Author: Dona Basu

What Is Government Contracting? Government contracting is when specific government agencies contract with private companies for specific goods or services. The agencies usually put out a contract or often a request for proposal (RFP) and various companies can place bids for the project. Once an agency selects a particular business, a contract is signed, and that business is now considered a government contractor. Pros Government Contracts Offer Security In These Uncertain Times. Covid-19 has halted a lot of different industries. However, the government must continue to move forward for the health and welfare of its people. Government contracting can be a shining light in the pandemic darkness and provide a lifeline to many struggling businesses who are trying to survive this unprecedented situation. You should remember that government agencies are in need of goods and services in a year-round capacity. This makes them one of the few consumers that are actually recession-proof and a great source of steady reliable income. Are There Any Other Advantages For A New Business To Registering For The SAM Directory Besides Government Contracting Opportunities? A business has to be registered with SAM before it can begin to apply for valuable federal grants. What Is A Federal Grant? A grant may be a way the government funds your ideas and projects to provide public services and stimulate the economy. Grants support critical recovery initiatives, innovative research, and lots of other programs within the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA). The following are the steps to apply for a grant: Step 1: Obtain a DUNS Number Step 2: Register with SAM Step 3: Register with Grants.gov The United States Government Is A Very Powerful Client With Deep Pockets The Federal government usually spends around 500 billion dollars a year on goods and services. This makes the U.S. government an extremely attractive client. There are few other organizations with this type of spending power and clout. The government also tends to buy goods and services in bulk. If your business has the infrastructure to handle large orders, then the government can help you grow substantially at an accelerated pace. Government agencies also buy goods and services in large quantities. Large orders can be a double-edged sword for small businesses. However, if managed correctly, they can help you grow substantially and rapidly. Small Businesses Are Given Special Consideration When It Comes To Government Contracts In many markets, small businesses are often outcompeted by larger organizations that often have access to almost unlimited resources. This set aside actually might increase a small business’s chances of winning a lucrative bid. The federal government is required to set aside at least 23 percent of its total spending specifically for small businesses. Several small businesses have made a fortune just on federal government contract awards. Important Laws Section 8(d) of the Small Business Act and, in most cases, FAR 19.7 incorporate several laws regarding small business subcontracting. These laws require prime contractors to provide subcontracting opportunities to small businesses. This includes: HUBZone small business  Small disadvantaged business  Women-owned small business  Veteran-owned small business (VOSB) Service-disabled VOSB So the government requires that on contract over $500,000 or a million when constructing a facility that is public, that large prime contractors must turn in plans for subcontracting percentage goals for small business, HUBZone small business, small disadvantaged business, women-owned small business, VOSB, and service-disabled VOSB. These plans must describe in detail the methods used to make sure that small businesses have a fair chance to compete for government contracts. This is required to be submitted for review prior to the award of any government contract that meets this threshold. If a prime contractor fails to comply with this regulation then they might be subject to liquidated damages or termination for default. This rule does not apply to contracts that are under the prescribed dollar amount, contracts that are going to be completed fully outside the United States of America, contracts that have no subcontractor opportunities, and small businesses. Cons Certification and Education Usually, the agency sets specific educational and certification guidelines when they post a request for proposals or RFP. These requirements can vary depending on the type of work that is needed. However, there are some steps that any business can do to become more attractive for government contracting work. Understanding Audits Your company should be clear on what the DCAA considers the responsibilities of federal contract actors. They include the following: timeliness of payments to subcontractors documentation of contractor oversight of subcontractors documentation of enforcement of flow downs documentation of support for subcontractor billings documentation of subcontractor reviews Federal government agencies receive their funding from taxpayer dollars and they need to justify their spending in order to prevent waste. We will help you make sense of government accounting so you can develop a methodology that works for you and your business High-Level Security and Background Checks It is important for government contractors to be able to pass several security clearances. A background check on your company and employees is often a condition of employment. This will include the following: Employment Education Criminal Records Credit History Motor Vehicles and License Records You should make sure that all your personnel and employees are able to pass this intensive screening. If there are any issues, make sure the government is made aware of it ahead of time, so that an explanation can be given. For example, if you are participating in programs that rehabilitate criminals by giving them jobs. Transparency is often the best way to deal with situations that might cause an issue in obtaining lucrative government contracts. How Do You Get Started Working With The Government? SAM stands for System Award Management. In order to do any business with the federal government, you must register your business in the System for Award Management. The government will not hire any type of business that has not registered in the SAM directory. We have an article on our site, Everything You Need to Know About… Continue reading The Pros And Cons Of Being A Government Contractor

