Frequently Asked Questions

This article answers frequently asked questions (FAQs) about

 using grants to fund your small business.

What is a Small Business Grant? 

A grant is money awarded to a grantee (person receiving 

a grant) to carry out the specific project or venture they 

planned to carry out in the grant proposal.

What is a Grant Proposal? 

A grant proposal is a document that provides the potential 

grantor of funds with pertinent information regarding the 

business or venture. It includes highly detailed goals and 

objectives as well as timelines and methods for achieving 

them. It also includes financial projections as well to show 

when the business plans to break even and become self 

sustaining.


Where can I find grants? 

There are many resources for finding grants for your business.

 First check what industry your business falls under . 

Then check what grants are available .

 There are 26 federal agencies that have grants for 

small businesses. 

State and local governments also list grants for 

small businesses if they have any available. 

There are also many nongovernmental philanthropic and 

non-profit organizations with grants, but they are unlikely 

to fund a for-profit business.

What is the size of government grants? 

This will depend on the specific grant. For a small business 

that needs a minute amount of money to continue, 

it can be a couple of hundred dollars. For scientific 

research to find a cure for a disease, 

it can be millions of dollars.

 A better question is: how much do I really need for my 

business? Ask yourself this and then see if there is a grant 

out there that is adequate for your venture. 

That is why FFH is here to help you. 

Do government grants have to be repaid? 

Grants by definition do not have to be repaid, 

but because of this fact, grants are difficult to obtain and 

the grantor of the funds will continue to make sure that you

 comply with the requirements set forth in the grant.

How long does it take to get money from 

government grants? 

A date will most likely be arranged for transfer of funds upon 

approval of the grant. However, the approval process can take 

anywhere from a few months to a year.

Can I obtain multiple government grants? 

Sure, as long as you qualify, you can apply for them. 

However, continue to be honest and notify the grantor 

about past grants you have received.

How do I apply for government grants? 

There are usually five main steps to applying for government grants. They are as follows:


Make Sure grants are appropriate for you business
Prepare your Business Plan
Find grants that may be suitable for your business
Prepare and submit your Grant Proposal
Conduct Post Decision Follow Up


What Kinds of Businesses are eligible for Grants? 

There are certain types of businesses that the government will just not give a grant to. For a business to be eligible it must perform a service for society or the community as simple as providing jobs to an underserved community or as complex as curing diseases.

Aren't grants only available for women, minorities, and the disabled?

This simply isn't true. Grants are for businesses that qualify. Some government agencies have contracts that they prefer to give to underserved groups, but no grants are set aside for specific groups.

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