3 Key Ingredients to a Successful Government Grant Presentation
Small Business Funding Tips

Applications that win government grants and loans share some key ingredients that make them stand out from the pile. Most of these techniques used by winning applications are quite simple, common sense ideas. But too few businesspeople employ them when seeking funding. Those who do, win grants and government loans.

Here are three key ingredients to a successful proposal presentation.

1. Do your preparation first.

Phone the funding agency before getting to work on your presentation. Find out who is responsible for the funding and who you will present to. Ask them what they are looking for in a presentation. Also, understand the grant guidelines and determine the best format for your presentation and how much time you'll have to put your case. Approaching the funding agency will demonstrate your interest and will get you noticed in a positive way, even before you begin your presentation.

2. A simple, straightforward presentation works best.

While you should have a well-prepared business plan, your actual presentation should be expressed in simple terms and cut to the heart of why your business will benefit from funding, how you'll use it effectively, and how it will help you succeed.

Keep your presentation simple with no more than three people involved in the actual presentation. Don't go overboard on support materials or presentation aids. A brief, succinct PowerPoint presentation can be far more effective than a flashy 10-minute video.

Don't get bogged down in the detail of your proposal. You don’t want to rush your all-important sales pitch. The detail will be included in your support material. Besides, if the committee has questions, there’ll be time for you to answer following the presentation.

3. Present with passion and enthusiasm.

Convey the true passion and enthusiasm you feel for your business in your presentation. Make a list of three positive attributes of your business and remember these as you present your case. These will remain fresh in your mind and will provide you with the passion and enthusiasm you need to present your case with confidence….and hopefully win that funding.