What is a Government Grant? A government grant is a financial award given by the federal, state or local government authority for a beneficial project of some sort. It is effectively a gift: It does not include technical assistance or other financial assistance, such as a loan or loan guarantee, an interest rate subsidy, direct appropriation, or revenue sharing. The grantee is not expected to repay the money. How Do You Get Started Working With The Government? SAM stands for System Award Management. In order to do any business with the federal government, you must register your business in the System for Award Management. The government will not hire any type of business that has not registered in the SAM directory. We have an article on our site, Everything You Need to Know About SAM for Small Businesses, that gives you important information about this process. As a smart entrepreneur, you have already used our site to register in the SAM directory. Congratulations on taking this important first step to become a government contractor. Registering With The SAM Directory Also Has Other Important Advantages You must register with the SAM directory in order to apply for government grants. A grant is a way the government funds your ideas and projects to provide public services and stimulate the economy. Grants support critical recovery initiatives, innovative research, and many other programs listed in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA). A grant is different from a loan in that it is money that your business does not have to pay back. So, registering for the SAM directory actually gives you access to free money! Is it difficult to obtain a Grant? In truth, grants can be very competitive. It is important to read instructions so that you can thoroughly understand the application process. You do not want your grant application to be thrown out because you did not provide the correct paperwork or information. A small business should also be aware of deadlines. However, please do not let a challenging application dissuade you from trying to qualify for grants. There is nothing truer than the saying about never making any of the shots you don’t take. There are also websites that can help you through the process.  For example, the following are the steps to apply for a federal grant: Step 1: Obtain a DUNS Number Step 2: Register with SAM Step 3: Register with Grants.gov You might be wondering what SAM means and how do you register with the site. Go to sam. directory to find people who are willing to make this as easy as possible. Be sure to also check out our informative article Everything A Small Business Needs to Know About the SAM Directory, which should easily answer most of your questions. What are some examples of grants for Small Businesses? The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) encourages small businesses in the United States to engage in research and development that has economic potential. Their website states their mission is to support scientific excellence and technological innovation through the investment of Federal research funds in critical American priorities to build a strong national economy. The program’s goals are four-fold: Stimulate technological innovation. Meet Federal research and development needs. Foster and encourage participation in innovation and entrepreneurship by women and socially or economically disadvantaged persons. Increase private-sector commercialization of innovations derived from Federal research and development funding. The following are a list of agencies that participate in the SBIR program: Department of Agriculture Department of Commerce – National Institute of Standards and Technology Department of Commerce – National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Department of Defense Department of Education Department of Energy Department of Health and Human Services Department of Homeland Security Department of Transportation Environmental Protection Agency National Aeronautics and Space Administration National Science Foundation The Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) is another program that expands funding opportunities in the federal innovation research and development (R&D) arena.  The mission of the STTR program is to support scientific excellence and technological innovation through the investment of Federal research funds in critical American priorities to build a strong national economy. The programs’ goals are to: Stimulate technological innovation. Foster technology transfer through cooperative R&D between small businesses and research institutions. Increase private-sector commercialization of innovations derived from federal R&D. Participating government agencies include the following: Department of Defense Department of Energy Department of Health and Human Services National Aeronautics and Space Administration National Science Foundation These are some great opportunities at the federal level for any small business. Why is the government giving away free money? Innovation and ingenuity are important to any society. In order for any economy to be competitive in the modern world, it must make sure to open up avenues to grow and nurture new businesses. To put it simply, the government gives out grants because it serves the greater good to serve the needs of the people. Grants are a great way to even the playing field. We have all heard stories about great entrepreneurs with relatively humble beginnings. Grants are in place because few people have the capital to start a business without some assistance. This is particularly true for minorities and women who might have faced discrimination in the past that hindered them from pursuing their business goals. Here is a listing of the best government grants for women: Grants.gov National Association for the Self-Employed Growth Grants Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant Program Amber Grant IdeaCafe Grant #GIRLBOSS Foundation Grant Cartier Women’s Initiative Award GrantsforWomen.org FedEx Small Business Grant The Halstead Grant What happens if I receive a grant? The good news is that since it is not a loan you do not have to worry about interest rates and financing. However, grants can be very specific about how you use your money so you want to make sure that there is clear communication between you and the government agency about how the money should be spent. Do not forget to register for… Continue reading Small Business Guide To Government Grants

