The SBDC Program is partially funded by the U. S. Small Business Administration. SBA’s funding is not an endorsement of any products, opinions or services. SBA funded programs are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis.

Grants: Myths & Facts

Grants are generally intended to benefit humanity in some way or another. Non-profit companies and organizations use grant funding to deliver these benefits. Grants come from many sources. Charitable foundations, business groups, and the government are a few. In most cases grants are not to enrich an individual or individual business. In fact the feds are pretty direct in how they describe this... The U.S. government does not currently provide grants for starting or expanding a small business.

The whole "Free Government Money" thing is an urban legend. A gent named Matthew Lesco publishes books about "Free Government Money". (Read what ConsumerAffairs.com has to say about him) The Lesko book we bought, (so our clients wouldn't have to), is 1100 pages. When you break it down the math looks like this; 1100 divided by 50 states = 22 pages per state, 22 divided by the number of counties (58 in California)= .32 pages/county, .32 divided by 3 (equally divided between business, education and housing money) = .11 pages/business in your county of your state. In addition, very little of the information is actually grants, but instead loans and "business assistance" (SBDC services and workshops are business assistance).

Having said all that... sometimes grants do happen. People sometimes get grant funding for activities which benefit groups of businesses or industries, or mankind in general. Industry specific grants can be researched through trade organization websites. The following are some links to conduct general grant research;

The Headwaters Fund
The Headwaters Fund makes grants and loans to Humboldt County organizations for the economic and community development of the County. Business may apply for loans of $25,000 to $800,000 for a variety of needs. Non-profits and governments may apply for grants and loans.

GetGrants!
With California's new GetGrants! website, you now have a single, easy-to-use directory that will help you find state grants with just a click of the mouse.

City of Eureka
The City of Eureka has redevelopement funds for certain types of projects.

Humboldt Area Foundation
The Humboldt Area Foundation provides grant research training and resources.

GovBenefits
This is a free, confidential tool that helps you find government benefits you may be eligible to receive.

Grants.gov
This website allows organizations to electronically find and apply for competitive grant opportunities from all Federal grant-making agencies.


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