Best women entrepreneurs grants

[bytrade001]

First, get the hard truth out of the way: there are almost no grants for women entrepreneurs available from the Federal government. The vast majority of the support that the government gives to people starting businesses comes in the form of Small Business Administration loans or highly specialized loans for particular types of businesses. You can make a quick check of federal programs available at the Business.gov website, which contains a page dedicated to explaining loans and grants available to women entrepreneurs and also contains a link to a search tool for all federal programs available.

That does not mean that there is no grant help available. A simple web search can turn up all sorts of leads, but the problem is knowing which sites are legitimate and which are scams. One option for grants for women is the Amber Grant for Women sponsored by the website Womensnet.net. This is a $500 grant paid once a quarter to a woman entrepreneur. Free-money guru Matthew Lesko has compiled a book with other leads for women entrepreneurs entitled: Free Money and Help for Women Entrepreneurs.

A strategy for finding grant money for a woman-owned small business therefore needs to focus on getting local support. Some states and local governments set aside grant money for people willing to open businesses in areas that need economic investment, or for businesses owned by minorities and women. A great way to get information on local options is to join the local Chamber of Commerce, and the Women’s Chamber of Commerce if there is one in your city. The networking that these organizations offer might lead to a tip on a local grant, or at least will give you a chance to meet other women entrepreneurs and get their guidance on how they found start-up funding for their businesses.

In addition, many service organizations help new small business owners to pair up with a mentor who might be willing to donate some of her time to help talk you through starting a business. This is not quite the same as a grant of cash, but it might be just as valuable, given the rates that business coaches and consultants charge. A few hours of time with a business mentor might be what it takes to get the business off the ground.

[MyMela]

Thanks for the helpful info!

[jeniferjobs]

Very impressive and informative post

[Mary H]

I am one of those who need help. I have a business with lots of leads, but no money for a sales person. I can not talk good to do it myself. I need an invester and/or partner. Any ideas with that. I have an office, brochures, advertising etc. Everyone I talk to say it is a fantastic idea but I need a salesman to help or someone good at that. Most salesman want some money up front and I don't have it. I am in Minnesota. Any ideas there from anyone.

Mary H

[MyMela]

It sounds like you may have to hire someone if you can't do it yourself. That, or stick to social media marketing and selling online.

[Mary H]

Actually mine is service based and I did do some talking but I mix up my words. If I get 2 sales, a good salesman would get 20 so I need to get a salesman. I don't want to mess up the good chance I have of a the market. Does anyone know where I get an investore who wants to be partner. Most places on the net I have checked out want me to pay fees to send me people to talk to and I do not have the money for these fees.

Mary H

[MeredithO]

great tips!!

[amranloudi45]

great information thanks

[onlyyahi]

really helpful information

[Belinda]

Great article! I agree about the value of a mentor.

[head_exposed]

There are also helpful stations in each state that you could go to in your state. The government provides 23% of its budget to procure from small businesses and this includes businesses owned by minorities and women. Please take advantage of their services to help you get the grants that you need.

[Cvanderbilt3]

Thank you for the information. In order to secure financial help, the first step would be for the business owners to have a sound financial plan (first) which outlines their personal contributions, assets and liabilities; then focus on the business plan-- but the financial plan is key to securing additional funding from outside sources!!!!!
Osiris Human Capital Group (InsuranceForFamilyProtection-dot-com)