need advice from women who own their own small business?

Question

I have an idea for a small business that I would run out of my home. I would employ only myself and I would be providing a service. After careful evaluation, i believe my start up costs to come in around $4000.00. I don't want to borrow money because I dont want to start off in the hole. Every search i have done on the internet looking for grants, has only produced a list of people who want to sell me a list of possible grants. can anyone tell me where to look for a grant. sba does not provide money for start ups. hoping to hear from strong, motivated woman who have taken this step before me. thanks for any info or advice you might have.

Answer 1

I suggest you focus on other possible sources of funds -- such as family, credit cards or a microloan financer http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol145/microloanproviders.htm -- and forget about grants

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.

Even SBA does NOT give out grants. From the SBA website http://www.sba.gov/expanding/grants.html...

"The U.S. Small Business Administration does not offer grants to start or expand small businesses, although it does offer a wide variety of loan programs. (See http://www.sba.gov/financing for more information) While SBA does offer some grant programs, these are generally designed to expand and enhance organizations that provide small business management, technical, or financial assistance. These grants generally support non-profit organizations, intermediary lending institutions, and state and local governments."

Here is a listing of federal grants for small businesses. See if there is any available for individuals for starting a business -- THERE'S NONE.
http://12.46.245.173/pls/portal30/CATALOG.BROWSE_BENEF_RPT.show

Most of the federal grants are given to specific target groups with specific requirements (e.g. minority business owners involved in transportation related contracts emanating from DOT - Grant#20.905 Disadvantaged Business Enterprises Short Term Lending Program

Grants are also often given to non profit groups or organizations involved in training or other similar activities (grant 59.043 Women's Business Ownership Assistance that are given to those who will create women's business center that will train women entrepreneurs

For private grants, you may want to check the Foundation Center's Foundation Grants for Individuals Online. It's a subscription based website ($9.95 per month) but their opening blurb only says that the database is ideal for "students, artists, academic researchers, libraries and financial aid offices." Entrepreneurs are apparently not one of them, so I take it they also don't have listings of private foundations who give grants to would-be entrepreneurs.

Answer 2

It depends on where you live. There is an organization in San Antonio called Texas Accion. (Texas Action) that does this but you have to live in the area.

What you might want to do is to start networking with other women in your area who belong to the chamber of commerce. They have monthly mixers to attract new members.Try joining a professional women's group in your area they may have seed money for you. I know you said you don't want to borrow, but you can either save up the $4000 or If you have any wealthy relatives or friends show them your business plan and see if they will trust you with a small loan. If one or more people invest just be sure to pay them back because word will get around and people won't trust you. Provide quality and friendly service and that will get around, too. Plan well work, smart and you will be ready when an opportunity comes.

Answer 3

Compared to offline businesses, the investment required to start an online business is minimal. A popular way of earning money on the internet is by providing information and services. This can be monetised by advertising or charging a subscription. You can also make money online by selling products on auction websites like eBay or through your own website. More information available at http://tinyurl.com/syw6m

Answer 4

Check with imisidro -- she has great information about grants. She's the #1 Answerer in the Business & Finance section.

*I'm not affiliated with her or her business - have just noticed that she's helped others with this question in the past*

Best of luck to you!