How to Get Small Business Grants and Loans to Fund Your Startup

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how to get small business grants and loans to fund your startup
Funding a startup is hard, but there are more options than most founders realize. Grants and loans each have trade-offs.

Funding a startup is hard, but there are more options than most founders realize. Grants and loans each have trade-offs. Grants do not need to be repaid, but they are competitive and often restricted to specific industries or groups. Loans must be repaid, but you keep full ownership.

For federal grants, Grants.gov is the central listing where federal agencies post grant opportunities. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs fund research and development with commercial potential. These are competitive and require a strong technical proposal.

Your state and city may offer grants too. Check your state’s economic development agency and your local Small Business Development Center (SBDC). SBDCs offer free advising and can point you to local programs. The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) supports minority-owned businesses with resources and connections.

Private grants exist as well. The Amber Grant gives monthly awards to women entrepreneurs. IFundWomen runs a grant database and crowdfunding platform for women-owned businesses. The National Association for the Self-Employed offers growth grants to its members. Read the eligibility rules carefully before applying, since many grants are narrow. Our article on startup funding from crowdfunding platforms covers another route, and financing options for women-owned businesses goes deeper on that topic.

For loans, the Small Business Administration (SBA) backs several programs. SBA microloans are small loans aimed at startups and borrowers with limited credit history. The SBA 7(a) program backs larger loans made through banks. SBA backing reduces the lender’s risk, which can mean better terms for you.

Angel investors and venture capitalists are another route, but they take equity. That means giving up part of your ownership. Make sure the trade is worth it before you accept.

Whatever you choose, get your paperwork in order first. Lenders and grant reviewers want to see a business plan, financial projections, and clean records. See managing finances and accounting for your home-based startup for the basics.

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