Growth Grants

When is the application deadline?

There is no single annual deadline for NASE Growth Grant applications. Applications are reviewed quarterly based on when they are completed and submitted:

Important: To be considered in a quarterly review, your application must be completed and submitted during the corresponding three-month period.

What are the eligibility requirements?

To be eligible, the applicant must be a member in good standing at the time of application and must maintain such good standing continuously through the date on which the award is conferred.

The following members may apply immediately:

• Annual Members
• Veteran Members
• Gold Members

The following members need 90 days of membership before their application is considered:

• Monthly Members

If you have questions regarding your membership type or you do not see your member type listed, please contact us.

What are the selection criteria?

Criteria used in evaluating applications and awarding grants include:

• Review of identifiable business need
• Detailed use of the proceeds of the grant
• The potential of the grant to satisfy the identified business need
• The potential impact of the grant on overall business growth and success
• Any other additional information you may have provided.

How long should a business plan be?

It should be as long or as short as it needs to be.

There is no hard and fast rule. Some past grant winners have had very short business plans with their applications while other winners have had very long business plans.

Simply provide the best business plan that will demonstrate to the review committee what your business does and how you operate.

How can I increase my chances of getting a grant?

Generally speaking, the more the review team understands about your business, the better. In an effort to remain impartial and fair, NASE does not provide specific tips or individual feedback.

What are my responsibilities if I am chosen as a recipient?

The following conditions apply:

• The use of funds must be consistent with written statement of grant use.
• Recipients must maintain records showing use of the money.
• The funds may not be used to pay debt or rent/mortgage payments.
• Recipients agree that NASE has the right to publicize names, business name, amount awarded and photographs of the recipients.
• The NASE requests that the recipient place the NASE Member Badge on the recipient's website for one year after the growth grant check is received.
  • NASE Member Badges can be found here.

How and when are checks issued?

Grant recipients will be funded within 30 days after all signed usage and required regulatory documents are received by the NASE.

Are grant funds received taxable?

As a general rule, business grants awarded for business purposes ARE subject to both federal and state income tax.  There are exceptions based on your specific facts and circumstances and we therefore recommend that you consult with your personal tax professional (or the NASE Tax Experts) for more guidance on your specific situation.

What if I have a new businesses and do not have a tax return or profit & loss statement?

In situations like this, we accept Expected Profit & Loss Statements or projections of income and expenses.

What should the photo be?

The photo that is included with your application can be anything, a head shot, an action shot, a store front, a group photo with staff, products/widgets etc.  This is what will be displayed on our website and any other promotional materials.

What documents are required?

The documents that are required are as follows:

• A statement of Grant Use
• A Business Plan
• A recent Tax Return or Profit/Loss statement
• Photo of member or business
• Other supporting documents you have

What if I am a felon and/or have a criminal past?

Felons and people with a criminal history are not excluded, members with a criminal past are allowed and encouraged to apply.

What can the grant be used for?

The grant can be used for many different things, some examples:

• Marketing
• Hiring part time help
• Computer equipment/software
• Office Repairs
• Creating a website
• Office equipment/furniture
• Tradeshow/conference attendance
• Advanced training 
• And More...

The only exception is they cannot pay off already existing debt.

Additional Information

• In an effort to remain impartial and neutral, we do not give advice on specific applications.
• Decisions of the committees are final and are not subject to appeal. No application feedback will be given.
• Growth Grants are awarded at the sole discretion of the NASE. Unfortunately, not everyone who applies will receive a grant. The NASE has the sole discretion to make no grant or present a higher or lower amount than requested. The NASE in its sole discretion may award less than the totals indicated to be potentially available. The NASE will not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sex, age or disability. Decisions of the selection committee are final and are not subject to appeal. No application feedback will be given.
• Members who are employees of the NASE, sales associates, field service representatives, or contracted by the NASE are not eligible for this program.

How do I apply?

To apply, you must be a member and meet the requirements as outlined elsewhere on this page.  Once a member, login and you will see detailed instructions in the "Get Started" section below.