Where I can get a grant to start my Solar Energy business?

Question

I'm in the Solar field, trying to start a business, but I don't have the Capital to start...

Answer 1

so you're thinking someone should just give you money?  really?

what kind of business?

do you have a plan?

are you going to install solar panels?

are you going to manufacture windmills?

why should someone use your business?

are you cheaper and/or better than people already in your business?

you might have a bit of homework to do yet.

Answer 2

If you have a good business plan a bank will loan you the money. You can also apply for a government grant. Credit Unions, if you belong to one, are also a great place to get a loan.

Answer 3

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

One possible exception is for companies developing or exporting agricultural goods, including food and forest product. Another exception could be the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR)  programs http://www.sba.gov/aboutsba/sbaprograms/... , which fund the research and development of technological innovation that meets specific government needs. Check if your business can be accepted into the SBIR or STTR programs

Even SBA does NOT give out grants. From the SBA website http://www.sba.gov/mostrequesteditems/CO...

"The U.S. Small Business Administration does not offer grants to start or expand small businesses, although it does offer a wide variety of loan programs. (See http://www.sba.gov/financing for more information) While SBA does offer some grant programs, these are generally designed to expand and enhance organizations that provide small business management, technical, or financial assistance. These grants generally support non-profit organizations, intermediary lending institutions, and state and local governments."

Nonetheless, you can go to the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) http://www.cfda.gov and Grants.gov http://www.grants.gov - these are two sites created by the federal government to provide transparency and information on grants. Browse through the listings and see if you can find any grant that would support a for-profit venture.

Here is a listing of federal grants for small businesses. See if there is any available for individuals for starting a business -- THERE'S NONE.

http://12.46.245.173/pls/portal30/CATALO...

Most of the federal grants are given to specific target groups with specific requirements (e.g. minority business owners involved in transportation related contracts emanating from DOT - Grant#20.905 Disadvantaged Business Enterprises Short Term Lending Program

Grants are also often given to non profit 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 women's business center that will train women entrepreneurs

Answer 4

The Small Business Administration is a good place to start.

I'm not sure what kind of business you have in mind.  But whether it's an established field (like installation) or new product development (like thin-film stoichiometry), it's generally better to start by working for someone else, then, when you understand the business, to go out on your own.  While you're working for someone else, you can be saving up capital to start your venture, or at least making contacts for investors.  For example, if you have a bunch of people that know you can put up panels quickly, accurately, and that your systems always pass inspection, then they might be willing to invest in your new business.