1. Grants to Expand Existing Businesses
If you already have an existing business, there are federal and state grants that
you can apply to. At the federal level, you can check out the Small Business
Innovation Research Program (SBIR) and the Small Business Technology
Transfer (STTR) Program.
The SBIR/STTR Programs
The SBIR/STTR Programs are intended specifically for domestic small businesses
in the field of Federal Research/Research and Development. If you believe that
your business has technological and commercial potential then you can try to see
if you can qualify. Keep in mind, however, that the competition is very tough. The
federal government awards these programs to stimulate technological
innovation; meet federal research and development needs; foster and encourage
participation in innovation and entrepreneurship by socially and economically
disadvantaged persons; and increase private-sector commercialization of
innovations derived from Federal research and development funding.
The following agencies participate in the SBIR/STTR Programs: Department of
Agriculture; Department of Commerce – National Institute of Standards and
Technology; Department of Commerce – National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration; Department of Defense; Department of Education; Department
of Energy; Department of Health and Human Services; Department of Homeland
Security; Department of Transportation; Environmental Protection Agency;
National Aeronautics and Space Administration; and the National Science
Foundation.
There are three phases to the SBIR Program. In Phase I, your small business must
establish the technical merit, feasibility, and commercial potential of your
proposed research/research and development efforts. This is where the federal
government determines if the small business awardee is still eligible to receive
further funding support.
In Phase II, funding is received based on the results that are achieved in Phase I
and the technical merit and commercial potential of the project. Funding for this
phase usually does not go above $1,000,000 total costs for 2 years. Phase III is
the final phase and this is where the small business awardee pursues
commercialization objectives after the initiatives achieved in the first two
phases. No Federal monies are awarded for the final phase.

2. Your business can only qualify for these programs if it is organized for profit,
with a place of business located in the United States; has at least 51 percent
owned and controlled by one or more individuals who are citizens of, or
permanent resident aliens in, the United States, or at least 51 percent owned and
controlled by another for-profit business concern that is at least 51% owned and
controlled by one or more individuals who are citizens of, or permanent resident
aliens in, the United States; and; has no more than 500 employees, including
affiliates.
Funding Opportunities from your State
Business expansion opportunities are also available from your state since they
usually earmark funds for this purpose. These grants are usually given to
businesses that will also help stimulate the economy of the state. These are also
awarded to businesses that advance causes that are generally beneficially for all.
These include ventures that have to do with harnessing alternative energy; the
environment; medicine; education; and science and technology.
To start your grant search to expand your business, you can go to your state’s
Department of Commerce. Get right to the point when talking with the
representative from your state government. Introduce yourself and your
business, where you are located, the nature of your products and services, and
the reason why you want to expand. Be courteous and thankful even if there are
currently no opportunities for funding. They might even be able to point you out
to other sources of funds where you can apply to.
If you cannot really find grants to make your business grow, you can always
consider other options, such as obtaining a loan or continuing to work full time
while working to make your venture grow. Don’t look for business expansion
opportunities from only the federal and state governments. You can also try
sourcing out grants from private institutions and grantmakers.
As we have said above, finding grants to start or expand your business is a tough
job. Still, this does not mean that there won’t be any grants for you in the future.
Just keep your eyes open to new opportunities by signing up for an
organization’s mailing list—if that is provided or constantly monitoring new
business funding opportunities in the Internet. Use your connections to find out
if there are grantmakers who are currently accepting applications from
entrepreneurs who wish to start or expand their businesses.

3. Check out www.adamscapgroup.com for more Information on
Personal Finance and Budgeting.
Other related info you might be interested in:
Showcasing your Organizational Capability in a Grant Application
Writing the Program Section of your Grant Application
How to Increase Your Take Home Pay Without Asking For A Raise