The recent COVID-19 pandemic has literally turned the world upside down. Many people have lost or been furloughed from their jobs. There is high anxiety all around. This Is A Great Moment For Reflection It is never easy to lose your job or sense of security. However, this can be a great blessing in disguise because it forces you to reevaluate your life. Are you someone who just knows that they do not want to continue working for other people? The pandemic might be the right time to leave your comfort zone and strike out on your own. We will explore some of the reasons people are too intimidated to take the steps to become an entrepreneur. Economic Hardship Often Spurs Innovation A great number of amazing companies like Uber, Square, and Instagram were birthed in the last recession. Hardship often leads to amazing innovation. It will not be surprising if we see many innovative companies coming out on the heels of this pandemic. Think about how many talented people have been furloughed and now have the time to devote their energies elsewhere. Millennials and Gen Z have shown that they are generations that embrace the challenges of being an entrepreneur. The United States Federal Government The United States government buys many of the products and services it needs from suppliers who meet certain qualifications. It applies standardized procedures by which to acquire goods and services. That is, the government does not purchase items or services in the same way in which private companies might secure business. The procedures used by the government can be found in the  Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). The United States Government Is A Very Powerful Client With Deep Pockets The Federal government usually spends around 500 billion dollars a year on goods and services. This makes the U.S. government an extremely attractive client. There are few other organizations with this type of spending power and clout. The government also tends to buy goods and services in bulk. If your business has the infrastructure to handle large orders, then the government can help you grow substantially at an accelerated pace. What Is Government Contracting? Government contracting is when specific government agencies contract with private companies for specific goods or services. The agencies usually put out a contract or often a request for proposal (RFP) and various companies can place bids for the project. Once an agency selects a particular business, a contract is signed, and that business is now considered a government contractor. Why Work For The Government? There are many compelling reasons to work for the Federal Government.  We will go into in-depth detail about how a small business can benefit greatly from being a government contractor. Take Hold Of Your Destiny Some people are scared of the stress that often comes along with managing a business. They think that will not be able to handle keeping up with the ever-changing marketplace. What they often do not take into account is that day-to-day jobs can be just as stressful. Often, employees have to live up to the unrealistic expectations of several managers. Being an entrepreneur gives you more control over your own destiny, rather than have your fate be in the hands of other people. This way you can shape your life according to your needs. The Federal Government Offers Great Opportunities For Many Types Of Businesses The government actually designates a portion of the contracts for women-owned small businesses, small disadvantaged businesses, companies within historically underutilized business zones (HUBZone), and service-disabled, veteran-owned small organizations. This allows underserved groups to have a real chance to get awarded lucrative government contracts. Government Contracts Offer Security In These Uncertain Times. Covid-19 has halted a lot of different industries. However, the government must continue to move forward for the health and welfare of its people. Government contracting can be a shining light in the pandemic darkness and provide a lifeline to many struggling businesses who are trying to survive this unprecedented situation. You should remember that government agencies are in need of goods and services in a year-round capacity. This makes them one of the few consumers that are actually recession-proof and a great source of steady reliable income. What Is A Government Contractor? The United States Government is made up of several agencies that are in need of a variety of services. These agencies then offer contacts to private companies across several industries to fulfill these needs. Private contractors are vital in helping the government provide services for the welfare and protection of the citizens of the United States. Private government contractors provide goods and services for the following:  Medical Services Utilities Construction Supplies for various projects Engineering Defense Intellectual Technology Energy These are just a few of the categories that are often contracted out to private independent companies through the awarding of government contracts. The Federal government is also required to set aside a certain amount of contracts for small businesses. At least 23 percent of government contracts will be awarded to small businesses this year. This means that smaller companies do not have to worry about being outcompeted by large companies with unlimited resources. How Do You Get Started Working With The Government? SAM stands for System Award Management. In order to do any business with the federal government, you must register your business in the System for Award Management. The government will not hire any type of business that has not registered in the SAM directory. We have an article on our site, Everything You Need to Know About SAM for Small Businesses, that gives you important information about this process. As a smart entrepreneur, you have already used our site to register in the SAM directory. Congratulations on taking this important first step to become a government contractor. Registering With The SAM Directory Also Has Other Important Advantages You must register with the SAM directory in order to apply for government grants. A grant gives you government funds ideas and projects to… Continue reading Small Business Guide To Economic Stability During Tough Times

