Shayna:The majority of grants to for-profit organizations are awarded to research and development projects, like in pharmaceuticals or defense industry. Grants to start businesses are scarce. I would first recommend you talk with representatives from your regional Small Business Administration (SBA), which tries to help new businesses. You may be able to secure a low-cost loan from them. In addition, I recommend talking with any Business Development organization in your locality. Municipalities, Counties and States may have their own agencies designed to incubate business development. They usually offer tax incentives or affordable health insurance packages, but they may also be able to link you with other funding opportunties, whether it be loans or grants.
If you live in New York State, you should check with the Office of Children and Family Services. They offered some development grants in 2005 to expand child care centers in the State. If not OCFS, then check State Ed Dept.
In closing, not many grants exist to start businesses because a venerable system of bank investment and venture capital already exists to start up new companies and businesses. Grants that exist for such investment are usually specialized to fill a gap in the traditional investment module or to try out new ideas.
Don't give up and good luck!
