Grants and Scholarships

Where can I find reliable info on how to start a business, grants, female owned, etc?? Every site wants $$$?

My wife wants to start a small business here in Pa. Everywhere we look, we run into these "pay 50.00" and get a list of government grant sites. This is her venture and we are in the planning phase now. Where do we find reliable info on how to start this?

Public Comments

1. 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 http://www.sba.gov , http://www.score.org or http://www.bplan.com for sample business plans and instructions on how to write a business plan. Then, go to http://www.score.org/ 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.
2. I live in Allentown, PA and opened my Pampered Chef business last year. There are no grants available, however the start up costs are very reasonable. The New Consultant Kit, which contains about $500 worth of products plus training supplies and catalogs/order forms/etc only costs $155. Other than the kit you will also need to purchase office supplies, postage, and what ever else you feel is necessary to get you started. Please ask your wife to contact me if she would like more info. I can be reached at heatherkrey@rcn.com. Thanks! Heather
3. http://ecommerce-times.blogspot.com