For low interest loan it will be better for you to visit all the financial
company near your location or you can go for online loan even, definitely you
going get the best deal for your business.

Try to go to a local community lender. SBA has lenders satellite lenders it
works with that can assist you with an understanding of what is available as
a start up. You can speak to distributors after a few successful transactions
to ask for Net 30, 60, 90 terms. They can be favorable based on your need.
Best of Luck with your wholesale company!

Hi Lily Elizabeth, Do you want to register a company or just sell on the webstore? Now I am supplying products to one my customer in Singapore, which is in the same situation with you, a college students. He just sell on ebay store, and are doing very well. So if you like Chinese products, I can offer you all kinds of dresses according to your requirements. Drop-shipping is ok. Thanks, Marcus Wang My email adress: marcuswang2008@hotmail.com Message Edited by NicoleD on 08-13-2009 08:49 AM

While the federal government does not provide start-up grants to small businesses, you may still be eligible for loans. If you're looking for a small amount of money ($35,000 or less), a microloan may be the perfect opportunity. The Quick Guide to Microloans from the Loans and Grants Advisor will give you information on the program and how to apply. Also, please check out the Small Business Loans and Grants page for more information on small business financing. Good luck with your new business venture!

There are not many grant programs for 'for-profit' businesses. They just do not work that way. Further, not sure what you consider low interest loans. Most business loans can range from 7% + to 25% + depending on your situation, your business, your lender, your purpose and your risk. While you might not consider a 10% interest loan a low interest rate - their are other who would think that a low figure as they are paying much, much more. If you are seeking funding - try micro-credit firms, social network lenders, and sba loans. I would also suggest that you seek out and join a few of the many women organizations. These groups can help you find financing, suppliers, etc as well as be mentors to help you grow and succeed.

If you do some research on SBA.gov  Ido believe there are grants available for female owned business.  It will take a bit of digging, but I know I have seen it on there while researching grants for my business.

1974 I was 21 years old when I purchased my first Hair Salon.  I did not have credit to borrow the money and went to several banks for a loan.  I managed to collect the $3,000 I needed to buy my first salon and then for the next 12 years owned and operated 2 more salons.  BUT I was working in hair salons since I was 15 years old.  I would tell any young person to first work in many different places that can give you a background on what kind of business you eventually want.  You can see how things are done and you can keep the good ideas for your own business.  Experience is the key!

I agree with the concensus, go online. With all the responsibility and crazy hours you will have as a student, a regular store will be completely unforgiving.

Hi Lily, are you sure you want to open a small business now? As you said you are a student.. You will need time to manage your business and lessons too.. I recommend you to think about it again :)

It is so great to see a 20 yr old with clear goals. Unfortunately, at such a young age you probably won't qualify for SBA backed loans, including micro loans. The qualifications for a microloan is basically the same as a regular loan. The criteria for SBA loans is as follows:   excellent credit industry experience (management) strong collateral ability to repay loan 20% cash comes from you   These requirements are very difficult to achieve. And, no, the SBA does not provide grants!   It is so unfortunate that there are thousands upon thousands of entrepreneurs that have a great business idea and the passion and the know how to build a small business, but find nothing but stumbling blocks instead of help by the government.   It's up to us to develop our own funding sources. Please see the blog below for one such source. By uniting together we can create change.