How To Get A Business Grant With No Money Or Experience

Getting funding for a new business can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re starting with little cash and no entrepreneurial background. But here’s the truth: You can get a business grant with no money, even if you have zero experience. The key is knowing where to look, how to apply, and how to present your vision with confidence.

Unlike loans, business grants don’t require repayment. They’re awarded by government agencies, nonprofit organizations, private foundations, and even corporate programs that want to support small business growth. These grants are designed to empower new entrepreneurs, often with a specific focus on underserved communities, women, minorities, or first-time business owners.

What is a business grant

Before diving in, you need to know exactly what you’re working with. A business grant is financial assistance awarded to startups or small businesses that meet specific criteria. Unlike investors, grant providers don’t take equity, and unlike lenders, they don’t expect repayment.

There are various types of grants out there: federal grants, state grants, local grants, private grants, and even microgrants tailored to small ventures just getting off the ground. Each one has its own requirements, some focus on innovation, others on community impact or job creation.

Many people assume you need money to qualify. You don’t. You also don’t need to be an expert in business. But you doneed to understand what the grant provider is looking for and how your idea fits that purpose.

Getting a business grant with no money starts by targeting the right grant for your specific business goals and personal background.

Focus on Grants That Prioritize New Entrepreneurs

Some grants are designed specifically for people starting from zero. These are often issued by government-funded economic development programs, nonprofit incubators, or corporate foundations aiming to support early-stage startups.

Programs like the FedEx Small Business Grant, Amber Grant for Women, or Black Founder Startup Grant by Google for Startups are prime examples. They focus on drive, vision, and community impact — not on your financial background or business history.

These grant providers want to support people with potential, especially those who wouldn’t typically have access to startup capital. Whether you’re a single parent with a side hustle idea, a college grad with a tech concept, or an immigrant looking to serve your community, there’s likely a grant out there that aligns with your mission.

And if you’re looking to secure a business grant with no money, these programs are some of the most accessible ways to begin.

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Build a Business Plan

No one expects a 50-page business plan when you’re applying for your first grant. What they do want is clarity: what your business does, who it serves, and how it can grow. Even with no money or experience, you can create a clear, one-page business plan that communicates your idea effectively.

Use the Lean Canvas model or a free template from sources like SCORE to get started. Your plan should briefly cover:

• Your business concept

• Your target customers

• What problem you solve

• How you’ll make money

• What you’ll use the grant money for

When applying for a business grant with no money, be honest about your financial situation, but emphasize your commitment, your research, and your plan for impact.

A thoughtful, honest business plan shows grant providers that you’re serious about turning your idea into a reality even if you’re just getting started.

If you’re just getting started and need ideas before applying for funding, check out these tips on how to start a small business from home with no money.

Use Government Grant Portals

When people think of business grants, they often imagine government funding — and rightly so. But the mistake many beginners make is going straight to Grants.gov without knowing how to filter opportunities. The site is massive, and unless you know what you’re doing, it can feel like a dead end.

Here’s how to use it smartly:

• Search by Eligibility: Individual or Small Business

• Use keywords like “startup,” “microbusiness,” or your industry (e.g., agriculture, tech)

• Filter for opportunities open to first-time applicants or new businesses

Additionally, check your state’s small business development website for regional programs. For instance, states like California, Texas, and New York regularly offer funding for new entrepreneurs with no capital.

Even if you have no funding history, government-backed grants often value social impact, community engagement, or economic development. That’s why they’re a great place to look when seeking a business grant with no moneyto invest upfront.

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Apply to Private Foundations and Corporate Grant Programs

You don’t have to rely solely on government funding. Many private foundations and corporate-sponsored initiatives offer grants specifically designed for small businesses with limited means. These programs are often more flexible and open to unconventional ideas.

Here are a few places to explore:

• Hello Alice Small Business Grants: Offers multiple rounds of funding for early-stage businesses across industries.

