Small Business Grants for Women

Starting a small business is always a challenge.  One of the first questions that many small business owners have is how to find funding for their new venture.  If you are a woman starting a business, there are many organizations that provide grants specifically for women.  With a little research and hard work, you can find some much-needed funding for your new venture.

Your first stop for a grant should be the government.  Government grants are an excellent option because there are a variety of grants available and the funding is very secure.  In the United States, take a look at www.grants.gov.  At this site, you can search by category and by keyword.

A second option is private sector grants.  Women who have successful businesses often set up grants to help other women who are just starting out in the business world.  Often these grants apply only to specific regions, races or types of businesses.  An example of a grant available to women who are starting home-based or online-based businesses is the Amber Grant at http://www.womensnet.net/Amber-Grants/.  Search online for grants that apply to you and your business.  If you do apply to private sector grants, be prepared to talk about how you plan to give back to other business women if your venture is successful, as this is a prerequisite for many private sector grants.

Before you apply to a grant, be sure that you have all of your business information in a clear and presentable format.  Prepare a detailed business proposal and a budget that will sell your business to grant providers.  Make sure the information is easy to understand without any prior knowledge of you or your business.  Usually grant providers will judge grant applications based on the written application alone, so you want to make sure that your application is clear and easy to understand without the need for further explanation.

Be wary of any grants that require you to pay a fee in order to search for a grant or to secure a grant.  These organizations are usually scams.  At best, these companies will take your money and use the same information that you can find on the internet to show you organizations that can provide you with a grant.  At worst, they will take your money and never be heard from again.  Instead use your own resourcefulness and the information available online to find the best grant to fit your needs.

Use the tips above to make sure that a lack of funding does not keep you from reaching your business goals.