​​

FUNDI​NG


Business Financing Resources

Funding a small business or a start-up can be a daunting task. The truth is that there is no free money to start a business. Most money is obtained through some sort of loan, through a bank, through a venture capital/angel investor, or by saving your own money to start.

The following organizations are available to help new and startup businesses with reliable information about loans, venture capital, and other sources of equity for businesses:

 
  • US Small Business Administration-Helps match lenders to businesses and backs loans.
    • ​SBA Lender Match - Connects you to potential lenders that offer SBA-backed funding. ​​
  • Southern Rural Development Center-Information for rural areas.
  • SC Jobs - Economic Development Authority-State resource with loan programs.
  • USA.gov-Federal information on business financing.
  • SBIR.gov - The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program is a highly competitive program that encourages domestic small businesses to engage in Federal Research/Research and ​​Development (R/R&D) that has the potential for commercialization.

Grants

"Sometimes, nonprofits and state or local governments offer economic development grants directly to small businesses. Check with your local and state governments for local grant opportunities. Visit grants.gov to search for federal grants that might apply to your business. The SBA works with different organizations to provide grants for small businesses. Find out if you meet the requirements to apply. " - Small Business Administration

FIND GRANTS

Research ways to receive grant assistance with our partners at the SC State Library here .