[daddyzinsky]

I'm trying to get a business grant to start a small business. What is the first step I need to take . I know there's money out there I just don't know where to start.

[Wondergirl]

Go to your local public library. Talk to a reference librarian who will give you ideas on where to apply. He also will show you books on writing a grant proposal.

[reyes lujan]

Go to a College near you and ask for help to get a small business grant. You don't have to be a student there to get help and plus they have all the paper work you need and will help you write your proposal.

[GrantGopher]

Here was my answer to another very similar post:

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.