Grants and funding options are available for all types of business entities, including LLCs, C Corporations, and Nonprofits—even if you’ve been in business for years.
Whether you’re launching a new business or looking to grow an existing one, securing funding can be a game-changer. The good news? Grants and funding options are available for all types of business entities, including LLCs, C Corporations, and Nonprofits—even if you’ve been in business for years.
Let’s break down the best ways to secure funding, including where to find grants and how to apply for them.
Note: Swyft Filings does not provide filing or application services for grants, loans, or other funding opportunities. This guide is for informational purposes only.
Step 1: Know Your Business Type and Funding Options
The type of business you have will affect your funding options. Here’s the rundown:
Not sure which structure best fits your goals? You can learn more about forming an LLC, C Corp, or Nonprofit at Swyft Filings.
LLC (Limited Liability Company):
Great for small to medium-sized businesses.
Owners (called members) report profits and losses on their personal tax returns.
Funding options: Business grants, loans, and crowdfunding.
C Corp (C Corporation):
Separate legal entity from the owners.
Can issue stock to raise capital.
Funding options: Venture capital, angel investors, business grants, and loans.
Nonprofit Organization:
Formed for charitable, educational, or social causes.
Can apply for tax-exempt status (501(c)(3)).
Funding options: Grants, donations, and fundraising events.
Step 2: Where to Find Grants and Funding
Grants are basically free money—you don’t have to pay them back. The catch? They’re competitive and often come with restrictions. But securing one could give your business a major boost.
1. Federal and State Grants
Government grants are a great place to start, but they often come with specific requirements.
Grants.gov – The largest source of federal grant opportunities.
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program – Grants for businesses involved in research and development.
State Economic Development Agencies – Most states offer grants and funding programs for local businesses.
Example: The SBIR program awards over $3.2 billion annually to small businesses working on innovative projects.1
2. Private and Corporate Grants
Major corporations and private foundations often offer grants to support small businesses and nonprofits.
Amber Grant for Women – Monthly $10,000 grants for women-owned businesses.
FedEx Small Business Grant – Up to $50,000 for small businesses.
Google.org Impact Challenge – Grants for businesses and nonprofits making a social impact.
Stat: FedEx has awarded over $2 million in grants to small businesses since launching its program.2
3. Nonprofit Grants and Donations
Nonprofits have access to exclusive funding sources.
Foundation Center – Database of over 140,000 Grantmakers.
National Endowment for the Arts – Grants for arts-based nonprofits.
Local Community Foundations – Often have funding available for specific social causes.
Example: The Ford Foundation awarded $500 million in grants to nonprofits in 2022 alone.3
4. Crowdfunding
Crowdfunding lets you pitch your idea directly to the public and collect financial support.
Kickstarter – Ideal for creative projects.
Indiegogo – Supports business, creative, and Nonprofit ventures.
GoFundMe – Popular for personal and social causes.
Stat: Kickstarter has raised over $7 billion for creative projects since its launch.4
5. Loans and Alternative Financing
If grants and crowdfunding aren’t enough, consider small business loans.
SBA Microloans – Up to $50,000 for small businesses.
Kiva Loans – Community-funded, zero-interest loans.
Business Lines of Credit – Flexible borrowing options.
Fact: The Small Business Administration (SBA) approved over 62,000 loans totaling nearly $43 billion in small business funding in 2022.5
Step 3: How to Apply for a Grant
Applying for a grant can be competitive, but following these steps will improve your chances:
Do Your Research – Carefully review the grant’s eligibility requirements.
Create a Solid Business Plan – Funders want to see that you have a clear vision and plan for success.
Write a Strong Proposal – Be clear about how you’ll use the funds and the impact they will have.
Follow Instructions Carefully – Missing a document or failing to meet a deadline could cost you the grant.
Track Your Progress – Many grants require follow-up reports on how funds were used.
Step 4: Boost Your Chances of Success
Here’s how to stand out:
Seek Mentorship – Connect with other business owners who’ve secured funding.
Build Relationships – Establish connections with Grantmakers and investors.
Stay Persistent – Rejection happens — keep applying and refining your approach.
Fact: Many small business and nonprofit grant programs are highly competitive — success rates often fall below 20%, especially for national or corporate funding opportunities.6
Step 5: Funding Options for Existing Businesses
If your business is already established, you’ve got some unique advantages:
Expansion Grants – Some state and federal programs provide funding specifically for expanding businesses.
Reinvestment Loans – Certain banks and organizations offer reinvestment programs to help businesses grow.
Technology and Innovation Grants – If you’re improving your business model or introducing new technology, you may qualify for R&D funding.
USDA Rural Business Development Grant – Offers funding for rural businesses looking to expand or innovate.
Example: The USDA’s Rural Business Development Grant funds rural businesses looking to expand or innovate.7
Final Thought: You’ve Got This
Securing funding for your LLC, C Corp, or Nonprofit might feel overwhelming, but the resources are out there. Grants, crowdfunding, and loans can all give you the financial boost you need to grow your business.
So don’t let a lack of funds stop you. Go after your dreams with confidence and creativity.
Bibliography
Small Business Administration. America’s Seed Fund.
FedEx. FedEx Awards More Than $230,000 to 10 Small Businesses.
Ford Foundation. Working with visionaries on the frontlines of social change worldwide.
Kickstarter. Stats.
Small Business Administration. SBA Announces E-o-Y Capital Benchmarks Showing Historic Support for Small Businesses.
Small Business Administration. Grants.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development. Programs & Services.