Archive for March, 2009
Work At Home Jewelry Business
March 6th, 2009
US $.01
Question: I would love to get a grant to open my own business, but im on disability and have no education on it. sum ?'s?
hello. my name is Jennifer and im on disability. i have been on disability now for about 3 years due to a bipolar disorder. i was wondering if anyone could tell me where i could go or what i could do to open my business at the least out of pocket cost to me. i only get right over 1,000 dollars a month with my check and i have my own home and tons of bills. i need a plan. id love to open my business of "hippy" type clothing and incense and beaded/hemp jewelry and minerals/stones, maybe a coffee shop and lots of music. it would be awesome hangout for people wanting to relax or shop. i thought that it would be fun also. id love to do this, but have no plan. Ive heard of the PASS program for people on disability, but i dont understand how it works. where do i start with opening my dream shop? thanks so much for all your help 
Answer: 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 http://www.sba.gov/aboutsba/sbaprograms/sbir/index.html , 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 http://www.iawf.org/
New Mexico Women's Foundation http://www.nmwf.org/guidelines.html
Even SBA does NOT give out grants. From the SBA website http://www.sba.gov/mostrequesteditems/CON_FAQ2.html
"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 http://www.sba.gov/financing 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) http://www.cfda.gov and Grants.gov http://www.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.
http://12.46.245.173/pls/portal30/CATALOG.BROWSE_BENEF_RPT.show
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
At Home Jewelry Business, Start Up Jewelry Business, SAHM Work
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Direct Sales Jewelry
March 4th, 2009
Question: direct sales fundraisers and events, how do you find places willing to let you set up?
I am getting started in a home jewelry sales bus. and I am looking to set up booths in my area. I have been looking for a way to find festivals/craft shows/vendor events and especially church or hospital shows - is there a way to locate these shows online that anyone knows about? I found some sites that require paying to locate listings, don't want to do that.
Also, does anyone know the licensing needed to do direct sales as a business, as an independent contractor?
Answer: I find a lot on craigslist. Look under faires, vendor events, go to city pages on the web and look at their calendar of events...go to a faire and make friends with other vendors who will share with you other events that they will be at.
As far as the other question, you need to contact your county. I wish you well with your new business. I love direct sales and my business is doing so well and I am right now working towards a FREE trip to Puerto Rico~~~
Fashion necklaces Direct Sales Online Shopping from Asu Jewelry