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Be meticulous in your following of the proposal’s instructions. This means including all the necessary documentation, completing the required forms, and staying on top of deadlines. See our equipment list and browse a sample selection of what we can source.
Your activities should be logical, realistic, and feasible, and based on evidence and best practices. You need to describe what you will do, how you will do it, who will do it, when you will do it, and where you will do it. You also need to identify the resources, materials, equipment, and personnel that you will need for your activities, and how you how to write a small business grant proposal will obtain them. You should also consider the risks, challenges, and assumptions that may affect your project implementation, and how you will mitigate or address them. Regardless of length, all grant proposals should be clear, concise, and easy to understand. If your proposal is selected for funding, you will be notified by the funding source.
Additional Resources about Grants and Grant Writing
This includes helping businesses secure funding and contracts and compete in emerging markets. Supported by the SBA, STEP helps small businesses cover the costs to start or expand into international markets. Funding and eligibility requirements vary based on your state, but the money can be used to participate in a variety of business activities. Its site includes a map feature you can use to search for grants based on location, and provides information on tax credits and exemptions.
- Our mission is to bring you “Small business success … delivered daily.”
- Most organizations that bestow grants have long-term institutional goals, and they want to see how their funding can help boost those goals.
- Some grants may have a specific review process, and it’s essential to stay informed.
- Awardees can include states, local governments, territories, and other types of government organizations.
Grant money should not remain stagnant, so the proposal committee needs to see how you will put the money to good use in expanding your business by gaining new customers. For this reason, it’s a smart idea to hire a grant writer through a freelance platform like Guru.com. A grant writer has the experience and expertise to connect you to the right donors and help you earn the funding you need. The introduction is where you tell the story of your organization. Share as much relevant information as you can, including your infrastructure, history, goals, philosophy, and experience, as well as biographies of key staff. Highlight your successes and expertise by adding client recommendations, positive feedback, and testimonials; you may even be required to include certifications, licenses, and permits.
Explain the Methodology:
Give context to the problem, illustrate other solutions attempted to solve it, and why what you’re doing is going to make a difference. A great grant proposal should clarify how you will measure positive outcomes and impact. This is where you sell why you’re submitting your grant request and why it matters. There are different requirements, expectations, and formats—not to mention all the prep work you need to do, like market research and clarifying your project timeline. Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) offer support to small businesses and entrepreneurs. There are local, regional, state, and national offices located across the country, so it can help to find one closest to you.
You can use SCORE to connect with a wide range of experts based on zip code for free. You can also request a match, search for a business mentor, or find your local chapter to get the advice or expertise you’re looking for. The SCORE mentor you’re matched with will hopefully be able to identify local grant opportunities for you and review your pitch or proposal to ensure it’s compelling and well-written.