• Nav’s Business Grant Contest: Open to entrepreneurs with unique stories and no financial backing.

• Comcast RISE and Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Grants: Especially supportive of minority-owned startups.

These types of grants often have simpler applications and ask questions like:

“What problem is your business solving?”

“How will the grant help you grow?”

You don’t need polished credentials. You need clarity, passion, and a clear use case. If you’re trying to get a business grant with no money, private organizations can often feel more human and mission-driven than federal options.

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Lean Into Your Story and Vision

When applying for grants, your story is your strength — especially if you lack money or experience. Funders want to know who you are, what you’ve overcome, and why your business matters. They’re not just funding a business. They’re investing in a person.

So tell them:

• Why you’re passionate about this business

• How it connects to your background or community

• What problem it solves

• How you’ll use their support to create impact

If you’re applying for a business grant with no money, you need to make up for it with authenticity and clarity. A great story, paired with a realistic plan, often beats a well-funded applicant who can’t connect emotionally with reviewers.

Make your application memorable. Use your lack of funding as proof of your determination and position your business as something worth believing in.

Find Grants Tailored to Your Background or Identity

Many of the best business grants available today are specifically designed to support underrepresented groups, including women, minorities, veterans, immigrants, and people with disabilities. These targeted programs are not just inclusive — they actively seek applicants who lack traditional business resources or formal training.

Some well-known options include:

• The Tory Burch Foundation for women entrepreneurs

• The National Black MBA Association Scale-Up Pitch Challenge

• Veteran Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs)

Even if you’re just starting out, these grant programs look for drive, impact, and alignment with their values, not a polished resume. If you’re a first-generation entrepreneur or someone trying to break cycles of poverty or economic exclusion, these organizations are built to help you succeed.

This approach increases your odds of landing a business grant with no money, because you’re applying for opportunities that are made for people in your exact position.

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Get Help from Free Business Support Networks

You don’t have to go through the grant process alone. Across the U.S., U.K., and Canada, there are free services that exist to help small business owners — especially new ones — succeed. These programs provide coaching, application help, business planning tools, and even direct access to grant listings.

Some top resources include:

• SCORE: A free mentorship network in the U.S. backed by the SBA

• Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)

• Enterprise Nation in the U.K.

• Futurpreneur Canada for first-time Canadian entrepreneurs

These organizations don’t just offer information. They offer actual guidance — including help writing your business plan, preparing for interviews, and finding relevant grants for your industry.

If you’re seeking a business grant with no money, tapping into these networks can make the difference between rejection and success.

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Know What to Expect After You Apply

Once you submit your grant application, it’s important to know what happens next. Many new applicants think it’s a fast process but it can take weeks or even months to hear back. In some cases, you’ll be asked to do an interview or submit additional documents.

Here’s what you should prepare for:

• A waiting period (4–12 weeks is typical)

• A potential request for more information or a virtual pitch

• Rejection — and learning from it

• Acceptance — and having a follow-up plan

If your application is rejected, don’t walk away. Many grant programs offer rolling applications or let you reapply. And if you get selected, you’ll typically receive milestone payments, not one lump sum — which is why having a solid action plan matters.

Most importantly, treat every application as a learning process. Each one sharpens your message and makes it easier to get your next business grant with no money, with stronger positioning and improved confidence.

Be Realistic About the Competition and Grant Amounts

One of the biggest misconceptions among first-time applicants is that all grants are large and easy to win. In truth, most small business grants range from $500 to $10,000, especially for new entrepreneurs. Larger grants exist, but they’re usually highly competitive and demand years of experience, established revenue, or nonprofit status.

If you’re seeking a business grant with no money, it’s best to:

• Apply for multiple smaller grants at once

• Use each success to build credibility for bigger ones

• Leverage grant wins to attract local support or even investors

Getting $1,000 or $5,000 may not seem like much, but for a startup without capital, that money can fund branding, equipment, or your first marketing campaign. More importantly, it builds momentum.

