By Shamitha Ramanan
One valuable resource that can significantly impact the trajectory of a small business are grants. They offer the financial support required to fuel the growth of your business. In this article, we delve into various grants and grant platforms that could suit your business and the application process.
FedEx Small Business Grant Contest
Each year, this competition grants $30,000 to 10 deserving business owners, with an added $20,000 grant awarded to a veteran entrepreneur selected from the pool of grand prize winners. To qualify, your business must be for-profit, employ fewer than 99 individuals, and possess a valid FedEx business shipping account number. This application opens on March 1, 2024, at 12pm ET and closes on April 1, 2024, at 12pm ET. Grant recipients will be announced on May 16, 2024. This grant application requires a short company bio with high-quality images that best represent your business and a two-minute video pitch.
National Association for Self-Employed (NASE) Growth Grants
Through the NASE Growth Grants program, your small business could secure up to $4,000 in funding. Grant applications undergo quarterly review according to the schedule posted on the NASE website. To qualify, membership in NASE is required, and applicants are asked to submit a business plan. Evaluation criteria for grant allocation include an assessment of the identifiable business need, a detailed plan for the use of grant funds, the potential for the grant to address the identified need, and the expected impact of the grant on the business.
This database offers a broad spectrum of opportunities customized for small businesses and contains more than 1,000 federal grant programs. These grants are from a variety of government agencies and cater to a diverse range of entrepreneurial pursuits. With eligibility criteria and monetary value varying widely, these grants provide support across a broad spectrum of business endeavors.
This database is similar to the one listed above and is an expansive online platform dedicated to listing hundreds of small-business grants sourced from across the United States. However, compared to the one above this is not through a variety of government agencies.
Citations
“FedEx Small Business Grants.” FedEx, www.fedex.com/en-us/small-business/grants.html. Accessed 1 Feb. 2024.
“$4,000 Business Grant #nase.” $4,000 Business Grant, www.nase.org/become-a-member/member-benefits/business-resources/growth-grants. Accessed 1 Feb. 2024.
“Search Grants.” Grants.Gov, www.grants.gov/search-grants. Accessed 1 Feb. 2024.
“Grants for Nonprofits, Businesses and Individuals-Grantwatch.” https://www.Grantwatch.com, www.grantwatch.com/. Accessed 1 Feb. 2024.
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