where can i locate grants or investment capital to start a cell phone recycling business if credit is poor?

Answer 1

With poor credit, you may stand a tough time getting loans, even from the Small Business Administration. Here is a page that discusses eligibility requirements for SBA loans http://www.sba.gov/financing/preparation/qualify.html

It is hard to find grants to start a business. Unlike the myths that some perpetuate, federal government and even private foundations hardly give grant money for a for-profit business. And yes, grants mean PAPERWORK - lots and lots of it, that is why a cottage industry of grant writers was born.

Nonetheless, you can go to the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) http://www.cfda.gov and Grants.gov http://www.grants.gov - these are two sites created by the federal government to provide transparency and information on grants. Browse through the listings and see if you can find any grant that would support a for-profit venture.

Even if you buy books on "how to get grants" or list that supposedly has information on grants -- all of them are mere rehash of what CFDA has, albeit packaged differently. But still the info is the same - hardly any grants for starting a for profit business.

I suggest you check out angel investors. CNN Money http://money.cnn.com/2006/02/28/magazines/business2/angelinvestor/index.htm has a very good article on angel investors, what they typically look for, what kind of investments they support, etc.

You may want to go and pitch your ideas where investors gather. Here are some places where angel investors come and those looking for funding can come and pitch their business plans. Be sure to have a strong business plan and describe what makes your business idea stand apart:

Angel Capital Association http://www.angelcapitalassociation.org
Angel's Forum http://www.angelsforum.com
Band of Angels http://www.bandangels.com
Common Angels http://www.commonangels.com
Keiretsu Forum http://www.k4forum.com
Launchpad Venture Group http://www.launchpadventuregroup.com
New World Angels http://www.newworldangels.com
New York Angels http://www.newyorkangels.com
Prairie Angels http://www.prairieangels.org (charges $125 to submit idea)
Robin Hood Ventures http://www.robinhoodventures.com (charges $250)

Answer 2

To get started, I suggest contacting the Small Business Administration Financing Page (SBA) – links below. Entrepreneur also offers a great site dedicated to money & finance – see below.

Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can. Here are some book titles that are relevant:

* Free Money for Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs by Laurie Blum
* Finding Money: The Small Business Guide to Financing (Small Business Series) by Kate Lister, Tom Harnish
* Financing Your Business Dreams With Other People's Money: How and Where to Find Money for Start-Up and Growing Businesses by Harold R. Lacy
* No Cash No Fear: Entrepreneurial Secrets to Starting Any Business with No Money by Terry Allen
* Starting on a Shoestring: Building a Business Without a Bankroll by Arnold S. Goldstein

There are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 3

That's a great idea! And you might find some interest because of the recycling/green angle. Here's some information from the Small Business Administration and another site that lists sources. Unfortunately it probably won't be easy for you - there is no such thing as free, easy money. But don't give up! You need to stay persistent and motivated and you will succeed. If you end up hitting up your friends and relatives your credit won't matter, but if they are giving you money they will want to keep tabs on it and will be looking over your shoulder. Let that be your motivation to make money and pay them off as soon as possible!