GRANTS for new business?

[Bobbyg223]

Ok, so I have heard that the government allocates Small Business Grants to new start-up businesses to help them get going. I have also heard that a great portion of these grants goes out to disadvantaged people or certain groups such as minorities and women. Unfortunately for me, I am a white middle-class male. However, I am only 20 years old and in the process of forming my landscaping business in as an S corporation in New Jersey. I’m also a full time college student, however I am not making my own tuition payments (my parents are covering what academic scholarship hasn’t covered), so I am claimed as a dependent. Are there any grants that I might be applicable to receive? Perhaps because I am younger than most business owners, and don’t quite have the start-up funds they do (my family does not contribute a penny to my business). Are there any funds the government hands out that don’t require me to be a minority, woman, or from low income? Anthing? Anything at all? I’d appreciate any information I could get on this topic.

Thanks,
Bob

[Scaper-S2k]

If you aren't a woman, minority, or poor, don't waste your time. You will likely be jumping through hoops for years and years only to be told you don't qualify for anything. You're better off just getting your own loan. After you set up the business, you can go to your bank and get a business line of credit that will help you get started.

[Scaper-S2k]

I forgot to mention that I have heard that certain worn down parts of a city may offer you cheap money to start a biz in their area for improvement purposes.

Good luck.

[knowltondata]

If you aren't a woman, minority, or poor, don't waste your time. You will likely be jumping through hoops for years and years only to be told you don't qualify for anything. You're better off just getting your own loan. After you set up the business, you can go to your bank and get a business line of credit that will help you get started.

When my baby sister started college, there were plenty of scholarships, but she had to be black, latino, or a lesbian.... I told her she should tell them she's a lesbian just for the money.... only problem is she goes to a baptist college...

[knowltondata]

I forgot to mention that I have heard that certain worn down parts of a city may offer you cheap money to start a biz in their area for improvement purposes.

Good luck.

Do they offer cheap insurance for when your stuff grows legs and walks?

[chriscampbell]

I asked my business consultant the same ??? The answer i got was that the grants that you hear about from lesco and other free money that you always hear about. Go to business that are developing something to make life better/ easier. If you are finding a new way to open a jar or the cure for cancer you can apply for the grants. He basically told me that mowing a lawn would not fall under these categories.

Now if you are trying to get a loan you can have it SBA backed. Thats like you go to the bank with your buz plan they like it but they are still unsure, so the SBA says they will back 20% of it. Then the bank is only liable for 80% if the money is lost. That makes it easier for the bank to say ok heres your check.

My advise would to try to get privately invested, or even network with the people from your area. The local guys have helped me a great deal starting up. My 2 cents...

[Bobbyg223]

Disapointing there is not much out there in the way of grants available to me...kinda a double standard. Thanks though for the input and advice everyone

[knowltondata]

Disapointing there is not much out there in the way of grants available to me...kinda a double standard. Thanks though for the input and advice everyone

Tell them you are gay or from India... the gov't will fall over themselves to give you money.

[work it]

I keep asking myself if Bobbyg223 from NJ and Bobby Gedd from NJ are one in the same....hum? Could it just be coincidence?