Where can I find funding for my business?
Foundations typically fund nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status as defined by the Internal Revenue Code. These are organizations whose purposes are charitable, educational, scientific, religious, literary, or cultural. A small number of foundations will also make grants to individuals, usually to help pay for educational expenses, or support artistic or research projects.
By and large, foundations do not make grants to for-profit enterprises. In very rare cases, foundations might fund a social enterprise -- a for-profit with a strong social mission. A small but growing number of foundations provide program-related investments (PRIs) to social enterprises, as well as nonprofits. PRIs are low-interest loans that a foundation can give to organizations or projects that match the funder's giving interests.
Candid specializes in providing resources for nonprofits, so if you are seeking funds to start a for-profit business, please review the resources below for more authoritative information. You might also consult the business section of your local public library, or economic development agencies in your city, county, or state.
See also our related Knowledge Base articles:
- What is a program-related investment?
- What is social enterprise?
- Can non-501(c)(3) organizations get foundation grants?
- What is crowdfunding?
More Knowledge Base articles about for-profit organizations
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Staff-recommended websites
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Entrepreneurship.org
This web site sponsored by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation provides resources covering many topics of interest to entrepreneurs, including starting and growing a business, and supporting entrepreneurship.
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Open Forum, American Express
Financing for Small Businesses
Provides ideas to help fund your business, including bank loans, grants, alternative crowdfunding, and angel investors.
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Inc. Magazine
Financing: Where to Find It
Offers an overview of finance options for entrepreneurs including angel investors, venture capital, government programs, bank loans, private equity financing, microloans, and direct strategic partnerships.
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Staff pick
Accion
Loans for Small Businesses
Accion is a nonprofit community lender specializing in loans to small businesses throughout the United States. Also provides business resources and training for small business owners.
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Staff pick
My Own Business: A Free Internet Course on Starting a Business
This 12-session course is intended for both start-up and already operating businesses. The site is fully interactive with video clips, quizzes, feedback, and a tool to create your own business plan.
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Staff pick
SCORE, Mentors for America's Small Businesses
A national association that can give you a personal business coach to help you with every step of your business. SCORE has offices in each state and 24/7 online advisors.
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Staff pick
Small Business Administration (SBA)
Search the site by keyword, or browse by topics. Site includes a Small Business Planner, financial assistance programs, publications, business plan outlines, and more. SBA also has offices in each state.
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Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR), Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR)
Known as America's Seed Fund, the SBIR and STTR programs are competitive funds administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Grants and awards are provided to support small businesses developing new and innovative technologies.
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Office of Women’s Business Ownership
Women’s Business Centers (WBCs)
The SBA's Office of Women’s Business Ownership (OWBO) oversees a network of Women’s Business Centers (WBCs) throughout the United States and its territories. These centers provide management and technical assistance to women entrepreneurs and small business owners. Search by zip code to find the nearest center in your area.
Staff-recommended books
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The Everything Guide to Crowdfunding: Learn how to use social media for small-business funding
Find: Amazon | Free eBook
