Types of Government funding
There are 5 different types of Government funding
Government grants
These grants are usually not repayable. The government lending agency provides for 100% of the financial need. However, these types of grants are significantly less common and tend to be once-off opportunities to assist new businesses.
Government cost-sharing grants
A cost-sharing grant will finance from 35% to 100% of the application. Grants that are less than 100% require you to fund the balance of finance required for the project at hand.
Government incentives
Many incentives are actually grants in that you do not have to repay the money. However, unlike grants, where the money is provided for the service or asset, incentives are paid AFTER the event has occurred. That is, you have to fund the approved project and then claim back the portion of the project that the incentive addresses.
Government tax incentives
A tax incentive means that the business may deduct a certain amount from the money it owes in tax. The government offers tax incentives to encourage businesses to engage in a specified activity (such as employing young people) for a certain period of time.
Government equity funding
Equity means that the government funding agency buys a part of your business in return for a percentage shareholding. The equity provides you with the finance to grow the business and the investor receives a share of the profits and a lump sum when they exit.