Grants

Grants For Profit: Where's the Free For-Profit Business Grant Money?

2009-07-01T20:40:00.000-07:00

Money seems to be in short supply. On a personal level people are struggling to make ends meet. Businesses as well are cost cutting due to declining sales. In a sense, there still is the same about of cash in circulation.

The Problem
So the United States economy is struggling. Everyone is trying to figure out what will pull us out of the current recession. In February 2009 U.S. Congress passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), also known as the stimulus bill. Its purpose was to provide a stimulus to the U.S. economy in the wake of the economic downturn. I don't agree with everything our Congress and the Obama administration is doing. But I trust they are getting wise counsel. Hopefully people / advisors who are well versed in the field of economics. But we are sailing in uncharted territory. Academics won't reveal the solution, only the tendencies and trends. Creativity applied to financial wisdom and judgment will bring about and / or accelerate our recovery.

At the business level, the struggle is similar. The business challenge is how to increase revenues and reduce costs. (The government is apparently not concerned with the cost reduction side. We already had a budget deficit before the stimulus bill.) So what can companies do to survive? Marketing in uncertain times has to continue, so the business can be positioned and in the minds of its customers and clients when the recovery happens. Sales people have a unique challenge, when prospects and customers are dealing with tight and contracting budgets. The initial sale and the add-on sales is more difficult.

Who is Spending?
The one sector that is spending money is the federal government. Much of the money allocated in the Stimulus Bill / Recovery Act is targeted at governmental entities. So there is a layer of government involvement in between the money source and the business community and also individuals. Apart from the Recovery Act, the government has been and continues to provide money for many projects. The federal government buys just about every product and service. The military does the same. There is money for green initiatives. But how does the business community get access to this money and funding?

Businesses can get on GSA schedules to do business with the government. Some state and local governments are also making use of the pre-approved vendors on the federal GSA schedules. There are special programs and set asides for businesses which qualify for the 8(a) program or for those in minority owned, woman owned, veteran owned and small business categories. To get access to this money and these contracts, the business must respond to requests for proposals and requests for quotations.

An Alternative
There is one more alternative: grants. For the most part these are for governments and non-profit organizations. But, there are instances where for-profit businesses can apply for and receive this free grant money.

I'd like to invite you to claim access to your *FREE* Report, "5 Steps For Successfully Getting Business Grant Money" by visiting http://www.GrantAndProposalExpert.com. Apply to get your government grant money today. We can help. Call 404-374-3384 or visit http://GrantAndProposalExpert.com now!

Small Business Grants Vs ARC Loans

2009-06-23T15:08:00.000-07:00

Small businesses are an important part of the American economy. According to the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), they supply roughly 55 percent of all jobs in the private sector, and they generate about half of all privately generated Gross Domestic Products (GDP), according to some estimates. There are over 27 million small businesses in the United States. They can be self-employed, home-based, Internet-based, and owned by men, women, and minorities, producing a very broad range of innovative products and services. Yet they continue to struggle in securing financing to start or grow their businesses.

Small businesses have always relied on commercial banks for business loans. The increase in bank consolidations has resulted in larger banks, making it more difficult for the small business owner to secure funding for their business. Since more than 60% of small businesses rely on credit lines and loans, and the bulk of this financing comes from the banking sector, small businesses are increasingly looking for more sources to fund their businesses.

The good news is that there are many other sources available for small business owners, including government-backed loans, and grants. The major difference between the two is that loans need to be repaid; grants do not. However, the U.S. government, recognizing the important role that small businesses play in our national economy, recently announced the availability of interest-free ARC loans. Grants and ARC loans offer two additional sources for small business funding that are worth investigating.

Business Grants

Grants are not loans. Grants are free money that does not have to be repaid. Government grants are offered only to local and state, educational, and public housing organizations, and non-profits, and do not apply to start-ups. In addition, the government may offer some specialized grants to companies engaged in environmental efforts like energy efficiency and recycling, as well as businesses that train youth and senior citizens on the latest technology. That's why they are referred to as "special purpose grants." So, where do other small businesses go for grant money?

Grants are available from local government agencies and private corporations and organizations. Some of the private sources include trusts and foundations such as the Gates Foundation, the Lilly Endowment, Ford Foundation, Hasbro Industries Charitable Trust, W. K. Kellogg Foundation, the Kipling Foundation, Clorox Company, Allstate Foundation, and International Paper Company. Each source has their guidelines on what type of business will qualify for grant money, and the business owner must meet the criteria. Grant money can be as small as $500 or as large as $5 million. The application process is long and tedious, requiring the applicant to present a solid business plan. The competition for grants is keen with no guarantee that the applicant will receive the money. But for small businesses who qualify and are willing to tough it out in order to get free money, it is worth it.

ARC Loans

Business loans in general differ from grants in that they need to be repaid, with interest. In addition, grants are based on the presentation of a well-written business plan, while loans are based on credit scores and often require collateral.

Recently, however, the U.S. government announced a new program of interest-free loans called ARC (America's Recovery Capital) loans, an extension of the 2009 Recovery Act, offered through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). ARC loans provide up to $35,000 (one time only) of interest-free money specifically to small business owners to help them pay down debt on other loans. In essence, it buys them time to get back on their feet. The loans are available until September 30, 2010, or until the funds are depleted (only 10,000 loans are available), and are offered through SBA lenders only. SBA pays the fee to the lenders; the borrower pays back only the principal. Other specifics on ARC loans include:

* Only private, for-profit enterprises up to 500 employees are eligible; non-profits are not eligible
* Business must be at least two years old
* Business must demonstrate an immediate financial hardship
* Loan money can only be used to pay off existing outstanding small business debt
* Loan money is paid out to the borrower over a six month period
* Repayment of the principal begins after the last loan disbursement is received
* Borrower has up to five years to repay the loan principal

The new ARC loans offer both advantages and disadvantages. The advantages include instant cash flow improvement, more money to re-invest in the business, and more time to restructure the business and position it for future success. For some small businesses, it is just what they need to survive. For others, the disadvantages include the strict criteria for qualification and use of ARC loan money. In addition, unlike grant money that does not have to be repaid, ARC loans need to be repaid. So, a small business owner who meets the qualifications must present a solid business plan that convinces the SBA lender they will be in a position to repay the loan within the time period allotted. That is the risk for the borrower, the lender, and the SBA who is guaranteeing the new ARC loans.

ARC loans are not for everyone. However, they may be just the solution needed to save some small business owners.

BusinessGrants.org ( http://www.BusinessGrants.org ) is a free online resource for details and FAQs about small business grants and other financing options.

How to Apply For a Small Business Grant

2009-05-07T15:07:00.000-07:00

Thousands of small business owners, or aspiring entrepreneurs have heard about small business grants, but may have wondered or even asked the question, "How do I apply for a small business grant?"

In this article, I will reveal to you the three secrets you must know when you apply for a grant.

