Discover Funding You Didn’t Know You Could Access
we specialize in uncovering free money—grants, IRS-backed programs, and other funding resources you may be eligible for. Whether you’re an individual or a business owner, we simplify the process, offer transparent fee agreements, and support you every step of the way—from application to payout. We’re here to make sure no opportunity for financial help goes unnoticed or unclaimed.
Securing funding and grants is crucial for new businesses to grow. Here are 10 top places to apply for grants and funding, along with the application process for each:
### 1. **Small Business Administration (SBA)**
**Type**: Loan programs, Grants
**Process**:
- * **Research**: Explore SBA loan and grant programs such as the 7(a) Loan Program, Microloan Program, or specific grant opportunities for disadvantaged businesses.
* **Prepare Documents**: Business plan, financial statements, personal background, and credit history.
* **Submit Application**: Apply via SBA-approved lenders or through SBA’s website for grants (such as the SBA’s competitive grant programs for innovation).
* **Wait for Approval**: SBA-approved lenders or the agency itself will evaluate your application and make a decision.
**Website**: [SBA.gov](https://www.sba.gov)
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### 2. **Grants.gov**
**Type**: Government grants
**Process**:
* **Create an Account**: Register at Grants.gov and create an account.
* **Search for Grants**: Use their search tool to find grants that match your business type.
* **Prepare Application**: Follow the specific instructions for each grant, including required documents (e.g., business plan, tax returns, budget).
* **Submit Application**: Submit through the Grants.gov portal.
* **Track Status**: You’ll be notified of grant status, and may need to provide additional information.
**Website**: [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov)
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### 3. **Local Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)**
**Type**: Local grants, consulting
**Process**:
* **Contact Local SBDC**: Find your nearest SBDC office.
* **Consultation**: Many SBDCs offer free business consulting and can help identify local or state-specific grants.
* **Access Grants**: SBDCs often have the latest information on local government or private sector grants.
* **Apply**: The SBDC will guide you through the process, from paperwork to application submission.
**Website**: [ASBDC.org](https://americassbdc.org)
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### 4. **National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE)**
**Type**: Business grants
**Process**:
* **Become a Member**: Join NASE to access their grant opportunities (membership required).
* **Submit Application**: NASE offers grants up to \$4,000, and members can apply directly through their online portal.
* **Provide Documentation**: Prepare financial statements and a description of how the funds will help grow your business.
* **Review Process**: NASE evaluates applications and informs applicants of grant awards.
**Website**: [NASE.org](https://www.nase.org)
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### 5. **Fast Grants**
**Type**: Research and innovation grants
**Process**:
* **Visit Website**: Fast Grants focuses on research-related innovation grants.
* **Check Eligibility**: Typically for businesses in the scientific, health, or technological sectors.
* **Submit Application**: Complete a brief application describing the project and its potential impact.
* **Review Process**: Fast Grants review process is quick, and applicants are often notified within days.
**Website**: [FastGrants.org](https://www.fastgrants.org)
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### 6. **Amber Grant**
**Type**: Grants for women entrepreneurs
**Process**:
* **Create Account**: Register on the Amber Grant website.
* **Submit Application**: Fill out the online application, including a detailed description of your business and how you would use the grant.
* **Monthly and Annual Grants**: Amber Grant gives monthly \$10,000 grants, plus an annual \$25,000 grant and additional funding for business growth.
* **Review Process**: Applications are reviewed monthly, and winners are selected based on merit.
**Website**: [AmberGrant.com](https://ambergrant.com)
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### 7. **Kiva**
**Type**: Micro-loans (crowdfunding)
**Process**:
* **Create Profile**: Sign up and create a business profile on Kiva.
* **Loan Request**: Apply for a microloan (up to \$15,000) from the Kiva community.
* **Fundraising**: Your loan will be listed on the Kiva platform where individual lenders can contribute.
* **Repayment**: If your loan is funded, you repay the loan with flexible terms (often zero interest).
**Website**: [Kiva.org](https://www.kiva.org)
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### 8. **The FedEx Small Business Grant Contest**
**Type**: Business grants
**Process**:
* **Submit Application**: Enter the annual FedEx Small Business Grant Contest by providing a business overview, goals, and impact.
* **Voting Period**: After submission, the public can vote for their favorite businesses.
* **Review**: A panel of judges selects the winners based on innovation, growth potential, and how the business uses the prize funds.
* **Awards**: Prizes include cash grants, FedEx services, and marketing exposure.
**Website**: [FedEx Grant Contest](https://www.fedex.com/en-us/small-business/grant-contest.html)
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### 9. **Shopify Capital**
**Type**: Business funding (loans and cash advances)
**Process**:
* **Shopify Store**: Must have an active Shopify store and generate consistent sales.
* **Eligibility Check**: Shopify reviews your store’s performance and offers tailored funding options (loan or cash advance).
* **Apply**: Complete the application within the Shopify dashboard.
* **Receive Funds**: If approved, funds are directly deposited into your business account.
**Website**: [Shopify Capital](https://www.shopify.com/capital)
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### 10. **Innovative Business Grants (IBG)**
**Type**: Grants for tech and innovation startups
**Process**:
* **Check Eligibility**: Focus on technology and innovative business models.
* **Submit Application**: Include a detailed business plan, the innovation behind your business, and how funding will help.
* **Selection**: IBG reviews applications and awards grants based on innovation, feasibility, and business potential.
**Website**: [InnovativeBusinessGrants.org](https://www.innovativebusinessgrants.org)
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