Grants and the Free-Money Myth

Real small-business grants exist - federal SBIR/STTR research grants, some state and local programs, a few corporate competitions - but they are narrow, competitive, and slow. Anyone selling guaranteed 'free government money' is selling a list you could compile free, or worse.

Why it matters

Grant hunting eats the same hours that building tradelines or revenue would. Knowing the real landscape keeps the hunt proportional: an occasional well-fit application, never the funding plan.

Key facts

• The federal government does not give grants to start or expand ordinary businesses; SBIR/STTR fund R&D specifically.
• Grants.gov and your state economic development office are the legitimate sources - both free.
• Legitimate grant applications never require payment to apply; 'processing fees' are the scam's tell.
• Local and corporate programs (chambers, accelerators, industry groups) are smaller but far less competitive than national ones.

In practice

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