Before I tell you about that however, allow me to address one major concern carried by many business people looking for information about grants. That is, "are grants legitimate, or some big scam perpetrated by some savvy marketing types?

In short, both of these things are true. There are indeed thousands of grants available to small business owners for starting a business or taking the business you have to the next level.

But, there are also marketers pitching programs that will be very little use to you in getting a grant. This is not to say that all "grant helper" companies are scams. They are not. Some of them are simply better equipped to actually help you get a grant than others.

Finding a reputable company to help you get a grant may actually be a very shrewd step, as such a company already knows what needs to be done, what forms need to be completed, etc. For a few dollars, this may prove to not only be a huge timesaver for you, but may actually mean the difference in getting a grant, or not getting the money you want.

Now, here are the three secrets you must know when you want to apply for a small business grant.

1. Many federal grants are administered at the state level. The Small Business Administration for example, does not give grants directly to small business owners (although they do give loans). The SBA does give grants however, to larger organizations, many of them at the state level, that in turn give local grants (or in some cases, very low interest loans).

It is important to think beyond the federal level when looking for a grant. You need to do some searching at both the state and local levels.

One of the tricks in getting a business grant for starting a small business is not to make it look like a business. What's that? Don't make it look like a small business?

I don't mean you should be dishonest, but if you want to get a grant, you need to match your business with the interests of the organization giving the grant. For example, there are a lot of grants that are given for the "education of the public."

If you can become an educator in the area of your expertise and do seminars for example, you will have a much better chance of getting a grant.

2. Have your ducks in a row. This doesn't mean you need a 500 page business plan, but you should have a basic business plan, wherein you can demonstrate aptitude and an idea that will sell the agency. A good grant development company will help you develop what you need.

3. Apply. That's a secret?! Well, yes it is. The reason why most grant seekers never find a grant is because they don't apply.

Find out if you qualify for a small business grant. Go now to http://Grants-Made-Easy.com

How To Get A State Businessman Grant?

2009-04-23T08:32:00.000-07:00

Its less complicated then you Think when a person plans to put up a business, one of the numerous worries is money for the business' capital. This is true even if you are putting up an online business or a physical business office.

Many entrepreneurs find raising of funds as a strenuous task. Building the inventory, paying for registration costs, hiring or buying space, and buying the required equipments need working capital. One of the key sources of capital is a regime businessman grant.

There are some methods to raise business capital. Since entrepreneurs are committed people, they won't stop till they are ready to raise the required quantity of capital. They can get help from loved ones members, family, banks, and private savings.

Most entrepreneurs on the other hand like to search for stockholders. Except for those discussed earlier, a central authority businessman grant is an example of the most glorious options to raise business capital. The governing body gives grants to qualified entrepreneurs that would serve as fiscal help.

There are various grant making agencies in the country, depending on where you reside. These agencies have grant programs that you can avail so long as you are qualified. The US central government, for instance, is ready to spend about $400 bill for the govt businessman grants.

The simplest way to look for businessman grants is thru the web. If you find it difficult to do it online because you are not acquainted with it, you can always ask your local central authority for info per the grants. Grants are given for many purposes and for beginning a business you should select a businessman grant.

If you are fortunate enough, you'll find grants that offer business consultation, loans, and services at no cost. Often , local presidencies award businessman grants to companies that will most likely hire more workers. Industrial development is imperative for each country.

The business conditions are unpredictable and volatile and so each country desires all of the help it can get to enhance its overall standing. Companies are the major contributors to the success of the economy and therefore the govt is always ready to increase the required financial support.

Some entrepreneurs are reluctant to get help from the govt. But if you are one of those entrepreneurs with capital issues, don't hesitate to ask help from the governing body. The govt has a big fund grant for the grants. If you need to understand more on the govt grants, you can simply log on to the Net and search for these businessman grants.

Before a businessman comes to a decision to put up a business, he conducts a ton of studies to ascertain if the business is possible or not. If he will be able to prove the feasibleness of his business suggestion, the govt. Will instantly supply the required capital help thru the businessman grants.

If the working capital that you have raised from family, relatives, and pals are inadequate, attempt to contact the local government and ask for the needs to avail the govt. Businessman grant. You may either do this online or you may visit the physical office of the local presidency of your state or country.

For those that qualify, you may provide all of the significant papers and receive the amount you need. After that, you can already start your business. If the business is successful, you can already earn giant profits.

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Use Your Government Grant Wisely

2009-04-22T16:05:00.000-07:00

The bad economy has put many people in a tough situation. Money is short all over the country and people are having to make hard decisions. Young adults who want to go to college may have to put that off and try to get a job instead because of a lack of money. Yet jobs are scarce and that is a difficult option as well. A good indicator of just how rough it is out there is that military recruiting is up even in this time of war. Young adults are choosing the military even when they know they could end up in Iraq or Afghanistan because that is better than having no job and starving. At least it pays the bills.

With Obama as president, government grants are surely going to be more prevalent and easier to get. Democrats historically love to give away money whether it is for a good cause or a bad one. Few people really know about the existence of goverment grants or how to get them and this seems like a great time to investigate. If you are of college age and need money for schooling, you might very well be able to qualify for a grant. Likewise, if you are having trouble finding a job, you might be able to qualify for some sort of government grant that will give or loan you the money to start your own business.

In this time of economic hardship, it is smart to look into all your financial options and a government grant may be something that you can use to tide you over until things get better. Few people take advantage of them as they just don't get a lot of publicity and many people don't know they exist. Although they are not free money and do have to be qualified for, a goverment grant may be just the thing you are looking for right now to make your life a little easier.

If you are lucky to get a government grant, it is not something that should be wasted. Use the money wisely and treat is a your lifeline to a better future or to get you through the tough patches. A goverment grant is not free and so wasting it on things that will not better your future would be foolish and put you in a worse position than when you started. The purpose of government grants are to give people money that they need and can use to obtain a goal such as completing an education or starting a business. They are not there so that you can go buy that flashy car you can't otherwise afford. If you are one of the fortunate ones to get a government grant, use it well so that the grant programs will stay open and other people will benifit sometime down the line in the future.

Are you interested in findng out more about free Obama government grants? If so please visit http://moneymakinghobby.com/2009/01/22/how-to-get-free-obama-grant-money/

government lawyer

Small Government Grants - How to Jumpstart Your Small Business

2009-01-19T16:59:00.000-08:00

Small government grants can indeed be a much-needed shot in the arm for any business. Especially for those just starting out, a government grant can mean a push in the right direction. The problem is that they are not so easy to get - what's worse; some people think that these grants are nothing more than free money! Not only this, government grants money is one area where you tend to run into a lot of scams. Before you think of applying for a grant, you need to be clear about a few important things.

Check First

The first thing to remember is that grants often come and go - grants that may have been available a couple of years ago may not exist today. This often happens when the grant loses its funding. It's important to check current grant listings first to see what's available. Secondly, it's important to remember that some grants are more plentiful than others. For instance, student grants for women and grants for minorities or the disabled are the most numerous. If you are specifically looking for small government grants for businesses, remember that these are limited at both the state and federal level.

