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 $1000), 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 $500 to $10,000. 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 $500 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.
Posts Tagged ‘Business Grants For Women’
Business Grants for Women – Do They Exist?
December 23rd, 2009Business Grants For Women
December 17th, 2009Women have some advantages, for example, women can be very intuitive and they have the ability to blend analysis and creativity; very useful qualities for successful business startup and expansion, as proven by the growing number of successful businesses owned by women. So, where to find funds to get started in business or expand the one you have? The United States government provides economic aid, in the form of Government Grants, from the general federal revenue to various recipients, to carry out public support or stimulation as authorized by the law of the United States. The grants are distributed by 26 grant making agencies which provide hundreds of billions of dollars of funds to around 900 grant programs administered by the states, local governments and various agencies. These grants are to stimulate economic growth. Although business grants for women are not available directly from the U. S. government, free help for planning, starting and expanding businesses, and cheap loans are. The Small Business Administration provides planning, financing, training and advocacy for small businesses and it works with thousands of lending, educational and training institutions nationwide and is able to provide low interest loans. The U. S. Small Business Administration, or SBA, has offices in every state, the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. The contact details for each of these can be found at SBA Women’s Business Centers. The SBA can help you if your business is, or will be independently owned and operated, is not dominant in its field, and meets the maximum business size standards. Business grants for women are available from the states. Contact details for each state can be found at Grant Resources by State. Simply put, discover which grants you are eligible for, and apply for them. Business grants for women are also listed in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance. In fact, the CFDA provides a full listing of all Federal programs available to State and local governments (including the District of Columbia); federally-recognized Indian tribal governments; Territories (and possessions) of the United States; domestic, public, quasi- public, and private profit and nonprofit organizations and institutions; specialized groups; and individuals. It is of course comprehensive and, once again it is necessary to discover the grants for which you are eligible and apply for them.