The business landscape has changed dramatically in the last decade. One thing that has always remained constant, the United States Federal Government is one the largest and most powerful consumers of goods and services in the whole world. Being a government contractor is a highly desired position for any business. What does this mean for small businesses who want to be government contractors? The Federal government is also required to set aside a certain amount of contracts for small businesses. At least 23 percent of government contracts will be awarded to small businesses this year. What qualifies as a small business for government contracting purposes? In order to be considered a small business, a company has to meet the following requirements: A business must meet small business size standards. Part of a business must be within the U.S. A business must operate mainly within the U.S. or make a significant contribution to the U.S. economy through the payment of taxes or the use of American products, materials, or labor. A business must be independently owned and operated. A business cannot be dominant in its field on a national basis. How do I know that being a government contractor is right for my company? There is very little certainty in business. Having a powerful client that is known for paying its bills on time, like our Federal Government, is a great asset. Also, many of your competitors might be dismissing the idea of being a government contractor as being too much trouble. This means that there could be surprisingly little competition in some spaces. Their shortsightedness can be your company’s advantage. Are you a disadvantaged or a minority business owner and are interested in government contracting? There were certain groups that have experienced discrimination in the past that were not related to their individual qualifications. This discrimination kept them from participating in the free market because they did not have access to capital. In response, the Federal government tries to award contracts to businesses that are at least fifty one percent owned by those from disadvantaged groups. Competitive 8(a) The 8(a) Business Development Program reserves federal contracts for competition among small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged person(s). To qualify a business must meet the following criteria: To be eligible for the Competitive 8(a) program: A business must meet small business size standards. At least 51 percent of a business must be owned by U.S. citizens. The business officers must show good character. The business must demonstrate the potential for success. There are separate eligibility requirements for businesses owned by American Indians, Native Alaskans, Native Hawaiians or Certified Development Companies.  At least 51 percent of a business must be owned, controlled, and managed by one or more person(s) who meet the SBA requirements for being socially disadvantaged and economically disadvantaged. The federal government reserves contracts for competition among small businesses owned by economically disadvantaged women. The contracts must be in industries where women-owned businesses are underrepresented. Businesses certify for EDWOSB status through the SBA. To be eligible for EDWOSB status: Economically Disadvantaged Woman-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) A business must meet small business size standards. Women must manage day-to-day operations and make long-term decisions. A woman must hold the highest officer position and work at the business full-time during normal working hours. At least 51 percent of your business must be owned by one or more economically disadvantaged women who are U.S. citizens. To qualify as economically disadvantaged through the EDWOSB program, a woman must meet these requirements: Have a personal net worth of $750,000 or less. The fair market value of all assets must be $6 million or less. Have an adjusted gross yearly income (averaged over the three years prior to the certification) less than $350,000.  There are also programs for veterans, Native Americans, and other disadvantaged groups. What is the SAM Directory? SAM stands for System Award Management. In order to do any business with the federal government, you must register your business in the System for Award Management. The government will not hire any type of business that has not registered in the SAM directory. We have an article on our site, Everything You Need to Know About SAM for Small Businesses, that gives you important information about this process. As a smart entrepreneur, you have already used our site to register in the SAM directory. Congratulations on taking this important first step to become a government contractor. Now that I am in the SAM directory, where do I find Federal government contracting jobs? The following are some places where you can find federal contracting opportunities: Search for the Contracting Opportunity Finder. It’s geared to businesses new to federal contracting. Sign up for notifications from and search the FedBizOpps database of federal contracting opportunities. Become part of the General Services Administration (GSA) Schedules Program. Find contracts through individual agencies’ Offices of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization. Become a subcontractor by working for another company that already has a contract with the federal government.  This is a good way to introduce your company to a contract with the government and to build a track record of success. Make sure your NAICS number is up to date and correct. What is a NAICS number? NAICS is a six-digit code that stands for the North American Industry Classification System. Many federal agencies post contracting opportunities using the NAICS codes. The NAICS is used as an internal reference that quickly describes what a business does. You want to make sure you have the correct NAICS number to qualify for as many contracting opportunities as possible. The Bidding Process for government contracting. Now that you met the needed requirements for being a Federal contractor, you are ready to submit bids. Make sure you are responding to solicitations and not pre solicitations. Pre solicitations are only requests for information and might not lead to an actual job. Carefully go through all the paperwork and follow directions. You want to make sure your bid is not thrown out for inaccuracy or failing to provide important data. Now that you… Continue reading Everything You Need to Know About Being a Government Contractor