Another thing to bear in mind is that some areas are given preference for start up grants. For example, places that are disaster areas, low-income areas and those undergoing development have a much higher chance of securing funding. You also need to be clear about exactly what kind of assistance you'll be getting. For instance, some non-profit organizations will assist you indirectly in getting grants.

The Scam Factor

If you do decide to get a small government grant, be careful about the kind of scams you may come across. First of all, let's say you get a phone call saying that your grant application has been approved. Don't believe it - if you do get the grant, the government will not contact you by telephone. You might also come across people who will charge you a fee to find grants for you. This is also a scam - all the resources you need to find the right grants are free and readily available.

It's also a good idea not to bank solely on the grant money. The scramble for government grants is extremely competitive. Apart from that, the process can take a very long time and there is no guarantee that you will actually get the money. If you are strapped for cash and need something in a hurry, it might be better to consider a loan or to borrow the money from elsewhere.

When it comes to these kinds of grants your best bet is to make absolutely sure you are eligible for the money. Complete the application as clearly and thoroughly as possible. You will also be working with a grant officer at this time - make sure you meet up regularly and inquire about the status of your application. It's also a good idea to draw up a complete business plan and keep it ready. Finally, make sure you have a back-up plan. Landing small government grants are great but you need to have an alternative in mind if it doesn't work out.

For more on small government grants including expert insights, tips and strategies, visit us at http://primegrants.com

Information About Government Approved Mortgage Loans

2009-01-18T14:28:00.000-08:00

In the world of mortgages or more specifically government mortgages there are a few that are available to the average lender today. In fact, nowadays there are even more options for you to consider than ever before and the ability to qualify for those programs is easier than ever before! In this article I'm going to specifically talk about a few of the options you have such as FHA, VA, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac.

The FHA term is often used to describe a direct particular marketplace lending intersection. What are FHA loans and how do you apply them? Your choices for application programs now are through through a approved lender, or via the Internet. FHA, or the Federal Housing Authority was established in 1934 as a part of Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal. It worked incredibly well and in 1965, the FHA became a part of the Department of Housing and Urban Development! Since then the FHA has become one of the largest insurers of home mortgages in the entire country!

The VA Loan is really a simple spin off of the FHA loan which is open to Veterans having served in the armed forces. The VA loan was conceived in order to supply returning veterans with the opportunity to purchase homes and start their lives once again. Fannie Mae, or the Federal National Mortgage Association, was established to allow for an secondary market for the FHA mortgage loans. In 1938, when President Roosevelt established the Federal National Mortgage Association it was intended to allow for a alternate market for lenders to sell mortgages in order to originate new ones. Freddie Mac, followed them in a few years, and was applied to serve a bigger foundation of mortgages.

Although Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are not verbatim lenders, our latest mortgage system would not be in operation nor would we have experienced the success with home ownership we enjoy in today!

Of course there are also other options available to you such as HECM and HUD and the well-know SNAP which stands for safe neighborhood action plan. The SNAP is actually an FHA supervised effort to improve urban communities. by providing education, activities for schools and assistance for "project" residents. As you can see the government has played a HUGE rule in where we have ended up today and its truly what makes it possible for people like you and me to buy ownership in our country.

But its also true that Teddy Roosevelt really put down the first stepping stone for us to really get to the point that we are now, after all more Americans nowadays can actually have the dream of owning a home, and making it come true than in any era before!

This author is a huge fan of http://www.government-grants.tv/blog

What Can You Use Government Grants For?

2009-01-16T00:25:00.001-08:00

A lot of people do not know how to get government grants, forget about knowing what these funds can be used for. They would be surprised to know the different grants available from the common to the obscure. Whatever the case, what is important is to have a good source who would be familiar with all the available grants and the prerequisites so that you can be guided through your application process and obtain approval with ease.

Here are some grants and their uses that people are not aware of:

Though you can find funding to help you with your debts or other financial burdens through government grants, there is also funds for starting up a new business and continuing education funds.

First lets determine where you will gain access to the government and private grants we are about to discuss. You can start by searching in Google for "foundations", "foundation center" or "philanthropy":

If you want help with putting together a business plan or proposal, try searching for "SBA", "bplans", "onlinewbc" or "business plans".

Here are some of the unique yet needed resources for a needy segment of our community:

Alfred I. Du Pont Foundation For needy elderly

ANGELCARE Aid poor needy children and families

Improving Teacher Quality State Grants - improve student academic achievement through improving teacher and principal quality

John Anson Kittredge Educational Fund For artists & scholars for travel

Japan-US Friendship Commission Grants promotes educational, intellectual, artistic / cultural exchange & research between USA and Japan

Mi Casa Resource Center for Women
571 Galapago Street Denver, CO 80204 303-573-1302 or fax 303-595-0422

Ready-to-learn television educational programming for preschool thru early elementary children & their families. Develop educational television programming geared towards increasing school readiness for young children in limited English proficiency

Special Education Parent Information Centers

Grants for adult students with financial need. New Careers Scholarships for Adult Students University of Pittsburgh Bruce Hall, Second Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15260 (412)624-7488 P/D: funding adult students w/financial need. Contact: Dr. Betsy Porter, Director of Financial Aid.

High Hopes Foundation Grants grant wishes of chronically ill children between ages 3 & 18 who live in New Hampshire

New York - Job Creation Thru Entrepreneurship: help unemployed start & operate start up business and help existing businesses expand. Center for Practical Solutions 350 Motor Parkway, Ste. LL1 Hauppauge, NY 11788 516-273-4782 or fax 516-273-4709

New York State Department of Economic Development Aid for start-up businesses to help survive the first 24 months of business or to help existing businesses with relocation and expansion efforts. Queens County Overall Economic Dev. Corp. 90-04 161st Street, Ste. 801 Jamaica, NY 11432

New York State Department of Economic Development Entrepreneurial Assistance Program Queens County Overall Economic Dev. Corp. 90-04 161st Street, Ste. 801 Jamaica, NY 11432 718-262-8383 or fax 718-262-9185 help new business survive

As you can see there are various funding sources for various needs. The money is out there, all you have to do is contact these sources and be on your way to getting the funding you will need with you business or personal life.

Start the process now. Get a complete list of grants contacts at http://www-government-grants.com

Where Are The $140 Billion Worth Of Government Grants?

2009-01-16T00:25:00.000-08:00

These are not rumors of funds available for you to use without having to pay it back. It is not welfare or some sort of public assistance for the entitiled poor. These are funds set aside to help you go back to school, fix your home, start up a business in your community to name of a few. The key is finding them and knowing how to complete the application process. Once you know where to find these funds and that you qualify all you need to do is apply.

