[tmellon]

If you're interested in getting money without having to pay for it, you just might want to look into Grants.

The Government (state/federal) offers grants for small business owners (and not just through the SBA) - for startup purposes as well as for businesses that are already established.

There is the National Grant Conference. There are conferences in variously cities in just about every state. Admission to these Conferences are completely free.

Here's a number to see if there are any conferences around where you live: 1-800-447-2739

Not only will you find out how to apply for grants for business purposes, you'll find out how to get grants to buy houses, fix up houses, etc.

I went to a conference yesterday -- drove an hour and a half to get there. Best hour and a half drive I've ever made.

[BizGuy]

Tonya,

One of the most frequent questions I get asked is, How do I get a Grant? I have heard many stories and scenerios about the difficulties in securing gov't funding. I'd love to hear some of the info that you had learned at this meeting that you recently attended.

Looking forward to your reply.

Adam T.

[mr sprocket]

Yes I think we would all like a few tips. Also more information to decide if we really can get a grant.

[tmellon]

I'll try to sum up what was said at the conference fast (my 3 year old thinks he owns my computer -- so he's retaliating right now).

The key to snagging a grant is to have a good business plan. Either pay someone to write one for you, or do it yourself (Business Plan Pro is a good program to use).

The US Government set aside well over $300 Billion dollars for grants this year - and that number keeps on rising every year.
This money is for small business grants, as well as grants to buy a house (people have been known to get $30,000 for their down payment), or to fix up their house.

But there's just not Gov't grants, there are grants from organizations as well.

I would write more, but my son is up into the kitchen cupboards right now (he's too smart for his own good -- already knows how to manipulate people into getting what he wants lol -- I plan on getting him his own computer (for him and my husband) next month).

Anyways...

There's a great PDF file I got from a website (can't remember the address). It 600+ pages of grant information - it has everything you can think of in there.

http://www.rockergrrl.com/Government...E-Book2002.pdf
Its 2.72mb. And loads up fast (unlike most PDF files)

I'll write more later

Tonya

[mr sprocket]

Good information Tonya. This could develop into a very important thread. Also it is good to see another parent at YE. I have a three year old myself.

[Gummie92]

Hey TMellon!!
I went to a NGC seminar a few months ago and had bought the whole set on how to get grants for homebuyers, businesses, and how to make money as well - wondering if you bought the set too!! It was really neat stuff, a lot of support from the organization, and so many resources and hundreds of thousands of organizations who are giving away money!!

[Jabes]

I suggest anyone who needs help finding funding for their small business look into grants. I recently came across a site free-government-grants.info Google it. It may help.
Essentially It takes a bit of time to write up the proposal and of course figure out which one is best for you, but the government has lots of money out there. I've been researching it myself so I could expand my cleaning business, and then apparently these people figure out what grants are possible for you.

[Shift]

thanks for the link jabes

[Fanatik]

I thought Grants.gov was the only real resource??? I came to understand this was the only main point for govt grants

[matt_15]

the link works, but its one of those web-squatters pages.. which is full of google ad-words adverts.

[MistaDobalina]

Sorry the link doesn't seem to work...am I doing something wrong? I tried saving the link too but it doesn't help.

[Fanatik]

This site says it all -- "No Fed Grants Avail directly to small businesses yet" --- but there's hope... here ya go... oh, and it's FREE to use.. I hate all those damn "Grant scams" For Small Business Grants Look to the States