Get Grant Ready: What It Takes to Submit a Strong Application

Small business grants can be competitive, and a strong application starts well before you hit submit. This WeRISE session will cover grant basics, what reviewers look for, common mistakes that can hurt an application, and how to prepare before an opportunity opens. You’ll also hear from an SBDC advisor who has helped prepare entrepreneurs who went on to become 13 grant recipients, sharing what businesses can do to be better prepared to apply.

Key Takeaways:

• Know what makes your business grant-ready. Learn what documents, financial information, budgets, and other information you should have ready before applying.
• Understand what makes a strong application. Learn how to follow the guidelines, answer what is actually being asked, explain how the funds will be used, and avoid common mistakes.
• Prepare before the grant opens. Learn what you can do now and how resources such as an SBDC can help you strengthen your business and prepare for future grant opportunities.

Speaker Bio:

Tracy Irby is the director at Texas Woman’s University – Center for Women Entrepreneurs. Irby spent six years as a small business advisor for 3 Small Business Development Centers. Irby’s entrepreneurial ventures include ownership of a Sears Hometown Dealer Store, a gym, a bounce house rental business, an online business, and a licensed insurance agency. Irby holds both an MBA & BBA in marketing from Texas A&M University-Commerce and is a graduate of the OU Economic Development Institute. She holds certifications as an Entrepreneurship Center Manager, Economic Development Finance Professional, and Master Economic Development Practitioner.  

Social Media:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyirby/