New Business Grants For Women

Im St. Louis Missouri
How do I find government grants for new small business run by a womana I'm eager to start a business in the next year or two, but much of it depends on how much money I could get the Government or other places. I know he'll get to a point but I try to stay on much debt as possible so I'm not digging myself a hole and can maybe start actually making money before mark 5 years. How do I find and apply for these grants. I know they are there, but wherea

It is hard to find grants to start a business. Contrary to the myths that some perpetuate, federal government and private foundations, even hardly give grant money for starting a business for profit.

One possible exception is for companies developing or exporting agricultural products, including food and forest products. Another exception could be the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs ... http://www.sba.gov/aboutsba/sbaprograms/ , funding research and development of technological innovation that meets specific government needs.

Your best bet will actually states if they offer grant programs for women (or other special interest groups - minorities, women, disabled, veterans, etc.). Or check with non profit organizations, particularly women organizations if they offer grants. Examples include

Iowa Women's Foundation http://www.iawf.org/
New Mexico Women's Foundation http://www.nmwf.org/guidelines.html

Even SBA does not provide grants. SBA's website http://www.sba.gov/mostrequesteditems/CO ...
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"The U.S. Small Business Administration does not offer grants to start or expand small businesses, even if it offers a wide variety of loan programs. (See http://www.sba.gov/financing for more information ) While SBA provides some grant programs, they tend to develop and strengthen organizations that provide services to small businesses, technical or financial assistance. These grants generally support non-profit organizations, institutions credit intermediaries, and provincial and local governments. "
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However, you can access the catalog of Federal Assistance (CFDA) http://www.cfda.gov and Grants.gov http://www.grants.gov - these are two sites created by the federal government to ensure transparency and information on grants. Scroll through the list and see if you can find a grant that would support a for-profit business.

Here is a list of federal grants for small businesses. See if there is a provision for individuals for starting a business - there is NO.
http://12.46.245.173/pls/portal30/CATALO ...

Most federal grants are given to specific target groups with specific requirements (eg minority business owners involved in transportation related contracts emanating from DOT - Grant # 20905 Disadvantaged Business Enterprises Short Term Program loan

Grants are also often given to nonprofit groups or organizations involved in training or other similar activities (grant 59.043 Women's Business Ownership Assistance that are given to those who will create busine women.