Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

I was wondering how do go about getting a small business grant? I`m trying to start my own business,but i`m new at all this. So i need a little help. I`m tying to open my own gift store. If anyone could help me out i would be grateful. 

Dear Glass Rose 25,

Here are the URL addresses to three sites which might help you find more information on how to get a small business grant:

Dept of Labor: www.wdsc.doleta.gov/grants

Small Business Administration: www.sba.gov/expanding/grants.html

US Senator Debbie Stabenow`s website on grant assistance & procurement: http://stabenow.senate.gov/~stabenow/services/grants.htm 

Dear Glass Rose,

Most states have Regional Associations of grantmakers.  In Michigan there are two such associations:

Council of Michigan Foundations & New Ventures in Philantropy for Professional Advisors   www.cmif.org

African American Legacy Programs  www.africanamericanlegacyprogram.org

Besides the Regional Associations of Grantmakers, a good source of grant information is the Foundation Center.  It has some helpful information and they offer various grant related workshops.  Their website is: http://www.foundationcenter.org/

As in all things researching your topic is cruical for success.  Therefore if your grant searches don`t reveal what you are seeking then consider searching under words like entreprenuership, economic development, community development, etc. 

Hi Glass Rose,

Within Florida the following regional associations of grantmakers may be able to share information on local grant writing workshops and other relevant grant information:

Donors Forum of South Florida & Promotion of Philanthopy  www.donorsforums.org

Southeastern Council of Foundations  www.secf.org

The Sourthern Philanthropy Consortium  www.philanthropyindex.org

GlassRose25 According to the SBA www.sba.org  web site our Congress has not set aside any monies for grants to start or expand a new or existing small business at this time . I hope this does not discourage you. Accept this to be only obstacles not barriers.  You have many other paths to follow that will lead to financing your new business. In my coaching arena I find many new entrepreneurs just giving up at this stage because of the massive amount of grant info on the web that leads to the same conclusion (no grants available at this time) not to mention all the scammers who offer grants for a fee.  It would be my suggestion that you follow other financial avenues that will be more productive. Like the other post I would suggest you visit your local SBA office they will help you in this area with legitimate real time information.  Good luck and remember “NEVER give up” Your start up money is out there, you just have to find it.

Glass Rose 25

I agree with the previous post that contrary to "popular" belief - there is a lot of capital "out there" for businesses. Many of our clients have faced the same situation you have.

The keys to getting funding are:

1. Be well prepared. You, your business/idea, your deal, etc. 
2. Identify your potential funding source & what they want
3. Know where to look
4. Use a proven system to increase probability of success

As a starting point - have you identified how much capital you need, how it will be used and how your funding source will get their return.

Robert Johnson