Author: mjackson

Don’t Overlook Federal Funds When You Apply For A Business Grant

We’ve all seen the commercials that claim there are millions of dollars in free money just waiting to be taken in the form of grants. But that money isn’t just floating in the air waiting for someone to reach up and grab it. You need to know where to look and how to apply for a business grant to see any of this “free money.”

Grants are available from a multitude of sources. The most well-known grants are government grants. Many people mistakenly believe these grants are at anyone’s disposal. This is not true. The majority of government grants are given to programs and institutions who then award the money to businesses and organizations that apply for a business grant. So the money comes from the government, but not straight to your business.

How to find government grants

If you are unsure what kind of government grants would best suit your business, start writing. Create a list of your business’s needs, interests and the goals you want to achieve through your grant. This will help you streamline your ideas to fit a niche. The more concentrated project you can come up with when you apply for a business grant, the more likely you grant application will be accepted.

Once you have a list of your business’s interests, find state and federal agencies that share those interests. A lot of government grants focus on economical, environmental and technological issues. Business proposals that utilize these areas are seen as more viable options because they can benefit more people. Don’t embellish your proposal, however. If you do not intend to “go green” and be environmentally friendly with your project, don’t tout your business as being environmentally conscious. Lies or inaccuracies can void your grant and you can be forced to repay and funds you have received.

The most common form of government grants is a research and development grant. These grants are awarded for projects and ideas that improve or revolutionize commercialization. Research and development grant programs available for small businesses have federal guidelines that must be met during every step of the project. In most cases, these grants are awarded through the Small Business Innovation Research and the Small Business Technology Transfer programs. The SBIR and SBTT programs are comprised of three phases. The first phase awards funding for the exploration of the idea or project. During the second phase, businesses use additional awarded funding to expand results. And phase three implements the idea or project into the marketplace (funding is not provided in phase three).

Research and development grants encourage partnerships between organizations, businesses and institutions. Typically one side of the partnership is responsible for a larger percentage of the work and results achieved during the grant. However, it is not typically specified how much a partner should or can invest. So, while your business may be the primary partner, teaming up with a university or hospital willing to provide funding can be extremely beneficial. When you apply for a business grant, the awarding panel will want to know your business’s plan for funding during and after the the grant’s duration. Expecting a single grant to fully fund your business venture is not a sustainable reality.

So, the commercials are partly true – there is a wealth of funding available in government grants if you know how and where to find it.

This article is written by Jon Emge who is a Senior Debt Advisor writing for a range of financial sites including www.debtadvice.net and www.debtconsolidationloans.org.uk

Successful Business Grant Proposals Utilize Alternative Funding

Business grants are not a sustainable sourcing of funding or any organization, so you must consider finding additional funding. Grants always include a predetermined time frame in which funds will be released. Once this period has ended, the grant is over. Some grants allow businesses to reapply while others are considered a one-time grant. You can always apply for additional grants, but this can be time consuming. It is better for your business to seek alternate funding before, during and after you apply for a grant.

Finding additional funding for you business can be hard, but if you’re persistent and outgoing, you can ease the process.

Finding additional funding

Before you begin your search to find alternative funds, write your grant proposal summary. You will need a summary to submit with your grant proposal, and having a summary will provide possible investors with a tangible plan. Your summary should include your idea or project, a clear goal, how you will accomplish the goal and the amount of funding required for each step. A business or organization may want to provide funding for a specific part of your project or may even partner with your business to achieve your goal.

Many grants require business to find alternative funding during the grant application process. Outside funding shows that a business is serious about it’s idea or project and has gained support for it. Proposals submitted by businesses that base projects solely on grant funds are not usually successful. Granters want to invest in successful ideas, so the more support you find, the less risky your idea may seem. Granters want to see that a business is willing to gain support from the community, other businesses or educational institutions. So, those are the places you should start when requesting funding.

Research and development grants require two or more businesses, organizations or companies to work together to achieve the project’s goal. This is an excellent way to find alternative funds as the partnering business is likely to provide some funding. Depending on your proposal and your business’s interests, talk to universities, hospitals, corporations and charitable foundations who have similar economic or commercialization interests and needs. They may be willing to provide funding, equipment and researchers for your project.

Find alternative funds with loans and investments

Business loans are available if your project goes above the income of your business. However, it is important to remember that loans must be repaid, so if your venture fails, you could be forced to close the business, sell the business or file for bankruptcy. Also, granters require information on funding that will occur after the grant period has ended, so applying for multiple loans isn’t a sustainable idea. A start-up or expansion loan may be useful, but loans should not be the sole source when you find alternative funds.

 

Venture capitalists may be a viable resource in finding additional funding while seeing your company grow. Venture capitalists typically invest in a business that shows potential for substantial growth, that way they can see a profit when they decide to exit the business. A venture capitalist firm or individual might be more willing to invest a large amount of money if your business has a well-organized grant proposal.

Money is available for businesses who are willing to work to find it. Use your professional contacts, community leaders and top organizations and corporations to help you find alternative funding.

This article is written by Jon Emge who is a Senior Debt Advisor writing for a range of financial sites including www.debtadvice.net and www.debtmanagement.co.uk

Cut down your grocery bills to repay the debts

As the economy of the United States has been hit hard by the financial crisis, there has been an increment in the unemployment rate and a decrement of the earning of many employees. If you have already taken out few loans, then it will be quite difficult for you to manage your dollars and stay current with your loan payments. Thus, you have to sacrifice your expensive dreams and have to curb your expense so as to set aside more money to get rid of your debts faster. Your staple diets can be expensive but if you follow certain tips, then you can lower the cost of your grocery bills and set aside the amount to repay your personal loans that can bring your easy finance on track.

