Here’s what’s great about grant money:

· It’s free money.

· No repayments.

· Nice when you get one.

Here’s the not-so-great thing about grant money:

· They’re notoriously hard to get.

· Painfully specific.

· Not that easy to find.

Today’s blog post is about helping you wade through the maddening plethora of grant sites so that you can find the right source of funding for your energy healing practice needs. Previously, I wrote about the two types of startup financing, Need Startup Money part 1,  and the seven main sources of funding for small business startups, Need Startup Money part 2. Read these first if you’re just starting up your energy healing practice.

If you’ve already started up and want to apply for a grant to finance a specific purchase or develop a particular product, read on.

U.S. FEDERAL GOVERNMENT GRANTS

The thing to keep in mind when looking for Federal Government grants is that they have to be “tied closely to specific agency agendas, such as the Department of Energy or the Department of Agriculture.” Therefore, if you need funding for high tech initiatives or research and development you’d do well to apply for a federal grant.

If you’d like to search the Federal Government database for grants to see what might apply to your energy healing practice needs, visit grants.gov.

If you’re curious as to whether you qualify for a government grant, here’s a quick link:

Quick Link: https://www.sba.gov/blogs/government-grants-small-business-think-you-qualify

1. Small Business Administration

Despite popular belief, the Small Business Administration (SBA) does not give grants to start or expand a business. However, for non-profits and those interested in research and development that has the potential for commercialization, you can apply for a grant at SBIR.gov .

What the SBA does is help businesses get loans and find venture capital. You can even schedule an appointment with one of their counselors to talk about your financing needs at the quick link below:

Quick Link: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/grants

One of the grants the SBA co-hosts is the InnovateHER Challenge.

InnovateHER provides an opportunity for entrepreneurs throughout the U.S. to showcase products and services that have a measurable impact on the lives of women and families, have the potential for commercialization, and fill a need in the marketplace.

Sponsored, in part, by Microsoft, each year $70,000 is awarded to first, second, and third place winners. You can find out more about the InnovateHER Challenge and view the finalist for 2017 in the quick link below:

Quick Link: https://www.sba.gov/offices/headquarters/wbo/resources/1465581

2. Challenge

Another Federal Government hub for prize money is challenge.gov. From virtual reality heads-up-display challenges to storytelling about health and wellness in tribal communities currently there are over 800 competitions for you to browse.

PRIVATE SECTOR GRANTS

If it doesn’t look like a Federal Government grant will work for you, consider grants from the private sector. There are hundreds of grants for small businesses starting up and growing.

Here are four of my favorites to get you started:

1. Visa’s Everywhere Initiative

Visa’s Everywhere Initiative was created in 2015 to “drive strong business outcomes by harnessing the creativity and talent within the startup community.”

In this competition, Visa presents three real-life business challenges to which applicants must respond. The challenges are meant to test ingenuity, creativity, and innovative commerce ideas. Last year, Visa selected 600 startups to compete in the challenges and awarded the winners up to $50,000 each.

You can find out more about this unique initiative and see some winners at the quick link below:

Quick Link: https://usa.visa.com/visa-everywhere/everywhere-initiative/initiative.html

2. Amber Grant

The Amber Grant Foundation began in 1998 and has one goal in mind: “to honor the memory of a very special young woman who died at just 19 years old.” Amber Grants make it possible for women to achieve their dreams—something Amber never had the opportunity to do.

Exclusively for women small business owners, the Amber Grant awards one $500 grant each month, and if you’re one of the monthly recipients, you’re eligible to be awarded a $2,500 grant at the end of the year. Visit their site for more details on the grant and how to apply at the quick link below:

Quick Link: https://ambergrantsforwomen.com/about-us/

3. Lending Tree Small Business Grant

Launched in 2016, Lending Tree’s small business grant contest awards a $50,000 grant each year. This year’s winners were passionate entrepreneurs with a growth mindset focused on community enrichment.

Besides offering grants, they’re also a resource hub where you can go to learn how to write better grants, find out where to search for them, and get tips for writing success.

You can find out more about this grant and resource hub at the quick link below:

Quick Link: https://www.lendingtree.com/business/grant/

4. National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) Growth Grants

Need $4,000? If you have fewer than 10 employees, you can apply for a NASE grant.

One $4,000 grant is awarded each month, and you do have to be a member of the association, in good standing, to apply. The best part about NASE grants is that they are specifically for the growth of small businesses! That means you can use this grant for computers, hiring part-time employees, marketing, office equipment, website creation, and much more at the quick link below:

Quick Link: http://www.nase.org/become-a-member/grants-and-scholarships/BusinessDevelopmentGrants.aspx

Lastly, if you’re still unable to find a grant that works for you, check out Ben Rashkovich’s exhaustive list: “Want Free Money? Check Out This List of 106 Small Business Grants.” It’s a compilation list that includes federal, state and local grants. Also, grants for minorities and new small business startups. You’re sure to find something that’s perfect for you there!

Grants are notoriously hard to get. That is, unless, you know what you’re doing. Whether you’re just starting up as an energy healing practice or already established and growing, there are grants for which you can apply. The above resource links will help you wade through the maddening plethora of grant sites so that you can find the right source of funding for your energy healing practice.

Jan

P.S. I’m excited about an innovative client attraction system for #spiritual and #healing entrepreneurs that I think you’re going love.

I offer a few free client attraction discovery sessions each month by Zoom.

If you want a spot, click on this LINK to book your Discovery Session with Jan.

Or message me at:
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Photo Credit: Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash