If it Sounds Too Good to be True

"Free Government money to start your small business!" We frequently receive requests for information about grants for small business start-ups. Every entrepreneur "knows" that there is a grant for their particular business; they've heard from a friend or seen on television that government money is just waiting to be uncovered by entrepreneurs. There is of course a grain of truth to these ads, some government grants are available for small business - but they are designated for very specific programs such as highly technical areas of industry, schools and training programs and government agencies. The monies specifically designated for the support of small business are administered through the Small Business Administration as loans. Most other government grants are set aside for state and local governments and non-profits to provide technical assistance to small business. For information on federal government grants, see the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance.

Private foundations fund the work of non-profit organizations, but rarely private business. If you are developing a non-profit, information about private foundations can be found at the Foundation Center. If you need assistance in developing a grant proposal, see the Grantsmanship Center.

Other information about small business financing and start-up assistance can be found on our web page. See "Getting Started" and "Finance."

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Contact Us

SBDCNET
UTSA Institute for Economic Development
University of Texas at San Antonio
501 W. Durango Blvd.
San Antonio, TX 78207
http://sbdcnet.org/
sbdcnet@utsa.edu
800.689.1912