GUIDE TO FREE GOVERNMENT GRANTS

Anyone thinking about going into business forFORMS & DOCUMENTS
themselves, or wanting to expand an existingState professionals will help a new business owner
business should rush for the world's largestapply for permits, licenses, or any other legal
"one-step-money-stop" where FREE MONEY to startdocument a business may require.
or expand a business is being held for you by theVENTURE CAPITAL FINANCING
Federal Government.This method can provide FREE MONEY in the sense
It sounds absolutely incredible that people living rightyou wouldn't have to pay it back. You would,
here in the United States of America wouldn't knowhowever, probably have to give up part of the
that each year the world's largest source of freeownership of your business in order to receive
business help delivers: * Over $30 billion dollars in freefinancing. Most states have their own venture capital
grants and low interest loans; * Over one-half trillionfinance firms that invest in high risk businesses.
dollars in procurement contracts; * Over $32 billionMINORITIES & WOMEN
dollars in FREE consulting and research grants.FREE MONEY grants are available in most states for
With an economy that remains unpredictable, and awomen or minorities who want to start a business.
need for even greater economic development on allLOW INTEREST LOANS
fronts, the federal government is more willing thanA state may raise money through industrial revenue
ever before to give you the money you need tobonds to buy your fixed-asset equipment. The public,
own your own business and become your own boss!which invest in these bonds, do not pay taxes on the
In spite of the perception that people should not lookearned interest. When a low interest loan is granted,
to the government for help, the great governmentthe state does not guarantee that investors will get
give-away programs have remained so incredibilitytheir money back if the business fails. If a state
huge if each of the approximately 8 million businessesissues a general obligation bond, a public investment is
applied for an equal share, they would each receivethen guaranteed. the states will also make direct
over $70,000.loans at low interest, or even co-sign a commercial
Most people never apply for a FREE GRANT becausebank loan. If a state co-signs a loan for you, it may
they somehow feel it isn't for them, there's toosubsidize your interest and reduce an already
much red-tape, or simply don't know who to contact.low-interest rate lower yet.
The fact is however, that people from all walks ofSMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTERS
life do receive FREE GRANT MONEY and otherEvery state has Small Business development Centers
benefits from the government, and you should also.who can match you with the right FREE MONEY
HOW TO FIND FUNDING SOURCES WORTHgrant program. All development centers offer free
BILLIONScounseling to anyone wishing to start or expand a
As with all grant seeking, the key to obtaining grantsbusiness. Their services are varied but include; FREE
is preparation and knowledge about funding sources.seminars, workshops, business planning, feasibility
Preparation means identifying programs that arestudies, marketing research, management analysis,
available, and determining if you fall within theirsales technique, financing, exporting, inventory
restrictions.control, accounting, record keeping, and grant
The following sources will be invaluable to you inapplication. Whatever your questions about FREE
locating thousands of sources of FREE MONEYMONEY grants or starting a business, refer to your
FEDERAL REGISTERtelephone directory under State Offices and contact
This daily publication contains changes, proposedyour Small Business development Center.
changes, and notices about rules and regulationsGETTING FREE MONEY FROM VENTURE CAPITAL
affecting all government agencies and their programs.SOURCES
Federal agencies must publish the programA venture capital company is another source for
description, eligibility requirements, and programFREE MONEY in financing your business plans. But
guidelines in the Federal Register. For currentsince they are willing to assume some risk by
subscription costs write to: Superintendent ofinvesting in your business, they also expect some
Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office,equity in the business itself.
Washington, Dc 20402.Venture capital companies invest in projects they feel
CATALOG OF FEDERAL DOMESTIC ASSISTANCEwill be successful and bring a return on their
This publication lists a complete description of everyinvestment. If you are interested in asking a venture
program in the federal government that makes fundscapital company to invest in your business refer to
available to private business. Write to the U.S.your telephone directory under Venture Capital
Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.Companies or Investment Companies, and contact
COMMERCE BUSINESS DAILYthose who are in the same area you want to start
This publication contains a daily listing of U.S.your project in.
Government procurement invitations, contractSMALL BUSINESS INVESTMENT COMPANIES
awards, subcontracting leads, sales of surplusSmall business investment companies can provide
property, and foreign business opportunities. Foryour business with the capital it needs by; 1) giving
current annual subscriptions costs write to theyou a free loan; 2) making a stock investment in
Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Governmentyour business; or 3) offering a combination of the
Printing Office, Washington, Dc 20402.two.
THE FOUNDATION CENTERSmall business investment companies are in the
888 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10019, willbusiness of making money just like any other
provide you with a listing of philanthropic foundations.business. The biggest difference between them and
FREE FEDERAL MONEY GIVEN AWAY TO ASSISTanother investor is:
BUSINESSES GRANT MONEY FOR BUSINESSES IN1) They are privately managed firms who are
POOR ECONOMIC AREASlicensed and partially financed by the federal
Contact the Economic Adjustment Division, Director,government's Small Business Administration.
Economic development Administration, Herbert2) All of its transactions are regulated by the
Hoover Bldg.,Rm. H7217, Washington, DC 20230.government.
GRANT MONEY FOR MINORITY BUSINESS3) Their success depends on the growth and profits
DEVELOPMENTof companies they own stock in. They often give
Grants are awarded up to $2 million dollars tomoney in exchange for stocks.
stimulate business growth. Contact the Minority4) Their loans usually carry lower interest rates than
Business development Agency, department ofcommercial banks.
