Fuel Your Growth: US Guide to Government Business Support

As a business owner, you're always looking for an edge. What if we told you there are dedicated government programs designed to help you invest in technology, hire staff, and grow your operations? Many businesses overlook these valuable resources, but they can be a game-changer.

Here’s a quick guide to help you find government-sponsored support services, no matter where in the U.S. you're located.

Start with Federal Programs (Applies to Everyone!) 

The U.S. government offers powerful programs for businesses of all sizes.

SBA Loan Guarantees: The Small Business Administration (SBA) doesn't lend money directly, but it guarantees loans from banks, making it easier for you to get funding for major purchases—like a new point-of-sale or inventory management system. Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs): This is your secret weapon. SBDCs offer free, one-on-one business consulting funded by the SBA. They can help you identify the best local, state, and federal programs for your specific needs. Find your nearest SBDC here.

Read Also: Section 179 Update: A 'Big Beautiful Tax Break' on Software for 2025

• SBIR/STTR Grants: If your business is involved in research and development, the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs provide billions in grants each year to fund innovation.

Find Support in Your Own Backyard (State & Local Programs) 

This is where the support gets really personalized. Nearly every state, county, and major city has an office dedicated to helping local businesses thrive. These programs are often less competitive than federal ones.

What You'll Find:

While programs vary, most states offer some version of the following:

• Technology Grants: Funding specifically to help you purchase new hardware or software to improve efficiency.

• Workforce Training Funds: Grants to help you pay for training your employees on new systems.

• Tax Incentives: Credits for creating jobs, investing in new equipment, or operating in a specific economic zone.

• State-Backed Loans: Loan programs with favorable terms to help you expand.

Your 3-Step Action Plan

Feeling overwhelmed? Don't be. Here’s how to get started:

1. Define Your Need: Are you looking to buy new software, hire a new technician, or expand to a new location? Knowing your goal is the first step.

2. Contact Your Local SBDC: This is the most efficient next step. A local advisor can provide a customized roadmap of available resources.

3. Explore Your State's Website: Spend 30 minutes on your state's Economic Development website. You'll likely find a "Business Resources" or "Grants & Financing" section that lists all available programs.

How Windward Software Can Help You Apply

As you explore these government programs, particularly any of the technology loans or grants, you'll likely need detailed information about the technology you plan to adopt.

Our Windward Software team can be a valuable resource during this process:

• Quotes & Documentation: We can provide detailed quotes for software upgrades, new modules, integrations, or services that you plan to include in your digital adoption plan.
• Project Details: We can help you articulate how Windward solutions align with your business goals and the requirements of government programs.

Don’t miss out on valuable funding opportunities. The U.S. and state governments are committed to supporting businesses like yours—take advantage of these programs to drive your growth, innovate with new technology, and strengthen your organization for the future.

If you have Questions, We're here to help.  Give us a call at +1 (800) 663-5750