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<channel>
	<title>My Grants &#187; Blog</title>
	<atom:link href="http://www.mygrants.us/blog/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://www.mygrants.us</link>
	<description>Government Grants, Financial Programs, Help &#38; Resources</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Tue, 24 Aug 2010 13:53:33 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	
	<language>en</language>
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			<item>
		<title>Small Business Grants for Women</title>
		<link>http://www.mygrants.us/2010/08/small-business-grants-for-women/</link>
		<comments>http://www.mygrants.us/2010/08/small-business-grants-for-women/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 16 Aug 2010 22:19:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Muhammad Talal</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[small business grants for women]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[women business grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[women grants]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mygrants.us/?p=1463</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Starting a small business may require a lot of capital, and finding a small business grants for women isn’t always an easy thing to do. Most people don't have the information about millions of dollars that go unclaimed in grants from the government and other little-known organizations. It can be tiring to find the right grant for women, but with a few clicks you can easily get access to many small business grants for women.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<!--INFOLINKS_ON--><p>
Starting a small business may require a lot of capital, and finding a small business grants for women isn’t always an easy thing to do. Most people don't have the information about millions of dollars that go unclaimed in grants from the government and other little-known organizations. It can be tiring to find the right grant for women, but with a few clicks you can easily get access to many small business grants for women.
</p><span id="more-1463"></span>
<br />
<p>
According to SBA's estimates, number of women owned businesses is rising everyday. Not only this, but these businesses are getting success at least as much as men owned businesses are. There are many women grants out there who want to start craft businesses, consulting, brokerage, home based businesses, record labels and more. 
</p>
<br />
<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.AmericaOneUnsecured.com/Default.aspx" target="103717"><img src="http://www.AmericaOneUnsecured.com/banners/loanfast_m.gif" alt="Unsecured Small Business Loans - Personal Loans" border="0"></a>
</div>
<br />
<p>
If you hire a proper grant consultant to find a grant for you, you may have to pay him/her a large sum of money in order to do that. However, there are some absolutely free ways to do it yourself as well, but only if you're willing to invest appropriate time and effort in researching the relevant sources. To make your job easier, I've searched out following websites, that may be of help to you ...
</p>
<br />
<p>
One site that is worth checking out is <b>The Ladies Club 2000.com</b>. It requires you to sign up and become a member free of charge in order to find out various sources from where you can qualify for a women business grant.<br/> 
<b><a href="http://www.theladiesclub2000.com/grantsforwomen.htm" target="_new" style="color:#003399;">http://www.theladiesclub2000.com/grantsforwomen.htm</a></b>
</p>
<br />
<p>
There are many grant making organizations out there and the type of grant you qualify for, varies from foundation to foundation. <b>Womens-Finance.com</b> offers two types of grants. Business Startup or New Business Grant ranges between $100 and $5,000, and the Existing Business Grant ranges from $1,000-$5,000. Check out the link below to be able to apply for these grants: <br/>
<b><a href="http://www.womensbusinessgrants.com/" style="color:#003399;" target="_new">http://www.womensbusinessgrants.com/</a></b>
</p>
<br />
<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.AmericaOneUnsecured.com/Default.aspx" target="103717"><img src="http://www.AmericaOneUnsecured.com/banners/loanfast_m.gif" alt="Unsecured Small Business Loans - Personal Loans" border="0"></a>
</div>
<br />
<p>
Some grants are given specifically to women to assist females succeed in business. Following link lists about 10 different sources to get small business grants for women. <br/>
<b><a href="http://www.womanowned.com/Growing/Funding/Opportunities.aspx" style="color:#003399;" target="_new">http://www.womanowned.com/Growing/Funding/Opportunities.aspx </a></b>
</p>
<br />
<p>
Don't get frustrated if loans don't help. In some cases, government resources can be of great help. The sites mentioned above are worth checking, and you may also be able to find a lot of other resources that can help you start your new business, by visiting these sites.
