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Good morning! I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice regarding receiving a small business grant. Have any of you ever applied for one? Who did you approach and were you successful? Is it a simple process? Sorry for so many questions. I have never applied for one and I am a little bit nervous. I would really like to be approved for one. Any advice would be most welcome. I thank you all in advance.
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For what reason are you hoping to get a grant? I do have some experience in this, but I have to tell you, it is by no means simple. In fact, let me warn you that there is a long road ahead of you and you really need to be prepared in many ways, including being prepared for being turned down as well.
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Good lord, not the response I was hoping for, but I suppose it is better to know what I am up against.
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I apologize, but yes, you need to know where you stand right from the start. The first thing is, you had better come up with some kind of a plan, or a blueprint, if you will. You may think that you can just walk in and ask for a small business grant and that would be the end of it. That’s not how it works.
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To be honest, I admit, I was thinking along those lines. I mean, I do have a plan and I think it is one that will work, but you are saying I have to document everything?
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Yes! You must have a step-by-step plan. You will be questioned and put to the sword. You must know what you are talking about. If they ask you something and you hesitate, that is not going to be good for you. You cannot say, “Hmm, let me think about it and I will get back to you.” This is a pretty long process.
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Oh dear, I feel a little apprehensive already.
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No, don’t say that. I admit, it is not easy, but it is not impossible either. My advice to you is to be prepared with a documented plan of your business. Know it inside out. If anyone has questions, you can explain. Tell them how your small business grant will benefit others. This is an important point.
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The person above is right. In fact, grants are only given to some people and in certain industries only. For example, if you are an Aboriginal Canadian, if you’re a woman, if your business is to do with the environment or agriculture; these are more likely to secure a grant.
If you do not fall in a certain category, the likelihood of getting approved is slim, but that doesn’t mean you can’t try. You might want to contact the Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) to see if they can help you or give you advice.
But like the other person said, be prepared to be turned down. It doesn’t mean that you failed; it just means that your industry may not be what they are looking for at the moment.
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OK, thank you both. You have opened my eyes. That’s a start though. I know what I have to do now, so at least that’s something. Thanks again.
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You’re welcome, and good luck.
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Yes, good luck too. Plan and prepare, my friend.
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