Grants from government organizations and non-profits are a valuable asset for businesses. Previously we’ve discussed the importance of applying for business grants, and how they can help your business grow. This month we will go more in-depth of the application process, and discuss some of the obstacles that must be surpassed to obtain this valuable grant money.
One thing that we’ve learned going through the grant process is that some are easier than others to win. Each has a process of steps that must be followed to make sure a company is eligible to receive the grant. If information is filled out incorrectly or missing, the process may be paused by the grant issuer or even stopped completely. For some grant processes, the grant people may be receptive to looking over an application before submission to make sure everything is correct. If this is the case it is very important to take advantage of this to make sure a simple mistake doesn’t stop you from winning the grant.
Overall the process to obtain a grant can be difficult to figure out in the big picture. Many times completing one step, can lead to more questions that will delay completing the next step of the process. We have experienced this at Mid-West, where completing one step has led to another, when we thought completing that step was the end of the process. While this is frustrating, it is important not to give up, or stop in the middle of the grant process. Money is available as long as you stay diligent and keep working to complete the process.
For training certification grants, sometimes you also have to pay a little up front as you go through the process; with the understanding you will get the money back down the line from the grant. Funds being given to you are not guaranteed, and sometimes the delay can take days, weeks or months. Also sometimes you have until the end of the calendar year to complete the grant application process, since the money may no longer be available in the next calendar year. If you are patient though, the rewards will be worth it to your business.
At Mid-West Screw Products we have won many grants over the years to help us grow our business. We understand how beneficial they are and are always looking to take advantage of them to make sure we are equipped to provide for our customers to the best of our ability.Reach out to us for more information on how we can meet your machining needs.