</p><!--INFOLINKS_OFF-->]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.mygrants.us/2010/08/small-business-grants-for-women/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Get Help From Debt Consolidation Loans</title>
		<link>http://www.mygrants.us/2010/06/get-help-from-debt-consolidation-loans/</link>
		<comments>http://www.mygrants.us/2010/06/get-help-from-debt-consolidation-loans/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 09 Jun 2010 18:37:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Sara James</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Debt]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[debt consolidation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[debt consolidation loan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[debt consolidation loans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[debt refinancing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pay off debt]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[reduce debt]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mygrants.us/?p=1317</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Debt consolidation loan solutions have been able to make a mark in the financial markets across the globe. Corporations – big and small, have benefited seamlessly through competitive base of debt consolidation loans solutions. As a result, they were able to stay afloat even during the adverse financial times.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<!--INFOLINKS_ON--><p>Debt consolidation loan solutions have been able to make a mark in the financial markets across the globe. Corporations – big and small, have benefited seamlessly through competitive base of <a href="http://www.debtconsolidationcare.com/loan.html">debt consolidation loans</a> solutions. As a result, they were able to stay afloat even during the adverse financial times.</p>

<span id="more-1317"></span>
<br/>
<p>
Have you ever wondered if there is anything which can pay off debt with minimum possible monthly payment? Or, you might have wished to hire someone on your behalf to take care of the debt. You would be surprised to know that there exists an arrangement to reduce your debt and credit card bills through debt refinancing. It might be the case that in quest of personal financial commitments you would have ended up taking a sizable sum of money from credit card companies and other lenders which is making you to pay off debt. You also are cautious about your credit score and simply can’t afford to lapse with your monthly EMI’s. And at the same time you wish if there could be arrangement between you and Credit Card Company or other creditors to reduce the debt.
</p>
<br />
<p>

<a href="http://www.debtconsolidationcare.com/" target="_blank"><img class="alignleft" src="http://www.debtconsolidationcare.com/styles/dtcc/img/logo.gif" alt="Debt Consolidation Care logo" /></a>
The best solution is such a case is to refinance your debt through debt consolidation loan. It can cover all your personal debts and enable you to pay off debt on an agreed upon monthly EMI’s.  The EMI’s principle and interest is managed by the debt consolidator who urges them to offer cheaper figures in order to pay the debt on time. At the same time it provided you the much needed flexibility of paying lower and steadier.  It can help you shed off the burden of debt payment. As the debt payments now will be managed by the debt consolidator. You are only required to make monthly payments to the debt consolidator. Generally, credit cards carry a higher interest rate than an unsecured loan. By keeping their property as a collateral debt can be refinanced from the debt consolidator.</p>
<br />

<p>
If you are time crunch or do not poses much financial know how this could be the best option. And if you are considering for filing bankruptcy, debt consolidation loan could enable you to pay off debt. Always make an informed choice while resorting to debt consolidation loan. It could be a tricky thing to get into. Therefore double ensure the terms of the debt repayment plan and benefits that you would get if you choose a particular debt consolidation loan company over the other.</p><!--INFOLINKS_OFF-->]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.mygrants.us/2010/06/get-help-from-debt-consolidation-loans/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>6</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Small Business Startup Advice and Help</title>
		<link>http://www.mygrants.us/2010/06/small-business-startu/</link>
		<comments>http://www.mygrants.us/2010/06/small-business-startu/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 07 Jun 2010 17:40:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Muhammad Talal</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[internet small business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[small business startup]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[small business startup advice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[small business startup help]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mygrants.us/?p=1311</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Small business startup needs passion before anything else. Never start a business just because someone else started and succeeded. Ask yourself, do you have a real desire in yourself for a small business startup. Otherwise, most small business startup help would fail. Always start with the end in mind. I started my online business on 2007 and had been through a number of pits and falls, just because I was focused on rather too many things than just a couple of things. Internet is just one thing that can get you so much overloaded with information that you find yourself almost nowhere.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<!--INFOLINKS_ON--><p>Small business startup needs passion before anything else. Never start a business just because someone else started and succeeded. Ask yourself, do you have a real desire in yourself for a small business startup. Otherwise, most small business startup help would fail. Always start with the end in mind. I started my online business on 2007 and had been through a number of pits and falls, just because I was focused on rather too many things than just a couple of things. Internet is just one thing that can get you so much overloaded with information that you find yourself almost nowhere. 
</p><span id="more-1311"></span>
<br />
<p>
The most valuable small business startup advice would be that you must always picture exactly what is the end or objective you want to achieve with your business and then what are the bare minimum steps that are needed to be taken in order to reach that goal effectively. Then these steps can either be performed by you yourself, or assigned / outsourced to your team.
</p>
<br />
<p>
You must however, not procrastinate. Being in internet business exposes you to a lot of hurdles where you are likely to procrastinate. And when you do, just to keep you going, just ask yourself 1 question: "If not now, then when?"
</p>
<br />
<p>
Lastly, though a business plan is important, there's no need to write an extremely long one, which even you yourself find hard to read and thus implement. If you don't know how to write a business plan, just make a 1 page rough plan which serves as a blueprint for you to keep moving forward to an end point.