Commerce, Washington, DC 20230.5) Straight loans repayments are carried over a
FREE MONEY TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TOlonger period of time.
ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED BUSINESSES6) Most businesses are eligible, especially if they are
Management and technical assistance is provided free50% minority owned.
to disadvantaged business. Contact the AssociateFor a complete listing of the thousands of Small
Administrator for Small Business, 1441, L Street, NW,Business Investment Companies, visit your local
Rm. 602, Washington, DC 20416.library and ask for the SBIC Catalog. Study the
GRANT MONEY FOR INVESTORS IN RENTALcatalog and note the companies that specialize in
APARTMENT BUILDINGS WHO ARE IN FINANCIALyour area of interest. Then write them and request
TROUBLEmore information on what they have to offer.
Contact the Chief, Program Support Branch,WRITING A SUCCESSFUL GRANT APPLICATION
Management Operations Division, Office ofTo write a successful grant application for FREE
Multi-Family Housing Management, department ofMONEY it should be well planned. You should be
Housing and Development, Washington, DC 20420.familiar with exactly how a particular agency prefers
GRANT MONEY FOR WOMEN'S ENTERPRISESto have their grant proposals completed. If you have
Up to $200,000 dollar grants are awarded to womenno experience in writing grant proposals, this is
in business annually. Contact the Grants Managementanother area where your Small Business development
Office, Small Business Administration, 1441 L Street,centers can help.
NW, Washington, DC 20416WORK CLOSELY WITH THE FREE MONEY
GRANT MONEY FOR REAL ESTATE INVESTORSGRANTOR AGENCY
WHO RENT TO ELDERLY OR HANDICAPPEDOnce you decide which government agency you
PEOPLEwant FREE MONEY from, contact them and ask for
Contact the Director, Office of Multi-Family Housinga grant application. Get to know some of the grantor
Management, Dept. of Housing and Urbanagency personal. Experts love to talk about their
Development, Washington, DC 20410.programs, so ask for advice, suggestions, and
GRANT MONEY FOR INDIAN-OWNED BUSINESSEScriticisms about your proposed project.
Contact the Office of Indian Services Director,In most cases, the more the agency knows about
Bureau of Indian Affairs, 18th & C Streets, NW, Rm.your grant proposal, the better your chances will be
4600, Washington, DC 20240.of getting support from the personnel who ultimately
FREE STATE GRANT MONEYapprove your FREE MONET request.
There simply isn't enough room in this report to beginOften it is to the grantor's advantage to send their
listing all the FREE MONEY programs that are availablegrant proposal summary to an agency official they
from the federal and state governments. We can tellhave developed a contact relationship with, and ask
you however, the general types of programs thatthem to review and return it to you with their
are available and where to begin.comments. Be certain this approach is acceptable
As you contact different agencies for grant money,with your agency. You wouldn't first want a first
learn not to accept "no" as a final answer. There aredraft mistakenly processed before it was finished.
so many new programs being offered each year thatMaking a personal visit to the agency's office in your
often an agency's own employees won't be awarearea is also important. Face to face contact will help
they are offering the one you ask about. If beingyou understand eligibility requirements, deadlines,
persistence doesn't help, get in touch with yourmaximum FREE MONEY amounts you can apply for,
Congressman and let them track down a programand other details you want to know about. You can
that meets your needs.also utilize an agency's library and determine through
TYPES OF PROGRAMS THROUGH STATE &books, brochures, and conversation if there are other
FEDERAL AGENCIESagencies you could apply for FREE MONEY. there is
FREE MONEYnothing that says that you can't apply for, two three,
Usually through direct grants that do not have to beor more FREE MONEY grants at one time!
paid back.ESTABLISH YOUR OWN PROFESSIONAL NETWORK
BUSINESS CONSULTINGDo some networking and maintain continuous contact
Free management advice is offered on almost everywith people who can gather information for you
business subject by the Department of Economicabout FREE MONEY GRANTS. Nothing can be
Development to minimize new business start-upsubstituted for personal contact with the decision
management costs.makers who are in charge of grant programs. Learn
BUSINESS SITE SELECTIONto use your personal influence (and theirs) to achieve
State hired specialists are available to assist newyour goals.
entrepreneurs select the best possible location forThe US. Government Printing Office maintains a
their new business.wealth of information that people never take
MANAGEMENT TRAININGadvantage of! Write to them and ask for a copy of
Most states will assign specialists to work with a newthe "U.S. Government Directory" and ask for a list of
business with one-on-one management training.books, brochures, and documents that covers your
EMPLOYEE TRAINING ASSISTANCEfield of interest. Tell them you are especially
This program provides FREE MONEY to traininterested in obtaining information about FREE
employees. FREE MONEY is also available to sendFEDERAL MONEY that's available to private citizens.
employees to school.Remember, "FREE FEDERAL MONEY" doesn't mean
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT GRANTSyou have to travel to Washington, DC. It just means
FREE MONEY is available to attract high-tech relatedfinding out where the agencies are within your own
companies.state and local government. The contacts you want
PROGRAM CONSULTANTSto make may be only minutes away. estment
States have highly trained management consultantscompanies are in the business of making money just
who will locate Federal Grant Programs to help youlike any other business.
through the application process.