Is high inflation causing you major anxiety? Are rising supplies and service costs making it harder to run your business? With 30% of small business owners listing inflation as their biggest worry, you’re not alone.
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Fortunately, there are many loan options. But what if you’re reluctant to borrow? In that case, seeing if you qualify for government money for small businesses might be a better option. For instance, you may qualify for the ERTC, which credits eligible business owners up to $26,000 per employee!
Take this 2-minute quiz to check your ERTC eligibility.
Or consider applying for a small business grant. Grants take time and effort, but the reward is free money. You just need to know how to access it. This article lists available grants and explains how to get them so you can stop worrying and focus on running your business.
7 Places To Get Government Money
1 – ERTC
Employee Retention Tax Credit or ERTC is a refundable tax credit the government gives out for businesses that were affected by the COVID pandemic. Businesses can get up to $26,000 per employee on their payroll (during the specified timeframe). If your business was partially suspended or closed during the pandemic, or if you lost a lot of money compared to before the pandemic, you’re likely eligible. Find out your ERTC eligibility.
Don’t miss out on cash for your company! Asure has helped customers claim over $300 million in tax credits and is eager to help you boost your business.
2 – COVID-19 Small Business Grants
As COVID relief is winding down, the Small Business Administration (SBA) has closed its small business grant programs. However, you can still apply for some local COVID-19-related business grants.
Here are some examples of available grants:
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The Wisconsin Tomorrow Main Street Bounceback Grant offers money for small businesses opening locations in vacant commercial spaces to assist with lease, mortgage, operational expenses, or other business costs.
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The Wisconsin Tomorrow Main Street Bounceback Grant offers money for small businesses opening locations in vacant commercial spaces to assist with lease, mortgage, operational expenses, or other business costs.
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Founders First CDC will award a total of $100,000 to 30 service-based businesses in Chicago, Illinois, with a staff of 2-20.
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The California Microbusiness COVID-19 Relief Grant Program offers grants of $2,500 to micro businesses that were significantly impacted by COVID-19.
3 – Federal Small Business Grants
The federal government awards small business grants through government agencies. They are competitive and often targeted at job creation to increase economic benefits for the community.
See below for available grants ranging from a few hundred dollars to hundreds of thousands (most are less than 10K).
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SBA’s State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) – helps small businesses with finding customers in the international marketplace and export development.
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SBIR & STTR Grant Programs – technology innovation and scientific research grants for small businesses.
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SBA Grants for Community Organizations – programs such as Boots to Business (B2B) and Women Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Program (WVETP).
Check Grants.gov for a complete overview of available small business grants.
4 – State and Regional Small Business Grants
State agencies often award small business grants. Similarly, local organizations give regional grants, like the Californian Oakland Black Business Fund and the Texas Amegy Bank Small Business Boost Program.
State grants typically have a smaller pool of applicants, so competition will be less fierce. Be sure to check the fine print, as grants will sometimes run across neighboring states too.
Also, if your business is minority-owned, contact your local MBDA (Minority Development Business Agency) center to see if you qualify for one of their federal, state, or local business grants as well.
5 – Startup Business Grants
The government and other organizations give startup business grants to help small businesses create a business or financial plan, complete training, and find equipment.
Competition can be tough. But if eligible, you won’t need to put up collateral, and you’ll never have to pay back the money.
Here’s how you can find these grants:
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Explore Grants.gov for new research-type state grant opportunities.
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Contact your local Small Business Development Center to help you apply.
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For a minority-owned business, contact your local MDBA to connect with grant organizations.
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Check out Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) & Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR). They offer grants for businesses with innovative technology or scientific research ideas.
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Look up grant competitions through the US Chamber of Commerce.
6 – Corporate Small Business Grants
Corporate grants are worth considering if your business idea is unique. Some large companies offer funds to small businesses for entering and winning pitch contests.
These grants are competitive. Be thorough in your application, check out previous winners, and contact the grant officer for more insight.
Here are some examples of available corporate small business grants:
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FedEx Small Business Grant Contest – FedEx has a total fund of $250,000 for ten small businesses and a top prize of $50,000 for US-based small companies operating for at least six months with a maximum of 99 employees.
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National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) – If you’re a member, you can apply for monthly grants worth up to $4,000. Completed applications are reviewed quarterly.
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Fast Break for Small Businesses – If you’re a business owner in an underserved and underrepresented community, this could be your ticket to winning a $10,000 grant.
Even if you don’t win, your business will receive free publicity, and you might get a runner-up prize.
7 – Private and Specialty Business Grants
Corporations, private entities, organizations, and special interest groups offer grants to
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Minority communities
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Certain types of businesses,
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Businesses in particular industries
There are small business grants available for women, veterans, and various other minority groups. Here are a few options:
Amber Grant – A monthly grant of $10,000 for a female entrepreneur by WomensNet, an organization for female entrepreneurs.
The StreetShares Foundation – Awards up to $15,000 to veterans or veteran spouses owning over 50% of the business.
First Nations Development Institute Grants – This nonprofit organization has awarded over 2,700 grants to Native projects in 44 states.
USDA (US Department of Agriculture) Grants – For small businesses and nonprofits in rural areas.
Conclusion
With soaring inflation rates, post-pandemic times are tough for small business owners. They could take out loans. Although, options like ERTC and small business grants are excellent alternatives for anyone reluctant to go into debt. Take advantage of the available government money for small businesses and give your business a free financial boost.
If you’d like to speak to an HR representative about your business, contact us.