.
4. Have someone proofread your application. The last thing you want on your application is a spelling error, and it behooves you to have a professional writer or editor read your application and give you tips on better your chances. If you can't afford to have someone proofread, take an online training class that offers a step-by-step guide about crafting the perfect grant proposal.
