| Small businesses are vital to our nations | | | | something related to security. Through the |
| economy. Why, did you know they account for | | | | Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR), |
| more than 50% of our GDP (gross domestic | | | | DHS has an award for which US companies with |
| product)? And more than that, it is here that | | | | less than 500 people can compete. At first, |
| so many new jobs are being continuously | | | | $100,000 is given to the small businesses in |
| generated. If you happen to be part of this | | | | order to do research to validate the |
| and, as an entrepreneur, you would like to | | | | technical, commercial and scientific value of |
| expand your business but dont have the | | | | their concepts. If their ideas are approved, |
| capital to do it, you could use a free small | | | | they get grants for the next two years to |
| business grants program. Maybe you have a | | | | develop prototypes. The free small business |
| business idea that has great potential, maybe | | | | grants are given in the areas of information |
| you are at the crossroads where you just need | | | | technology and marine security and chemical |
| to diversify and get into the next level as | | | | and biological defense. |
| far as your business is concerned. But you | | | | |
| dont have the money to get you there. Well, | | | | True the federal government will not give you |
| now you can get the money if you really want | | | | grants but it assists individuals wanting to |
| it. | | | | start a small business. This is done through |
| | | | its support arm, the SBA (Small Business |
| What are free small business grants? These | | | | Administration). Through this, the US gives |
| are grants given by the home state when you | | | | small businesses attractive loans and |
| need money to start a business or to improve | | | | technical support. However, no grants are |
| it. All states do not provide free small | | | | given to those who want to start a business |
| business grants. The ones that do are | | | | or want to grow their existing businesses. |
| Nebraska, New Hampshire, Kansas, New Mexico | | | | The SBA was started in 1953 and has been |
| and Utah. The others usually give you loans | | | | responsible for helping so many thousands of |
| or incentives and financial assistance. Some | | | | Americans start up their own small business. |
| even offer technical training and financing | | | | SBA would like to reach the 25 million small |
| to those who want to start their own small | | | | businesses in the US today. |
| business venture. All it takes to get a free | | | | |
| small business grant is a bit of legwork and | | | | Considering how much revenue small businesses |
| a little effort. | | | | are contributing today, it is imperative that |
| | | | we give them the right guidance and |
| The DHS or the Department of Homeland | | | | assistance. Free small business grants are |
| Security offers free small business grants to | | | | just a very small well-deserved part in it. |
| entrepreneurs who would like to start | | | | |