About Government Grants - An Excerpt!

Here is an excerpt from an online article:

"
No matter what type of business you are interested in establishing, how big or small, who you are, where it is located,there is a business grant, or several, to support your ventures........

You may be able to acquire a small business grant to finance a modest online business run from your home, to minority grant to open an ethnic heritage center in a culturally rich neighborhood, to several generous grants for real estate to establish your own realty company.....

Thousands of stay at home mothers are acquiring day care grants and single mothers grants to start their own day care centers, and make money on day care, while saving on day care and spending more time with their children.....

The generosity on the government's part towards the small business owner is really quite amazing, and the eligibility requirements to receive free government financial aid are really quite few......................"

Subject: Grant Research - Can You Help Me? I am interested in acquiring a government grant to start a business. Are you available for consultation? Thanks! Very Truly Yours C. T. Thank you for your email. It really all depends on what type of consultation that you are needing. Here are some questions that I require all of my clients to fill out before I start researching grant programs that they may be eligible for. Questions To Be Answered For Grant Basics 101 Please go to the link above, answer the questions and that will give me a better idea as to what grant programs you may be eligible for. Unfortunately you have only mentioned that you want to start a business but you haven't mentioned what type of business it is that you want to start?

$25 Million To Spend!

One organization has $25 Million Dollars to spend to help encourage innovative ideas to help advance journalism using the digital medium!

This year a project to build and maintain a crowd-sourced database of primary source material for use by investigative reporters was awarded a grant of $719,000! The grant recipient(s) included a pairing of a well-known newspaper and a non-profit news organization. The project was an initiative that sought to break the habits of reporters who threw stories and documents away after the story faded - whereas those documents were never going to be used again. The four-member team "aims to provide an online database of documents contributed by a consortium of news organizations, watchdog groups and bloggers, and shared with the public at large. Users will be able to search by topic, agency or location. Reporters will benefit from the wisdom of the crowd, which will be able to collaboratively examine large document sets.”

This grant program is open to the public! This means that individuals and even for-profit businesses can apply!

Other grant recipients include:

• A $300,000 was awarded to a website to post mistakes by journalists! The idea is to have those that comment to engage the journalist and discuss whether a correction or additional reporting is warranted. This will be used to help show errors that news organizations make and show which news organizations are responsible to public questions and comments.
  
  
• Another individual received a $200,000 grant to create a downloadable production tool for various mobile phone platforms. The toolkit will include applications for video and audio recording, a distribution tool for mobile content to social media sites and detailed how-to information that outlines what users can do with the phones they have.
  
  
• Another grant recipient received a grant of $250,000 to expand their state's council coverage by a local newspaper and allow them to create a wiki devoted to local legislators.

Publishing files on the Web that were originally created for print publications has always been a challenge, especially for small community newspapers. News organizations have typically solved the problem by creating proprietary publishing systems for their sole benefit. This grant will create new and easy ways to use tools that will allow news organizations to essentially drag and drop articles onto an online news site. The process will save news organizations, particularly small community newspapers, significant time, money and manpower, allowing them to direct their resources to bring their community the news and information it needs.

My Grant Basics 101 Podcast!

I have just started my own Grant Basics 101 Podcast!

It's just in its beginning stages!

If you take a look on the left side of this blog you will see the widget for the podcast. You can also go to the podcast page by clicking here.

Like I posted above this podcast is in it's beginning stages but there is already one caller who called asking about possible grants for their for-profit daycare business and I gave my reply to them.

I hope to be adding more content to the podcast very soon!

Home Owners In Louisiana May Be Eligible For Cash Grants! This money is from a government program that was put in place to bring insurance companies to the state. (No doubt this has to do with the effects of hurricane Katrina and all the home insurance problems stemming from that). This is UNUSED money from one of the expired 2007 government grant programs! The funding was originally set up as a matching grants program for private insurance companies that agreed to begin writing policies in the nearby coastal areas. It was targeted for improving a homeowners' access to private insurance after the 2005 hurricanes, and to reduce the number of policies written by the state's insurer. The insurance department issued $29 million in grants, and state law says the remaining money should be divvied up and given to holders of homeowners policies.

