We have started a small business that makes products for industry and government locations out of 'green recycled materials'. The products are used for facility identification, signage, etc. and are common in every manufacturing facility. The products use totally recyclable products in their manufacture and are totally recyclable when they are no longer needed.
We are looking for government grants or programs under the green intitiative that would help us expand and hire employees to expand this business.
Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
http://www.epa.gov/epahome/grants.htm
Check the above link and see if any of the EPA grants might be useable by your company; hopefully something is useful to your company in their list.
Grants are very competitive and take a lot of time to get. The sources mentioned above are great resources and a good place to start. You could also search for green based foundations that offer grants to companies that can help them with their mission - while they mostly serve non-profits - you just never know what private foundation is out there that can help you.
If grants don't pan out - you may think about a strategic partnership with one of your customers or suppliers. They could fund you and be a customer or many suppliers will fund companies that help them get their products out in the market.
The fact that you have a 'green company' actually should do you some good. With all the big green initiates at Washington, i'm sure you can qualify for some sort of grant. Obama has been pushing Green tech for a while now.
http://www.epa.gov/epahome/grants.htm
Check the above link and see if any of the EPA grants might be useable by your company; hopefully something is useful to your company in their list.
Grants are very competitive and take a lot of time to get. The sources mentioned above are great resources and a good place to start. You could also search for green based foundations that offer grants to companies that can help them with their mission - while they mostly serve non-profits - you just never know what private foundation is out there that can help you.
If grants don't pan out - you may think about a strategic partnership with one of your customers or suppliers. They could fund you and be a customer or many suppliers will fund companies that help them get their products out in the market.
The fact that you have a 'green company' actually should do you some good. With all the big green initiates at Washington, i'm sure you can qualify for some sort of grant. Obama has been pushing Green tech for a while now.
Grants are really great because you don't have to pay them back, and your company could well be a candidate for such a grant. But, as mentioned, it can be slow going latching onto the ones you want. In the interim, try out the angel investor networks. These are indiviudal people who believe in new ideas. Getting a partner to help you over the financial hump might really get you up and running a lot faster.
Best of luck on this endeavor!
MaryAnnBusiness Plan MasterThe Business Plan for a Tough Economy
---This post was edited to remove a commercial link. Read our discussion policies for more Community best practices.
BuzGuy | Contributor | 6/3/2009 - 1:40 am
phanio | Contributor | 6/5/2009 - 3:51 pm
JoeGamer | Creator | 6/27/2009 - 10:23 pm
ChristineL | Former Moderator | 10/20/2009 - 7:21 pm
BuzGuy | Contributor | 3/23/2010 - 10:59 pm
phanio | Contributor | 3/23/2010 - 10:59 pm
JoeGamer | Creator | 3/23/2010 - 10:59 pm
ChristineL | Former Moderator | 3/23/2010 - 10:59 pm
PainterJones | Creator | 6/28/2009 - 3:09 am
BusPlanMaster | Window Shopper | 3/23/2010 - 10:59 pm
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