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current one. They are oftentimes aware of smaller grant opportunities that may not be found by searching the Internet. They can point you in the right direction in order to obtain grants that are specific to your geographical area. When it comes to other resources that are not grant-related, they are an invaluable source of guidance for starting up or expanding a business. The SBA offers more personalized attention especially if you don't reside in a major metro area

Step #2 Mentorship and services available at your local SCORE office are priceless. SCORE was the original acronym for the Service Corps of Retired Executives, but today is now partnered with the SBA (see Step #1). Where business start-ups are concerned, especially for the individual that has no formal business background or education, the services offered by SCORE are invaluable and their advice is absolutely FREE! Not only do they offer assistance and information on business grants, sometimes they are exclusive to the numerous SCORE advisers.

Step #3 Consider grants for minority-owned businesses if you qualify. There is now a wide array of business grants available for those women (and men) that qualify as a minority, inclusive of the following areas:

belonging to a minority ethnic group, being disabled, former military service, immigrant.

The purpose behind grants for minority-owned businesses is obvious to increase the number of these types of businesses in the United States. Unfortunately, it can become quite challenging to find these types of grants on your own, so you will need to do some serious research and searching on the internet to find sources for these. An important note here is that availability is based on grants that haven't been awarded yet or those that have not exceeded the deadline on availability status.

Step #4 Educate yourself by studying local business newspapers and other related publications. Remember the old adage "Knowledge is Power?" This is so true when you are trying to obtain a grant for your start-up business or need financing to expand your current business. Even smaller cities offer local business newspapers and other related publications, so you have a good source of information regarding your local business community.

Occasionally, you can find free business magazines within the local newspaper while others will charge a subscription fee. Even if your budget may be an issue, never look at that subscription as an expense since you are investing in yourself. Additionally, you can visit the periodicals section of your local library to see if any publications are available.

Learn more about this author, David R. Michaels.
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