How To Get A Grant To Start A Business
                     How to Get a Grant to 
Start a Business
 A Step-by-Step Guide
What Are Business 
Grants?
 Non-repayable funds to support 
business goals
 Unlike loans: no interest or repayment
 Sources: Federal/state governments, 
foundations, corporations
Why Consider Grants for 
Starting a Business?
 Free funding with no repayment
 Helps cover startup costs in key 
sectors
 Competitive, requiring preparation and 
persistence
Types of Grants and Key 
Sources
 Federal Grants: SBIR, STTR, SBA 
programs
 State & Local Grants: Local growth & 
development
 Private & Corporate Grants: e.g., 
FedEx, Amazon contests
Eligibility – What 
Qualifies You?
 Criteria vary: type, ownership, size, 
location
 SBA rarely funds startups directly
 Specialized programs: R&D, 
community-benefit, minority, veteran
Step-by-Step Process to 
Get a Grant
 1. Research opportunities (Grants.gov, 
SBA, contests)
 2. Check eligibility requirements
 3. Register (SAM.gov, SBA, MBDA)
 4. Gather documentation (plan, 
financials, certifications)
 5. Write strong application aligned to 
goals
 6. Submit by deadline
 7. Follow up and track status
Specialized Grants for 
Specific Groups
 Minority-Owned: SBA 8(a), state & 
corporate grants
 Women-Owned: Government and 
private programs
 Veterans: State/federal grants, 
nonprofit initiatives
Grant Resources & 
Support Network
 Grants.gov & SBA for federal programs
 Local SBDCs & economic agencies
 MBDA for minority-focused support
 Platforms like GovernmentGrants.us 
(aggregator)
Real-World Examples & 
Success Tips
 FedEx Small Business Grant Contest
 Eastern Michigan Cohort: mentorship & 
services
 Tips: Research, align proposals, use 
resources, persist
Takeaway & Next Steps
 Grants = strategic funding but 
competitive
 Next Steps:
   1. List applicable grants
   2. Register on required platforms
   3. Seek local SBDC guidance
   4. Draft strong proposals
 Persistence + preparation = success