Business Grants For Women

By Rebecca Game

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.

About the Author: Rebecca Game is the founder of Digital Women ®, an online community for women in business. A 30 year entrepreneur and dedicated to helping other women find business loans and business grants. Visit her site: Business Grants for Women http://grants.digital-women.com

Source: http://www.isnare.com/

Related articles:

Can Stay At Home Moms Be Successful On The Internet?
By Kenny Anderson In the midst of downsizing, layoffs and the genuine need for two incomes in most families these days, there are now literally hundreds of thousands of stay at home Moms that are considering starting their own home based Internet businesses. For those of you have had the pleasure, you know that the job of a stay at home Mom is one of the most demanding jobs you can have. I a... [read more]

Money Makeovers For Women
By Megan Gelhar Today, the vast majority of women in North America believe they are unable to stand solidly on their own two feet when it comes to their financial lives. They might already be successful businesswomen in their own right, maybe even millionaires, yet many tell me that if their husband died or left, they don’t know what they would do regarding their finances. They don’t believ... [read more]

Business Grants For Women
By Rebecca Game 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, ... [read more]

Why Women In Small Business Must Have A Web Site
By Nina Menezes In recent years we've seen a HUGE increase in the number of small businesses owned by women. This growth has been so dramatic that millions of people now think of a woman when they visualize who owns the businesses they buy from. Women everywhere deserve a big pat on the back for this amazing accomplishment. But as is always the case for small business owners, there is still ... [read more]

10 Reasons For Women To Start An Internet Business
By Kathy Wilson Starting an internet business is in my opinion, one of the fastest and smartest ways women today can make money. Here are 10 reasons for starting an internet business, and one reason why you shouldn’t! 1. Money. Pure and simple, we all could use a more of it. Whether it’s to get out of debt, build a retirement, or just simply make ends meet. With the right guidance, an in... [read more]

Men, Women, Students.. Work At Home Business Is For Everyone. And How!!!
By Purva Mewar Working from home has stormed the world as more and more people are checking the option out so that they can drop out of the 'rat race' and create an income that will build a financial security fence around themselves and their families. Work at home business entreprenuers have also been quoted in world class magazines like, in The New York Times, The Savannah Business Journal... [read more]

Business Networking For Women Entrepreneurs: Connecting Is The Key To Magical Networking
By Jill Lublin Something strange happens to many women when they approach networking opportunities. They suddenly forget how to connect, simply going through the motions of shaking hands and exchanging business cards. Networking becomes a chore -- part of a business plan that is carried out with apprehension and some degree of loathing. It doesn’t have to be this way. Networking magic happens... [read more]

So, You Want To Be A Work From Home Mom?
By Nicole Dean What exactly are the options for a mom to make money at home? Unfortunately, there are scams everywhere – some you may have heard of sound too good to be true – and they usually are. Oftentimes, women lose a lot of money before they even find a legitimate opportunity, let alone one that they love. Below, you’ll find a list of popular work from home options. They all h... [read more]

How To Succeed As a Stay-At-Home Mom
By Donald Lee Stay-at-home moms are no longer just the co-stars from Leave It To Beaver, the Brady Bunch, and other television shows from a bygone era. Taking care of the kids has become the cool thing to do again for women in their 20s and 30s. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are at least 5.4 million stay-at-home parents in the United States alone. These are a dynamic bunch of women... [read more]

Top Ten Ways To Stay Sane As A Work At Home Mom
By Nicole Dean The other day, someone asked me what it's like to be a work at home mom. I just blinked back at him, my mind blank. How could I possibly describe life as a work at home mom? Only someone who's lived it can understand the juggling act it requires. Work at home moms have the usual responsibilities of being a mom - folding laundry, scheduling doctor's appointments, helping with h... [read more]

The Perfect Home Business For Moms!
By Joe Clare The important role that women play as a wife and mother at home can not be overemphasized. They organize home life to ensure things run smoothly. From cleaning the home, making the meals, taking care of the children, and running a host of other important errands and tasks. For a wife and mother who works outside the home these tasks can take on the organization skills of Super Woma... [read more]

Why Moms Should Start A Home Based Business Today
By Carrie Lauth Most Moms think about starting a home based business at one time or another. Maybe the youngest has started school, and Mom suddenly has a lot of free time. Or perhaps Mom was successful in her career before having her first child, and wished to put her skills to good use in a home based business. Another reason may be that a couple is accustomed to the lifestyle they can affor... [read more]

Simple Money Making Tips For Moms
By Aurelia Williams Moms know that staying home with the kids is an important job, perhaps the most important job that a woman can have. Unfortunately, few moms can afford to give up all of the income they’ve been contributing to the family coffers. However, finding the right work from home job can be a bit of a challenge. Luckily, moms can find ways to contribute to the household’s financi... [read more]