Government grants

[flightless_beaker]

Just wondering if anyone out there has any experience with getting government grants to start a business.

Here's my situation. I got laid off from the studio i worked for a month ago. I've always done some stuff on the side, pretty much as favors for people I know and volunteer. I've always wanted to start my own photo business and the problem was startup money since what I make usually goes to paying bills and stuff. I have enough equipment to do small shoots but I'm not fully comfortable using what I have....unless I'm outside, lol. I'm working on a budget to see what else I need and how much I need. I do have a pretty clear business plan that I'm working on. Only thing I haven't worked out yet is my pricing.

Guess my question is, where would be a good place to start and contact? What are other people's experiences with government grants? Should I be considering other financial options? Also, I live in NJ.

 

[orljustin]

The bank?

I certainly wouldn't be happy funding someone's business with my tax money, when I need it.

 

[KmH]

Do you know how to write a grant proposal?

There are local and regional art associations.
Local and regional non-profits that support and encourage the arts.
There are state and federal agencies that fund art work.

The total comes to about 3.5 billion $$$'s a year here in the US, just to support art.

Are you willing to relocate? There are co-ops that will provide you a place to live and provide the expenses nededs to complete a project you want to do.

And that is a key - a project. Not some undefined something.

You will have to contact and talk to quite a few people to discover all the threads and learn what it is you need to know to find financial support.

Start locally.

 

[KmH]

I certainly wouldn't be happy funding someone's business with my tax money, when I need it.

Get unhappy then, because you already do and have been doing so for as long as you've been paying taxes.

 

[flightless_beaker]

The bank?

I certainly wouldn't be happy funding someone's business with my tax money, when I need it.

Its there and if I don't try to get some, someone else will.

Do you know how to write a grant proposal?

There are local and regional art associations.
Local and regional non-profits that support and encourage the arts.
There are state and federal agencies that fund art work.

The total comes to about 3.5 billion $$$'s a year here in the US, just to support art.

Are you willing to relocate? There are co-ops that will provide you a place to live and provide the expenses nededs to complete a project you want to do.

And that is a key - a project. Not some undefined something.

You will have to contact and talk to quite a few people to discover all the threads and learn what it is you need to know to find financial support.

Start locally.

Sweet. Thanks for the info. I've written a grant proposal a long time ago back when i was 16/17. No idea how I did that, lol.

That's interesting on the coop. But would starting a small business qualify as a project? I dunno. I'm looking for a small business grant. Not really willing to relocate or anything considering I want to start my business at least locally.

Would going to my local Chamber of Commerce be a good starting point?

 

[heyjoe]

Check with your local state legislator and local congressman/woman. Their offices often have lots of resources. Also, check your local universities. They may have a small business development center. These SBDCs are often really helpful.

 

[CCericola]

Contact the State of New Jersey:
Small Business Assistance Program
101 South Broad Street
Trenton, NJ 08691
(609) 292-3600

 

[orljustin]

I certainly wouldn't be happy funding someone's business with my tax money, when I need it.

Get unhappy then, because you already do and have been doing so for as long as you've been paying taxes.

You'll have to excuse me then. I don't mind grants for worthy projects like establishing neighborhood gardens or cleaning up rivers and such. But to just hand out money to people just to basically get something for free tweaks me a bit.

 

[flightless_beaker]

I certainly wouldn't be happy funding someone's business with my tax money, when I need it.

Get unhappy then, because you already do and have been doing so for as long as you've been paying taxes.

You'll have to excuse me then. I don't mind grants for worthy projects like establishing neighborhood gardens or cleaning up rivers and such. But to just hand out money to people just to basically get something for free tweaks me a bit.

Seeing as this country was founded on following your dreams even if it means going into business for yourself. Small businesses were what made this country great. In today's times with big corporations holding such a high market share in many markets, it is a lot harder today to start a small business, especially with the crappy economy right now makes it even harder. I don't mind seeing my tax dollars going to the little guy trying to follow their dreams and start a small business, especially given the times today. And I'm not just saying that because I'm trying to start one. I'm all about the government helping the little guy better themselves and the lives of them and their families.

 

[flightless_beaker]

Contact the State of New Jersey:
Small Business Assistance Program
101 South Broad Street
Trenton, NJ 08691
(609) 292-3600

Perfect. Was basically looking for something like that. Thanks so much! Call them on monday and let you all know how it goes.

 

[KmH]

You'll have to excuse me then. I don't mind grants for worthy projects like establishing neighborhood gardens or cleaning up rivers and such. But to just hand out money to people just to basically get something for free tweaks me a bit.

By helping a business get started, they generate a new source of tax dollars.

Not only does the new business owner pay income taxes, they also pay business income taxes. For states that have them, there is also a new source of both sales and use taxes.

Many small business also provide employment and of course they contribute to the state unemployment insurance fund.

 

[TXshooter]

Isn't that for employees though? Just asking as I don't know.

 

[CCericola]

Isn't that for employees though? Just asking as I don't know.

Businesses pay quarterly taxes on the same.

 

[Infidel]

You'll have to excuse me then. I don't mind grants for worthy projects like establishing neighborhood gardens or cleaning up rivers and such. But to just hand out money to people just to basically get something for free tweaks me a bit.

Federal grant dollars are extremely competitive. Worry not... no one is getting something for nothing (and if they are, it's the exception, not the rule). In terms of Federal research grants (NIH, etc), a good chunk of submitted proposals get triaged (binned) without even being reviewed.

 

[wannabephotog]

No, there are no government grants available to start a small photography business (or most any business). It is a myth.

This is from the federal SBA site (Small Business Association):
"Government grants are funded by your tax dollars and, therefore, require very stringent compliance and reporting measures to ensure the money is well spent. As you can imagine, grants are not given away indiscriminately....Some business grants are available through state and local programs, nonprofit organizations and other groups. For example, some states provide grants for expanding child care centers; creating energy efficient technology; and developing marketing campaigns for tourism. These grants are not necessarily free money, and usually require the recipient to match funds or combine the grant with other forms of financing such as a loan."

I spent years advising people on how to start their own businesses and this was by far the most asked question. Even after showing them from various government websites and quoting the head of the SBA saying that he has never seen anybody obtain a government grant to start a for-profit (that is the key) business, they refused to believe me. I have seen too many people waste years looking for government grants. They don't exist.