National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) offers grants up to $5,000 for small, self-employed business owners who want to grow their business. Statistics for 2009 show that over five million women are self-employed, with either incorporated or unincorporated businesses.NASE Business Growth Grants are available to NASE members. Membership is $120 per year. To qualify for a grant, members must identify a business need and describe how the grant will help them fill this need. In addition, they must submit a resume or business plan for their micro-business.
The grant money can be used for business needs such as marketing and advertising, hiring employees, increasing facilities, or other purposes that will result in business growth. A NASE membership in good standing is required. Membership benefits include online access to business, legal and tax information, discount programs and life insurance benefits.
NASE is a non-profit, membership-based organization founded in 1981 to support entrepreneurs and micro-businesses. They keep members apprised of congressional issues of importance to small business owners. In 2011, 18 grants were awarded, totaling $82,930.
For more information, visit www.nase.org/Membership/GrantsandScholarships/BusinessDevelopmentGrants.aspx
