As an entrepreneur, if you find it difficult to procure the latest hardware and software, then small business technology grants are the answer.
Small businesses are the engines of the American economy, creating two out of every three new jobs in the country.
However, technology is a critical part of your success, a part that you cannot do away with, no matter how hard you try.
In recent times, though, a problem has appeared among small American businesses. The concern?
A lack of funds to purchase the technology inputs that are needed to help drive these businesses.
From apps to marketing, small business owners will need to invest in technology. And, with the help of a small business grant, they can reduce their costs and more efficiently run their company.
As a small business in the US, you may find yourself unable to afford the latest hardware and software.
It is however safe to say, though, that you are not alone.
There are hundreds of thousands who currently walk the same path as you, and this is your chance to turn things around.
There’s a glimmer of hope for you, that’s where small business technology grants come in!
Grants Are Important To Your Business
These grants provide financial assistance to help small businesses buy and install the latest hardware and software.
And, there are a number of different grant programs available, each with its own set of eligibility requirements.
While some grants are open to all small businesses, others are targeted at minority and women-owned businesses. Yet, there are some designed for rural areas, or for specific industries.
In the United States, grants are a key component of federal financial assistance programs. It is common knowledge that without funding such as this, many projects and initiatives would die.
And the projects and initiatives that do not die, will be stalled or delayed in their implementation.
But with small business technology grants, your business stands a better chance of surviving.
Available grants can be used to fund research, development, prototyping, startup costs and more. And these grant monies are distributed through a variety of entities that can offer grants to your business.
Small Business Technology Grants Available To You
So, now that you know that there are technology grants for your business, you are probably wondering how you can get them, right?
Alright, let’s dive right into that!
There are two major categories of technology grants, and they are:
- Federal Grants and
- State Grants
The following sections will provide a general overview of both categories.
Federal Grants
The United States government offers a wide range of small business grants to assist with any project or need. To be eligible, the project or need must have been met by the private sector.
There are many federal agencies that grant money to businesses in the United States. These include the:
The department of Defense (DoD)
The department of Defense is a unique source of small business grants, because it awards the money to local governments,
These local governments then distribute it locally to individual vendors. The DoD is not a direct funder, but these grants provide you with resources to do business with the DoD.
The Small Business Administration (SBA)
For example, the Small Business Administration (SBA) offers several types of small business technology grants to small businesses.
If you require funding for research and development, to develop new products or variants, or to help you commercialize, the Small Business Administration (SBA) should be your first port of call.
So, if you want to find out what grants might be available to your business, check out the SBA’s website or contact your local SBA office.
They’re also a good resource for additional information on small business grants in general.
In addition to financial support, these government grants may also provide training to help you use the new equipment effectively and efficiently.
For more information on available federal grants, please visit
https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/search-grants.html
How to Apply and Win Small Business Technology Grants
Here are some things you might want to know about applying for and winning a small business technology grant:
Why You Should Apply For A Small Business Technology Grant
• Grants may be available from your state government or from federal agencies such as the National Science Foundation, Small Business Administration, Department of Housing and Urban Development, and Army Corps of Engineers.
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Understanding the reason for a small business grant
It’s important to understand the reason for a small business grant before applying.
For example, while some grants are given for a specific purpose, like funding education in order to increase accessibility to technology, other grants require you to apply for a certain type of technology.
There are also small business technology grants awarded specifically to businesses that are low-income or minority-owned.
So, you need to determine which best fits your need before you start the application process!
What are the eligibility requirements?
• Small business technology grants are typically awarded to small businesses that are typically located in the United States, have less than 500 employees, and are independently owned and operated.
How to find and apply for a small business grant
Finding and applying for small business technology grants is not always easy. There are many grants out there, but knowing which ones to apply for can be difficult.
Fortunately, there are some excellent resources available online to help you find the right small business technology grants for your business.
One of the best places to look is Grants.gov.
With Grants.gov, you will be able to see an overview of all federal government small business technology grants that are currently open for application. Also, you can find small business technology grants through resources like:
- https://www.sbir.gov/about/about-sttr
- https://ambergrantsforwomen.com/get-an-amber-grant/
- https://www.sbir.gov/about/about-sbir
- https://www.grants.gov/
- https://www.eda.gov/funding-opportunities/
- https://www.sbir.gov/
- https://www.fedex.com/en-us/small-business/grant-contest.html
- https://www.nase.org/become-a-member/member-benefits/business-resources/growth-grants
- https://www.epa.gov/grants
- https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/grow-your-business/women-owned-businesses
- https://www.sbir.gov/about/about-sttr
- https://ambergrantsforwomen.com/get-an-amber-grant/
- https://www.sbir.gov/about/about-sbir
- https://www.grants.gov/
- https://www.fedex.com/en-us/small-business/grant-contest.html
- https://www.nase.org/become-a-member/member-benefits/business-resources/growth-grants
- https://www.epa.gov/grants
- https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/grow-your-business/women-owned-businesses
Also, you will see the deadlines in the near future.
You can also search based on what you’re looking for – maybe you want to find small business technology grants to help increase your company’s production outputs or a grant that would help you get new equipment.
Another great place to look is the SBA website where they have a comprehensive list of all federal government grants available and information on how to apply. Another resource is Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants which help companies explore their technological potential while bridging investments from both the public and private sector.
How to prepare your application
• The application process is generally straightforward. In most cases, you submit an online application and attach any necessary documentation.
• You will want to think about your organization’s purpose and mission statement, as well as your goals and objectives.
• You’ll need to include a budget and timelines for the project or program.
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The best way to present your proposal
The best way to present your proposal is to make sure you have an intimate understanding of the grant guidelines. You also need to show how your project will be mutually beneficial to both parties.
For example, if you’re applying for a grant that focuses on providing technology in low-income communities, you should include information about how you’ll provide services and resources to those communities.
In addition, it’s important that your proposal is well-organized and concise. The more organized the presentation is, the better chance you have at being awarded the grant!
Tips for winning small business technology grants
• Understand your business’s needs and what programs are available to help you reach specific goals.
• Apply early! If a grant has a deadline, don’t wait until the last minute to submit your information.
• Remember to share your successes with the government agency that offers the grants. This can be in the form of submissions or presentations.
• Stay in touch with the agency granting you funds. They might ask for you to provide updates on how and when you’re using their money.
You now you know all about small business technology grants and how you can get them!
So, why should you apply for a small business grant?
The answer is simple: because they are free money! Grants are government-funded initiatives that are often used to stimulate the economy in a recession and create new jobs. So, if you’re a small business, it’s your turn to profit from these grants.
With this information in hand, you should be able to find and apply for a small business grant. And who knows, you might just win one.