$2 Million in Grants to Help Persons

with Disabilities Stay in Their Own Homes!

This will be a statewide program that adds ramps, chair lifts and other features to homes so low-income seniors and residents with disabilities can continue to live in their communities. The state's Housing Development Authority will allocate the grant money to 14 non-profit organizations and public agencies around the state to administer the program.

New Ruling For Government Contractors - Maybe? The U. S. Chamber of Commerce has filed a lawsuit against a new government ruling that says that businesses must file online if they want to be considered for government contracting work. Originally the ruling was going to take effect on February 15th of this year but since the lawsuit has been filed the date has been moved back. The lawsuit contends the government doesn't have the authority to make E-Verify mandatory for contractors. The online verification process provides an Internet-based means for employers to compare the names and Social Security numbers of newly hired employees against government databases. So far about 100,000 businesses have participated in the program, which is now voluntary. Under a regulation issued Nov. 14, however, companies that receive federal contracts of $100,000 or more must use the online verification process to confirm the employment eligibility of all new hires and reconfirm the eligibility of existing employees that are assigned to federal contracts. These requirements also apply to most subcontractors. It is hoped that the delay in the rule's effective date will give the new Obama administration "an opportunity to re-evaluate the efficiency of the policy. You can find out more information about this online.

Basically what this means is that if you are considering becoming a government contractor once you are awarded a federal contract worth more than $100,000 that has a performance term of 120 days or more, or if you have a subcontract worth more than $3,000, you will have 30 days to enroll in the federal contractor online verification program. Enrolling involves signing a non-negotiable Memorandum and registering the individuals who will be using the system.

If you and / or your business are considering becoming a government contractor then I suggest that you take a look at their online user's manual that explains more in detail.. This online manual will help you to get an idea of your options and what it will be like to use the system. The people you select to be “users” of the system will have to register and take the on-line tutorial before you can actually begin using the system.

You might want to register now and begin using the standard online verification system for new hires to give you a chance to get a head start before the deadline. If you are already enrolled in the online verification program as of January 15, 2009, and you have a qualifying contract or subcontract, you will have to modify your enrollment to switch to the federal contractor version. Within 90 days of enrollment as a federal contractor, you will have to begin using the new verification process for all new hires in the U.S. (including people who are not working directly on a federal contract), within three days after the employee begins working for pay.

You will also need to become familiar with some of the rules for avoiding discrimination while using the new online verification process. They are listed in the online user manual.





then (until a final decision is made)

Are There Any Grant Programs To Buy Into A Franchise?

Hi Rose, I am a "single" mother and I am extremely interested in starting my own business. My aunt in New Jersey is a very knowledgable grant writer in New Jersey, but unfortunately only has the knowledge of non-profit grant programs. I have put together a small business plan at this time, and I am looking at doing a two-in-one type of business. Originally I started out inquiring about a program which offers a birthday (or other celebration ) set up with inflatable toys, bouncers, and slides, that is affordable to many family classifications. I was interested in doing this for my daughter, but found that there is no such business operating in any area even remotely close to me. So I inquired about operating one of their franchizes. There is a small start up cost of $3,000 as well as 3-day training course that must be taken in New Orleans before being accepted. They also offer a trailer purchase at $4,000, to transport the equipment, and I think this type of business would be extremely successful. We would be leasing the equipment from this company, with a 40% to us from the sales. I then did further research to see about starting up our own indoor playground for children and youth that would be extremely affordable and at a reasonable location for easy access to a diverse population of people. I have looked into building leases (cost) equipment purcahse prices, operating costs, business set-up, marketing ideas, and concessions. With the proceeds we make, I would love to set up a "free fun day" for children and youth to come and experience the fun that has never been offered in or around our city, which would also help in our marketing. I would like to operate the birthday party set-up as an additional option for families, so that we can bring the party to them, wherever they may want to celebrate! I have done lots of research the past few weeks on attempting to find grants that would assist in my business start-up, as my credit situation is not that good. My fiance is an African-American, and he would also be co-opearating this business with me. He doesn't have bad credit, just the unfortunate problem of having NO CREDIT! Any information you can provide would be extremely helpful, I have found the CAFE site, and its great...but I am looking for any additional grant information you might be able to help with, or inform me more of the grant services you provide. Thank you so much...I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience!

