Message Edited by BobK on 02-21-2009 09:07 AM

There is a wealth of misinformation out there about grants for starting and expanding a business. I would be wary of anyone who tells you that you can get a small business grant from the government. The truth is that the Federal government (and generally state governments as well) do not provide grants for starting a business. However, government agencies (such as SBA) do guarantee low-interest loans, which makes it easier for small businesses to get financing through a commercial lender. The Loans & Grants Search Engine will help you find loans, grants (if they exist) for which you might qualify. This is a good starting point to find financing programs. I also recommend you visit the Government Grants Guide to get some facts on the types of grants available from the government. There are some private organizations such as Idea Cafe which provide small grants, and some non-profits may occasionally provide grants to businesses in economically disadvantaged communities. Has anyone successfuly received a grant to start a business (janitorial or otherwise)? If so, where? Message Edited by BobK on 02-21-2009 09:12 AM

Message Edited by BobK on 02-21-2009 09:07 AM

There is a wealth of misinformation out there about grants for starting and expanding a business. I would be wary of anyone who tells you that you can get a small business grant from the government. The truth is that the Federal government (and generally state governments as well) do not provide grants for starting a business. However, government agencies (such as SBA) do guarantee low-interest loans, which makes it easier for small businesses to get financing through a commercial lender. The Loans & Grants Search Engine will help you find loans, grants (if they exist) for which you might qualify. This is a good starting point to find financing programs. I also recommend you visit the Government Grants Guide to get some facts on the types of grants available from the government. There are some private organizations such as Idea Cafe which provide small grants, and some non-profits may occasionally provide grants to businesses in economically disadvantaged communities. Has anyone successfuly received a grant to start a business (janitorial or otherwise)? If so, where? Message Edited by BobK on 02-21-2009 09:12 AM

Grant funds are designed for businesses servicing a population that does not have the ability to pay.  A for-profit business should generate enough money to pay for a loan if it is needed.

If you can demonstrate that your janitorial service will train others in a job skill, it may be eligible for government grants.  I know of one fast food place that employes only ex-cons, people who obviously have a hard time getting a job around money.  He trains them, and when they are ready to leave, helps them find new jobs, with a solid recommendation behind them.  So employing the 'unemployable' may be an avenue for you to explore.   Best, MaryAnn www.BusinessPlanMaster.com

No matter what anyone tells you - especially if they are charging you a fee without and written guarantee - there are not many grants for 'for-profit' businesses.  I have searched high and low for years and all I can find is small competitive grants programs that require you to sign up on the providers website and if they pick your business some time in the future - you might get the money.   There are also SBIR & STTR grants from the federal government - but, you do not qualify - these are from federal departments that are asking the private section to provide and they will provide grant money to do so.  But, if you search these requests - they are usually for very sophisticated - along the lines of NanoTechnolgy using Buckytubes and such.   There are foundations that provide grants for companies that provide services to the industries or people the foundation wants to help.  But, they always require your company to be a non-profit (501(c)(3).   There may be other ways to get the funding you need.  banks are not lending - the new SBA program is untried at this point.  But there are non-bank lending that are saying yes and can help get you to the next level.

Grant funds are designed for businesses servicing a population that does not have the ability to pay.  A for-profit business should generate enough money to pay for a loan if it is needed.

If you can demonstrate that your janitorial service will train others in a job skill, it may be eligible for government grants.  I know of one fast food place that employes only ex-cons, people who obviously have a hard time getting a job around money.  He trains them, and when they are ready to leave, helps them find new jobs, with a solid recommendation behind them.  So employing the 'unemployable' may be an avenue for you to explore.   Best, MaryAnn www.BusinessPlanMaster.com

No matter what anyone tells you - especially if they are charging you a fee without and written guarantee - there are not many grants for 'for-profit' businesses.  I have searched high and low for years and all I can find is small competitive grants programs that require you to sign up on the providers website and if they pick your business some time in the future - you might get the money.   There are also SBIR & STTR grants from the federal government - but, you do not qualify - these are from federal departments that are asking the private section to provide and they will provide grant money to do so.  But, if you search these requests - they are usually for very sophisticated - along the lines of NanoTechnolgy using Buckytubes and such.   There are foundations that provide grants for companies that provide services to the industries or people the foundation wants to help.  But, they always require your company to be a non-profit (501(c)(3).   There may be other ways to get the funding you need.  banks are not lending - the new SBA program is untried at this point.  But there are non-bank lending that are saying yes and can help get you to the next level.