I have one of the Matthew Lesko books, and see some possibiliites for small business grants. They all ask for a formal business plan in order to apply. I have everything set up in my head, but don't know the format to write one.
2006-10-09 05:45:46 · 16 answers · asked by radiomatts@sbcglobal.net 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Small Business
Keep in mind that if your potential business doesn't contribute to the betterment of mankind...grants are hard to come by.
Also, SCORE is invaluable in that old school retired business people give you advice and direction.
And last but not least, the SBA stinking blows. They tout how they help small business, minorities, women, etc...
but from personal experience, you need to have mass collateral to get SBA backing.
I went to open a salon. I had an immaculate business plan that I developed with SCORE and the Small Business Development Center at the local level. My credit score was 780. I owned 2 houses with approximately $100,000 equity between the two of them. I had over $60,000 in savings, a 401k, iras, stocks, bonds, etc. Net value far exceeded what was "required". I didn't want to use my savings or refinance my houses to open a salon. I wanted to borrow $125,000.
Because I was not buying the building in which I opened my salon, I was turned down by 10 stinking banks - all telling me that if I'd buy the building (yeah right...it's a huge strip mall) that they back me because THEN and only then, would they feel as though I had the proper type of collateral to make them comfortable. Oh - and they would only lend me $250,000 or more toward buying the building to establish my salon. WTF?
Long story short, I used my own savings for my buildout, leased my equipment and told the SBA to freaking bite me. Been in business 5 years, I paid off all my leases after 2.8 years and myself back the buildout money the following year - and all profit is now mine.
When I first started my research and my business plan, an accountant told me that less than 1% of all businesses that ask for SBA backing get it. I didn't believe him then, but after being 86'd by 10 top banks, I believe him now...Phuck the SBA.
If I can do it on my own, anybody can.
2006-10-09 17:01:52 · answer #1 · answered by jooldiguana 2 · 3⤊ 3⤋
If you have Microsoft Works or Microsoft Word - there's a place in that program that has application's & what not already made out -you just fill in the blanks- or just make one from the Word Processor. Also try putting in your search browser: "writing a formal business plan" - and see what you come up with. You sound smart - you'll think of something. If you had to - you might be able to pay a small fee & have like a Notary Republic to help you, or a Lawyer. Good luck to you.
2006-10-09 10:38:06 · answer #2 · answered by You'llneverguess 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
There is the Small Business Administration. It is a resource for small business owners. They will help you get started and work you through writing a business plan. Keep in mind though, they won't write it for you. If you are near a university or college, see if they are offering an entrepreneurship class. This class will help someone like you who isn't studying business or going to college.
2006-10-09 05:55:28 · answer #3 · answered by geewhizbaby2008 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Ther are some good templates on the internet available for a small fee or you can use a consultant. I have done many for businesses and it is the critical part since this will be viewed as how well you are going to run a business.. a good organized business plan with realistic goals is golden with lenders.
2006-10-09 05:49:14 · answer #4 · answered by Wannabe007 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Business plan is supposed to help you think through every step of setting up a business. There are lots of sites that have sample business plan. You will have to take the time to search the web on business plan samples that resemble your business.
Business plan is very easy to complete. The success of getting the loan/grant is how you complete your business plan. There are lots of details to consider such as demographic and such. It all depends on what type business you are trying to setup.
2006-10-09 11:39:03 · answer #5 · answered by galactic_man_of_leisure 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you want someone or some organization to fund you a business plan is in order. Start writing all your ideas down, and the talk with a business planner at a bank. There are also web-sites that can help. Good luck.
2006-10-09 05:48:11 · answer #6 · answered by Emma 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I read an article about that and it is just a bunch of nonsense. Save your money and don't buy books like these, they are just making them guys the money. You can get government grants for free without paying for a book like that..
2006-10-09 16:05:10 · answer #7 · answered by chazzer 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Work with the SBA = Small Business Association. They will take you through the process step by step. They have helped me on several occasions take an idea to fruition. Good Luck you entrepreneur!
http://www.sba.gov
2006-10-09 13:58:05 · answer #8 · answered by Hetty 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Go to the Small Business Association in your area, or talk to someone at the Chamber of Commerce. That's what both groups are there for, providing support for new small businesses.
2006-10-09 09:01:59 · answer #9 · answered by cirestan 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Try this website:
http://www.e-myth.com
These guys are a fantastic resource for getting your business and operational planning drafted. Most of all they are good "pitfall" avoidance experts.
P.S. eMyth has business plan templates!!! Very nice when getting those ideas, stuck in your head, onto paper. I wish you extreme success. Good luck.
2006-10-09 10:25:16 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