what is the most reliable source for business grants for women?

Question by DEBBIE A: what is the most reliable source for business grants for women?
Looking for grants for women with small business (hair salon) that are real.

Minority Grants
Best answer:

Answer by imisidro
There are a number of loan programs for women business owners as well as certification program (8A) to help you compete better in the government contracting process. But not really grants

Even SBA does NOT give out grants. From the SBA website http://www.sba.gov/mostrequesteditems/CON_FAQ2.html

“The U.S. Small Business Administration does not offer grants to start or expand small businesses, although it does offer a wide variety of loan programs. (See http://www.sba.gov/financing for more information) While SBA does offer some grant programs, these are generally designed to expand and enhance organizations that provide small business management, technical, or financial assistance. These grants generally support non-profit organizations, intermediary lending institutions, and state and local governments.”

Nonetheless, you can go to the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) http://www.cfda.gov and Grants.gov http://www.grants.gov – these are two sites created by the federal government to provide transparency and information on grants. Browse through the listings and see if you can find any grant that would support a for-profit venture.

Here is a listing of federal grants for small businesses. See if there is any available for individuals for starting a business — THERE’S NONE.
http://12.46.245.173/pls/portal30/CATALOG.BROWSE_BENEF_RPT.show

Most of the federal grants are given to specific target groups with specific requirements (e.g. minority business owners involved in transportation related contracts emanating from DOT – Grant#20.905 Disadvantaged Business Enterprises Short Term Lending Program

Grants are also often given to non profit groups or organizations involved in training or other similar activities (grant 59.043 Women’s Business Ownership Assistance that are given to those who will create women’s business center that will train women entrepreneurs

What do you think? Answer below!

Small Business Grants for Women

Small Business Grants for Women

When a person wants to expand his existing business or wants to start a new business, he will definitely be in need of funds. This requirement of fund can be done with the applications for small business grants. The sources available are plenty that offers grants for the purpose of promotion of business. The sources that contribute mainly to the requirement of the business funding are the agencies owned by the government, foundations and other firms with the venture capital. The funds are provided by these firms for the business people to take off their business to good height. Thus, if a person is interested in setting up a small business or interested to expand his existing business, he has to just apply for the concerned grant program and follow the procedures for the same correctly.

It is always better to make some research on the quality before proceeding on the process of application for the small business grant. The ways available are plenty for getting the information regarding the programs on the business grant. The person requiring the grant can either contact the small business development centre that is available locally or he can visit the page of the grants of the United States small business administration. He can also just visit the grants site of the United State Government. The grants programs are available for the various kinds of businesses. Hence, the person in need of grant should look for the correct grant that is required for his business. Once the decision is taken for the grant program, then he should be ready to undergo the length process for approval. The representation should be made in a proper manner that will assist in getting the grant without much difficulty.

He should ensure to give the correct and genuine details in the applications for the grant. When the application is submitted with incomplete details or wrong details, it will ruin his chances of getting the grant money. He can also try to get the information about the officer sanctioning the grant and by maintaining a good relationship; he should be in a position to get the details regarding the budget, constraints and other details pertaining to the sanction of the grant. It will be an added advantage if the correct business plan is provided. It will always to be better to maintain contact with the concerned officer in a non-intrusive way and also in a professional manner.

Thus giving the correct details required on the grant application will lead to good chance of getting the grant money quickly without any difficulty.

Small Business Grant Source:
Learn the application procedures, various funding sources for specific types of businesses and eligibility criteria for small business grants. You can find the most comprehensive information on availing of small business grants by visiting this online guide on grants

Minority Grants

Apart from the Government, there are several foundations that liberally offer grants for several purposes. Visit the Grant Foundation Guide to know how to avail of free grants from private foundations. Also, check out the Education Grants Guide to find the best sources for all types of education grants.

Find More Business Grants For Women Articles

Government Grants For Women: Business Grants For Women

Government Grants For Women: Business Grants For Women

Government Grants for Women: Business Grants for Women

Women owned businesses are growing at a rapid pace. More women than ever before in history are going after their dreams and starting their own businesses. Money or lack of money can be a huge stumbling block to getting a business off the ground. The funding search can be a challenge and most women just do not know where to start. Goverment grants are being awarded to women and helping women all over America become business owners.
  
