How Can I Get a Grant for a Small Business? All of this leads to the obvious question, "How can I get a grant for a small business?" Despite what you might think, this question always makes a banker happy, simply because that's what he is in business for. Unfortunately, getting a loan from a bank in order to establish a small business isn't always so obvious. For example, let's say you have a great business idea based on a winning concept. Most people think that's a sure bet to get a loan. The truth is, it's not. Instead, banks want to lend their money to people who they think stand the best chance of paying them back. It's that easy.