Best Wishes
J~

....there is quite a difference between starting one's own business vs buying into a franchise - at least the grant process sees it that way.

There seem to be quite a few loan programs to help people buy into a franchise but so far I have not seen any grant programs for this sort of thing. So if you really want to go the route of the franchise-thing you may have trouble finding grant programs for it but may be able to find some loan programs for it.

However if you are still considering grants then I would look into the possibility of taking the concept of the franchise that you want to buy into and turnig it into a business that would qualify for grant funding such as daycare or a business relating to children.

As I have noted on my grants pages and blogs there are still grant programs out there for those that want to start a business of their own (as opposed to buying into a franchise). In fact I just recently answered a question similar to your email from another woman who wanted to buy into a franchise with a government grant. My answer to her appears here

then in a later email................

Hi Ms. Rose...you have read my mind, I actually have decided against the franchise idea, I have decided to run my own business doing the same thing without having to give away over half my commission/profits back to the company themselves. It makes much more sense to start my own similar company, as we have very little competition for this. I am debating two options for my start-up business, and I am torn between the two, but both have to do with providing fun and professional service to children. I was wondering if you could maybe give me your opinion on which may be easier in obtaining a grant, and where I might find grants for this type of business. The first is an inflatable bouncer rental business for children's birthday parties, carnivals (schools/daycares), or other celebration events where kids may participate, the start-up costs would be about 20-25,000 and we would be able to keep our jobs and start this over the weekends without too much effort. (2-3 competitors in my particular city, with more within 60 mile radius). The other is an indoor play center for children and toddlers, possibly with both concessions and a cafe sitting area, with inflatable bouncers/slides, interactive games/obstacle courses, arcade games, gym court for basketball, volleyball, dodgeball, as well as a smaller toddler area wth age appropriate toys and fun things to do and learn with. (only one competitor..no cafe and we would like to have a larger variety of equipment than the competitor) The start up costs for this would be much higher and my fiance would quit his job to run this (he only makes about 1200/month). However, our profits would probably be much larger in this business as would our beginning debts....unless we would be able to obtain some larger grants? If you have time and are interested in responding, I would be much obliged. We will soon be adding another addition to our family in the next 2 months, Im wanting to have as much time with my family as I can. My credit is not good right now as we were a couple that got into those ARM mortgages and our payments have been late for the past 4-5 months (we are currently trying to short sale our home..) and my fiance doesnt have bad credit, he just has NO credit..and when I say NONE..he has NONE....so if you have any ideas how to start with our financing and maybe the best decision on what might be easier for us to apply for grant assistance or any funding asstance...thank you so much for responding to my previous email...that was extremely thoughtful of you...I appreciate your opinions and knowledge! :)

thanks so much! :)
J~

It is my opinion that you should combine your idea(s). The more that you have to offer the more potential money your business will make.

Grants do not depend on someone's credit rating.

It is also my opinion that you find a way to make your business a combination non-profit and for-profit because that tactic is now a growing trend. It also (will) give you the "best of both worlds".

If you are looking for getting the most grant financing possible then you are going to have to adapt your business plan to those grant programs that relate to the types of services that you will be providing.

There are grant programs for those that want to start their own business as well as there being grant programs related to childrens' services. You should research and go through these grant programs - read what their requirements and qualifications are as far as eligibilty is concerned and see if you can adapt your business to qualify for eligibility for as many of them as you can find. The majority of grant programs being offered allow for one to apply for other grant programs in addition to their own so you can apply for as many as you are eligible for.

Over 90% of all the information that I have found about grant programs for clients has been online so there would be a good place for you to start looking for these kinds of grant programs.

The Government Doesn't Care About Nurses?

Unfortunately when peop;e don't know (or don't have) the right information about grants they come to their own conclusions. Here is a reply that I posted to some who said that the government didn't care about nurses:

Unfortunately this is not true. As someone that does grant research I can tell you that there are many grant and scholarship programs out there for nurses and the reason is because of the shortage of and the need for nurses.

