Aug-7-2008
Where can I find grants for women who want to start a business venture?
I would like to open a franchise of a very particular kind that is not anywhere in my area now so there would be virtually no competition.
I would like to open a franchise of a very particular kind that is not anywhere in my area now so there would be virtually no competition.
It is hard to find grants to start a business. Unlike the myths that some perpetuate, federal government and even private foundations hardly give grant money for starting a for-profit business.
One possible exception is for companies developing or exporting agricultural goods, including food and forest product. Another exception could be the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs , which fund the research and development of technological innovation that meets specific government needs.
Your best bet actually will be from the states if they offer grant programs for women (or any other special interest groups — minorities, women, disabled, veterans, etc). Or check with non profit organizations, particularly women organizations if they offer grants. Examples include
Iowa Women’s Foundation
New Mexico Women’s Foundation
Even SBA does NOT give out grants. From the SBA website
“The U.S. Small Business Administration does not offer grants to start or expand small businesses, although it does offer a wide variety of loan programs. (See for more information) While SBA does offer some grant programs, these are generally designed to expand and enhance organizations that provide small business management, technical, or financial assistance. These grants generally support non-profit organizations, intermediary lending institutions, and state and local governments.”
Nonetheless, you can go to the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) and Grants.gov – these are two sites created by the federal government to provide transparency and information on grants. Browse through the listings and see if you can find any grant that would support a for-profit venture.
Here is a listing of federal grants for small businesses. See if there is any available for individuals for starting a business — THERE’S NONE.
Most of the federal grants are given to specific target groups with specific requirements (e.g. minority business owners involved in transportation related contracts emanating from DOT – Grant#20.905 Disadvantaged Business Enterprises Short Term Lending Program
Grants are also often given to non profit groups or organizations involved in training or other similar activities (grant 59.043 Women’s Business Ownership Assistance that are given to those who will create women’s business center that will train women entrepreneurs
Check the ftc.gov and your State’s webpage as well. Depending on your state, they hand out assistance like candy to women, especially if you are a minority; but it depends on your state. I’m not sure how much they help on commercial franchises – it usually has to be original. Plus, you can purchase demographic data on the region you are interested in. Companies do this regularly. America has been tapped, and there is usually a reason a franchise is not in the are already – for a number a reasons market/demographic research finds. I suggest hiring one or buying the data before even considering a start at this.
under resources. click rep. find local. call her up and ask her.
not too sure they’ll go for a franchise. probably not!!
maybe you should look at your skills more and see if there is something you could offer. if it’s a subway franchise… offer same types of things but with a touch of flair…corporate lunches in fancy boxes… with chocolates….delievered on yellow bicycles. whatever. ya know. it’s not expensive. it’ll take time for word of mouth… whatever it is… no one is going to throw a business in your lap cos you’re a woman, unless it’s important to mankind. last time i looked there were too many franchises.
feel free to email me if you wanna talk.
web search for peer-to-peer lenders – recently profiled on ABC news
Go to for a list of government grants and how you can apply for them. However, there are no grants for a for profit business unless you are opening a daycare and then it is a minimal amount. If you need money, you will need to apply for a loan. No lender will talk to you unless you provide them with a valid business plan. Go to , or for sample business plans and instructions on how to write a business plan.
Then, go to and in the upper left hand corner, enter your zip code. On the next screen, you will get information on the nearest SCORE chapter. Call them and arrange for a free meeting with a SCORE counselor to review your business plan and discuss various loan options available to you.
SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth and success of small business nationwide. SCORE is a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
SCORE has 389 chapters in locations throughout the United States and its territories, with 10,500 volunteers nationwide. Both working and retired executives and business owners donate time and expertise as business counselors.
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