Grants/Lenders

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Here is a list of resources where small businesses can explore grant opportunities to help fund their growth, innovation, and sustainability:

1. Grants.gov
   • Centralized portal for federal grants, including opportunities for small businesses.
   • Visit Grants.gov

1. Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program
   • Supports small businesses conducting innovative research and development.
   • Visit SBIR

1. Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program
   • Focuses on collaborative R&D projects between small businesses and research institutions.
   • Visit STTR

1. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Business Development Grants
   • Grants for businesses in rural areas to foster economic development.
   • Visit USDA

1. Economic Development Administration (EDA)
   • State-specific grants for economic growth and business development.
   • Visit EDA

1. Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)
   • State and local resources offering grants, counseling, and training for small businesses.
   • Find Your Local SBDC

1. Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)
   • Offers grants and resources specifically for minority-owned businesses.
   • Visit MBDA

1. Nav’s Small Business Grant
   • Offers $10,000 to small businesses with compelling growth plans.
   • Visit Nav

1. Comcast RISE Grant
   • Focuses on providing grants to businesses owned by minorities and women.
   • Visit Comcast RISE

1. Amber Grant for Women
   • Monthly grants of $10,000 for women-owned small businesses.
   • Visit Amber Grant

1. FedEx Small Business Grant Contest
   • Offers up to $50,000 in grants and business services to small businesses annually.
   • Visit FedEx

1. Visa Everywhere Initiative
   • Grants for businesses with innovative payment or financial solutions.
   • Visit Visa Everywhere Initiative

1. National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) Growth Grants
   • $4,000 grants for business development expenses like marketing or equipment.
   • Visit NASE

1. Halstead Grant (Jewelry Designers)
   • Annual grant for new jewelry designers offering startup funding and business advice.
   • Visit Halstead Grant

1. Farm Service Agency (FSA) Loans and Grants
   • Financial assistance for agricultural businesses.
   • Visit FSA
   • Check your state or city’s economic development website for specific relief programs.

1. Foundation Directory Online (FDO)
   • Comprehensive database of foundations offering business and nonprofit grants.
   • Visit FDO

1. Hello Alice Grant Finder
   • Search for grants tailored to small business owners.
   • Visit Hello Alice

1. GrantWatch
   
   • Paid service offering a wide range of grant opportunities for businesses and nonprofits.
   • Visit GrantWatch

Greenwood Archer Capital (GAC) provides entrepreneurs with loans and technical assistance necessary to start and/or grow their operations. GAC loans support businesses with working capital, assist in purchasing new inventory/equipment and provide start-up capital for new businesses.  https://greenwoodarchercapital.org/apply-for-a-loan

Fearless Fund invests in women of color led businesses seeking pre-seed, seed level or series A financing. Our mission is to bridge the gap in venture capital funding for women of color founders building scalable, growth aggressive companies. Fearless Fund is built by women of color for women of color. https://www.fearless.fund/apply

Across eight decades, the Ford Foundation has invested in innovative ideas, visionary individuals, and frontline institutions advancing human dignity around the world.

Learn more about our work in civil rights, education, arts and culture, human rights, poverty reduction and urban development and see some of our key foundation milestones below. https://www.fordfoundation.org/work/our-grants/grant-opportunities/

Funding Programs | U.S. Small Business Administrationsba.gov

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers various funding programs to support small businesses, including loans and grants. Here's an overview:

SBA Loan Programs

1. 7(a) Loan Program: The SBA's primary program for assisting small businesses with financing. It offers loan guarantees to lenders, facilitating access to capital for various business purposes.
   SBA
2. 504 Loan Program: Provides long-term, fixed-rate financing for major assets such as real estate or equipment. This program aims to promote business growth and job creation.
   SBA
3. Microloan Program: Offers small, short-term loans up to $50,000 to small businesses and certain non-profit childcare centers. Funds can be used for working capital, inventory, supplies, furniture, fixtures, and machinery.
   SBA

SBA Grant Programs

While the SBA primarily provides loans, it also offers limited grants, mainly to non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and community organizations that support entrepreneurship. These grants focus on areas like scientific research, development, and export promotion. 

SBA

Additional Resources

• Lender Match: A free online tool that connects small businesses with SBA-approved lenders.
  SBA
• State Trade Expansion Program (STEP): Provides financial awards to state and territory governments to assist small businesses with export development.
  SBA

For detailed information on eligibility requirements, application processes, and to explore more funding options, visit the SBA's official Funding Programs page.

Sources

Q: How can I apply for a grant?

A: Locate a available grant, review the qualification or call your business coach and let them know and they will assist you with applying.

Q: How can I apply for a small business loan with the SBA?

A: This loan can be based on your credit and your business plan. Ask you coach how to prepare you for the best lender and the process

Q: Is a grant guaranteed to be giving?

A: No grant is guaranteed, but a good try can lead to success.