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How You
Can Find Business
Grants in 2012
How to
Find
Grants for Business Women
Many women
in business
find that in order to meet their business' financial needs, they turn
to
searching out a loan source. Business loans for women are widely
available
through the Small Business Administration and a variety of other
sources
such as banks, credit unions and other financial institutions. Loans,
however,
are not the only source for financing. In some instances, business
grants
for women are available.
Business
grants for
women are a wonderful option for some women in business. Grants are an
excellent source of funding because grants are not repaid. The funding
is provided through government resources that have been budgeted for
specific
needs in our national community. Anyone is open to apply, so business
grants
for women are available to anyone regardless of gender, race, religion,
or background.
The
downside of grants
is that business grants for women are not widely available. Rather,
business
grants for women are available only to select businesses and under very
strict circumstances, mostly for research or development.
Technologically-focused
businesses, for example, will find it much easier to qualify for a
grant
than a craft or retail business. Still, because the money is readily
available,
even if your business is retail oriented, it may be of benefit to check
into business grants for women available for various resources that
could
assist you in your business.
According
to Denouement
Solutions and Grants.gov, the United States government and its
government
organizations offer more 1000 grants totaling more than $400 billion in
grant funding every year. Only 10 percent of citizens that qualify for
these grants actually apply for grants, despite the fact that many more
than that would qualify for a business grant for women. Therefore, even
though not every individual or business is eligible for a business
grant
for women, it certainly can be beneficial to check into business grants
for women.
According
to grants.gov,
the United States government's web site and main resource for grants
that
are available and can be applied for, there are more than 1000 grant
programs
offered by the 26 Federal grant-making agencies. These programs fall
into
21 different categories, as defined by the Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance. While some agencies may list available grants under
multiple
grant categories, the Federal government lists these categories of
grants
as follows:
-
Agriculture
- Art
- Business and
Commerce
- Community
Development
- Consumer
Protection
- Disaster
Prevention
and Relief
- Education
- Employment,
Labor,
and Training
- Energy
-
Environmental
Quality
- Food and
Nutrition
- Health
- Housing
- Humanities
- Information
and
Statistics
- Law,
Justice,
and Legal Service
- Natural
Resources
- Regional
Development
- Science and
Technology
- Social
Services
and Income Security
-
Transportation
Even though
the category
of Business and Commerce may be what appears to have the largest
selection
of resources for business grants for women, consider the other
categories
as well, according to where your business falls. For example, if your
business
is a restaurant, don't hesitate to check the Food and Nutrition
category
for grants currently available. If your business is a farm, check the
Agriculture
section.
Grants
aren't available
for starting or opening a new business, and they also aren't available
for expanding on an existing business. However, business grants for
women
can offer funding for research or development of the business. Many
grants
may not be applicable to your particular business or needs, but there
may
be funds available for research, education, or other things needed for
you to operate and improve your business to help you achieve business
growth.
In general,
when
considering the options for a business grant for women, do your
homework
and read carefully. Look at all grants available that might be related
to your particular business. Consider looking into the Business and
Commerce
section, of Grants.gov,
as mentioned, and also look into the different categories of grant
fundings.
Take the time needed to read the grant qualifications carefully. With
any
business, check into the Regional Development category, as well as the
Community Development category. Depending on your location within the
United
States, it's possible to qualify for a grant to economically develop
certain
areas, and expanding a business in one of these areas can possibly
assist
you in qualifying
for a business grant for women.
Additionally,
consider
applying for an educational grant if returning to school is an option
you'd
like to consider. Many grants for higher education are offered each
year,
and not all are awarded. Knowledge is an extremely valuable business
tool,
and because the money is readily available for those who qualify, and
educational
grant is an excellent option to consider as a business grant for women.
Contact the
specific
government agency offering the grant for tips, information, and to
ask questions before submitting your application.
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