I am proposing a business plan to apply gor a small business loan to open a non-profit thrift store in East Texas . I have no idea where to start to finance this dream! Any suggestions?

If you would like to know more about writing grant proposals, then you could check out the sites that you will find in the following searches.

Grant Writing Tips - Google Search

How to Write Grants - Google Search

There are also outfits in Texas that advise and assist small businesses in obtaining grants and business loans that can be found on the following searches.

Small Business Grants in Texas - Google Search

Small Business Loans in Texas - Google Search

Unfortunately there is no such thing as a grant for a small business, no matter what state you are in, so if you visit a site that advertises otherwise... run like you know what!

Check out what the Better Business Bureau has to say at: New York: News Center

If on the other hand you have received a 501 (c) (3) status and are considered a charity or not-for-profit, or you are a research institution, then you would be eligible for a number of government and private foundation grants that are interested in serving your client population. Check out http:Grants.gov

Best Wishes. Jenny Lynn If this was helpful, be sure to Rate It! Thanks!

Although I respect your answer, I do take exception to what would appear to be conflicting information in it. In the first part of your answer, you say that there is no such thing as a grant for a small business, no matter what state you are in...

Whereas, in the second part of your answer, you negate what you have stated in the first part by stating that there are grants available, depending on the status of the business.

The original poster has already stated that the business is going to be non-profit.

Forgive Me... I did not pay attention to the original question... got off track by Cough's response that made references to gov't grants, which were not even mentioned by Melanie B.

No disrespect intended. I would like to hear from Melanie B. as to the current "status" of her business. I am betting that her proposal is for the intent of launching her "idea".

While the intent is to be a non-profit... she can't even begin to pursue "grant/scholarship" support until the 501 (c) (3) status is in place. She most certainly could pursue private/investor money in order to help her with consulting fees, and any costs associated with getting her business started.

I've worked with many small businesses that consider themselves Charities and act as too, but gov't and private foundations do not recognize this until all the official 501 (c (3) I's are dotted and T's crossed.

Jenny