Archive for June, 2013

US Government providing grants for Small Businesses

Tuesday, June 11th, 2013

Government providing grants for Small Businesses

I receive loads of question and letters asking about Grant for starting a new business. Most of them are enthusiastic fresh graduates and some eagle eyed experienced persons as well. They ask:
  Are we eligible for getting government grant for small business?
 What is the procedure to get the government grant?
We are a small business; can we apply to get theMinority Business Grant?
 
And many more …..

Let me suggest you to Do Not dream about having free dining Buffet. I have gone through bundles of paper, thousands of internet blogs this Topic: but all in vain.

   “Federal Government or state government does not award any grant for starting a business or for paying personal or business debts.”
In Addition to this the Federal Government does not provide any grant for women to start or expand a business.

However there are some special Grants available only to businesses in specific fields or industries identified by the federal or state government as being especially important to the nation or state as a whole, such as medical or scientific research and environmental conservation.

Business in the field of in scientific research and development (R&D) may apply for federal grants under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. Similar to SBIR grant state government agencies sometimes offer discretionary incentive grants" to businesses that, in the agencies’ opinion, help stimulate the state’s or region’s economy and advance beneficial causes such as alternative energy development.

   People who are searching for possibilities to get this free money must understand that this is Public tax fund which is being awarded to carry a public purpose of simulation. The government therefore follows very stringent compliance and reporting measures to ensure the money is well spent.  Government business grants difficult and often expensive to apply for, the governments awarding them typically demand some return on their taxpayers’ investment.

  Even if you find yourself a right candidate as per government eligibility criteria and you think your small business may qualify for available grant opportunities you can search for

  • SBA Loans and Grants Search via sba.gov
  • Search for Federal Grants via Grants.gov

Use the Advanced Search tool to search for a grant by eligibility (e.g., for-profits or small business), by issuing agency, or category (e.g., environment or science and technology).

 Applying for these grants involves sizeable expenditures of money and time and these grants are awarded on a competitive basis. So it’s better to stay away from the frauds that are claiming to get you the grant in exchange of some money.

How to Get the Best Grants for College Students

Thursday, June 6th, 2013

Grants are financial aid that doesn’t have to be repaid and often called as “gift aid” because they are free money. The basic difference between scholarships and grants is that the Grants are often need-based, while scholarships are usually merit-based.

Colleges are getting expensive year after year. Those are lucky whose parents set aside some money for the occasion. Those who have do not have this option available for them; can opt for getting a scholarship but that is a cake for merit students only. Remaining students can always try the student loan but those who don’t even have their finances in shape can go for government grants.

Student loans are not always supportive as they are to be repaid with interest. Students, opted for loans, sometime find it difficult to repay as the current job market is hard to enter and wages may be lower than expected.

There are many other grants along with government grant which are offered to students like grant for specific study, industry sponsored grants and college grants for women. College grants for women offer women a chance to attend the college and to get professional studies to reach to the area where women workers are in minority.

All interested in grants or in any federal student aid, can start by submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSASM). The eligibility criteria for applying for a government grant are:

  • U.S. citizenship, or U.S. nation, or eligible non citizen status
  • Submit a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form demonstrating financial need.
  • Poses a social Security number.
  • Pass the General Education Development (GED), High School Diploma or approved test.
  • Registration with the Selective Service program. (Only for males aged 18 to 25.)
  • Promise that the grant will be used exclusively for education.
  • Show satisfactory progress in academic subjects.
  • Currently study at an approved educational facility.

The U.S. Department of Education offers a variety of federal grants to students attending four-year colleges or universities, community colleges, and career schools.

  • Federal Pell Grants : this education grant is for only those undergraduate students, who have not earned a bachelor’s or a professional degree.
  • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) : this educational grant is for undergraduate students with exceptional financial need.
  • Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grants :  Grant for those who plans to become a teacher in a high-need field in a low-income area. It requires you to take certain kinds of classes in order to get the grant, and then do a teaching job in low income areas to keep the grant from turning into a loan
  • Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants is for those students whose parent or guardian died as a result of military service in Iraq or Afghanistan
  • Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) : for innovative students graduated from rigorous high school programs
  • National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (National SMART Grant) given in areas of mathematics, technology, engineering, physical science, life science, computer science, critical foreign languages, and non-major single liberal arts to enhance USA blobal competitiveness

After applying to fafsa.gov, within seven to ten days applicant should get a letter your school’s financial aid office telling you if you are eligible for any state or federal grants.

Few Tips for application:Try to apply to as many sources as necessary to cover your expenses.

  • Write a grant application like you are presenting yourself as this improves your chances to get selected. Spelling mistakes, unclear writing can lead to rejection of application, write as good as you can write. Also you can take guidance from you well-wishers to fill the forms. If photos are required for any application, take the time to have brilliant headshot taken and copies made.
  • Try to communicate that why you are choosing the courses of study and what your plans for a future career are. Describe your Enthusiasm for your subject and dedication towards career.
  • Errors are easily missed so get another person to read it back to you. Only a well checked duly filled appealing application will win the Grant.

Use Government Grants to Become A Real Estate Entrepreneur?

Saturday, June 1st, 2013

real estate grantsUS Government Grants are non-repayable funds disbursed  by US government departments to a recipient often a nonprofit entity to carry out a public purpose of support or stimulation, authorized by a law of the United States. A grant is not used to acquire property or services for the federal govern

ment’s direct benefit. Grants may also be issued by private non-profit organizations such as foundations, not-for-profit corporations or charitable trusts which are all collectively referred to as charities.

Government grants are issued to carry out a public purpose and need not be payout back. Real estate grants are being awarded to those who are committed to offer affordable housing and jobs to low income communities. Every six months, US government awards grants totaling to $1,000,000.to real estate industry novices to improve the real estate industry of US. Usually government grants are given to nonprofit organization. This Grant aims to attract and educate the novices to increase their sales. Government with this grants aims to provide guidance, assistance, compensation, study material, consultation and software knowledge to new real estate agents. US government disburses real estate grants which includes individual, investor, small business and organizational grants. The few grants categories are  first time home buyers grant, home repair grant, home improvements grant, investments grants etc.

Any U.S. or Canadian nationals are allowed to apply for this grant that is intended to carryout public interest work in real estate field. Applicant must have taken a pre-licensing course at state or nationally accredited Real Estate School and he/she must have taken the class during the six-month grant application season. However the applicant, who has already passed his/her licensing examination, is also eligible for the grant if he has passed for a license within the same six months of grant awarding season.

Candidates who fulfill the eligibility criteria can apply for government grant can go to http://www.government-grant.us/apply.cfm and can get registered as one of the applicants. The application form is electronic and you will be asked to enter personal information. You must answer carefully and precisely with allowed limit of 500 words. The question on application forms are intended to access your communication, behavioral pattern, integrity, entrepreneurial skill and creativity , so choose your words which reflects positive of yours and mirrors your talent.

A panel consists of veterans of industry judges each application form. The chairman of the panel, one among the 15 judges, acts as a coordinator for judging process.  The foundation chooses only best and most experienced leaders in the industry to ensure the impartial selection.

Based on each type of grant, each finalist gets awarded with a grant and receives an estimate of $7000 in the form of Compensation of your licensing fee, a class offered by RealtyU School for once year, free consultation from McLean International Consulting, 20-30 real estate books, membership of the Real Estate Cyberspace Society and many more.