GrantScholar
    LaunchPad: Business Starter Kit

    Compare Services for Starting Your Business

    Compare optional services for LLC formation, business addresses, phone, banking, payments, and a website in one place.

    Start My LaunchPad
    Third-party providers disclosed·Grant outcomes are not promised·Timelines vary by provider and state

    How Entity Requirements Affect Grant Eligibility

    Without LLC

    • ✗Business-program eligibility may be limited
    • ✗No business credit history
    • ✗Personal liability for debts
    • ✗Limited tax deductions
    • ✗SBA program criteria vary

    With LLC

    • Access programs open to eligible entities
    • Begin building a business credit history
    • Personal assets protected
    • Potential deductions depend on tax rules
    • SBA, state, and local criteria still apply

    LaunchPad Service Options

    Compare disclosed affiliate partners and review their current terms.

    LLC Formation

    Choose Your Formation Partner

    PartnerPriceBest For
    ZenBusinessSee providerFormation optionStart with ZenBusiness
    Northwest Registered AgentSee providerRegistered agent optionStart with Northwest

    GrantScholar may earn a commission if you choose these partners, at no cost to you. Review each provider's current terms.

    Check the state filing office for current fees.

    Virtual Business Address

    Address requirements vary across the IRS, SBA programs, banks, and grant applications. Confirm acceptance with each organization before purchasing a service.

    Address Providers

    ServicePriceFeatures
    Anytime MailboxSee providerMail scanning and forwardingGet Address
    iPostal1See providerStreet address and app accessGet Address
    StableSee providerAddress and scanning optionsGet Address

    GrantScholar may earn a commission if you choose these partners, at no cost to you. Review each provider's current terms.

    Military families: Ask each agency, bank, and grantmaker whether a virtual address is accepted before using one during a PCS move.

    Business Phone Line

    VoIP Phone Providers

    ProviderPriceBest For
    OpenPhoneSee providerSmall-team optionGet OpenPhone
    GrasshopperSee providerSolo-founder optionGet Grasshopper
    Google VoiceSee providerBasic optionGet Google Voice

    GrantScholar may earn a commission if you choose these partners, at no cost to you. Review each provider's current terms.

    Business Bank Account

    Some grantmakers require a business account for disbursements. Review program and banking requirements.

    Business Checking Accounts

    BankMonthly FeeBest For
    NovoSee providerBusiness checking optionOpen Novo Account
    RelaySee providerAccount-management optionOpen Relay Account
    MercurySee providerStartup banking optionOpen Mercury Account

    GrantScholar may earn a commission if you choose these partners, at no cost to you. Review each provider's current terms.

    Accept Payments

    Payment Processors

    ProcessorRateBest For
    StripeSee providerOnline paymentsGet Stripe
    SquareSee providerIn-person paymentsGet Square
    PayPalSee providerPayment setup optionGet PayPal

    GrantScholar may earn a commission if you choose these partners, at no cost to you. Review each provider's current terms.

    AI Website Request

    Some grant applications ask for a website. Fill out the form to request a generated site preview.

    Your LaunchPad Total

    Review current provider pricing before selecting services

    LLC Formation
    See provider
    Business Address (Anytime Mailbox)
    See provider
    Business Phone (OpenPhone)
    See provider
    Business Banking (Novo)
    See provider
    Payment Processing (Stripe)
    See provider
    Professional Website
    See current terms
    One-time total:Check providers
    Monthly recurring:Check providers

    Grant Categories to Research After Formation

    Program terms vary
    SBA Small Business Grants
    State criteria apply
    State Business Grants
    Certification may apply
    Minority/Women/Veteran Owned
    Rural criteria apply
    USDA Rural Business Grants
    Local criteria apply
    Local Economic Development
    Solicitation terms apply
    Federal SBIR/STTR Grants

    Ready to Become Grant-Ready?

    Formation timelines and grant eligibility vary. Review state and program requirements before proceeding.