How to Find Business Grants for Women

More and more women are entering the male bastion of entrepreneurship. Modern women today are no less skilled and equipped than a man to face the hardships of business. Looking at the enthusiasm and ambition of women, the American government, in order to encourage these women, provides them various kinds of government grants for starting a business, running as well as expanding it. And not only the government, certain organizations too are coming forward to give aid for woman's business ventures. So, if you are a woman who is in search of such business grants for women, given below are some ways to seek and apply for the same.

Ways to Find Business Grants for Women

Grants.gov Website
This website is the best place to search for government grants for women in various fields, like education, research, medicine, technology development, etc. It has a complete database of government agencies which give grants to women as well as the eligibility requirements. Various government agencies come out with grant announcements from time to time, so you need to check their individual websites to know about their grant programs.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA)
The catalog of federal domestic assistance is a complete database, listing out all the options for grants for small business expansion. Grants are available to various kinds of businesses such as those belonging to women, minorities, rural businesses, business grants for single mothers etc. Out of this database, you need to identify the grant for which you are eligible and then apply for the same. Log on to the CFDA website for a more detailed information on business grants as well as to search the grants database.

Small Business Administration
The Office of Women's Business Ownership (OWBO), has established a number of Women Business Centers (WBC), all over America. These centers provide counseling, training and other help to women who belong to the minority class. So, for finding business grants for women and minorities, you can log on to the small business administration website or you can even go personally to a nearby WBC center.

Non-Profit/Private Organizations
Another place to look for small business grants for women is the non-profit organizations. Certain non-profits get grants from the federal government, which they further pass on to the business owners. Certain private organizations too are willing to provide business grants for women. For instance, the local Chamber of Commerce, provides grants to women who want to set up a business and are deserving. To know about such business grants programs offered by non profit and private organization, check websites such as "Fundsnetservices.com" and "WomanOwned.com".

How to Apply Business Grants for Women

When applying for a government grant, ensure that the application is filled appropriately with absolutely true and correct information. The content of the application form is one of the main criteria for judging an applicant so if you feel that you do have the skills to fill it properly, hire the services of a professional. Most grant applications require you to submit a business plan as well as steps that you will take in future to expand the business. This makes it mandatory that you are thorough with and have full understanding of the business you are getting into. Meeting the grant officer personally, prior to filling the application, is a good way to know the criteria and expectations of the officials responsible for approving your grant. Also, staying in touch with the grant officer might help in early grant approval.

You really need to make an effort to search for the right business grants for women, which suit your business purpose. Once you have found a program for which you are eligible, it is entirely up to you, the way you present yourself in front of the grant officer as well as how you fill the application form, that will determine your grant approval.