Do small business startup grants exist?

No. They don't. Not in the US.

Wayne Hogue writing in the The Shreveport Times takes on this myth:

Attention! There is no such thing as a grant to start a for-profit business. Business startup grants are an urban legend; a myth that just will not die.

I'm talking about grants (i.e. free money, not loans, matching funds, or assistance programs) that will pay start-up costs for a for-profit (i.e. day care, restaurant, etc.), privately owned business.

There are grants for civic projects, research and development, education, and nonprofit organizations, but not start-up businesses.

I posted this on Jeanne's behalf. She counsels prospective small business owners. They all want to know where to get those grants. They just don't exist here.

What assistance is available to small business start ups? A huge variety of agencies and organizations provide help. Jeanne could tell you better than I can, but here's a short list:

• Counseling
• Business plan assistance
• Guidance in seeking loans
• Low interest loans
• Incubators
• Mentoring

And the US Small Business Development Centers are a great source of help. Check in with them.

small biz rural entrepreneurship SBDC grants loans startups