Where to Find Business Grants: Online Resources and More

People have made a living off selling supposed "secret" information on where to find money from the government. The books I once bought on the subject were a joke. Much of the information was outdated and/or too vague to be of any help.
The technology available to the average consumer today allows for individuals to find their own grant money information with relatively little effort.
Small Business Grants and Information
One of the first places to look is at the US government's Small Business Administration (SBA) website. They do not give out grants, but they do give great information and links regarding how to locate funding for business. They offer a limited number of special purpose loans to businesses for things such as disaster recovery. Their Grants page is loaded with links to extensive grant information, grant sources, and grant writing tips.
Individual States offer programs designed to help promote business growth and revenue for their state. About.Com's USGOV Info/Resources section offers a state-by-state listing of where to find business grants and resources. I don't know how often the links are checked or updated, but a quick email to the guide for that section should elicit further help.
Also in that same section is a page dedicated to sources of funding which is not a government grant. The statement is made that most people don't really need a grant, but other available assistance. A link if available to a page which explains what is involved in obtaining Federal Grant money . . . and the reasoning behind their statement that most would be better served with other forms of assistance.
The Small Business Center has a lot of information and links about various loan and grant programs, along with tips for applying.
General information about small business grants is also available in a different section of about.com: in their small business section.
The Idea Café website has a link for more information about grants, and also offers some grants of their own for small businesses. A wide variety of other business information is also available from their site.
Specialty Grants: Business Grants for Women
There are multiple sources of grant monies for women. A few links regarding such are:
Home Biz Tools.Com
Web Momz.Com
Women's Business Grants
Woman Owned.Com
Specialty Grants: Business Grants for Other Groups
Grants for Disabled, Veterans, Single Moms, Ethnic Groups
Grants and Loans for Minorities
Your local state vocational rehabilitation program or welfare program may also have limited funds available to help those in need begin or expand their business, under certain circumstances. Call them for more information.