A variety of grants are available for individuals and groups that want to start a horse business. The types of grants the potential new business is eligible for will depend on the type of business, the location of the business and whether it is a for-profit or nonprofit company.
The United States government and many smaller state and local governments have grants available to stimulate the economy in the form of starting small businesses. Most horse businesses will classify as small businesses, and you may be able to qualify for additional help depending on who you are. Don't forget that there are grants specific to minorities who want to start a business. The official government business website, Business.gov, has links to different grant programs and information. It'll also allow you to search within the site for state and local information that can benefit your business.
The United States Department of Agriculture provides a variety of grant funding for agriculturally based businesses. The Rural Business Enterprise Grants offered by the department of Agriculture provide grant money to small agriculture businesses in rural areas. Grant money uses tend to be limited but can be useful depending on the type of equine businesses being formed.
The Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Foundation gives grants to equine businesses that use horses as part of a sustainable agriculture program. SARE offers professional development grants as well as outreach and education funding.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has established an Equine Fund with the purpose of providing grant monies and funding for organizations that rescue, protect or rehabilitate horses. Grant money also may be available for programs that work toward preventing animal abuse.
