Small business owners may face many financial challenges during these tough economic times. With your business going down, you're probably looking for a way to improve your sales. There are a lot of different ways to do it, but there is something in common with all good business owners in the world: they want the easiest and cheapest way to grow their business.
It doesn't matter how good you are, you always need a business plan to follow. A great idea would be just to Google it, you know, Google usually have all the answers. After that, you must determine how you are going to get the funds to expand, considering the credit crunch of the past several years, you must have the best credit to get a bank loan.
There is actually a way that many people do not think about - government agencies that deal government grants to help most everyone, from small businesses to home owners. Again, just Google it. Most of the times these grants, as opposed to loans, will never have to be paid back.
Considering that we are in the information age, the best place to start looking is on the Internet. There are more than enough websites out there that will administer outstanding advice as to what agency to check no matter what type of grant you want to get. Believe it or not , there are books that were specifically written just for government grants.
As you find the information where to start from, go to the agency's website and see the requirements they have in order to post an application for a government grant, check out if you do meet the requirements and then just sit down, breathe deeply, relax. Take note what it will take to do what you want to do. Make a list, then calculate costs and unexpected costs, get estimates, and after you finish all this, you my friend, are ready to apply for your government grant.
Oh yes, one more thing: if you are operating a small business then there are agencies out there just for small businesses like yours. Make your business plan a forward extension of your business. All agencies such as the small business administration have a world of information and tools to help you master this. If you are a small business then it is vital for you to start there.
Showing posts with label small business grants. Show all posts
Showing posts with label small business grants. Show all posts
Monday, April 26, 2010
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Small Business Grants - Do You Qualify?
When most people hear the words "government grants" they immediately think about starting a new business. And when they think of starting a new business, the first and only source of funding they think is available for them is from the federal Government. For an unknown reason, many people tend to see the federal grant programs as the most lucrative ones. Maybe because of all those TV infomercials late at night?
You might be surprised to discover, grants are given out by all three of the governing entities on a regular basis: the federal, state and local governments. It might be surprising how lucrative a grant you can get the area you live in, or perhaps your own town, even if it's strapped for cash.
If fact, a distressed city is more likely to hand out lucrative land grants to the good hands of an entrepreneur because they see this as an oustanding chance to give a boost to their economy. You see, your business can create jobs for many hard working and loyal residents, AND generate tax revenue for the city simultaneously! An absolute Win-Win situation!
There is nothing that can stop you from getting assistance from all three levels of government. Federal, state and local. The truly great thing about getting grants from a city is that if the grant doesn't already exist, you can petition the city to create one. YES! You heard me right! You can petition them through the city council for many things, like changing zoning variances for you. But keep this in mind: if you plan to go this route, you've got to make sure that your plan is REALLY GOOD, that it benefits the city, and that it benefits it well!
For those of you who don't have a business plan right now get this: is it possible for you to truly believe that both federal and state govenments have lists - yes, lists - of business types drawn up that they are ready waiting and willing to hand out government grants to start a business for? In many cases they are even going to provide you with the training, coaching and guidance you need to run a business, if, of course, you choose to start it now!
Labels:
government grants,
loans,
small business grants,
state grants
Friday, April 9, 2010
Grant Writing - Start Your Own Grant Writing Business
Grant Yourself Success
If you've ever applied for a grant, you know that winning a grant is very competitive. You not only have to research the topic thoroughly, you have to convince the board members to approve the grant, and you are up against many other competing applications. Most grant seeking businesses will hire a professional grant writer to write their applications, so they have the best chance at winning a grant.
Grant writing has become a billion dollar industry, and you can now be part of it, as a freelancer or even by starting your own grant writing business.
Grant writing kits will show you how to research, prepare and submit winning grants with step by step instructions and samples of winning grants, interviews with fund directors detailing what they want to see in a grant, lists of different grant sources, tips, warnings and the ins and outs of running a small business or home based business, including marketing online and offline, maintaining clientele, filing for taxes and much more.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Small Business Grants
GOVERNMENT GRANTS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
Are you looking for a small business grant to get you thru the current economic crisis? Financial aid in the form of grants and loans are closer than you think. In fact, the small business grant you need to start or expand your business may be available right in your own home state.Small business financing incentives are an important part of the economic growth plan of every state in the nation. Besides money grants, incentives include subsidized rates on loans, tax breaks and participation in business "incubator" programs.
While there are still no direct small business grants available from the federal government, the government does offer plenty of free help in planning how to start or improve your business and in securing low-interest SBA-backed small business loans. In addition, many states DO offer small business grants and other types of financial assistance designed to encourage and assist entrepreneurs in starting or expand a small business.
NEW BUSINESS GRANTS FOR GROWING OR STARTING A BUSINESS
If you're starting a business, grants can help. Small business owners should be aware of the free business grants available to them through state and local programs, non-profit organizations and other groups. Whether seeking start-up money for a small business, or seeking extra money for business expansion, or even just a government-backed loan, these grants can see you through in tough economic times.NEED BUSINESS START-UP MONEY?
Starting a business is more expensive than most first-time entrepreneurs realize. Growing a new business from scratch always requires significant effort and capital, and all of us could use financial assistance. Do yourself a favor and find free money to help pay for your business costs through small business grants.
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