Why Most People Never Receive US Government Grants For Their Businesses

Federal Grants are an award of financial assistance issued by the government to carry out a purpose beneficial to the public. Most are awarded to researchers, cities, states, counties and non-profit organizations. They are not given to individuals.

Why do these grants exist?

They are awarded for a large variety of purposes from the arts to commerce, education to energy, and transportation to veterans’ affairs. These are then used for the benefit of individuals by the receiving agencies. Grants are an award of money that doesn’t have to repaid, and often have strict reporting requirements. Although the vast majority of government grants (as opposed to ‘benefits’) are not made to individuals or businesses, a few are. Small businesses do not normally receive grants from Central Government (although they may from local government). If however your business fits a narrowly defined purpose for the public good, such a green technology, healthcare or business technology, then it may be eligible.

How can I apply?

You can register as an organization to use Grants.gov and the website gives assistance on how to write a successful Grant Proposal. It also lists grant opportunities from federal agencies.

Other assistance programs

There are student aid programs and home improvement loans available from the federal government, but these are repayable loans rather than grants. You can find more information about them on government websites.