There are also programs that provide financial help for single mothers. My very first grant research client was a single mother who was looking for financial help with both starting her own business and continuing her education. Since this was a few years back I was able to find her 4 such programs that provided finacial assistance including providing financial help with her student loan. Yes there is actually an organization out there devoted to helping single mothers financially with their student loans.

Just because you can't find the information about these programs doesn't mean that they don't exist - it just means that you haven't found the information yet.

Grant Money Is Not Guarenteed!

Some people make the mistake of thinking that grant money is guarenteed. It is not! It is only guarenteed AFTER you have been awarded the grant money!

You have to apply for these grant programs. And you have to also realize that you well may not be the only person or organization that is applying for the grant! Sometimes it works in quite the opposite way! For instance the SBA has a particuar grant program that is open for small businesses to apply for. ("Small" meaning having less than 500 employees.) This grant program provides well over $100,000 in grant money. This is a highly sought after grant and there are many businesses that will be applying for it every year - especially if they won the grant the year before!

Some grant applications can be easy. I have examples of grant applications that were only one page long and the only information required by the applicant was how much grant money they needed and what the grant money requested was going to be used for.

Then you have the more complicated grant applications and these are usually from the government grant programs. Soon the government will require all its grant applicants to apply for their grant programs via the government's grant program website. But believe me the government grant programs can be the most complicated to apply for. But on the other side of the coin, the government grant programs usually provide the most in grant money! That's why they are so popular - complicated but popular!

Phone Tag???!!!

I really don't like playing the phone "tag" game with people. People will leave me messages on my answering machine and they will usually leave a number for me to call them but I have no idea what time zone they are in or what is a good time to call them thus turning into a phone tag kind of thing. What makes it worse is that they won't leave much information on what type of grant information that they are looking for.

That is why I prefer email instead of playing the phone tag game. When I get an email that leaves a permanent record of the person sending me the email and with email you can send it anytime and the person can reply at anytime.

So if you would like to contact me just go to my Contact Information page where you will see all of my contact information.

As you probably can guess I get all types of inquiries. Some of them are good and some of them are not too good. I state on my Contact Information page that if you are not serious about wanting to find grant information for your project, organization or business then you are wasting your time trying to contact me. My page also states that if you are not a client then any requests that you send for grant information will be returned to you.

I realize that finding grant information can seem quite frustrating but if you are not a client then you will have to find the information for yourself.

Words Of Advice - (From Someone Else Other Than Myself)

Using The Government To Start Your Business

source - PR-GB

Many people, when starting their own business, aren't sure where to turn for assistance. Yes, there are private institutions that can help you along your way, but one of the best resources for the young and aspiring entrepreneur is the federal government. Programs and money exist to help the fledgling business owner, and it is to the individual's peril that they ignore these opportunities.

Money is perhaps the most important thing the startup business owner needs. Without capital, you're stuck in the mud. You need money to finance your building, your rent, your employee roster, advertising, and the cost of purchasing or creating the product you intend to sell. This can all add up to quite a bit of cash. There are private banks and lending institutions that may be willing to help, and you can always turn to your friends and family for beginning investments. However, only a fool would ignore the money and grants offered by the government. The government gives away millions of dollars a year in capital for beginner entrepreneurs. The best part about the government's money is that they do not expect to recoup anything from their investment. These grants are given for the greater good of the economy. Do some simple internet research and you will find plenty of grants to apply for. Apply for them all.

Money is not the only thing the government can help you with when starting your own business. They offer assistance in other areas as well. This can include assistance for expansion for your small business, development, and even assistance with renovation. If you're looking for more assistance for your small business, try the Small Business Administration Office. Through this office, the government provides free training and assistance to small business owners across the country. This training and assistance can be invaluable to the young entrepreneur that doesn't know all the ins and outs of starting a business.

When starting a small business, it can seem like every obstacle in the world in being thrown in front of you. If you fail to take advantage of the programs and government assistance out there, you are only hurting yourself. The government understands that putting investment into small businesses helps the economy and enriches the fabric of our country. Take a look around you for examples of this in your daily life. Do you think the Hindu family that owns the dry cleaning business down the street is just naturally wealthy? Unlikely. They simply knew where to go to find assistance in starting their business. The best place to look is the government. Go and do likewise and you will be on your way to having a healthy and successful business.