SBA

1. Business Plan (Not required but would help)
   A detailed business plan outlining your company’s mission, objectives, target market, business model, financial projections, and how you plan to use the grant money. This is often required to demonstrate how you will manage and use the grant effectively.
2. Tax Identification Number (TIN)
   A TIN, Employer Identification Number (EIN), or Social Security Number (SSN) is often required to verify your business’s legal identity and tax status.
3. Business Registration Documents
   Proof that your business is properly registered with the relevant local, state, or federal authorities. This might include:
   
   • Articles of Incorporation (for corporations)
   • LLC Operating Agreement (for LLCs)
   • Business licenses
   • Fictitious Business Name Registration

        4.    Financial Statements (Not required but would help)
              To demonstrate financial health and stability, you may need to provide:

• Income statement (profit and loss statement)
• Balance sheet
• Cash flow statement
• Tax returns for the past few years

       5.   Proof of Business Activity
            Some grants may ask for evidence that your business is operational, such as:

• Bank statements
• Customer contracts or invoices
• Sales reports

     6.  Project or Program Description
               A clear description of the specific project or initiative for which you are requesting the grant. This                includes goals, expected outcomes, and a budget breakdown.

1. Market Research (Not required but would help)
   Some grants, particularly those for research or development, might require market research data to support your business’s approach, such as industry reports, competitor analysis, or customer surveys.
2. Personal Financial Information
   For certain grants, especially for smaller or new businesses, you may need to provide personal financial information (e.g., personal tax returns, credit score) of the business owner or primary stakeholders.
3. Proof of Eligibility
   Some grants are specific to certain types of businesses (e.g., women-owned, minority-owned, veteran-owned, or those in certain industries). You may need to provide:
   
   • Proof of minority or women-owned status (e.g., certification from the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council)
   • Veteran status (e.g., DD-214 for veterans)

1. Grant-Specific Forms
   Some grant providers have specific forms or templates that you need to fill out and submit along with your application. Make sure to download and complete these forms from the official website of the grant program.
2. Letters of Support or Recommendation (Not required but would help)
   Some grants may require letters of support from business partners, customers, or local community leaders to demonstrate your business’s credibility and impact.
3. Budget or Financial Plan for Grant Funds
   A detailed breakdown of how you plan to spend the grant funds, showing exactly where the money will go (e.g., marketing, equipment, personnel). This is typically needed to ensure the grant is used as intended.
4. Legal Documents
   Some grant applications may require legal documents to show compliance with business regulations, such as:

• Nonprofit status (for nonprofit organizations)
• Insurance documents
• Intellectual property filings (patents, trademarks, etc.)

1. Certification of Good Standing
   Proof that your business is in compliance with any required state and federal regulations (e.g., no unpaid taxes or fines).
2. Timeline (Not required but would help)
   A projected timeline for completing the funded project, showing milestones and expected completion dates.