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jenniferm · Jan 2, 2008, 10:37 PM

[F]where can I find grants at for starting up a small business, I need one where they don't ask for money up front, also how do you know if they are the real deal?

Clough · Jan 2, 2008, 11:47 PM

What kind of business is it that you are thinking about starting?

GrantGopher · Jan 3, 2008, 02:40 PM

Finding a grant to start a business is very difficult. If you are starting a non-profit, you may be able to get grants for "seed money" but a for-profit business is a different story. The truth is that most ads you see for free grants or free money to start your business are scams, or just reprints of government assistance programs that you could easily find yourself for free. Though, I will say that there are some grants available for artists, crafters, etc. but they aren't really designed for business start-ups.

Many cities have a business resource center, with SCORE counselors and other helpful people that can point you in the right direction. Another great place to start is your local chamber of commerce. They should know about (or maybe even offer) business development programs.

Also, there is a website - www.zopa.com that provides unsecured personal loans at a fairly low interest rate. The terms and amount depend on your credit score but this is a nice resource. It's not a grant, but if you have good credit, it's a way to get some start-up money.

Fr_Chuck · Jan 3, 2008, 03:38 PM

There are normally no grants to give you all the money you need to start a busienss. And most will be in some specific areas of research or if you meet some requirements as to minority owned business or if you agree to hire a number of people in certain depressed areas.

If for exacmple you believe you will get all the money you need to open a dress shop or fitness club, it really does not work like that.
There are small business loans that are available, but you will need a very good business plan

TRune123 · Oct 20, 2009, 04:54 PM

Originally Posted by GrantGopher

Finding a grant to start a business is very difficult. If you are starting a non-profit, you may be able to get grants for "seed money" but a for-profit business is a different story. The truth is that most ads you see for free grants or free money to start your business are scams, or just reprints of government assistance programs that you could easily find yourself for free. Though, I will say that there are some grants available for artists, crafters, etc. but they aren't really designed for business start-ups.

Many cities have a business resource center, with SCORE counselors and other helpful people that can point you in the right direction. Another great place to start is your local chamber of commerce. They should know about (or maybe even offer) business development programs.

Also, there is a website - Zopa - where members who invest help members who borrow that provides unsecured personal loans at a fairly low interest rate. The terms and amount depend on your credit score but this is a nice resource. It's not a grant, but if you have good credit, it's a way to get some start-up money.

This is so true: I spent hours looking at each one of these free grant scams, what you said is 100% accurate

lsisco1 · Nov 14, 2009, 09:19 PM

Go to Locating New Page.... click on the link on the left side of the screen for grants. It will give opptions to choose from. You will have to get registured. The good news is it is completely FREE. And it gives you a short video to show you how to apply. And different grants that are available. Good Luck!