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Foundation Grant vs Business Loan...
So you would like to start your own business or get additional funding to expand an existing one. Many of the messages  we receive ask about where they can get a grant for the above mentioned purposes.

Reality Check...
Let us begin by saying that very, very few foundations actually provide funding for private businesses. Those that do, The Ford Foundation under their "Other Program Related Investments" for one, consider only those projects that will advance the cause of philanthropy.  To quote the Ford Foundation: " Most Foundation grants to individuals are awarded either through publicly announced competitions or on the basis of nominations from universities and other nonprofit institutions. In all cases, recipients are selected on the merits of their proposals and on their potential contribution to advancing the Foundation's program objectives."  If you are to continue seeking foundation grants, then the term you new to look for is "Other Program Related Investments."

What is a 501(c)(3)?
A 501(C)(#) is a determination(ruling) from the IRS issued to Foundations and Nonprofit Oganizations whic provides certain exemptions. Here is an example of a certification issued to The Infinity Foundation.

Options...
So what other options are there? Your other options include requesting a loan from the Small  Business Administration or a local bank in your community. Another option that is available to you is funding from an investment company or to identify an "angel" who may be interested in investing in your business.  A word about "angels" before you get too excited.

Investment Angels
The term "angel" is used to identify individuals with capital who have, in the past, invested capital to fund an idea, a business, etc. These investors, for the most part, require a percentage of the company, a voice in the decision making process (to safeguard their investment), and will usually   invest in technology companies. The Angel Network is a good starting point for you.

Small Business Administration
If you are planning to start your own business, need funding to expand, etc., this would be your best option, especially if you are a woman, a minority or a person with disabilities. Now, it is our understanding, that you will need to be turned down by two lending institutions before the SBA would consider your request.

Now you are all excited.. the SBA,right? Not too fast..

Before you approach a lending institution or the SBA you need to put together your business road map. In the business world  it is called a"Business Plan." This is a labor intensive project since you will have to answer all of the lending institutions or SBA questions before they are asked!  If you have never even heard of the term before prepare yourself to be enlightened!  Two good starting places are the SBA Business Plan Tutorial and the Canada / British Columbia Business Service Centre. A word of advice: the Executive Summary of your Business Plan is the last section you write.

Other Resources:
We are sure, that if you watch television with any frequency, you have probably seen the ads on books about the Federal Government and the thousands of dollars they have to give out in grants. Do those  books help? Is it worth the investment? We do not the answer to those two questions but can provide you the link where you can buy them. Government Giveaways for Entrepreneurs III." This book is not just a phone book of financial assistance. It will also give you tips on how to get government loans and grants. It also preps you for what is to come when starting a business. Free Money from the Federal Government for Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs and Free Money to Change Your Life are two other books.

The Foundation Center also has a good primer for individual seeking grants.

AllCharities.com has a section on their site that provides you with a listing of foundations that supposedly provide grants and gifts to individuals. A $25.00 donation is sugggested but you can obtain the foundation address by pressing their individual link.

If you are a female you can try our Women Grants and Resources section  to see if there is a resource you can use.

Some of the messages we have received: 
"Are there any grants for disabled women that need some type of grant to help them start a home based online business?   I been on disability and at home since on my medication. I can't hold an outside job. I still type 80 wpm on my home computer. My dream is to start an online business but I don't have the money to get the tools needed."

"Is there any funding out there to help me out?  I am wanting to begin a business to help people out that have been diagnosed with cervical or ovarian cancer."

"Trying to find a grant to help with private business--used furniture& appliances."

"I'm a female vocalist in a musical group based in Name withheld. We are called the (Name withheld). We are planning to tour California, Oregon, and Washington state this summer from June 15th-July 14th. We are looking to receive funding for equipment, vehicles, and travel expenses. Please refer me to any site that would help."

"I am looking for a grant of $300,000 cdn to start my business.Please inform me of anyone who would be interested in investing/loaning me money.This is a aromatherapy / spa type business.Any help or guidance would be appreciated.I cannot approach the banks."

"I am seeking info. re: grant $ for starting a new small business in my rural (Name withheld) home-town; my own grief ed. & counseling ofc.  I am presently a Hospice Bereavement Counselor.  Can you help me or send me in the right direction? 'sure would appreciate it!  Thanks."

"We are just starting to look for information about obtaining any support, be it financial or material. We are opening a HOSPICE hospital to support incurable cancer patients.This is the first hospital in (Name withheld). We would be very grateful to anyone who could help us."

"I was interested in obtaining information on starting a small business with available grant money, I am disabled. I see numerous ads for information on this however was wondering if it was necessary to purchase this, or if there was free information for this process available."

"I am looking for a grant to help me get a homebased business started, I want to do some medical billing. I have done a little research and all I need is the software. Is this the website that I need to be to get grant info. I am financially unable to get a loan and am unable to get the cash for the software. If this is the wrong place, do you know where I need to go?"

