The government in the US offers billions of dollars as grants every year and there are 100% free federal grants for women. You just have to simply apply for the grant you might be qualified for and if granted the money, she may never pay it back at all!

Government grants for minority ethnic groups, disabled women, immigrants and those who served in the military are eligible for exclusive grants in the US . Women's Business Grants has put together such ethnic and minority groups which can be viewed at 'Grants for Ethnic and other groups' pages.

Federal government offers grants for women starting business. The government is interested in making business playing field as even as possible. They want women to have suitable opportunities to succeed like men. The government is also keen to start more women oriented businesses.

Government grants for women come under various categories. For example, research technology and innovation grants which are promoted by the government for those women aiming to develop software or providing online business consultations.

Local SCORE office can offer invaluable information on grant services especially for growing business establishments. Enthusiastic entrepreneurs can avail themselves of free business advice from 'Counselors to America 's Small Business.'

Minority ethnic groups, disabled women, immigrants and those who served in the military are eligible for exclusive grants in the US . Women's Business Grants - http://www.womensbusinessgrants.com has put together such ethnic and minority groups which can be viewed at 'Grants for Ethnic and other groups' pages.

Business groups such as the local Chamber of Commerce often hosts networking breakfasts or lunches. These business groups offer their own business grants which can be valuable.

Other Avenues

Don't forget your own local community resources as well. Do you have a Women Business Development Center near you or a Chamber of Commerce? Small Business Development Center? They are an incredible resource for business owners, and offer an almost unbelievable range of services for you - most of them FREE!) Is there a micro-enterprise group, or women's group in your town or city? Check with your state legislator's office. If your state has a Web page, get online and look around. If you're disabled, talk to someone at your local Vocational Rehabilitation office. (Did you know that they have grants to help you start a business that range from $6,000 to $15,000, depending on the area and other guidelines?) Always start close to home, because chances are your local agencies, organizations and groups are going to know about grant funds in your state.

Certain business owners can access information on grants for that area of business from their associations and organizations catering to their business specifically. For instance a soap making association can have pertinent information on homemade soap businesses. Similarly, a crafts business group can get the relevant business grant information on general craft business.

Inform a friend or colleague about the fact that you are looking for a business grant as this can help indirectly. This friend may mention it to someone else who may know of someone else who has received a business grant. A friend may happen to know a venture capitalist interested to invest in a start up business.

Local business newspaper or magazine detail all latest happenings in the business community and local business grants offered to entrepreneurs who wish to make a fresh business attempt. These advertisements could appear as a small tidbit or even as part of an interview with a local business person or a donating firm.

It is no secret that women are beginning to proudly own more and more businesses every day. They are successfully competing with men. And hundreds and thousands of small business grants for women are waiting out there to be taken, by women daring to start any type of business.

By Kendra Davenport