Grants.gov: Federal Grants Guide
Most federal grants listed on Grants.gov target nonprofits, universities, and state/local governments — not typical for-profit small businesses. The real for-profit-eligible path is the SBIR/STTR program (Small Business Innovation Research / Small Business Technology Transfer), which funds R&D-stage small businesses across 11 federal agencies. Before applying to anything on Grants.gov, you need a SAM.gov registration and Unique Entity ID (UEI) — that step comes first, not after. Once registered, create a Grants.gov Workspace account to search open funding opportunities by eligibility category and submit applications directly.
SAM.gov: Federal Contracting Hub
SAM.gov (System for Award Management) is where every business must register to be eligible for federal contracts — and it's free to register directly on the site (be wary of third-party sites charging a fee for this). Registration issues your Unique Entity ID (UEI), which replaced the old DUNS number. Once registered, use SAM.gov's contract opportunity search to find open solicitations, and check whether you qualify for small business set-asides — including 8(a), HUBZone, Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB), and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) categories, which reserve a real percentage of federal contracting dollars specifically for qualifying businesses.
Government Surplus & Auctions
Federal, state, and local governments regularly auction off surplus vehicles, machinery, and equipment — often well below market value. The process is the same everywhere: register on the platform, inspect the listing (photos and condition reports, sometimes in-person previews) before bidding, and factor in pickup/transport logistics since most surplus sales are sold as-is, where-is with no warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a small business get a federal grant?
Most federal grants target nonprofits, universities, and government agencies — not typical for-profit small businesses. The main exception is the SBIR/STTR program, which specifically funds R&D-stage small businesses. Contracts (via SAM.gov) are the more common path for for-profit businesses, not grants.
Is SAM.gov registration free?
Yes. Registering directly on SAM.gov to get your Unique Entity ID (UEI) is free. Third-party sites that charge a fee for "SAM registration" are not required — you can register directly.
What condition is surplus equipment sold in?
Government surplus auctions (GSA Auctions, GovDeals, TEOAF) are almost always sold as-is, where-is, with no warranty. Always review the listing’s condition report and inspect in person when possible before bidding.