FAQ Section

Below are answers to the most frequently asked questions

You can always check the status of your application here: Check Status

I tried to check the status and it says no records match.
Please make sure you are using the same email address that you used when applying. If you do not have a zip code on file with us, then it's possible we are missing your initial application. You can resubmit that here: Re-submit Application

I didn't get the confirmation email to upload my bank verification?
If you were unable to complete the bank verification, you can upload your documents here: Upload Documents

I have received a request to upload bank statements several times and I have uploaded them. Did you receive them?
We send out several email reminders to upload a bank statement since many do not complete this step. When this happens, our review team can not determine grant eligibility. If you've already uploaded a bank statement then you can ignore those emails.

When I check my status, I receive a message that says "No permission to access file. Reason: Non-payment".
This sometimes happens when the email address you used to pay, does not match the email address you used on your application. We updated this on Sept 2 so that applications submitted moving forward wont have this issue. If you submitted your application prior to Sept 2, please complete this form so that we can match your payment to your file. https://usbusinessgrants.org/update-payment.html

I do not have a business bank account. What should I do?
If you do not have a business bank account we strongly urge you to set one up. Most grants require this in order to qualify as a "business" under their small business grant program. However, there are grants available for Sole proprietors and LLC where you are the sole owner and file your taxes as such. In these instances, a copy of your bank statement from your personal bank account will be sufficient as long as it shows income from your business.

I entered my information (EIN, business name, phone number, etc.) wrong. Can I change this?
Yes. Visit the Check Status page and login using the credentials you used during your initial application. Then click on View File and under "Administrative" click on "Edit Application".

I havent heard back about my application. Can you give me an update?
You can view the status of your application by logging into the Check Status page. From there you will see all submitted information along with any missing information requested from our review team.

Do I qualify for a grant?
Our grant committee will determine exactly which grants you qualify for based on each Grantor's requirements and your business profile. For example, some Grantors only give grants for certain types of businesses such as education or farming, some only give grants based on ownership by minority or veteran, while others only give grants based on a business plan and most will require a combination of these factors. There are 1000s of grants out there with varied requirements. Our goal is to help find the ones your business qualifies for and apply for them. Any of those that we can not apply for on your behalf, we will prepare a list along with business summary, financial review and competitive research that you can then send to them directly. When submitting this information in addition to the application, we've seen a large increase in the number of grants awarded.

Do I have to pay back the grant?
No. Grants are typically awarded on the basis of need and generally do not have to be repaid as long as you meet all of the obligations. These obligations may include but are not limited to operation of business for a specified time, utilization of funds as specified by the grantor, financial reporting.

How long is the process?
Once you complete our online application, you can expect an email from us requesting supporting documentation within 1-3 weeks. Every grant has a specific timeline embedded into it and even then there may be multiple points at which money is dispersed based on the terms of the grant. Some money is given up front, some upon completion of milestones or upon reports being submitted.

I have bad credit. Can I still get a grant?
Yes. Having bad credit won't prevent you from applying for or receiving a grant.

I have a Start up business, can I use the grant to start a business?
Grant funds are available for several areas of business. This includes start ups, payroll, building acquisition, research & development, education, and more.

What is the average amount of a grant?
Grant disbursements range from $1,000 - $150,000

How do I receive the funds if I am approved for a grant?
Your funds will be deposited into the business bank account you listed on our online application.

I have received a loan before. Would I still qualify for a grant?
Yes. Businesses can be awarded grants even if they have received a loan in the past, are denied a loan or decide not to accept it.

I have a home business. Can I apply for a grant?
Yes. There are home business grants for a variety of business categories.

Where does the grant money come from?
Grants can come from the federal government, your state government, or a private or nonprofit organization.

I did not complete my bank verification. Will I get approved for a grant?
No. Your application is incomplete if you have not completed the bank verification portion of the application. Bank verification is handled via SSL secured technology partner DecisionLogic. This technology creates more privacy and security and replaces the need for a fax or hard copy of your bank statement. All information is kept private and secured. For more info on DecisionLogic, please visit their website at https://decisionlogic.com

Can I use the grant to buy more stock/equipment?
Yes. Grants are available for various uses. General purpose grants, inventory and expansion grants can be used to purchase more stock and/or equipment.

I have an online store. Can I get a grant?
Yes. Last year online retail accounted for 27% of all grant approvals.

I drive for Uber/Lyft. Can I get a grant?
Yes. Rideshare employees and independent contractors are eligible for grants.

I am self-employed. Can I get a grant?
Yes. Self-employed individuals are categorized as small businesses and therefore are eligible to receive grants.

Still have questions?