Over 99% of America’s 28.7 million firms are small businesses, and 88% have fewer than 20 employees. After the year of COVID, many can’t wait for a Government stimulus to bail them out and are instead looking for ways to fund their business and get back on track.
Government Grants: The government site grants.gov is the place to start your search. It offers the most comprehensive database of funds available from the government. Not all funds flow directly from the government to business. Some funds are distributed to state governments and agencies, nonprofits, and educational institutions and awarded from that point.
Government Contract Assistance: The federal government spends billions on goods and services, and that money is spent through a competitive bidding process. Many programs are set up to target and help smaller businesses like Veteran- and women-owned compete for these contracts.
Natural Resource Sales Assistance Program: Our federal government purchases a lot from the natural resource goods and services market, and a percentage of those bids are available only to small businesses. Sometimes, these bids are broken down even more so that it’s easier for more small businesses to get a piece of the pie.
Industry-Specific Small Business Grants: Some small business grants are tied to a specific industry or demographic and come with a more straightforward application process. If, by chance, you’re a black, multiracial, or even nonbinary entrepreneur, there’s a startup grant for you to consider. Samuel Adams Brewing even offered a military grant for small entrepreneurs.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Small Business Association are both held in high regard when it comes to assisting and guiding small businesses to succeed. As your financial professional, we’re also here to help and provide answers so that your future years are much more lucrative than 2020. Call us at (540) 720-5656 if you’re a small business owner—it’s time to take back control of your business success!
Amy Anderson joined the ILG Financial team in 2023 as the client relations coordinator. Her responsibilities include scheduling of appointments, annual check-up notifications, and annuity and required minimum distribution assistance. She is a graduate of Harding University with a degree in Computer Information Systems. Amy and her husband have two children and she enjoys reading, crocheting, music and spending time with her family.
Chase Lopez joined the ILG Financial team in 2020 as an advisor. Chase is a 2016 James Madison University graduate with a degree in management. Chase has been trained under the tutelage of Dave Lopez, who is not only the founder and managing member of ILG Financial, but also is Chase’s uncle and godfather. He also enjoys working alongside his cousin, Megan, who is Dave’s daughter. Chase, as a fiduciary, believes in putting his clients interests first, and building out plans for his clients where they can have a happy and fruitful retirement. He married his beautiful wife in February 2022 and both use most of their free time chasing around their little pup, Aurora.
Jessica Carson joined the ILG Financial team in 2018 as an agent. Jessica and her husband have four children, two dogs, 3 barn cats, 5 chickens, and three parakeets. She indeed loves her children and pets! When not at work, Jessica enjoys playing the piano and cello as well as traveling and spending time outside with her family, hiking, fishing, and boating.
Terri Center joined the ILG Financial team in 2019 as client services manager. She handles client records, application processing, and gathering information to provide a professional and friendly experience with all of our clients. Terri is a graduate of Oakland University. She is married and has two children. She enjoys hiking, family time, and puzzle challenging video games. She also likes to share her creativity in her canvas paintings and sewing projects.
Megan Jones joined the ILG Financial team in 2020 as marketing director. Megan and her husband live in Fredericksburg, VA with their German Short Haired Pointer, Gus. Megan is a graduate of Longwood University and holds a degree in communications. Megan is the oldest of Dave Lopez’s three children and not only enjoys working alongside her father, but also with her cousin, Chase, who joined the ILG Financial team in 2020 as an advisor. When not at work, Megan enjoys sitting on the back porch with family and friends enjoying food and music.