subject: Tips For Using Government Grants To Start A New Business [print this page] Tips For Using Government Grants To Start A New Business
Most people are not aware of the limitless possibilities attached to business grants that can be sourced from government coffers. If you have decided on starting a new business and you feel constrained by finances, grants are a good way to keep afloat. Information on current grants can be gotten from trade associations, business colleagues, from entrepreneurship foundations and online via the internet. The big advantage attached to business grants is that they do not need to the repaid.
Regardless of the type of business you have decided to engage in, there is a government grant available for you. All you need to do is research well for reliable information. The government is interested in giving out these grants to deserving companies and budding entrepreneurs because it is believed that these businesses will help create jobs and improve the economy. For instance, in the United States, all agencies offering business grants are listed in the Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA), including information on the category and business type that qualify for specific grants. Also, this catalogue is updated periodically to accommodate new grant agencies and categories.
To qualify for these grants, you should have a very detailed business plan that shows everything down to the basics. Your target market, projected sales figures, turnover, profit margin, marketing strategies and everything about your business must be put together in a well structured proposal if you wish to win these grants. Do not forget to include all expenses that would be incurred in the operation of the business, and the level of expertise that would be required to achieve the objectives of the business. This is because the grants are administered by successful and experienced business managers including rigorous grant officers who read between the lines. Also, the government wants to ensure that its money goes out only to businesses who can utilize the funds granted judiciously.
Furthermore, you should ensure that you tailor your application documentation in line with the requirements of the grant in question. As a business, you can apply for different grants, but you can not deploy a "one size fits all" application model if you want to be successful. Remember that there are numerous business owners out there competing for the same grant you are applying for.
You might feel that the processes involved with applying for grants are too tedious, but you have to be resilient. Remember that "Nothing good really comes easy". Finally, when you win a grant and your business starts to blossom, you will forget that you ever went through any stress.