</p>
<br />
<p>
Just try to answer these questions in your 1 or 2 pager "Implementable" business plan:
</p>
<br />
<b>1.</b> Who is your target market (Be as specific as you can)<br /><br />
<b>2.</b> What are the top 3 problems your market is facing<br /><br />
<b>3.</b> How can you / your internet small business solve these problems (your solution)<br /><br />
<b>4.</b> Where can you most easily access your target audience (facebook, forums, groups, blogs, twitter, seminars etc)<br /><br />
<b>5.</b> What are the bare minimum assets you would require? (i.e. website, blog, ecommerce store, merchant account etc)<br /><br />
<b>6.</b> What would you want your assets to do for you / your customers?<br /><br />
<b>7.</b> What is the minimum cost &#038; time associated with implementing these steps<br /><br />
<b>8.</b> What is the end goal in your mind / vision (eg. $100,000 sales in year 2,000,000 page views of blog in 1st year etc.)<br /><br />
<b>9.</b> What are the key metrics you'll evaluate your business on, against the goals that you set (start with atleast 3 i.e. no. of visitors, no. of leads generated, lead to sale conversion ratio etc)<br /><br />
<b>10.</b> Never be afraid to ask for small business startup help. There are plenty of resources on the internet that can help you generate lots of business ideas and get free business training<br />
</p>
<br />
<p>
That's all, as a last tip, keep repeating the process and take consistent massive action. It is better if you fail quickly than to fail later at a time when the failure would cost you more than what you can bear.
</p>
<br />
<p>
Fail as quickly as you can but don't fail in learning the lesson out of that failure. Always remember this quotation that goes like:
</p>
<br />
<blockquote>
"I fail quicker than anybody else. While others are thinking what to do, I try 2 things, and figure out the right one."
</blockquote>
<br />
<p>
Have Luck <img src='http://www.mygrants.us/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> 
</p>
<br />
<p>
P.S. This article is written keeping internet small business in mind however, the principles can simply be copied and pasted to almost any business startup model in the world.
</p><!--INFOLINKS_OFF-->]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.mygrants.us/2010/06/small-business-startu/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Government Business Loans</title>
		<link>http://www.mygrants.us/2010/05/government-business-loans/</link>
		<comments>http://www.mygrants.us/2010/05/government-business-loans/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 24 May 2010 23:52:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Muhammad Talal</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business startup loans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[government business loans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[government grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[government small business loans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[minority business loans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[small business grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[small business loans for women]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[small business loans grants]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mygrants.us/?p=1297</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Government business loans are better than the rest in quite a few ways. First every private lending firm offering a small business loan does it with the purpose of reaping profits but in contrast to this government loans for small business are meant only for the welfare of public. Since government is meant for the people, it does not seek any personal profits or gains. Unlike the private banks and other business loan agencies, government also offers loans to people who have difficulty paying it back, have lower credit score and cannot qualify for financing from traditional sources.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<!--INFOLINKS_ON--><div>

Now a days when there's a lot of debate among the private loan firms and agencies, each trying to put down the merits and work of the other, the business loans offered by government remain the best option benefiting the general public.
<br /><br />
Government business loans are better than the rest in quite a few ways. First every private lending firm offering a small business loan does it with the purpose of reaping profits but in contrast to this government loans for small business are meant only for the welfare of public. Since government is meant for the people, it does not seek any personal profits or gains. Unlike the private banks and other business loan agencies, government also offers loans to people who have difficulty paying it back, have lower credit score and cannot qualify for financing from traditional sources.<br/><span id="more-1297"></span>
<br />
Government business loans are primarily of two kinds - Small Business Loans (Microfinancing) and Large Business Loans (Real Estate, Equipment Purchase &amp; Working Capital).
<br /><br />
Since small businesses are an important element the US economy, for their promotion and enhancement in their development, the US Government offers business loans to its citizens. Individuals desiring to start their careers by venturing into some business can realize their dreams with the help of government business loans. Today's popular brands such as Nike, Apple Computer, Compaq Computer, AT&amp;T, IBM etc. had commenced with the assistance of government loans only.
<br /><br />
First type of loans are Small Business Loans offered as Microfinancing via a huge nationwide network of SBA Partnered Microlenders. These loans range from $35,000 for start-up ventures to $50,000 for business expansion for already established ventures. In some cases, these loans can also be used as franchise business loans for purchasing an already established business franchises. The major advantage of these business loans are as follows:
<br /><br />
<ul>
	<li>Lower interest rates as compared to conventional financing</li>
	<li>Easier access to capital</li>
	<li>Low or no collateral requirements</li>
	<li>No strict credit requirements</li>
	<li>Can be used as business startup loans</li>
	<li>No previous business experience is eseesntial</li>
	<li>Special offering as minority business loans and small business loans for women</li>
</ul>
<br />
Second type of these loans are large business loans and fall under the category of SBA-7(A) or SBA-504 loans. These programs offer upto $2,000,000 and $5,000,000 in loan amounts respectively. Some features for such type of loans are as follows:
<br /><br />
<ul>
	<li>Lower interest rates as compared to conventional bank financing</li>
	<li>Easier and quicker access to capital</li>
	<li>Loan must be secured with collateral</li>
	<li>Lower downpayment requirements (10% - 20%)</li>
	<li>SBA / Government guaranteed</li>
	<li>Can be used as business startup loans</li>
	<li>Special offering as minority business loans and small business loans for women</li>
</ul>
<br />
It is to be noted that some further special incentives are added to these two types of small business loans grants when they're offered as business startup loans, business grant money, small business loans for women and/or minority business loans.