Don’t treat grants as your only path — treat them as part of your launch strategy. Pair them with local pitch contests, community crowdfunding, or microloans to strengthen your business foundation.

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Keep a Grant Tracker and Reapply When Eligible

One final tip that separates successful applicants from casual ones is grant tracking. Many grants allow you to apply more than once or have seasonal cycles. If you miss one deadline or don’t get accepted on your first try, that’s not the end — it’s a starting point for the next round.

Create a simple tracker with:

• The grant name

• Application dates

• Submission status

• Feedback (if any)

• Notes for improving next time

This lets you stay organized and plan months in advance. You’ll be surprised how many entrepreneurs get funding not because they were the most experienced, but because they were persistent and strategic.

When trying to secure a business grant with no money, your consistency becomes your greatest asset. The more applications you submit (intelligently), the better your chances and the stronger your business story becomes with each round.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to common questions about How to Get a Business Grant With No Money or Experience

Can I really get a business grant if I have no money or experience?

Yes, you absolutely can. Many grants are created for people in exactly that situation — aspiring entrepreneurs who lack funding or formal business backgrounds. Programs like Hello Alice, local development grants, and corporate initiatives look for passion, innovation, and community impact, not financial history. A strong idea, personal story, and realistic business plan can carry just as much weight as experience.

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Where do I find real business grants for beginners?

Start with reliable portals like Grants.gov in the U.S., Innovate UK in the U.K., and Canada’s Government Grants & Loans. You should also explore local Small Business Development Centers, nonprofit foundations, and private grant platforms like Hello Alice. These sources often host listings tailored for first-time business owners and those with limited financial backgrounds.

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Do I need a business plan to apply for a grant?

In most cases, yes. Even if it’s a simplified version, a business plan helps demonstrate that your idea is well thought out and viable. It doesn’t need to be complex or filled with financial projections. A simple outline of your business model, your audience, your goals, and how the grant money will be used is often enough. Free templates and guidance are available from SCORE, SBDCs, and online resources.

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How long does it take to get approved for a business grant?

It depends on the grant provider, but you can typically expect a response within 4 to 12 weeks. Some microgrants may provide funding faster, especially if they have rolling applications. Larger or government-sponsored grants often have multi-phase application reviews that may include interviews or follow-up requests. Be patient and plan accordingly — many grants are worth the wait if you’re trying to get a business grant with no money upfront.

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What can I use a business grant for?

Grant money usually needs to be used for approved business expenses. This can include startup costs, equipment, software, inventory, website development, and marketing. Each grant will specify how funds can be used, so always read the terms carefully. Using the funds appropriately not only helps your business but also keeps you eligible for future funding from the same source.

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What should I do if I don’t get approved for a business grant?

Don’t give up. Most successful entrepreneurs don’t get their first grant they succeed because they keep applying and refining their pitch. Use rejection as feedback, update your grant tracker, and look for other opportunities with similar criteria. Many programs allow you to reapply or apply in the next cycle. Persistence, clarity, and learning from each attempt are what help you eventually secure a business grant with no money invested.

How to Get a Business Grant With No Money or Experience-Summary

Getting a business grant with no money or experience might seem impossible at first, but thousands of entrepreneurs have done exactly that and so can you. The key is knowing where to look, how to present yourself, and how to tell a story that makes funders believe in your business idea.

Start by focusing on microgrants, pitch contests, and programs designed specifically for first-time or underserved entrepreneurs. Use free resources like SBDCs, SCORE, or Futurpreneur Canada to build your application and business plan. Target grants that align with your background, vision, and industry, then track your applications, reapply where allowed, and let each attempt refine your approach.

You don’t need to wait until you have capital or a long track record. What you need is a clear plan, persistence, and a willingness to start small and grow. With the right steps, securing a business grant with no money is not only possible it’s more achievable than most people think.

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