Small Business Grants From SBA

admin — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 22:33:55 +0000

The U.S. Federal Government is the nation’s largest provider of financial or monetary assistance for small businesses. Since 1953, the Small Business Administration (SBA) branch of the Federal government has helped many small ventures that have become household names today. The government considers small businesses very seriously. They realize their obligation to promote and develop these firms for the integrated development of the whole nation.

Small Business Administration:

The SBA does not directly offer grants to individuals for business expansion or start-up. For individual set-up’s, it provides a wide variety of loan programs on easy pay back terms. However, the SBA does offer many types of grants programs indirectly to benefit small business entrepreneurs. SBA grants programs are specifically designed to expand and enhance those organizations that provide small businesses with technical or financial assistance. These monetary grants generally support state and local governments, non-profit organizations and intermediary lending institutions.

Small businesses can in turn avail the grants from these institutions. The entrepreneurs need to have a workable business plan and meet the required basic criteria to avail the loan or grant from SBA supported institutions. These funds can be then utilized to either set-up or expand the existing businesses. SBA has very special and easy terms to offer business grants to women entrepreneurs and members of the ethnic minority groups to help them become economically independent. This leads to numerous co-related activities and finally development of underdeveloped regions of the vast country. It brings about a social change and societal uplift.

Benefits of Grants from SBA:

A grant is a direct financial contribution made without any expectation of a repayment but with very specific expectations of the required outcome. These programs are designed to encourage and assist entrepreneurs in starting their own ventures. This promotes an economic development and integrates the individuals into the mainstream of American economic society. Organizations that give grants exclude for-profit businesses, but encourage small businesses to take their grants. The grants are readily provided after meeting certain basic criteria.

Women entrepreneurs are the largest beneficiary’s of government’s generosity for special encouragement. Federal grants are extended to those non-profit organizations that provide counseling, training and other technical support to women groups. The SBA runs special help centers and women’s business centers to train the women technically. They give access to credit and capital, provide with government contracts etc as well.

Ethnic minority groups too are special beneficiaries of federal government’s financial grants on easy terms. SBA runs a Minority Enterprise Development Program known as the 8(a) program. This helps the minority entrepreneurs to bag the government contracts for the utilization of their products.

Small business people or groups are very hard working and enthusiastic about their business. They spend quality time to develop it and stay in touch with their work, as they do not have too many people to help. Their businesses take precedence over their family, friends or even vacation plans. They stay in constant touch to avoid failure or any unprecedented disaster. This helps in successful maturation of their businesses after an initial set-up time.

By: Alexander Gordon

Finding a Few Women’s Business Grants For Your New Business

admin — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 00:24:05 +0000

So you’ve finally decided to start your own business. It’s a daunting task; but it looks like you’re up for the challenge. You’ve developed you’re business plan, you’ve even thought of a name for your new business venture. Now the next step is to find some way to finance the best business idea since the invention of the wheel. As a female entrepreneur, you know that there are quite a number of women business grants available, but the trick is to find out which ones will do you the most good.

One of the first places that most potential women business owners look for grant funding is the internet. A quick use of any of the major search engines will spill over about 10,000 websites that offer to search and find grants specifically for women available, for a nominal fee of course. However, as a potential business owner, the idea of spending scarce resources unnecessarily doesn’t sit well.

So the question becomes, is there a way to find out what grants are available, without spending your hard earned money? Of course there is, but you will have to spend a bit of time and effort tracking down the information. The following few paragraphs will detail some of the commonly overlooked resources for finding the financial assistance you need.

The Public Library

Surprised? Your local public library is a great source of information concerning women business grants and other financing opportunities. In fact, many libraries have complete sections dedicated to small business grants, for both women and minorities. Simply stop by the reference desk at your local library and ask to see their business resources section.

The Local Chamber of Commerce

Another great resource for finding funding for your new business venture is the local chamber of commerce. In most cases, your local town or city wants to encourage the development of local industries, including women entrepreneurs. Because of this desire, many cities offer specific women business grants designed specifically for start up costs, costs of property maintenance, and even the cost of everyday business expenses. While there might be a nominal application fee, the information is free. All you’ve got to do is ask.

Specific Business Organizations

Perhaps your potential business is one that has been well established in the national community. If that is the case, there is a good chance that funding is available from various professional or business organizations specific to your line of work. Check with the financial officer of the professional organization. They should be able to direct you to a few women business grants that could get the ball rolling.

These are just a few of the various resources that are available to any man or woman wanted to make the leap and start their own business. By doing a little legwork, and taking a little more time in the research process, you’ll be able to find the women business grants you need to start your dream business.

By: Gary Pearson

Business Continuity Audit » Women Entrepreneurs

Small Business Grants From SBA

Finding a Few Women’s Business Grants For Your New Business