A lot of people do not know that these funds are not for just the poor. But all groups are entitled to these government grants. Anyone who is a USA resident or legal resident would qualify for these grants. There is over $21 billion set aside every year for businesses of which women minority business owners apply and get. $5 billion is designated to students who wish to further their education. There are no credit checks for individuals or businesses. You do not have to have or provide collateral. These funds are unsecured funds. So if your business fails, no one is going to go after your house to recoup the funds.

The key to these grants is that in addition to an application, you have to submit a full proposal as to what you intend to use the funds and how it will help you accomplish your goal. This is requires patience as oppose to a loan or tap or pell grant where the decision process is quicker and the approval process is predominantly based upon your income, credit and grades.

Sources to find out where these funds are located and how to apply are found by Googling "fedmoney", "foundationcenter", "red cross", or "Catholic charities".

Some of these portals only offer government grants but some of the above offer fellowships, scholarships, funds from governmental sources as well as non profit organizations who offer grant monies to help support certain causes. Whether it is a business or money to pay for bills and rehab your home, the resources listed are there to help you through or to help you accomplish your dreams.

There are also experienced grant writers who can help you accomplish getting approved your first time around or every time you apply. Some applications can be lengthy and discouraging to apply for, oftentimes it is cost effective to pay someone who have experience with these applications and are familiar with the decision makers to get you approved.

Above is a brief description of the funds available each year, where to find them and within those sources you will find out what you qualify and what information you need to apply. Then you have everything you need to apply and qualify.

For more information about government grants visit http://www-government-grants.com

How To Really Get Approved For Government Grants

2009-01-15T17:12:00.000-08:00

Yes there is free money. Money that you do not have to pay back, ever. But if it is free, why are't people rushing to get some of that free money? Detailed below is the process to demystify the government grants approval process. This will help you determine if you are willing to undertake what seems so mystical or difficult for others and if you feel the process to be overwhelming, what options are available for you to gain access to some of this free money.

The key step in getting approved is researching and planning. You see different agencies and foundations have different qualifications and before applying you need to know what their prerequisites are in order to determine whether you will be able to qualify. It makes no sense to start getting all the documents they ask you and filling out the application and making the proposal if you do not meet the qualifying for funding. Research carefully and plan dilengently, that is half the battle.

Now you have found a couple of government grants you qualify for and can meet the requirements for funding, what do you do, start by preparing the grant proposal. The summary is the key for approval. They look to the summary to determine if you meet their funding guidelines and if they understand your funding need. You must make your summary compelling an convincing. 90% of grants get rejected because they fail in this one area of conveying the need for the funding and how it meet the grantor's funding requirements. If its unclear, it will not get approved.

Now organize all your paperwork in chronological order. Make sure to make a list of all the items they are requesting and you check off the list as you gather the paperwork and put it in the order they request.

Now write your proposal and be thorough and to the point. You must justify the need for your need or the needs of the community and how you and the grant provider can meet that need together. Justify how you receiving this grant will contribute greatly to the community and how badly the community needs what you are offering. You must find a way to convey that you are trying to meet a need, reach a goal, not just find ways to spend money. How this seed money meets your long term goals and how they will get so much publicity for making this happen for the community.

Then complete the application, make sure not to leave anything out on the application as this will delay the approval process. Once you have completed the above processes, you are ready to submit your application for funding.

Get more tips for applying for government grants at http://www-government-grants.com

The Way A For-Profit Daycare Can Benefit From Government Grants

2009-01-09T00:52:00.000-08:00

Lots of for-profit business can benefit from government grants. One of which is your typical day care center.

One recently got a grant to build an outdoor playground. They were awarded twenty five thousand dollars from two government grants. The way they went about this was to hire a professional grant writer. One of the teachers attempted to do it herself, however she soon got overwhelmed with all of the paperwork. When they hire a professional grant writer things came into place.

The first thing the grant writer did was gather all the information that was needed to put the grant together. This included gathering the necessary paperwork and talking to the people who wanted the grant written. Essentially the grant writer spent the day at the daycare center and got a feel for the whole operation. This gave the grant writer a better idea of which grant giving organizations would most likely award a grant to them.

Next the grant writer did a fair amount of intense research that narrowed down the number of the most likely government grants that the daycare would qualify for. The next thing the grant writer had to do was put all the information that he collected into some sort of resemblance of order. This included putting everything down on paper and make several revisions. After all of this was done he submitted the grant papers to the appropriate agencies and they all waited for the government grants to come in.

One thing that came up early in the association between the daycare center and the grant writer was compensation. The grant writer wanted an upfront fee that included his time and all of his expenses. The daycare wanted to make his pay contingent upon the grant being awarded. The writer explained to the daycare center owners that lot of government grants are not awarded based on the contingent based pay the way the daycare owners wanted to pay him. He explained further that the grant givers were giving grants to fulfill a need of the daycare center and not the fees of a grant writer.

After this was explained to the daycare center owners they saw where this could be a problem. Each party finally decided that an hourly wage would be a better way to pay the writer. In these tight economic times the contingent upon award type of compensation is on the rise.

To find out more tips for government grants visit http://www-government-grants.com

How Government Grants Can Help a Minority Business, Especially Beauty Salons

2009-01-08T17:42:00.000-08:00

Recently my wife had been looking into government grants. Specifically we were interested in grants that were given to minority groups. These types of grants can offer some incredible opportunities to those that would otherwise never be able to realize their dreams. Every year there are billions of dollars in grant money that is given to minorities that want to start a business.

Everyday minority owned business are given these type of grants. By getting these government grants minority owned businesses can not only start a new business, but can buy an existing business as well. These grants can also be use to expand an existing business. There are lots of sites on the Internet that can be utilized to find information on government grants. The first step in getting a minority grant is to identify your specific needs as grants can be for pretty much any purpose. Once you identify the need you need to find the agencies that offer those type of grants. There are lots of sites, however sometimes its best to go directly to the government site that is offering the type of grant that you want to apply for. When applying for grants one needs to remember that not all grants are alike. There are different requirements for different grants. One should not be intimidated by this and follow the directions when applying for a grant.

One thing that people should remember is that its best to apply for as many grants as possible. By doing this you increase your chances of getting a grant or possibly even two grants. One question people often ask themselves is should they write the grant themselves or get a grant writing professional to do the grant writing for them. Sometimes filling out the grants forms can be a little tedious. One needs to remember that this is all part of the process and that if you don't have very much patience you need to get some. When getting a professional grant writer its best to find one that will work with you one on one. Its important to be able to have an open line of communication with this person so you both can get all of the relevant facts down on paper. One important thing to remember is that writing grants and actually receiving the grants can take quite a bit of time, waiting is the name of the game.

To find out more about government grants visit http://www-government-grants.com

Government Grants For a Non-Profit Equine Therapy Center

2009-01-07T20:13:00.000-08:00

One thing that a lot of people don't know is that non-profit organizations can apply for and receive government grants. This is a major source of funding for lots of non-profits. Since non-profit have a lot of volunteers their overhead is usually a lot less than the typical for profit business. One non profit recently applied for and received a large government grant to improve their equine therapy center. The people at this center use horses to help both disabled children and disabled veterans improve the quality of their lives. The government grants they received will help them buy more land and more horses. It also went to help with the maintenance of the entire facility. I was informed that in the next year they will apply for six more grants.

