Those seeking funding for their small business have the debt-free option of applying for startup business grants or small business grants. These grants are typically awarded by government entities, private organizations or corporations and, unlike loans , are not expected to be paid back. There are incentives for these companies and organizations to award these grants, as the new businesses could create economic growth or support a certain cause/research topic (like social or environmental) that one of these entities is interested in. These grants are highly competitive and have very specific requirements that must be met before they are awarded. Most likely, applicants will need to prepare by verifying the eligibility criteria, funding amount, application deadlines and any restrictions of a grant that their business aligns with. Also, ensuring the applicant’s business is specific enough to the grant’s requirements is very important . Doing so ensures the applicant has a better...

Attention small business owners, FedEx’s annual grant competition is underway and $50,000 is on the line. Since 2013, FedEx has been awarding entrepreneurs with hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants to kickstart their businesses. Business owners who have been operating for at least six months are encouraged to apply at smallbusinessgrant.fedex.com with their business name, FedEx account number, address, elevator pitch, and of course a very compelling story about their business.  How did you get started? What’s special about your product? It’s also recommended you make a one-minute video describing your business and purpose. This will help in the long run. The entry period ends on March 2nd and soon after, voting begins. Share your entry with your fans to increase your odds of getting noticed. You and your fans can vote once every 24 hours through March 8.   The grand prize winner receives a $50,000 grant plus $7,500 in FedEx print and business services. One second-place winner...

The Kapor Center, an organization working to increase tech training and job skills to minority populations through funding and programs, has announced a new $1 million funding competition, hoping to “catalyze tech inclusion.” The Kapor Center is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, as part of the organization’s educational initiatives. The Oakland-based organization’s Tech Done Right National Challenge will provide grants ranging from $100,000 to $150,000 to individuals and organizations that can implement solutions to diversify the tech industry. “We prefer short sprints that enable a set of partners to quickly discover the viability of the proposed solution and allow for rapid iterations,” the Kapor Center said on its website. The Kapor Center is looking to provide funding for individuals who are “particularly interested in solutions centered on prototyping, experimentation, and rapid iteration cycles.” In 2018, the Kapor Center released Leaky Tech Pipeline — a website...

Entrepreneurship is not easy and running a business is almost impossible without proper funding. In the beginning, many small businesses rely on grants to get started. If you’re not sure how or where to secure a grant, these seven resources are the best for black businesses. Grants.gov When looking for up-to-date information on grants being offered, the grants.gov database should be your #1 go-to. Here, you’ll be able to do an in-depth search based on the type of business you have, your needs, the type of grant you are searching for, and so much more. The website is very thorough, providing all the information you need to apply right there on the website. Minority Business Development Agency The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) holds annual grant and loan competitions and when they’re not holding competitions, you can visit your nearby Minority Business Centers for business consulting, financial counseling, grants, and more.   FedEx $50K Small Business Grant Contest Since...