How do I go about getting a Grant to start my business in southern oregon? Which companies offer grants?

Question

Being of a miniority in Southern Oregon it's hard to find work, or to stay working. So I thought it would be best for me to create my own job.It will give me the sence of freedom and a chance to give back to my community.

Answer 1

It is hard to find grants to start a business -- even for minorities. Unlike the myths that some perpetuate, federal government and even private foundations hardly give grant money for a for-profit business.

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 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."

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

I suggest you read the following books to get ideas of how to finance your business:

Financing Your Small Business http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1572484500/powerhomebizguid
Small Business Financing: How and Where To Get It http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0808007386/powerhomebizguid
Financing the Small Business: A Complete Guide to Obtaining Bank Loans and All Other Types of Financing http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1580626815/powerhomebizguid
The SBA Loan Book http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/158062202X/powerhomebizguid
Angel Capital : How to Raise Early-Stage Private Equity Financing http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0471690635/powerhomebizguid
Financing Your Small Business (Barron's Business Library Series) http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764124897/powerhomebizguid

Answer 2

Even if you get a grant you will still need working capital. You don't mention anything about your background such as experience, education, etc., There are two reasons why most businesses fail. Lack of money and inexperience. If you really want to start a business, you will find a way. Perhaps you could get friends or relatives to invest in your business venture. I am not sure why being a minority anywhere would be a detriment to finding suitable work. Most businesses are begging for good workers. I don't think most of them are concerned about ethnicity. All they are interested in is whether you are a good, dependable, honest worker. If you are lacking job skills, many states have work programs to train you for jobs. Good luck.

Answer 3

There are several ways to go and getting these grants first try your local govt, apply for a small business loans for minorities and the good ole Unc Sam has grants money you just have to apply I know dont any sites but use google or yahoo for a start Good Luck!

Answer 4

I don't know what you're heard, but the only thing you can get federal grants for these days is for innovation businesses. Check www.sbirworld.com for federal grant availability. Some cities offer grants for small business to locate in downtown areas (that the city wants to rejuvenate).