Counseling and Training /SBA.gov

SBA is dedicated to helping you and your small business succeed. There are a variety of online and offline trainings which cover many business topics for you to learn.

Read information here
http://www.sba.gov/category/navigation-structure/counseling-training

What Happens if You Fail?

by Rob Speigel

The battle cry of many an entrepreneur is 'failure is not an option!' But what happens if you do fail? The Small Business Administration (SBA) keeps the stats on business failures and claims that more than half of new businesses will disappear in the first five years. I believe that’s a conservative estimate, since there are surely countless numbers of small companies started in spare bedrooms that launch and fail without ever reaching the radar of the SBA...

Read article here
http://www.businessknowhow.com/startup/failure.htm

Top 10 Places to Find Free Startup Help

By Geoff Williams

Looking for help getting your startup off the ground? Great advice doesn't have to cost you. Here's where to find it free. The word feels like a fantasy, or maybe a sick joke. After all, you can't make a move without spending money. Walk 10 feet, and you're 10 steps closer to buying new shoes.

Continue reading article here
http://www.ryze.com/posttopic.php?topicid=587469&confid=1022

Financial Aid, Grant Resources, Gov't Benefits

Starting a business comes with a pricetag, that some feel maybe unattainable... There are plenty of organizations and agencies out there willing to help you become successful in your quest for entreprenuership - first step is to know where to look!

Before entering into any sort of agreement or contract, giving out your information, be prepared - have a business plan ready (even if a rough draft outline of potential ideas, etc) to present when formally meeting.

To help get you started, here are some sites that I have found. BE SURE to check them out thoroughly (use the links I have posted under my Scams blog) before diving into any sort of business agreement's. To your success, Patricia

RESOURCES:

First Gov -
Site index, has a listing of all sorts of benefits, grants, proposals on a variety of topics.
http://firstgov.gov/Citizen/Topics/Benefits.shtml#b


Free Government Grants -
A blog listing several places to find assistance
http://free-government-grants.blogspot.com


Free Grants For Women (March 09) -
Wemomz site, is offering a $500 grant for women in business. You can find furthe details thru link.
http://www.webmomz.com/resources-free-business-grants.shtml


Grants Gov -
Allows organizations to electronically find and apply for competitive grant opportunities from all Federal grant-making agencies. Grants.gov is THE single access point for over 900 grant programs offered by the 26 Federal grant-making agencies.
http://www.grants.gov


SBA (Small Bus Ass) -
United States Small Business Administration covers everything re to running, owning or wanting to run or own a business. This site also offers training, resources, news and much more!
http://www.sba.gov


S.C.O.R.E. (Counselors/Retired Entrepreneurs)
"Counselors to America's Small Business" is a nonprofit association dedicated to educating entrepreneurs and the formation, growth and success of small business nationwide. SCORE is a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
http://www.score.org/cgi/search.cgi?keys=Grants