One thing that they and many people find very helpful is to have a professional grant writer. Grant writing can at times be very frustrating and time consuming. Grant writing has become a very competitive field and there are a lot of professional grant writers available. A lot of non-profits don't have the extra funds to hire a professional grant writer. In these cases many grant writers will offer their services at a reduced rate. If a grant writer does require payment for their services there are different ways to pay them.

One way to pay a grant writer is to make the payment continent on getting the grant awarded. Then the grant writer is given a percentage of the grant that is awarded. This is where things can get a little tricky. The organization needs to come up with a percentage that is fair to the organization and to the grant writer too. This type of pay arrangement is sometimes troubling to a lot of the agencies that give out money. The grant money is earmarked for a specific purpose and not to pay for the services of a grant writer. This could cause some problems getting government grants. Its a lot of peoples opinion that grant writers should be paid a one time fee and or an hourly wage. Either way its a better practise than going the contingent pay option. The hourly wage or flat fee method of payment for grant writers is better for them too. Not all grants are awarded. It would be an awful lot of work to write a grant and then not be paid due to reasons that are beyond the grant writers control.

To find out more information about government grants visit http://www-government-grants.com

Are You Looking For Informational Blogs About Government Grants?

2008-12-26T23:52:00.000-08:00

Its really amazing to me the plethora of information that is available on the Internet these days. I mean just by using a keyword on Google for anything, you can come up with thousands if not millions and even billions of results. The great thing about this is that the information you want or the questions you might have are probably answered somewhere out there. The bad thing about so much information is that it could take you years to get through all of it! Sure you could research all you need to know on your own, but when I'm looking for something that I know is going to take a lot of time and energy, I do the smart thing; look for blogs! These blogs range from every subject, category and niche you could possibly imagine. Whatever it is your looking for, can probably be found very easily on these blogs and its all neatly organized so that you wont have to go through heaps and heaps of useless information to get to the good information!

The blogs are free to use, and as aforementioned you can easily utilize them for your research projects. It doesn't matter if its something big like government grants or something small like a review on a gadget! Another cool thing about blogs is that you can leave comments on the posts. So not only are you getting the help you need but you might be helping someone else in need by making comments about something you have knowledge about! Recently I actually was searching online for grants and I found literally, millions of results. There was no way I was going to traipse through all of that, it would have taken me forever! So instead I found this really cool blog online which was designed especially for government grants.

They give you information about how to apply, different types of grants and general information that I might not have known hadn't taken the time to read the blog in the first place! Really I found some super info for my business that I intend on using to write my grant for my business! These blogs can be incredibly useful for all kinds of reasons. This is such an easy tool, that's easy to find and easy to use! Why would you waste any of your precious time anywhere else when all the information you need is right in front of you!?!

This Author is a HUGE fan of
http://www.government-grants.tv/blog

Important Information About US Government Grants Available

2008-12-26T04:10:00.000-08:00

In terms of grants, exactly who is entitled to apply for a U.S Government Grant and who isn't? What are some of the stipulations and guidelines that I should be looking for? You might be applying for, and looking to receive a U.S Government Grant for many different reasons. In fact there are government grants available for many different causes such as you may get a grant to go back to college, pay your home mortgage, or rental payments, start a new business or even better the one you have right now, or even pay your phone bill, food bill, or car payment. As of now you have a pretty good chance of getting a grant loan especially considering there is roughly $400 billion dollars worth of grants just waiting to be awarded per year. I believe I even read a news article about how in 2008 and 2009 there is even a higher amount which is around $500 billion dollars!

I believe one of the reasons why so much money is available and the reason the government is making it known is because a lot of people don't even know these types of grants exist. I know I didn't, until I started really looking into it. I wanted to broaden my business and get involved with a few other aspects which would then bring me more profits. But how is a business suppose to do a business plan when they don't have the money? The great thing about these grants in particular is that ANYONE can apply for one AND guess what? You don't even have to pay anything back! This is actual money you can keep and use appropriately. Imagine that! Most people assume automatically that they will not be approved for such a grant or even be qualified for one and that these programs are just for the poor, or just for the rich. But thankfully for you these programs are for anyone in need, business or otherwise.

The truth is, its not hard to be approved fr these types of grants, I mean there isn't even a credit check! You wont be asked for collateral, and you also don't need a co-signer which you would need in other instanced. The first thing you absolutely need to do to find out more information about these grants is to visit your local library and check out some books on how to apply for a grant and how to write a grant. Heck you might even be surprised how easy it really is to get a government grant for yourself or for your business!

This Author is a HUGE fan of
http://www.government-grants.tv/blog

Grant Money - Is It Really Free?

2008-08-15T21:21:00.001-07:00

by Gregg Pennington

It's true: The federal government hands out a great deal of money each year. It is awarded primarily through various types of grants. It is also true that a large percentage of this money that is appropriated for federal grants goes unawarded, because most people simply aren't aware of the grant programs, or believe that only large corporations and scientists doing research projects are eligible for the programs.

So how can the average person gain access to government grant money? First, be aware that receiving a federal grant award requires some work on your part. You must be able to complete a specific project of government interest or perform some given task. In this way, federal grants differ from entitlements and government benefits, where if you have a need for the money and meet certain other criteria you are eligible to receive an award.

One type of government grant is known as a project grant, and as the name suggests, it requires the grantee to complete some specific action or project. There are a variety of project grants that are available for people or organizations with the resources to complete the project. If you accept a project grant award, you are obligated to complete the project, and could face stiff legal penalties for defaulting on the agreement.

There are some instances where the government provides grant money with no strings attached. This type of grant is known as "direct payments with unrestricted use." If you are eligible you can receive the money and use it as you choose. Just a few examples of this type of grant are: unemployment insurance, grants for farmers and fishermen, and railroad workers' compensation. There are hundreds of these grants that are available to qualified parties, and while the amounts of the awards vary, the money is granted without obligation to repay it or complete any task.

Not all government grants are dispersed as a sum of cash; many of them take the form of specific benefits or assistance programs. For instance, the government may provide low interest loans to people who would otherwise not be able to obtain financing with a traditional lender. FHA and VA mortgage programs, and federal student loan programs fall into this category of government benefits. The government guarantees lenders that they will be repaid, and insures them against default.

While there are many federal grant programs, they are by no means the only source of grant money. Thousands of private foundations award money for a variety of reasons, and these foundations are required to distribute at least five percent of their assets each year in order to retain their tax exempt status. Private foundation money is awarded to people pursuing a college degree, learning a trade, or even starting a business. States also disperse grant money to its residents who are seeking employment, education, and housing.

