Many of you are new to Grants for Small Businesses, welcome! Even if you are a veteran and you’ve been around for quite some time, you might find some of this helpful as you navigate the world of small businesses! Let’s jump into it.
Free Money. It’s Real.
Grants essentially are free money. They are not loans, you don’t have to pay them back, and they are given to those deserving and needing the money. Depending on the type of grant, the specifications, and the organization that is hosting the grant, you can use the grant for a wide variety of items. Some examples I’ve seen, experienced, or have used grant money towards include:
Event Booking
Staffing Costs
Promotional Items for Events
Technology Costs
Photography / Videography
Cost of Goods
Startup costs
Utilities, Miscellaneous
The grant you are applying for will have guidelines if there are restrictions, so it’s vital to read the fine lines and understand what they may be asking of you.
Be You. Be All In.
Grant applications are a direct reflection of you and your hard work. Make sure that you allow your creativity and personality to shine. That might be showcasing your passion through a video, or writing from the heart.
Whether you are granted the award or not, you must continue to put in advancing effort to better your business. You might not get the first grant you apply for, but use that as a way to keep showing up. Look to continue to improve your application through certifications, photography improvements, social media presence, and community engagement.
Quick Links to Improving Your Application:
Navigating the archives can have you reading a searching for hours, especially as more grants come out. Here are a few quick links to help you with your next grant application. Remember, the next list is dropping soon!