Myths vs. Facts: Government Funding, Proposals & Hiring Consultants

Published on: August 10, 2025

Author: Team Navoriah

Securing government funding can be transformative for businesses, nonprofits, and municipalities — but it often comes with confusion, misconceptions, and conflicting advice. At Navoriah, we regularly hear myths from clients who either hesitate to apply or underestimate what’s involved. Let’s clear the air with some common myths and facts.

Myth 1: Government funding is free money with no strings attached.

Fact: Government grants and programs come with strict eligibility criteria, reporting requirements, and accountability measures. Some are non-repayable, but many involve matching contributions or cost-sharing. For instance, a grant may cover 50% of project expenses, requiring you to finance the rest.

Myth 2: Only big companies can access government funding.

Fact: While large organizations often win sizeable awards, SMEs, startups, non-profits, and municipalities are frequently targeted by government programs. In fact, many funds are created specifically to support early-stage innovation, small businesses, Indigenous communities, or sustainability projects.

Myth 3: Applications are too complicated — it’s not worth trying.

Fact: Yes, funding applications can be detailed, requiring budgets, work plans, and impact statements. But successful proposals are built step by step with a clear structure. Once a system is in place, applying becomes far less daunting. The payoff — often hundreds of thousands of dollars — is worth the effort.

Myth 4: Consultants just fill out forms — I can do it myself.

Fact: Writing a funding proposal is not just about forms. It’s about strategic storytelling, aligning your project with program priorities, and presenting financials credibly. Experienced consultants bring insider knowledge, understand program language, and increase your chances of success. They also save you time so you can focus on running your business.

Myth 5: Hiring a consultant guarantees funding approval.

Fact: No consultant can guarantee success. Government programs are competitive, and final decisions rest with funding bodies. However, consultants increase competitiveness by refining proposals, identifying the right programs, and helping avoid disqualifying errors. A strong consultant becomes a partner in your growth strategy.

Myth 6: If I don’t win funding once, I should stop applying.

Fact: Rejection is common — even excellent projects may be declined. But many programs allow re-application. With feedback, improved proposals often succeed the second time around. Persistence, adaptation, and timing are key.

Myth 7: Government funding takes forever to arrive.

Fact: Some programs do take months to process, but not all. Emergency response funds, export readiness programs, and certain innovation grants can move quickly. Setting realistic expectations and building timelines into your planning is critical.

Key Takeaway

Government funding is not free, not impossible, and not limited to big players. It requires preparation, strategy, and sometimes professional guidance. The myths often discourage organizations from applying — but the facts show that with the right approach, funding is within reach.

At Navoriah, we specialize in navigating funding programs, preparing strong proposals, and guiding clients through the entire process. Whether you’re a startup, non-profit, or established business, we help you turn opportunities into outcomes.

👉 Ready to explore funding for your next project? Contact us today: info@navoriah.com