  • Shop frequently:

Get into the habit of shopping frequently almost once or twice a week. As the price of the grocery items keeps on fluctuating frequently, you have a higher chance of getting your food products at a lower rate. This way you’ll get the opportunity to have fresh fruits and vegetables and also save your money to pay down your debts faster.

  • Purchase foods in bulk packs:

If you have not enough time to shop frequently, then you can buy them in bulk. This will be quite cheaper. When you’ll look at the store price label, you must note the unit price and shouldn’t consider the price of the whole item. For example, a two pack of chicken breast will cost less than $10 but a family size pack of 12 breasts may cost you $25 which is much cheaper than the unit price.

  • Collect coupons:

Make use of your internet and search through the sites where you can get coupons. Collect as many coupons as you can which will help you get discounts on your grocery bills. This will save you huge dollars and you can use it to repay your debts.

Thus, if you concentrate on the above mentioned tips, then you’ll surely be able to set aside some part of your earning. You can even look for some online earning options so as to increase the flow of cash and utilize the funds to pay down your debts soon. The more you’ll sacrifice at this moment the faster you can get out of the stress and ensure a secured future. To know more about how to manage your finance you can click on http://www.easyfinance.com.

Top Tips for Avoiding Forex Fraud as a New Trader

Where stock and commodity markets are strictly regulated, the Forex market remains largely unregulated. Whilst this provides profitable trading opportunities for Forex traders, it also attracts Forex scammers that think they can get away with fraudulent activities. As in every market, there will always be individuals looking to take advantage of less experienced traders. Insufficient training can leave beginner Forex traders vulnerable. In order to avoid Forex fraud it is essential that amateur Forex traders follow the advice and assistance of more experienced traders and regulated Forex brokers with a well-established reputation for excellence.

Despite the unregulated nature of the Forex market, there are regulatory agencies that are committed to preventing Forex fraud by exposing and prosecuting scammers. One way to protect yourself when embarking on a career in Forex trading is to do your research. Find out if your Forex broker is regulated by an active regulatory agency within your country. Within the UK, the Financial Services Authority (FSA) regulates the financial services industry. By selecting a well-established Forex broker that is regulated by the FSA, Forex traders can protect themselves if any problems arise.

There are a few top tips for avoiding Forex fraud as a new trader:

Choose a Regulated Broker

Whatever country you are trading within, ensure your Forex broker is regulated by a recognized authority that prosecutes and punishes fraudulent trading behaviors.

Select an Honest Broker

Look for a Forex broker that is not in business to pull the wool over your eyes. A well-established and honest broker will often clearly mark the risks involved with Forex trading and openly publish their activities within their website.

Award Winning Brokers

New Forex traders need all the help they can get when embarking on investments within the Forex market so it makes sense to select an award winning Forex broker that has a reputation for excellence. These brokers will be well-established and are unlikely to be involved in any fraudulent activity.

Read Forex Broker Forums

Find online communities that openly discuss their experiences with different Forex brokers. Bear in mind that these forums will include both positive and negative comments about all Forex brokers even if they are reputable and regulated. Make your best judgment and test their accounts yourself to get a feel for how they work before investing any real money.

Five Simple Guidelines To Improve Your Finances

Nowadays, it is hard to earn and save money. Other than the economic crisis and the decline of job opportunities, consumer goods also increase value time and again and the meager salary that you get becomes more and more insufficient to provide for your basic necessities. On top of that, you have expenses to attend to and debts to pay every month. Most of the time, you end up spending more than what you make, and this practice leads you to even more financial trouble.

Since your money is born out of hard work and perseverance, you must spend it carefully and in the best way possible. Live within your means. You can do this by incorporating the following pointers in your daily spending. If these practices develop into a routine, the better. You will be surprised with how these small and simple ways can greatly improve your finances.

1. List down your expenses daily. From the smallest purchase to the most expensive item you bought, see to it that you write them down. At the end of the day, when you look at the list, you would realize what purchases were necessary and reasonably priced and what you could refrain from buying next time you shop. You only realize your mistakes once you have committed them, and with this first step, you somehow try to lessen the possibility of doing it again.

2. Put spare coins in a container. There would be no one dollar if there was no penny. If you cannot put savings in a bank, save at home. It is never too late to use piggy banks or money boxes. Your loose change, when collected, will become a fortune later on.

3. Make budgeting a habit. A budget, other than being a healthy financial exercise, helps you limit yourself in terms of spending and making payments. This prevents you from going overboard and spending more than what you can afford.

4. Prefer cash than credit. It is best that you use cash in your transactions, especially when purchasing small items. Credit usage is good as it improves your credit score, but only if you can pay your dues on time. If you know that high interest rates and penalty fees have no room in your financial life at this point, save yourself by using cash. When you know how much you have at hand, you can only spend so much and you prevent yourself from making unnecessary purchases.

5. Seek debt reduction. When you have debts to service, you have to include it in your expenses. And most times, in an effort to keep your credit score satisfactory, you make your monthly payments without taking into account your basic expenses. You then realize that you have insufficient funds to provide for yourself and you end up using credit and incurring new debt. If you want to keep good credit standing, gradually pay off your debts, and have enough for personal consumption, try debt reduction. You can start by calling your creditors and asking for lower interest rates.