you are correct. There are literally millions of dollars available to small businesses (and grad students, but that's for a different thread). Most of the money is in venture capital, and nothing personal, but VC folks aren't going to be interested in a photography company unless there is some military connection that will make them millions in return.
Alison is right, check out the SBA. Also, look at SCORE, I forget what the acronym stands for, but they are retired entreps who help out newbies.
There is also something called an 8(a) company, which is a woman-owned business. But this is primarily for companies trying to get contracts with the government. I know this probably doesn't pertain to you, but don't ignore the gov if you are still trying to think of a twist to your company. We have 2 photogs here at NASA Headquarters, and I'm sure each Center has their own as well. I believe that they work for a company called SAIC, but there is no reason you couldn't try to get a contract with the government to provide photography for the head of an agency as they hang out on Capitol Hill, or at a reception at a conference somewhere in the world. Our main photog goes to Russia for every launch of Astronauts to the International Space Station.
If you ARE actually interested in gov work, every agency is required by law to have an Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization. You should look at them for help.
Hope that helps.