There are two types of business fundings available to women.  There are business grants awarded by entities that want women to succeed.  Not for profit groups offer grants, goverment agencies and for profit companies are just a few of the types of entities that offer help to women.  Grants do not need to be repaid.  And there are loans. The Small Business Administration is one of the goverment agencies that support women owned businesses and are there to provide reasonable short term loans to get you on your feet. 
 
Grants can be used for supplies, advertising, expenses, paying employee salaries, equipment, etc. Your business will grow and the funds can be used for a multitude of needs that you may encounter. A solid business plan is a must with any funds that you choose to pursue. When you apply for the grants, you will also be required to turn in a business plan to show what the money will be used for and what your long and short term goals are with the business. These applications are not difficult to fill out and business plan software can be found online or at your local library. Many people shy away from grants, thinking that they are too hard to figure out. This is simply not true. Billions of dollars are available for grants each and every year and many grants go unawarded because of the lack of applicants. 

More women are encouraged to take advantage of the help that is being offered. Also, having a well thought out business plan will only help your business succeed and help you identify your needs before asking for a grant. You don’t want to ask for too little money or too much. Your business plan will help you ask for the right amount and let the entity that you are applying to, know that you are planning a successfull business. 

Women or minorities will find that there are thousands of grants being awarded daily to the recipents who apply for them. You will want to look for the requirements for each of the grants you are applying to, to make sure it is a great fit. A women owned grant is usually asking for the requirement that a women own at least 51% of the company. You can have male partners, but it will usually require that a women own just over half the company. You will need to be a U.S citizen, a tax payer and your credit score will usually have little bearing over the decision. The entities issuing the grant will want to see a business owner who is prepared to go into business and is enthusiastic about the business idea. They want to see a women who has done her homework!  
 
You will want to apply for multiple grants and search on a local and state level as well.  Many entities or agencies that are giving the money away, like to know you reside in the same state as they do. Research grant websites carefully. You will want to look for websites with extensive help, great directories and up to date information. Those that help you with a business plan template will help you too.  Websites like National Grant Secrets are a great resource and proven website that will provide up to date information. 
 
You are well on your way to finding the grant that will suite you! Apply for the grants you are looking for and join the many women who found success and help through these goverment grants

Minority Grants

Business Grants for Women – Do They Exist?

Business Grants for Women – Do They Exist?

In the past, the financial and societal difficulties for women who desired to start their own business were insurmountable. If these women did not come into the business venture with their own nest egg to get things started or, in the very least, financial aid from friends and family, it became near impossible to accomplish such an amazing feat.

This is not to say there are not some spectacular women who achieved amazing results, but these women were more the exception than the rule. In today’s world, however, it is easier for women to initiate a small business through the resource that a business grant provides.

Business grants for women are a definite necessity as more than 9 million women own businesses. All things considered, it is likely that more women would potentially own a business if the necessary financial resources were available. Even the current number of women who already own a business could benefit from grants that would allow them to expand their existing companies.

Are business grants for women really available? They are. A potential candidate for these types of grants only needs to know where to locate them. The internet holds a wealth of information if one only knows where to look. For starters, a simple Google search under “Business Grants for Women” will bring back over a half a million results.

For instance, the Amber Grant is a business grant for women to aid in the start up of a business. Although the grants are small (less than 00), they can be used to purchase items such as equipment, a business web site, or business software. Basically, they are to be used for means that would benefit a business in a small way. As is the case of the Women’s Financial Fund, this online resource holds more than a connection to business grants. It also provides information and helpful tips for women starting their own business.

Count-Me-In is an organization that raises money through fundraisers to aid women in beginning a business. The loans range from 0 to ,000. Although credit history is taken into consideration, the organization focuses more the experience of the woman recipient.

There are also a variety of private sources that offer smaller grants to women wishing to become entrepreneurs. Webmomz is one of these resources, and they are giving away 0 to a woman who qualifies. Applying for several of these smaller grants can give a boost to less significant aspects of a business.

It is crucial to be vigilant when it comes to potential scams. Far too many people give the illusion of providing grants, only to take application fees from women who apply for the business grant. Do your research on prospective grants and make sure the one you apply for is legitimate.

One point that should be noted is that, although most grants do not need to be paid back, it is important to maintain an adequate credit history. An unsatisfactory credit history may prevent one from obtaining a grant.

 

Minority Grants

The National Institute of Business Grants (www.Business-Grants.com) is an online resource that provides free tips and secrets on how to obtain business grants.