how do I get a business grant from my city?

Answer 1

The process is different for each beaurucratic entity,

In which city do you live?

Answer 2

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Answer 3

First, attend several council meetings. Listen to the insiders, former councilpersons...yap with the policeforce present. Make sure to have the zoning code memorized, and make sure when you make your presentation you know exactly how your city is oiled.
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I live in what was a mayorial city. Now we have a !@#@! City manager and just "voted" by council in Executive Session an ASSISTANT. To get a business grant where I live (and was fixing to run for councilperson) you best know who, what, when and where. Our Managerial form of City government now has a business of its' own who controls all grants ie. tax dollars called the "Blank" Economical Development Corp. who decides who can and who cannot. They have a coffer of grants, loans, abatements et al.
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The big hook here is: Tell them your bringing 100 new jobs, then the realtors run out and buy all property they can and build or buy and save, homes. The Tax Assessor then runs out and reassesses all homes and oopsy-daisy, up go our taxes!
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Next, the grantee defaults! It owes nothing due to abatements; and the folks holding the "grant" money need to charter a plane South!
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Seriously, obtaining a business grant isn't hard if your plan is needed, you are a good, charismatic front man (or hire you a counsultant) and you have sat through many council meetings and met the former councilmen or councilperson. Go to the other board meetings so you have high recogition.
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On regular council meetings, speak during the 5-min. slot on some neutral issue, giving your name yada-yada. Go looking good, power tie, custom fly (old oil field expression).
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When you have had lunch with the powers that be, slowly spring your "idea"; let them dangle the bait of "Well, have you thought of asking/applying for a Grant?"
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Well, you are pretty nigh home. Good luck! CactusLil'

Answer 4

From your city council members find out what business area your city is currently interested to promote e.g., tourism, job creation, manufacturing, economic development, etc.

Write a proposal on one or more of the above items giving a description of your idea, cost, and a time line for completion.

Find out which city department will be pleased to receive your proposal. Submit the proposal to that department either in person or by mail along with a cover letter saying you will be pleased to make a presentation if requested.

If your proposal is well written and benefits the city, then your chances are better that you may land a grant.

Happy hunting!

Answer 5

First thing is you will need to write a business plan, with projections of losses and possible gains during the startup process, it is common that u have a loss for the first couple years
Try searching google for S.C.O.R.E this is the senior core of retired entrapunuars they will advise you via email,, they are retired business owners who take intrest in helping the younger generation to start thier own business, all voluntary too, free
Another thing you can do is search for the fastrac website, this is a program on cd rom that takes you through the process of writing a business plan, If you ever want to get a loan for your business the business plan is a nessesity

good luck

Answer 6

each city has its own rules, get in touch w/the mayor's office, ask for an application and any relevant guidelines, contact past recipients of city grants to see if they will give you advice, meet with someone in the city in charge of evaluating grants for advice or attend any workshops the city offers for the grant applications

Answer 7

get hold of your local city Clark , they should have the forms or at least the information you need and tell you of help filling them out,another good place to see help is your local better business board, if you know some one on the city council this is a big help also,

Answer 8

How do you know that your city even has those "business grants"?

Answer 9

Grant Foundations:Public or Private their are usually listed in your telephone directory. You may qualify for a "Government Grant" for your business,check the web.

Answer 10

Why don't you talk to people working for the city administration. I always get as close to the source for information as I can. That's how you get the right info, although it may take patience and persistence.

Answer 11

Try your local City Hall.