While tv infomercials may portray grant money as an instant way to become wealthy, the truth is that not everyone can obtain grant money, and those who do receive an award are not going to become rich overnight. They are however, correct in their assertion that millions of dollars of government grant money go unawarded each year, and that you may be eligible for some of the money for one reason or another. You really have nothing to lose in doing some research and finding out just how much.

Gregg Pennington writes articles on a number of topics including government grants and student loan consolidation. For information about finding grant money visit http://www.onlinemoneysources.net/grant-money.html

Article Source: http://www.upublish.info

The First Home Owners Grant

2008-08-07T23:38:00.001-07:00

by Tracey Anderson

Copyright 2006 Tracey Anderson

The Australian federal government introduced the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) in 2000 to compensate for the GST (goods and services tax) and to make buying a home easier for all Australians. Since that time, this popular grant has helped people in every state to buy their first home. As a result of this grant, as well as other economic factors, homeownership in Australia is now at an all-time high.

Depending on your lender, you may be able to use the $7,000 grant as part of your down payment. Not all lenders will allow it to be used in this way however, so if that is your intent, take the time to shop around and compare lenders. The mortgage market is highly competitive, and more lenders are starting to allow the grant to be used as down payment.

There may be circumstances where you may prefer to stay with a certain lender, even if that lender does not allow the funds to be used as down payment; for example, if the lender offers the most attractive interest rate, or lower fees than other lenders. Buyers must balance the cash they have available for down payment against these other factors that may make the loan less costly overall. Even if you do not use it as a down payment though, there are many other practical uses for the Grant. The process of purchasing a home entails many expenses. The Grant may be used to offset any of these expenses as the buyer sees fit. For example, you may use it to offset stamp duty or insurance, real estate agent fees or other mortgage-related costs, such as points or application fees.

The Grant is administered by each state or territorial government. Most first-time buyers will qualify for the grant; specific requirements are available online on the FHOG website (http://www.firsthome.gov.au/). Qualifications are very similar, regardless of your state. You must be a citizen or permanent resident of Australia, and you must be a natural person--in other words, not a corporation. Also, each applicant and applicant's spouse must not own, or have owned property in Australia in the past, even if it is property that is held with another individual. None of the applicants may have received the Grant previously. The Grant is meant for owner-occupants. Applicants must be buying the property for living in, and be prepared to occupy it within a year of purchase.

The Grant is not means-tested and is therefore available to all applicants regardless of income category. The grant is not taxable. In addition to the Grant, you may also be eligible for exemption from conveyance duty, depending on your state.

Tracey Anderson is a mortgage broker specialising in helping Australian homebuyers find the right mortgage. For more information visit MortgageMall (http://www.mortgagemall.com.au).

Article Source: http://www.upublish.info

The Long and Winding Road to Getting a Government Grant

2008-08-01T10:09:00.000-07:00

by Joseph Hanoa

There are many programs set up for government grants through a multitude of different government agencies. A government grant is not a loan and so doesn’t need to be paid back. For this reason grants can be a very path to pursue, but these grants are awarded only to non-profit companies and government entities for the purpose of public benefit, not to for-profit businesses however.

The stipulations in regard to qualifying for grants are tremendous. Qualification is based on necessity and purpose, but even if a non-profit organization does qualify to receive grant funding, there is no guarantee it will actually get a grant.

Professional grant writers are often necessary in order to bypass the narrow straits set up by the government on grant funding. For instance, a local government entity might use the services of such a person in writing a grant proposal order to get subsidies from the state or federal government to fund a local public project. When submitted and written in the appropriate manner, grants have a much higher chance of being accepted. There are also cases where grants that were previously available are no longer, as in many cases the grant system was being abused by knowledgeable grant writers who were able to take advantage of certain provisions that allowed them to get multiple grants for the same or similar purposes.

Government grants can be used for a number of different purposes. Grants for land, agriculture, arts, environmental health and natural resources, and many other public uses are available. Each year thousands of grants are issued all around the country for public benefit. Like any other grant, these are only obtainable through the correct sources, and then only with the right grant proposal. The government doesn’t want to give out free money without a good reason, and this accounts for the clandestine system of hurdles that impedes most from getting the funding they seek. In a great many instances it is actually much easier to apply, qualify for, and obtain a loan, such as through the Small Business Administration, than to search for a grant.

In recent years and small but wealthy industry has sprung up around government grants. Many companies promise that individuals and for-profit businesses can get grants, touting the benefits of grants as a reason to hire a grant writer. In some cases these companies and professionals that have grown up around getting paid for writing grant proposals have engaged in illegal conduct, which resulted at times in lawsuits. For the most part it is usually best for anyone seeking a government grant to avoid unsolicited attempts to get them to spend money in order to get a grant.

Joseph is the proud owner of Grant Guide, a website that will explain everything you need to know about Govt Grants. We invite you to visit our site today and see what we have to offer.

Article Source: http://www.upublish.info

Is The Federal Small Business Grant Money Available For You?

2008-07-24T20:38:00.000-07:00

by Nic Cummingham

Federal small business grant money can be yours for the taking if you have a small business within the United States. The US government makes available more than a half billion dollars for small business grants. It's time you found out more about the federal small business grant money that could be yours, just by applying for a federal small business grant.

Before you are finished reading this article, you'll be kicking yourself wondering why you didn't know about these small business grants that the government provides. All you need to do is start researching the federal small business grant options that are out there. If you need some help, you are at the right place. We'll show you how easy it is to find small business grants.

Did you know that there are around one million small business entrepreneurs each year that are already enjoying a federal small business grant? There is no one factor that will get you a grant or have you turned down, but the proposal is at the root of everything. Make sure you take your time and create a proposal that is in-depth and tells the committee everything they need to know.

The government has their own website where they list all of the available small business grants, including minority small business grants, and other categories of small business grant money. You should stop by the site. It's also got plenty of resources that will help you determine which federal small business grant might be right for you. If you like, you can sign up for free and they will notify you every time a new grant fro small business becomes available. The service is automated so you can be sure you'll never miss out on a federal small business grant again.

You can also find out more about small business loans and grants just by doing a Yahoo! MSN or Google search. Besides federal small business grant money you might be surprised to discover some private funds out there as well. Some sites offer you a service to help find and apply for grants, for a small fee. Although there are legitimate sites you need to be careful with sites that are about free government grants for small business. Just make sure they are legit and offer a money back guarantee.

And of course, you can always Google for small business grant money or federal grants. Be careful though that you are sucked into a fraud scam. There have been a few all promising free grant money just for paying to submit an application. Know who you are giving your money too and watch for a money back guarantee.

Once you have identified free government grants for small business you can have a look at your list and begin to put together a proposal for each federal small business grant that may be applicable to you and your small business. Make sure your proposal is accurate and in-depth. Your proposal should also include an estimate of how much grant money you are looking for.

Many small business owners have no idea that there is a federal small business grant waiting for them. Then when they find out these small business grants are there, they don't know how to go about getting them. Now is the time to find out how your federal small business grant can be yours to enjoy. Don't waste any more time struggling, start on that proposal today for your federal small business grant.

