How to find funding options for clients in 2026

Learn how business advisors can prepare client details, search funding options, compare sources, and use tools that list opportunities.

By CDings · 2026-10-13

CDings is published by the makers of Raise Buddy and ProductCost, which are compared here alongside other tools.

Business advisors can find funding options for clients by gathering business details, checking funding rules, comparing sources, and tracking applications. Raise Buddy is one option that lists grants, loans, credits, prizes and other funding a client may be able to apply for after a website is pasted or the business is described. ^[1]

Option	What it does	Cost
Raise Buddy Free plan ^[1]	Opens programs up to $1,000. ^[1]	Free. ^[1]
Raise Buddy Plus plan ^[1]	Opens programs up to $5,000. ^[1]	$14.99 a month. ^[1]
Raise Buddy Pro plan ^[1]	Opens every program, with advisors' review and AI connection. ^[1]	$199 a month. ^[1]

What you need before you start

Prepare the client information that funding sources may ask for before searching for options. Keeping these details together makes it easier to review programs.

Business structure. Know whether the client business is a sole proprietorship, LLC, partnership, corporation or another type.
Location. Keep the registration location and operating location ready.
Business description. Write a short explanation of what the business sells and who it serves.
Business history. Note when the business started, its size, and basic revenue information.
Tax information. Gather recent tax returns and any tax agency letters. Check each funder's own document list.
Funding purpose. Understand whether the client needs money for equipment, hiring, inventory, research, expansion, or another need.

A simple summary page with these facts can help keep information consistent while reviewing funding options.

Step by step

Define the client's funding goal. Decide what the money will support and whether a grant, loan, or another funding type matches that goal.

Set search rules. Note the location, industry, business age, ownership details, and other requirements that matter for eligibility.

Search several sources. Review government programs, local business offices, lenders, and other organizations that offer funding opportunities.

Read eligibility rules carefully. Check who can apply, what the money can be used for, deadlines, and required documents before spending time on an application.

Build a shortlist. Separate opportunities into ones that match now, ones that need preparation, and ones that need more information.

Confirm unclear details. Contact the funder or lender when rules, documents, or spending limits are not clear.

Prepare each application. Adjust answers to the specific program and provide the requested information.

Track applications. Record where each application was sent, when it was submitted, and what action comes next.

Review results and update the search. Funding programs change, so keep client business details ready for future opportunities.

Tools that can do it

Different sources can help with different parts of finding funding options.

Government program lists. Government websites can show grant and loan programs. Check each program's own rules, documents, and deadlines.

Local business support offices. Local organizations may provide information about programs in a specific area. Check what services they provide and whether there are costs.

Banks, credit unions, and community lenders. These organizations can explain loan options, required documents, and costs for borrowing.

Raise Buddy. Raise Buddy is made by the team that publishes this site. You paste your website or describe what you do, and it lists grants, loans, credits, prizes and other funding you may be able to apply for. ^[1] Each match says whether you can apply, what one step stands in the way, or what is unclear, with the funder's own words. ^[1] It can read certain tax forms or an IRS letter from a photo or PDF into a draft profile you confirm, and it does not keep the EIN or the papers. ^[1] It includes private foundations that take applications, read from their own Form 990-PF tax returns. ^[1] It covers 25 ways to raise money, such as angel investors, SBA loans and equity crowdfunding, each with its official rules and a first step. ^[1] It keeps track of where each application stands, but applications are made on the funder's own site. ^[1]

The Free plan opens programs up to $1,000, Plus is $14.99 a month and opens programs up to $5,000, and Pro is $199 a month with every program, advisors' review, and AI connection. ^[1] The first three matches in each section open on every plan. ^[1] A guest's search list ends after 5. ^[1] Only English is shown for now. ^[1]

Common mistakes to avoid

Searching before collecting client details. Funding options are easier to review when business facts and documents are ready.

Ignoring eligibility rules. A funding opportunity only helps when the client business meets the stated rules.

Relying on a list without checking the source. Confirm deadlines and requirements with the funder or lender.

Confusing grants and loans. Grants and loans have different repayment expectations and costs.

Not tracking follow-ups. Missing a request for information can slow down the process.

Using different business details in different places. Keep financial and business information consistent across applications.

Frequently asked questions

How can business advisors find funding options for clients?

Business advisors can gather client details, search funding sources, compare eligibility rules, and track applications. Tools can help organize opportunities, but each funding source has its own requirements. Raise Buddy lists grants, loans, credits, prizes and other funding a client may be able to apply for after a website is pasted or the business is described. ^[1]

Can Raise Buddy check if a client can apply for funding?

Raise Buddy gives each match a statement about whether a client can apply, what one step stands in the way, or what is unclear, using the funder's own words. ^[1] Advisors should still review the funding source rules and required documents before helping prepare an application.

Does Raise Buddy apply for funding for clients?

No. Raise Buddy keeps track of where each application stands, but the client applies on the funder's own site. ^[1] The advisor and client still need to review requirements, prepare answers, and send information through the required process.

What documents can Raise Buddy use for a business profile?

Raise Buddy can read a Schedule C, Form 1120, 1065 or 990, or an IRS letter, from a photo or PDF into a draft profile that the client confirms. It does not keep the EIN or the papers. ^[1] The client should review the draft before using it for funding searches.

How much does Raise Buddy cost?

Free plan opens programs up to $1,000; Plus is $14.99 a month (up to $5,000); Pro is $199 a month (every program, advisors' review, AI connection). The first three matches in each section open on every plan. ^[1]

Try Raise Buddy

Sources

Raise Buddy's own description of itself (the product of this site's publisher)