by Christina Lee on June 23rd, 2009
If a small business grant still seems within reach – that is, if your business meets basic qualifications – then it may be time to figure out where to search for such funding.
Do take advantage of programs offered though your state government, including the Department of Commerce and Chamber of Commerce. A quick online search for “(your state) small business grants” may also prove to be fruitful.
Do not start searching through the U.S. Small Business Administration. The agency does not offer grants to start up or expand small businesses. However, it does offer a variety of loan programs... Read more »
by Christina Lee on March 23rd, 2009
Traci Bisson had to leave three jobs in one year to find enough reason to become self-employed. Since then, she has made a living out of creating support groups for others and herself, as a mother of two and president of her own firm.
And of course, there is The Mom Entrepreneur – an online hub of resources for women in any stage of trying to run their own business and family at the same time.
In addition to marketing and public relations consulting through her firm, Bisson Barcelona, The Mom Entrepreneur offers copywriting, sponsorship and advertising services.
But the... Read more »
by Danny Brown on March 18th, 2008
Although there are a host of options available for small businesses and entrepreneurs to help with their finances, there seems to be fewer options for businesses that are run solely by women or minorities. While this doesn’t appear to be genuine prejudice, it does make things a little bit more difficult for these two groups, especially if you belong to one of them and you’re just starting out – some extra financial aid could go a long way.
However, there are more avenues available for financial help and funding for women and minorities in business, thanks to government agencies stepping... Read more »
by Carrie Hinkel on February 13th, 2008
Whether you are a woman who owns a small business or is thinking about starting one, there is a wealth of resources on the web designed specifically for women entrepreneurs. There are hundreds of websites devoted to helping women: create ideas for a home business, get financing, win government grants, learn about franchising, etc. You’ll find associations, informal networking groups, seminars, conferences, as well as plenty of reading information – all to help your business get started and succeed! Following is a condensed list of some of the most useful websites for both women business owners and budding entrepreneurs:
The... Read more »
by Rebecca Button on January 11th, 2008
What began as an effort to benefit businesses owned by women has turned into yet another headache for lawmakers. The Small Business Administration invested in extensive research to find out which types of women-owned businesses were being underrepresented when it comes to landing government contracts. They narrowed it down to four:
Nationally security and international affairs;
Coating, engraving, heat treating and allied activities;
Household and institutional furniture and kitchen cabinet manufacturing;
Motor vehicle dealers.
Essentially, the proposal would allow contractors to give preference to women-owned businesses in those four categories with the idea being that they would be giving preference... Read more »
by Danny Brown on November 27th, 2007
There’s a growing trend for people to work from home these days, especially in today’s climate of job insecurity, mergers and company collapses. One market that has grown exponentially in the last ten years is work at home moms (or WAHMs), especially new mothers. It’s an ideal arrangement, since the mom gets to spend more time with her family, and start her own business at the same time. So what are some of the best home businesses for WAHMs?
* Starting an online business. This could be anything, and you can start from the smallest amount of income as well.... Read more »