Small Business Grants: Get Grant Ready
Whether you run a non-profit 501(c)(3) or a for-profit small business, government grants and private foundation grants can be a powerful source of free funding. Use our guides, educational videos, and interactive grant readiness audit worksheets to make sure your organization is ready before you apply.
$500B+
in grants awarded annually in the U.S.
26+
federal agencies offer grant programs
85%
of grant applications are rejected
#1
reason for rejection: not grant ready
Grants for Non-Profits vs. For-Profits
The path to grant readiness differs based on your business type. Here's what you need to know.
Non-Profit Organizations
501(c)(3) and other tax-exempt entities
Grant Types Available:
- Federal grants (Grants.gov)
- Foundation/private grants
- State and local government grants
- Corporate giving programs
- Community development grants
Key Requirements:
- 501(c)(3) determination letter
- Board of Directors (3+ unrelated members)
- Form 990 filed annually
- SAM.gov & UEI registration
- Program evaluation & outcomes data
For-Profit Businesses
LLCs, Corporations, S-Corps, and Sole Proprietorships
Grant Types Available:
- SBA grants and programs
- SBIR/STTR research grants
- State economic development grants
- Minority/women-owned business grants
- Industry-specific grants (ag, tech, energy)
Key Requirements:
- Legal business entity (LLC or Corp)
- Business plan with financial projections
- Financial statements & tax returns
- SAM.gov & UEI registration
- Capability Statement & NAICS codes
Grant Readiness Video Library
Watch curated videos covering every aspect of grant readiness — from registration and setup to writing winning proposals.
Showing 16 videos
How to Prepare Your Business for Grants
Learn the 5 pillars every funder checks before releasing money and how to structure your organization for grant success.
The Ultimate Guide to Grant Readiness
A comprehensive checklist for first-time grant applicants covering everything from documentation to organizational structure.
Grant Readiness Is About Systems
Why grant readiness is about building internal systems, not just filling out applications. Essential for both nonprofits and businesses.
Grant Readiness Essentials: What Funders Want
Straight from the funder's perspective — learn exactly what grant-makers look for when evaluating applications.
What It Means to Be Grant Ready (Nonprofits)
Focused on new nonprofits and how their grant readiness process differs from established organizations.
How to Start a Nonprofit — 501(c)(3) Organization
Complete walkthrough of starting a nonprofit, getting 501(c)(3) status, and setting up for grant eligibility.
7 Things You Need for 501(c)(3) Status
The essential prep work required before applying for tax-exempt status — mission statement, bylaws, board, and more.
3 Things You Need Before Applying for 501(c)(3)
Know the activities you'll perform, budget projections, and fundraising plans before filing your application.
How to Find and Apply for Grants (For-Profit)
Essential guide for entrepreneurs to identify and successfully apply for grants available to for-profit businesses.
7 Steps to Secure $100K in Small Business Grants
Step-by-step preparation guide for startups seeking small business grants, covering documentation and positioning.
Grant Application Process: How to Win Business Grants
Learn how to streamline the grant application process and create a repeatable grant revenue stream for your business.
$90 Billion in Small Business Grants (2026)
How to search, apply, and win small business grants — a comprehensive livestream covering current opportunities.
How to Register on SAM.gov (Step-by-Step)
Complete walkthrough of SAM.gov registration — required for all federal grants and government contracts.
How to Register for a UEI Number
Step-by-step guide to getting your Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) through SAM.gov — required for all federal grant applications.
Grant Writing for Beginners (2026)
Updated guide covering the fundamentals of grant writing, proposal structure, and common mistakes to avoid.
5 Grant Writing Tips to Win Your Next Grant
Expert tips on what funders want to see in the first 30 seconds of reading your proposal.
Grant Readiness Audit
Use these interactive worksheets to audit your organization's grant readiness. Check off each item as you complete it — your progress is saved automatically. Export your results when done.
What is a Grant Readiness Audit?
A grant readiness audit is a systematic review of your organization's structure, documentation, financial systems, and compliance to determine if you are prepared to successfully apply for and manage grant funding.
85% of grant applications are rejected, and the number one reason is that organizations are simply not prepared. Missing documents, incomplete registrations, weak financial systems, and unclear program descriptions are all red flags that cause funders to pass on your application.
Why Audit Before You Apply?
Save Time
Know exactly what's missing before you start writing proposals
Increase Success Rate
Complete applications get funded — incomplete ones don't
Build Funder Confidence
Demonstrate organizational capacity and professionalism
Avoid Compliance Issues
Prevent problems with grant management and reporting
How to Use the Worksheets
- Select your business type (Non-Profit or For-Profit) using the tabs above
- Work through each category, checking off items you have completed
- Pay special attention to items marked Critical — these are must-haves
- Your progress is saved automatically in your browser
- Export your results to share with your team or a grant consultant
Need Help Getting Grant Ready?
Our team can help you prepare your organization for grant success. Contact us for a personalized grant readiness consultation.
5 Steps to Become Grant Ready
Establish Your Legal Foundation
Form your business entity, obtain your EIN, and get your 501(c)(3) status (non-profits) or ensure your business is in good standing (for-profits). This is the foundation everything else builds on.
Register on SAM.gov & Get Your UEI
Register your organization on SAM.gov and obtain your Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). This is required for all federal grants and many state programs. Keep your registration active by renewing annually.
Build Your Financial Infrastructure
Set up proper accounting systems, prepare financial statements, file required tax returns (Form 990 for non-profits), and establish internal financial controls. Funders need to trust you with their money.
Document Your Programs & Impact
Create clear program descriptions, develop a logic model or theory of change, establish data collection methods, and document your outcomes. Funders want to see measurable impact.
Build Relationships & Apply
Research funders aligned with your mission, attend informational sessions, build relationships with program officers, and submit well-prepared applications. Start with smaller grants to build your track record.
Ready to Get Grant Ready?
Don't leave money on the table. Contact our team for personalized guidance on preparing your organization for grant success.