Where can I find info regarding grants for women starting up businesses?

Question

My business partner and I want to start up a boutique salon and we are trying to find grant money for women. Any suggestions on where to look and what is out there?

Answer 1

I suggest you focus your efforts in getting low-cost loans from the Small Business Administration. Read their CREDIT FACTORS A POTENTIAL BORROWER SHOULD KNOW 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.

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.

http://www.cfda.gov
http://www.grants.gov
http://gtionline.fdncenter.org
http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol66/grants.htm
http://www.sba.gov/expanding/grants.html

Answer 2

imisidro gave you great information about grants -- I wanted to provide you with info about starting a salon.

The best routes to take are to research the process of starting a business as well as the industry you're interested in.

I recommend checking out the SBA, Entrepreneur, The Start Up Journal & Nolo. All 4 are great informational resources for the new/small business owner. I posted links for you in the source box.

Associations may be a good avenue to explore. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links.

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

* Spa Business Strategies: A Plan for Success by Janet M. D'Angelo
* SalonOvations' Day Spa Operations (S Business Series) by Erica Miller
* Start Your Own Hair Salon and Day Spa by Eileen Figure Sandlin
* 101 Media and Marketing Tips for Salon Owners, Stylists and Managers by Nanette Miner

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

I'm beginning my possess trade as good, however in view that I am a white male, there aren't any offers whatever to be had for me. So, alternatively of depending at the govt to provide me loose cash to begin my trade, I took 15 months out of my existence, and did a few "international journeying" with the US Army. Now I have sufficient cash to begin my possess trade. Don't depend on handouts, get your cash the historic-common method, WORK!

Answer 4

Here is an article that discusses woman owned business and grants. Hope it helps.

http://home-business.yourinfopalace.com/Home_Based_Business_for_Women.php

Answer 5

You can start with the sbaTheir website is sba.gov.
It is also good to check score.org. They have excellent mentorship opportunities which you will need if you are just starting up.

You might also like to check smetoolkit.org.

Answer 6

I have my own clothing line and trying to got sponsors so i can have a nice fashion show if any one have and idea e-mail me at [e-mail]