Does anyone have a good source for grants to start a small business,or a grant philanthropist that gives one?

Question

I have put everything I have into a new business to protect children from weapons, poisons, and medication and am marketing my products thru ecommerce: www.keep-safelockbox.com. But I'm in my 70's and living on Social Security, and I still need $10,000 to $25,000 to build up inventory, buy shipping materials, and do more marketing. Without having to sell the license for my inventions, does anyone have any suggestions? Edie B

Answer 1

You may stand a better chance if you look for a loan or investors, rather than grants. Since you are looking for an amount less than $35,000, one approach you can take is to apply for a microloan. Here is information on SBA's micrloan program http://www.sba.gov/financing/sbaloan/microloans.html and you can find a state-by-state listing of microloan providers here http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol145/microloanproviders.htm

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.

I suggest you prepare a business plan and pitch your project to 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

Definitely check with imisidro about grants -- she's the #1 Answerer in the Business & Finance section. She has provided great information about grants to others.

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.

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

Answer 3

To begin a trade, you'll be able to assume to discover nada. To repair a ancient constructing... that is rough. Start together with your neighborhood Main Street bankruptcy - their distinctiveness is ancient constructions. It varies state by way of state, however oftentimes there are old upkeep divisions and firms that make to be had investment for old constructions. But, you'll be restricted on how a lot you'll be able to renovate. You could also be fortunate and break out with plenty since of the fireplace harm. Chambers of Commerce may not be so useful in this topic, however examine together with your town zoning workplace and zoning ordinances. For beginning the trade, examine to look what your state and neighborhood neighborhood faculties have in the best way of small trade progress and help. Many states have those businesses. But they supply recommendation, now not coins. Do now not wish for presents. It will probably be loans and your possess cash, the entire manner.

Answer 4

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 5

Try this --- See what you think
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