Getting a Grant to Start a Small Business

Try the local Chamber of Commerce. They have volunteers and tons of info for this type of information. They are a great source for new businesses as well as networking opportunities.

Are you a minority or have little personal income and verifiable business background or degree?
If not, good luck.
If you are a minority and a woman you should be able to get help by entering "female based minority business grants". If you are just the run of the mill, "white", middle class woman who wants to start her own business you have to mortgage your house to do it (speaking from personal experience here).
How much do you need?
I know there is a website (can't hink of the name) that puts people together for small loans with modest interest (usually under $1,000). Again try entering "people to people loans".
I started my business with a credit card (not the best idea but my only recourse when I didn't qualify for any "help"). I was successful and able to pay it off in 3 months.

Hi A.! I haven't had any experience getting a grant to start a business but I was able to start an awesome small business with $29 and can help you do the same. I'd love to share if you don't have something already in mind or just want to see what its about. Let me know, its a business you can do from yuor kitchen table and still be with your kids! It just makes sense!

C.

You could give Self Employment Loan Fund a call. ###-###-#### They use to be a client at the CPA firm I worked for and they help people start small businesses. I googled their number so hopefully that's right!

A.,
What kind of business are you trying to get started. There are different grants based on the type of busunesss you plan to fund.
G. T.

A.,

All I know about these is that they are extremely difficult to find and get. They are listed for free on some government website. Also, don't pay anyone to find them for you. Many businesses will offer the service of providing you with a list of government grant programs. Those are scams. Like I said before, the government lists them for free. You just have to figure out where. I'm sure you could call a main office number and someone could direct you.

Good luck.

My husband and I were only able to purchase our business with the generosity of a private loan. It is not a family member, just someone we got the courage to ask.

We have looked into grants and loans, etc. and it just seems like we never fit the criteria. If it is going to be a nonprofit business, then you might have a better chance. We did get a few loans for our business, but that was after we were in business for more than two years. Good luck, I wish I had more information for you.