Hi my name is Corina, I have a question I want to start my own buisness but I need a grant to start, but I have no Idea were to start. I was hoping that someone could help me out.
First, you will need to analyze how much funding your business will need, your options for funds (grants, loans, savings, etc.), how to write a loan application, etc. Try starting here: http://www.business.gov/topics/finances/ and http://www.sba.gov/expanding/grants.html. For more education, you should peruse the Small Business Administration’s section for women at http://www.sba.gov/womeninbusiness. They have resources for women entrepreneurs at various stages in their businesses.
Here are some helpful links for funds: American Association of University Women:http://www.aauw.org. One of the largest private sources of capital for women.
Thanks so much for this post on Grants and funding. I didn't pose the question but this information is wonderful for all of us who might read the post.
Books on GRANTS
Want to know how to get a grant and be succesful in aquiring one. Get a book. There is no short cut. It will take time and diligence, if it was too easy I wouldn't sell any books. Lets get real, if you are serious, you are 8-10 phone calls away from your goal. Don't let anyone tell you that for 14.95, they can get you a grant. Your not that gulliable are you? Get a book or CD-Rom and if after a good old american try, it doesn't work for you call and get help from the professionals. You can do this, if you want to, "Don't nothing beat a failure but a try". www.linkbrander.com/go/39308 Need any more Help check-out all the advice here. Or contact me.
Wow, these are helpful replies! Thanks everyone. Corina, you may want to post what industry you are looking for the grant in. I am actually in the process of founding a nonprofit company that's mission is to create grants for artists and filmmakers. I'm sure that's not your area...but if it is, let me know. Maybe I can help.
Hi Corina. I would write up a solid business plan first, maximum 20 pages. You can google "business plane templates" for free and follow them. Do your research regarding your industry. Make sure the numbers are correct or close. Whoever gives you a loan is going to be staring at those numbers like crazy. Remember to list direct and or indirect competition, don't make that mistake. There is always a competitor out there. Also, don't exagurate projects over the next 3 to 5 years, from experience, it looks naive. If you must, hire somone with a varifiable background to write the plan for you. After a solid business plan is ready,Google women's groups that support entrepreneurship, there are lot of them out there. Generally speaking, get an experience business mentor that you can call from time to time for advise. I hope this helps and I hope you make millions and end up on Donny D. Good lucky! Go get 'em!!!!
I would have to agree with James. Next to impossible for a "for-profit" business. Plus, it depends on what the grant money is for. There are government grants like SBIR and STTR. Search these two terms and see if your business fits.