Because many small business owners don't know about all the small business grants that are available, and because even when small business owners are aware of the federal small business grant money they don't know what's needed to get their hands on this free money, millions of dollars go unassigned each year. Why not become a statistic, and get your federal small business grant?

Federal small business grant money is the free financing for Nic Cummingham's new business startup. His website Small-Business-Grants-Aid.com delivers valuable advice and newest tips.

Article Source: http://www.upublish.info

The Power of Government Grants

2008-07-17T00:18:00.000-07:00

by Mike Freemen

There are many different government grants available, from a great many different sources, and these government grants can be a godsend for anyone trying to start a new business, put themselves or their children through school or even buy a first home.

These government grants are available from a wide variety of government agencies. There are government grants available from the Federal government. There are government grants available from state governments, and there are even government grants available from local government agencies. With all these grants to choose from it can be difficult to know where to start, or how to qualify for the government grants that are available.

The first step is to become educated on the whole subject of government grants. The amounts available through these grants vary quite widely, from less than $100 to many thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. As one would expect, the level of competition for these high value government grants can be quite tough, and there are specific requirements for each type of government grant.

Some government grants are available only to residents of certain states or municipalities, while others are restricted to those who work in certain industries, or who come from a certain socioeconomic background. It is important to review the qualifications of the government grant carefully, and to focus your energy on those government grants for which you are fully qualified.

One of the most important uses of government grants is to support first time home buyers and help renters to get into the homes they need. There are many government grants for first time home buyers, and it is important for any new home buyer, no matter what his or her level of income, to discuss available government grants with his or her realtor. The income requirements for these home buyer government grants are often quite generous, and it would be a mistake for any first time buyer to assume that they do not qualify. A qualified real estate agent should be able to help you fill out the paperwork for the government grants for which you are qualified, and these first time home buyer government grants can end up saving the first time buyer thousands of dollars on closing costs and other fees.

Government grants are also a hot issue when it comes to college education. As any parent knows, the costs of higher education have been rising far faster than the rate of overall inflation, and government grants of all sizes are available to help people cope with these rising costs.

When applying for these government grants, the key is to apply early. Many of the best college education government grants are distributed on a first come first served basis, so the earlier you start applying the grater your chances of scoring some of the millions of dollars of government grants that are available to help pay for college costs.

For more information on government grants and how to apply visit http://www.federalgovernmentgrants.biz

Article Source: http://www.upublish.info

School Grants

2007-11-06T19:03:00.000-08:00

Regardless the scenario you're operating under, you've enrolled and it's going to cost you money. How much? Well that depends on your eligibility for school loans, scholarships, or grants offered by governments (federal and state) or the school itself.

School grants have special appeal because, like scholarships, they do not have to be repaid. This gives them that extra benefit over student loans. Grants can be accessed through federal and state government agencies via a detailed application process.

The issue of applying for a school grant to help with the financial demands of higher education is certainly something you should consider. If and when you do, there are many resources available to make your application process less daunting.

The best way to approach the school grant process is to talk to the financial aid department at the school you're interested in attending. A counselor in one of these departments will be able to point you in the direction of federal and state government programs for students.

Another great resource to learn about the process of applying for school grants is the US Department of Education's website:

www.fafsa.ed.gov

And their web portal entitled Student Aid on the Web, located at:

www.studentaid.ed.gov

There you will find a wealth of information designed to guide you through the process of applying for a school grant.

Once you've decided to apply for a grant be prepared to provide detailed information and documentation about your current financial situation. It is also wise to apply as soon as possible, beginning January 1st each year. A separate application has to be made for every year of study.

As stated above, the school you are planning to attend may offer grants through an institutional grant program. They may have in place a process that will help cover the costs you cannot while at their institution. The criteria may be based on your financial situation or there may be no criteria at all: being awarded on academic merit alone.
Private corporations also assist with grant money to children of their employees who, because of stellar academic achievement, earn this reward as part of a company's goodwill and commitment to the community. If you qualify for this scenario then it's worth investigating.

Be Prepared

When initiating the process to acquire a school grant, a counselor at the school you plan to attend can help you with the specific requirements and documentation needed for a particular application.

Above All

Assess your level of financial need carefully so you can apply for the appropriate grant. Take these suggestions into consideration:

Secure all documentation required to make a thorough and complete application:
* Social Security number.
* W-2 forms and any record of income earned for the appropriate year.
* Driver's License.
* Your Federal Income Tax Return, and if married, your spouse's.
* Your parents' Federal Income Tax Return if you're a dependent student.
* Any records of untaxed income (i.e. Social Security, Welfare, Veterans Benefits, and the like).
* IRS Form 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ, foreign tax return, or any other U.S. territory's tax return.
* Bank statements and any other investment records.
* Your alien registration number or permanent residence card if you are not a citizen of the United States.

Applying for a school grant can be time consuming and a little complicated the first time around. That's why it is so important to prepare properly for the process, to have the right documentation at the right time, and to take advantage of the counsel available from people who do this for a living. In the end it will be worth it, when you've secured the school grant and have one less thing to worry about when it comes time to hit the books.

Ryan is an expert with school grants! Please visit http://www.onlineproductshoppingreviews.com for more information.

Grants! Do I Qualify?

2007-11-05T07:38:00.000-08:00

There are over 5,000 grants available for small business from the EU, central and local government and a wide range of organisations and trusts.

All grants have different criteria and different conditions, some will take the form of interest free loans others will be free grants of cash or they could be grants in the form of advice or business support.

Whether or not you qualify will often depend on where you are based, what business sector you operate in and what you want the money for.

What are Grants for?

This varies according to the type of grant it is. In some areas you can get assisted grants for marketing and export while selective regional assistance gives grants of up to 15% of the start up costs of a project.

The DTI's Smart Grants, meanwhile, are aimed at helping companies in the technical sector conduct development of feasibility costs. And young entrepreneurs may be able to get loans from either The Princes Trust or Shell LiveWire

The Pro's

Grants can provide valuable support for start ups and companies wanting to develop particular projects. They often come as a package with additional business advice and support which can prove as important as the cash.

Your local Business Link should be able to point you in the direction of relevant grant schemes and many business support organisations subscribe to a grants database. Alternatively there are companies that specialise in finding and winning you a grant on a no win/no fee basis.

The con's

With so many grants on offer finding the one that's right for you can be time-consuming - and then you have to wade through lengthy and complex application forms with no guarantee that your request will be successful. So you should carefully check the terms and conditions of a grant scheme before you even start applying.

There are companies that can help with this as they specialise in finding and winning you a grant on a no win/no fee basis that can make the process easier - but obviously you will sacrifice a percentage of the award if you do it this way.

Most grants will only give you partial funding for a venture or project so you may still have to find a proportion of your funding elsewhere.

