How to find funding options for clients for business consultants in 2026

Learn how business consultants can prepare client details, compare funding sources, and use tools to find options clients may apply for.

By CDings · 2026-10-13

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

Business consultants can gather client details, define funding needs, review programs, check rules, and compare options. 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 a business description is provided. ^[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 helps make comparisons easier.

Business structure. Know whether the client operates as a sole proprietorship, LLC, partnership, corporation, or another type.
Location. Keep registration and operating locations ready because some programs have location rules.
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 financial information.
Tax information. Gather recent tax returns and letters from tax agencies when available. Check each funding source's document list.
Funding purpose. Identify whether the client needs money for equipment, hiring, inventory, research, expansion, or another use.

A client summary with these details can help keep funding searches and applications consistent.

Step by step

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

Collect eligibility details. Record location, industry, business age, ownership details, and other information that funding sources may use.

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

Read the requirements. Check who can apply, what the money can be used for, deadlines, and required documents before recommending an option.

Create a shortlist. Separate opportunities into options that match now, options that need preparation, and options that need more information.

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

Prepare client materials. Help organize the information needed for each funding opportunity and adjust details to match the specific requirements.

Track progress. Record where each application stands, what was submitted, and what action comes next.

Review future options. Update client details as the business changes so future searches use current information.

Tools that can do it

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 a Schedule C, Form 1120, 1065 or 990, 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 the client applies 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 without client details. Funding options are easier to compare when business information is ready.

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

Skipping source checks. Confirm deadlines, documents, and allowed uses with the funding source.

Treating grants and loans the same. Grants and loans can have different requirements and repayment expectations.

Not recording progress. Keep notes on options reviewed, applications sent, and follow-up actions.

Using outdated information. Update client details before searching again because business circumstances can change.

Frequently asked questions

How can business consultants find funding options for clients?

Business consultants can collect client details, define the funding goal, search multiple sources, and compare eligibility rules before recommending options. A process that records documents, requirements, and next steps can help organize funding research for different clients and business situations.

What information should a business consultant collect before searching for funding?

A business consultant should collect information such as business structure, location, description, history, tax information, ownership details, and the purpose for seeking money. Funding sources may request different documents, so checking each source's requirements remains important before preparing an application.

Can Raise Buddy find funding options for business clients?

Raise Buddy lists grants, loans, credits, prizes and other funding a client may be able to apply for after a website is pasted or a business description is provided. ^[1] Each match says whether the client can apply, what one step stands in the way, or what is unclear, using the funder's own words. ^[1]

Does Raise Buddy apply for funding on behalf of clients?

No. Raise Buddy keeps track of where each application stands, but the client applies on the funder's own site. ^[1] A consultant still needs to help the client review requirements, prepare information, and follow the funding source's process.

How much does Raise Buddy cost for finding funding options?

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)