How to Find Free Small Business Grants

If you have a great idea for a new business, but don’t have the financial means for getting it started, you may be able to locate some free money with which to give it a try. Government grants are available for those who qualify, but one should also consider private grants provided by larger companies who could ideally benefit from your company.

• Determine and define the reason you are starting a new business. This is critical to the overall process.


• Maintain an open mind while at the same time keeping your primary goal a priority. This will allow you to be open to other possibilities that may present themselves, and the details can help to secure a grant. As an example, if you can show that your business will help an impoverished or underprivileged area by providing jobs, your chances of getting the request grant are greatly increased.


• Contact the employment office in your local area for information about how to apply for a government grant to start a small business if you are a displaced worker who is unable to find employment in your professional field.


• Contact a Vocational Rehabilitation office in your area to see if you can qualify for a grant if you are disabled and unable to find employment in your community. Being fully disabled is not a requirement.


• Contact large companies that can benefit from the type of business you are planning to start. Find out if they are offering grants to startup businesses like yours. There are a number of reasons that private companies are willing to help new businesses, and you may be able to benefit from their benevolence.


• Locate agencies that make it their business to find and list grants that are available. It should not cost much to go this route, and they have the experience in locating grants more quickly than you do.


• Check with the local library for updated books intended to help people find grants. Since grants are updated every 6 months, be sure to check for the most recent publication.