"Where can I get a grant to start a business?"  It's a common question at the Grants Information Center.  And why not?  Late-night infomercials, countless websites, hotel seminars with their expensive "kits," questionable consultants and aggressive telemarketers are all busy telling people they can qualify for a grant.

The disappointing truth: businesses almost never get grants.  Here is that message from the federal government.  Here are the facts from the nation's leading expert on private foundation grants.

Then there are the rare expections.  Two recently made the local news:

• Montgomery County's Economic Development/Equity Grant (ED/GE) program approved grants to several businesses that will create jobs.
• A bakery in the Wright-Dunbar area is being partially financed by a West Dayton Development Fund grant.
• City of Dayton's new Dayton Economic Attraction Program (DEAP) made its first round of grants to businesses creating jobs in targeted industries.

Bottom line, it might be worth checking with your local economic development office.  Here are some websites to explore.