Is a social media ad for a government grant for small businesses real?
Almost certainly not. Legitimate government grant programmes are not advertised through social media ads and never require upfront fees to apply.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Explanation
Government grant fraud targets small business owners and the self-employed by advertising 'unclaimed' grants via Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok. The ad often uses official-looking government branding and promises substantial funds. To apply, you are directed to a third-party website where you pay a processing or administrative fee. No grant is ever received. Real government grant programmes are listed on official government websites, administered by recognised agencies, and are free to apply for. Some may involve a grant writer or consultant fee for assistance with the application, but these are optional services — not a requirement to access the grant.
Common red flags
- Grant discovered through a social media ad rather than an official government source
- Application requires a processing or administrative fee
- Website domain does not match an official government portal
- Promise of guaranteed approval before reviewing your application
What to do now
- Search for the grant programme directly on your government's official website
- Do not pay any fee to apply for a government grant
- Report the fraudulent ad to the social media platform and your consumer authority
- Contact your national small business support agency for legitimate grant information
Frequently asked questions
Where can I find real small business grants?
Genuine grants are listed on government portals (gov.uk/business-finance-support, grants.gov in the US) and through enterprise agencies. All legitimate programmes are free to apply for.