"I am a lady 49 years old and on social security of about 328 a month. Not much to live on especially when I have talents and ways to make money but no resources to get my business really going. I make 330 kinds of cheesecakes some fat free,and many good soups and cakes that people rave over and say they have never  heard of. My problem is I cant find out where to get a grant to get a building and some start up capital to hire help and pay for the over head cost at the beginning." 

"Hi, I saw  your ad in the October 17th issue of Woman's World magazine stating that there are companies who would possibly help individuals start a business if they do not have the funds to do it on their own.  I have checked your website but could not really find any information on this." Clarification: We have never advertised in magazines. 

"My name is (Name withheld) and I own a small business in Canada and am interested in a grant.My business is a recording studio and soon to be a private recording school for young students to learn about the recording industry.I am also involved in the economical development and furthering education programs in our municipality."

"I would like to know how I could go about getting a grant for women to start my own business. If you have any information on this please contact me.  I just don't know where to start and I know there is a lot of grant money out there for women wanting to start there own business." 

"My sister and I have started up an errand running business, and can find no information about grants and/or loans.   Every book or website we go to has outdated links and phone numbers.  We got this website from Woman's World Magazine (Oct. 17,2000).  Any help you can give us will save us from bankruptcy."

"I am trying to find grants that help fund the start-up of a home based-business that will be run by women.  The business needs office equipment,office supplies, and office space."

"Hi my name is (withheld) and my mother saw the ad. She asked me to look this up and so I did. My question is, is there any funds that help women who are starting a daycare? My mother is wanting to start on and she need a little help to get it started. Thank you for your time and it would be of great help if you could provide information for her." 

"I'm a senior citizen on a very fixed (Social Security) income interested in starting a home business.  Are there any financial resources that can help me?  (I'm not very adept at surfing the internet, so any information you can give me will be very helpful."             

"I have opened a small barber shop in Ohio and would like to know if there are any funds for grants available to women like me? I have been a barber for over 22 years, but this is the first time I have ever owned my own shop. A grant would help me get started the way I need to.  I still need to pay plumbers, electricians, sign people, etc. Plus there are variances etc. Is there any help available to me?"

"I am looking for a small business start up grant.  I know there are foundations out there that provide these types of grants but just can not find them."

" I have been wanting to find out how I can get a grant to buy an Alpaca farm.  The farm is for my Husband who is going to have to get out of the business that he is in.  He is not able to work as a roofer any more and Alpaca Farming would be great. 
I on the other hand want to open a daycare.  I am presently in school to get my CDA credentialing. "

"I am very interested in Travel but unfortunately can't afford it.  I read in this months issue of  Woman's World magazine that I can obtain information on your web site however, I am having the most difficult time locating it.  Can you please assist me."

"I have looked on several detailed web pages hoping to find access to federal funds that may be 'set aside' for small business owners.  So far all that is available appears to be grants for non-profit organizations &/or government controlled programs.  Is it possible for your company &/or services to help me locate a source of funding (not exceeding the amount of $10,000-$12,000 for said business."  

"I am looking for grant sources to start a safety consulting business in Klamath Falls, Oregon, to help small businesses meet regulations and reduce accidents/injuries."

"I need a grant  or funds to start a home improvement business, where do I go for help."

"I am interested in contacting someone to help me with the start up cost of a small business, can you help me locate such programs?"

"I was stopping by to check on possible sources for grant money to develop a skatepark for the under-privileged youth in my community.  The town has o.k.ed the project, but is unwilling to take part financially.  Could you help us find some donations? "

"I have a client who is seeking funding for the building and the equipping of a 200 bed hospital and related facilities in the Republic of Yemen and a Diagnostic/Trauma Center in Dubai.  The cost of the projects is given at $116 MM (USD). The business plan is available."

"I am looking for grants to help me financially while I write my first novel. I do believe I have some talent in this area, and would love to express it. My medical expenses have put my family in a financial hole, and it would mean a great deal to me to reverse that through my own efforts. I know nothing of financial grants, and am new to the world of computers, but I can write!"

"We are a newly formed corp. and I am interested in securing a Federal\State\Corp.\related grant for the purpose of performing ADA [America Disabilities Act] non-compliance inspections-surveys in Key West, Florida and   Monroe County.  Any information that you or your affiliates can provide us with would be most helpful, since we are a first time applicant for this pilot program." 

"I am starting a new auto accessories  business and need assistance who do I look for?  Is there an organization that can help me??"

"I am 100% disabled both physically and mentally. I have a husband who works, but is considered a slow learner. I need him to be home with me, because it is unsafe for me to drive with all my medications, we want to try to start a home based business, we are looking for a grant. Could you please direct us to this service?"

"I'm looking for information on first time small business grants.  Do you know is there such a thing out there?"

"Is there any grant that would help   to start a plumbing company? We live in (Name  withheld) Texas." 

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