does anyone know where to search for ligitimate grants or loans to start a small business?

Answer 1

For government-guaranteed loan, go to the Small Business Administration http://www.sba.gov/financing. Read the SBA Financing page to learn about criteria needed for borrowing

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.

Even SBA does NOT give out grants. From the SBA website http://www.sba.gov/mostrequesteditems/CON_FAQ2.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."
-----------------------------------

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.

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

Answer 2

The only things that come to mind are the Small Business Administration--www.sba.gov or sometimes you state will have grant money as well. So go to your State's web site and poke around in there. Maybe the local Chamber of Commerce of one of those local business associations would have a lead. Good luck. Have you thought about taking a home equity line of credit if you own your home.

Answer 3

Start with the SBA (Small Business Association).
They have resources for people starting businesses.

www.sba.gov

Answer 4

SBA for loans.

Grants are for 501 C 3's.

Answer 5

Local bank, venture capitalist groups (be careful with these), or SBA

Answer 6

Try this posting site:
http://www.gobignetwork.com/

They let you post for financing, and have investors advertised.

Good luck, I hope this helps.

Answer 7

http://www.sba.gov/