Women Should Be Aware of Government Opportunities. In the modern age, women have a unique opportunity to be the masters of their own destinies. Numerous smart and ambitious women are becoming entrepreneurs and running their own companies. However, many women are intimidated by the daunting process of being a government contractor The following statistic supports the power of women: More than 11.6 million firms are owned by women, employing nearly 9 million people, and generating $1.7 trillion in sales as of 2017. Women-owned firms (51% or more) account for 39% of all privately held firms and contribute 8% of employment and 4.2% of revenues. The government is required to set aside a certain percentage of contracts for Women-Owned Small Businesses At least five percent of government contracts have to be awarded to women-owned small businesses. In order to qualify for these set-asides a business must have the following: Meet small business size standard for primary NAICS code and contract At least 51% unconditionally and directly owned by women who are U.S. citizens* The woman must manage the day-to-day operations The woman must make long-term decisions for the business A woman must hold the highest officer position The woman must work at the business full-time during normal working hours No minimum amount of time the business has been operational To qualify as economically disadvantaged through the EDWOSB program, a woman must meet these requirements: Have a personal net worth of $750,000 or less. The fair market value of all assets must be $6 million or less. Have an adjusted gross yearly income (averaged over the three years prior to the certification) less than $350,000.  What qualifies as a small business? In order to be considered a small business, a company has to meet the following requirements: A business must meet small business size standards. Part of a business must be within the U.S. A business must operate mainly within the U.S. or make a significant contribution to the U.S. economy through the payment of taxes or the use of American products, materials, or labor. A business must be independently owned and operated. A business cannot be dominant in its field on a national basis. The first thing a small business must do in order to qualify for government contracts is to register with the SAM Directory. What is the SAM Directory? SAM stands for System Award Management. In order to do any business with the federal government, you must register your business in the System for Award Management. The government will not hire any type of business that has not registered in the SAM directory. We have an article on our site, Everything You Need to Know About SAM for Small Businesses, that gives you important information about this process. Luckily our site takes this headache off your hands. You can leave this important step to the experts at https://www.sam.directory so you can concentrate on more important matters. The best part is once you register, you will no longer have to keep reentering important information every time you apply for a new government opportunity. You will need a DUNS number. You’ll also need a D&B D-U-N-S® Number, which is a unique nine-character identification number issued to your business. You can register for your D-U-N-S Number free of charge by calling 1-866-705-5711 or by visiting Dun & Bradstreet’s Government D-U-N-S Number registration page. Registering in the SAM Directory also gives you access to government grants. Government grants are alike free money from the government that you do not have to pay back. You have to register in SAM before you can apply for Federal Grants. For example, here is a listing for the best government grants for women: Grants.gov National Association for the Self-Employed Growth Grants Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant Program Amber Grant IdeaCafe Grant #GIRLBOSS Foundation Grant Cartier Women’s Initiative Award GrantsforWomen.org FedEx Small Business Grant Read our article, Government Grants, A Guide to Free Money! to find out more about how registering for SAM can help provide great funding opportunities for your business. Make sure you receive certification. To be eligible to compete for woman-owned small business set-asides or receive sole-source awards, you must either be certified by a Small Business Administration (SBA) approved Third-Party Certifier (TPC), OR self-certify in accordance with current SBA regulations. There are currently four SBA-approved TPCs. They are:        El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce        National Women Business Owners Corporation        US Women’s Chamber of Commerce        Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) You can learn more about the requirements for the government’s woman-owned small business certification requirements on the SBA’s website. Prove how you stand out from the crowd. The United States Federal Government is one of the most powerful consumers of goods and services in the world. They are an extremely fantastic client for any business to have. Be organized. Have all of your documents in order and ready for inspection. Luckily, there are a lot of software programs out there that can make sure everything is available at the touch of a finger. Prove your responsibility. Nothing shows reliability like your business being able to have an excellent credit score. The government is working with taxpayers’ dollars and they want to be secure that you are trustworthy. Make sure all your finances are in good order. Read Directions! Sometimes you really did learn all you need to know in elementary school. When a government issues a request for proposals they often have very specific directions for what needs to be submitted. Missing information or not filling out a document properly can be immediate grounds for rejection. You can also use this precision as a business tool to help you determine whether or not your company is equipped to handle the scope of the project. You have totally got this! Always remember how amazing you are and how much you have accomplished in your life. You can move mountains if you put your mind to it and being a government contractor is a pathway to business success. Your business also has https://www.sam.directory to help make some of… Continue reading How Women Can Get Government Contracts