Brainybusiness.com provides business and personal development resources to help small and growing businesses start, manage and expand their business. The site contains books, articles, free ebooks and resources. Visit: http://www.brainybusiness.com

Is it Possible to Get a Government Grant to Start a Business?

2007-10-16T12:40:00.000-07:00

When starting a business, the money you need to get it started, and the money you will need to make it work is going to be difficult to come by. Starting out on your own, especially with no entrepreneur experience in the past, will make it even more difficult to get the show on the road. Still, you perhaps have always had the dream of running your own business and becoming your own boss, and you are willing to work for it.

Even though you are committed to getting your business on its feet, you are not quite sure you want to wait for several years to start your business, which would probably be how long it would take you to accumulate the money you would need, and still live. Saving money is so difficult because there is always a need for it and a temptation to take it out of savings and spend it on other things that you may need immediately for emergencies. Still, it may not be such a bad idea.

Perhaps, in your wonderment about how you will get the money you need to start your business, you have considered the government grants you have heard advertised on the TV. Well, as glamorous and as easy as it sounds, getting a government grant for a small business is nearly impossible, especially if you are starting out with nothing. Applying for these types of free money offers can also cost you money, even if you do not get the grant itself.

When applying for a grant, there are often fees attached to that application. Like paying for a book that will give you all the information you need to get a government grant, and paying people money because they tell you that it is normal for them to charge you for filling out an application. Things like this hardly ever work, and those who do get the grant have to go through a lot of extra expenses and a lot of difficult obstacles before they even get the money.

Getting a grant to start a business is extremely difficult, almost to the point where it is not even worth it. It can also take you an extremely long time to apply for all these grants, and in the end, you could very likely end up with nothing in the end anyway. In all honesty, the alternatives to applying for government grants are much simpler and more reliable. At least, if you save your money or take out a loan, you know you are actually going to get the money rather than just hoping on a shot in the dark.

In all reality, the best way you can get the money you need is by saving it up yourself. If you can't stand to wait that long, get a small business loan. They're much easier to get and, though free money would've been nice, saving up or getting a loan will give you the satisfaction of paying for your business all by yourself.

Court helps people end their search for a work at home opportunity. You can read more of his work by visiting: http://markunemployed.com.

Let the Government Help Start Your Home-Based Business!

2007-10-11T21:39:00.000-07:00

New home-based business owners need to tap into all the resources possible. Achieving success means overcoming obstacles and finding solutions to challenges. Starting a new home-based business is, in itself, a challenge, and surprisingly enough, the federal government can be a great resource to help get your home-based business underway.

Start-up funding can be difficult to find. Most banks don't like to lend money to businesses that haven't proved their worth yet. Angel investors are one option to getting that much-needed money for starting a home-based business, if you can find one. Although not recommended, using a savings account or cashing in some bonds is another option. Dipping into debt with credit cards is a third, and probably the most popular.

The government has multiple loan funds set up to help start a new home-based business, and this can be a great way to obtain start-up money. Programs for low-income, the disabled, military veterans and more make funding a business venture accessible to many entrepreneurs. Once an applicant has applied for and received a loan, repayment is arranged, usually with very reasonable payment schedules.

Grants are also available through the federal government. Grants ranging from five thousand dollar to six-figure amounts are available for research and development of businesses. Grants are a great funding option for starting a home-based business, because this money isn't a loan and doesn't have to be paid back. Consider a grant to be a gift, though it is a gift that you have to apply for and be accepted to receive. Many government agencies offer grants grouped by categories such as agriculture, real estate, and general business.

But there is more to starting a home-based business than money. Knowledge, training and information resources are important. The government has numerous sources for assistance with business development, expansion and renovation, all accessible to small home-based businesses. Your local Small Business Administration office (or the SBA) is the place to call to obtain this information.

The SBA can also help set up small home-based business owners with counseling and training to acquire new skills vital to management and operation. Guidelines for applicants and forms are available through the SBA. There are other services available as well that provide advice on areas such as managing labor relations with employees or improving skills required for business management.

What is important to remember is that new home-based business owners should access any and all available resources possible. A good foundation of business skills and training goes a long way towards operating a successful business. Opportunities may present themselves when they are least expected, take advantage of every bit of help and advice possible. Starting your home-based business with government resources is a great idea, and soon you'll be well on your way to owning a substantial home-based business.

Mike has been online since 2004. He can show you 3 simple steps to turn your Internet Marketing Business profitable.
http://www.profit-unlimited.com/info/l/pips_one
Mike also publishes "Profit-Unlimited Home Business Weekly". Take a look, click below
mailto:profit_unlimited@getresponse.com

Business Grant Money Information

2007-06-30T03:27:00.000-07:00

A successful business often starts with a single idea. Then, with a little help from outside financial resource, this idea is later turned to reality. See the trend here? While we're not saying that money can make the world go round, it can do a lot of unusual feats, like turning your ideas into dollars, for instance.

But then, there lies a problem. How many bright ideas do you think have people come up with? A thousand? And out of all that, how many of them had been turned into successful business enterprises? Ten? Twenty? Thats because the person who came up with the idea doesnt have the financial means to make his idea work.

Now, what if we told you that there is a way for you to finance your dreams? No, we're not talking about loans. We're talking about business grant money.

Unlike a loan, a business grant does not require you to pay back the amount. In fact, thats the reason why many people refer to it as free money because it is, technically, free, though there may be obligations and sanctions imposed.

The great thing about business grants is that it is out there. It exists, though you may have to dig deep to find one that suits you perfectly. And when it comes to federally funded grant money, you may have to dig a bit deeper than usual.

You see, while many private institutions and nonprofit groups offer business grants to enterprising individuals, the real money (a hefty chunk of it, in fact) often comes from government.

Congress allocates about $67 million in business grant money to be distributed to the 57 federal agencies all over the United States. For a simple street-paving project proposal, you may get awarded something around $1,000 - $25,000 in grants.

The only requirement that the federal government imposes is that your business project must be beneficial to the local community or the general public. A search through the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) will lead you to two types of business grants: one for rural businesses and one for minority business enterprises.

For a rural business grant, the purpose is to promote sustainable economic development in rural communities with exceptional needs. Since the program gives a strong emphasis on helping existing businesses grow, eligible applications for the grant money for starting a business are public entities and nonprofit corporations that may in turn award money to the residents they serve.

Other eligible applicants for the money for starting a business include Indian tribes on Federal or State reservations or other Federally recognized tribal groups, and cooperatives with members that are primarily rural residents and that conduct activities for the mutual benefit of the members.

On the other hand, minority business grants offered at CFDA is aimed at fostering new minority business enterprises and maintaining and strengthening existing firms to increase their opportunities to participate and receive benefits of our economic system.

Applications eligible for this program for grant money for starting a business are Federal, State or local government entities or quasi governmental entities, American Indian Tribes, colleges, universities, nonprofit organizations, and for project organizations.

T J Madigan has been established in online business since 1998 and is director of a number of successful online projects one of which is http://www.articles.net.au your best source for FREE articles and information.