What is a Government Grant? A government grant is a financial award given by the federal, state or local government authority for a beneficial project of some sort. It is effectively a gift: It does not include technical assistance or other financial assistance, such as a loan or loan guarantee, an interest rate subsidy, direct appropriation, or revenue sharing. The grantee is not expected to repay the money. Why is the government giving away free money? Innovation Innovation and ingenuity are important to any society. For any economy to be competitive in the modern world, the government must make sure to open up avenues to grow and nurture new businesses. To put it simply, the government gives out grants because it serves the greater good by helping meet the needs of the people. Government Grants are a great way to even the playing field. We have all heard stories about great entrepreneurs with relatively humble beginnings. Grants are in place because few people have the capital to start a business without some assistance. This is particularly true for minorities and women who might have faced discrimination in the past that hindered them from pursuing their business goals. Government grants for Women For example, here is a listing for the best government grants for women: Grants.gov National Association for the Self-Employed Growth Grants Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant Program Amber Grant IdeaCafe Grant #GIRLBOSS Foundation Grant Cartier Women’s Initiative Award GrantsforWomen.org FedEx Small Business Grant Is it difficult to obtain a Government Grant? Make sure you have the correct information. In truth, grants can be very competitive. It is important to read instructions so that you can thoroughly understand the application process. You do not want your grant application to be thrown out because you did not provide the correct paperwork or information. Be aware of deadlines A small business should also be aware of deadlines. Make sure that things are properly submitted on time. Also, be vigilant about finding out what is available so you do not miss an important government grant opportunity. Please do not let a challenging application dissuade you from trying to qualify for grants. There is nothing truer than the saying about never making any of the shots you don’t take. Some websites can help you through the process. The First Steps to getting government grants. For example, the following are the steps to apply for a federal grant: Step 1: Obtain a DUNS Number Step 2: Register with SAM Step 3: Register with Grants.gov What is the SAM Directory? SAM stands for Systems Award Management. How do I register for SAM? You might be wondering how do you register in SAM. Let sam. directory makes this as easy as possible by supplying you with experts who can register for you. Be sure to also check out our informative article Everything A Small Business Needs to Know About the SAM Directory, which should easily answer most of your questions. What are some examples of government grants for Small Businesses? The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) encourages small businesses in the United States to engage in research and development that has economic potential. SBIR Mission Their website states their mission of the is to support scientific excellence and technological innovation through the investment of Federal research funds in critical American priorities to build a strong national economy. SBIR Goals The program’s goals are four-fold: Stimulate technological innovation. Meet Federal research and development needs. Foster and encourage participation in innovation and entrepreneurship by women and socially or economically disadvantaged persons. Increase private-sector commercialization of innovations derived from Federal research and development funding Program Participants The following are a list of agencies that participate in the SBIR program: Department of Agriculture Department of Commerce – National Institute of Standards and Technology Department of Commerce – National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Department of Defense Department of Education Department of Energy Department of Health and Human Services Department of Homeland Security Department of Transportation Environmental Protection Agency National Aeronautics and Space Administration National Science Foundation The Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) is another program that expands funding opportunities in the federal innovation research and development (R&D) arena. STTR Mission The mission of the STTR program is to support scientific excellence and technological innovation through the investment of Federal research funds in critical American priorities to build a strong national economy. STTR Goals The programs’ goals are to: Stimulate technological innovation. Foster technology transfer through cooperative R&D between small businesses and research institutions. Increase private-sector commercialization of innovations derived from federal R&D. STTR Program Participants Participating government agencies include the following: Department of Defense Department of Energy Department of Health and Human Services National Aeronautics and Space Administration National Science Foundation These are some great opportunities at the federal level for any small business. Do not forget about State and Local Grants. State Grants State grants are often geared to that particular state’s economic concerns. They are often supposed to work in tandem with federal grants but can be much less competitive. Go to Grants.gov to get a complete listing of what is offered in your state. Local Grants Also, remember to investigate your local municipal governments. Do a deep dive into your community to find out what is available. Again, every little bit helps and sometimes money is left on the table because people are unaware of what is out there on a local level. When applying for a grant, think about what you are doing for the community. What are you bringing to the table? Does your business model further the altruistic goals? For example, if you are part of a small community of at least 50,000 people, you could qualify for a Rural Business Development Grant The government is always looking to nurture innovation in Rural Areas These websites describe their program as a competitive grant designed to support targeted technical assistance, training and other activities leading to the development or expansion of small and emerging private businesses… Continue reading Government Grants, A Guide to Free Money!