<br /><br />
The only drawbacks of government small business loans are that these loans are provided only to law-abiding and tax paying citizens for legal purposes. Also a good amount of paper work is required to secure a government loan. Furthermore, government loans are not that readily available as conventional financing. This is because of the fact that most of these loans are financed by some amount of government grants, and the funding for loan origination may run low at various times depending upon the total volume of business loans extended.
<br /><br />
Still the disadvantages of government small business loans can never overthrow their plus points. Finally, it is the choice of the end user whether to save thousands of dollars by trying to secure a government business loan or to save a little bit of time upfront and spend thousands of extra bucks down the road to acquire quick financing.
<br /><br />
Muhammad Talal writes about <a href="http://www.mygrants.us">Government Grants</a>, <a href="http://www.mygrants.us/small-business-grants">Small Business Grants and Loans</a>, <a href="http://www.mygrants.us/home-and-housing-grants">Housing Grants</a> and <a href="http://www.mygrants.us/college-grants">Education Grants</a>.

</div><!--INFOLINKS_OFF-->]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.mygrants.us/2010/05/government-business-loans/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>4</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Government Grants for Single Mothers &#8211; Housing, Living Expenses and Medical Care</title>
		<link>http://www.mygrants.us/2010/04/government-grants-for-single-mothers-housing-living-expenses-and-medical-care/</link>
		<comments>http://www.mygrants.us/2010/04/government-grants-for-single-mothers-housing-living-expenses-and-medical-care/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 15 Apr 2010 16:18:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Muhammad Talal</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[childcare assistance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[food assistance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[grants for woman]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[single mother]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[women housing grants]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mygrants.us/?p=1233</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A single mother carries a double responsibility of performing her role of mother in addition to the father role. Fortunately there are government assistance programs for single mothers through various sources.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<!--INFOLINKS_ON--><p>A single mother carries a double responsibility of performing her role of mother in addition to the father role. Fortunately there are government assistance programs for single mothers through various sources.</p>
<br />
<p>A single parent has a harder task than any two parent family. Most of the single parent household heads are females. Many single mothers have not had the opportunity to get a good education nor enough housing.</p><span id="more-1233"></span>
<br />
<p>Food and funds are often insufficient and the single woman, in many cases cannot afford child care nor can she afford a home. Consequentially, she requires assistance in order to provide some basic facilities to her children.</p>
<br />
<p>There is a government program called WIC which is designed for single women or qualified parents with children five and under. Food such as milk, cereal, cheese, juice, beans, peanut butter and eggs are mainly provided under this program.</p>
<br />
<p>Each month the qualified parent or parents are given vouchers which are to be use at any time before the expiration date. The above listed foods are all rich in vitamins and nutrients necessary good health. This program is offered by the Department of Children and Families.</p>
<br />
<p>Another program offered by the Department of Children and Families is called TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families). This two parents or single mother government assistance program offers temporary financial assistance for needy families. Monetary funds are provided to qualified families. The parent or parents must meet all of the income and need criterion, that varies a little bit, state by state and county by county in some cases.</p>
<br />
<p>Grants and housing vouchers are also part of a single mother government assistance program. The housing authority will house a single mother and her family for a fraction of the cost of basic apartment. The rental housing assistance is given in the form of a Housing Choice Voucher program or a Public Housing Program. And if you've a reasonable income, you may also take advantage of a first time homebuyer assistance and/or downpayment assistance program offered by the state's housing authority or the local housing authorities operating in various counties and cities.</p>
<br />
<p>Food stamps are also provided for a single mother. Over ten years ago food stamps came in the form of paper vouchers. Now single mothers use a card similar to a credit card to make all of her purchases. Each month, depending on a single mother's situation and income, she is awarded a specific dollar amount of food stamps.</p>
<br />
<p>For medical assistance, there is Medicaid or various other healthy kid programs. Children can receive medical care at not cost if they qualify. Depending on the single mother's income, a small co-payment may be charged. Every state has similar rules and regulations that apply to single mother support programs.</p>
<br />
<p>In addition, Childcare Financial Assistance is also available for eligible families through your local Department of Human Services (DHS) or Department of Social Services (DSS). For more information on single mother government assistance, visit your local Department of Children and Families.</p><!--INFOLINKS_OFF-->]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>3</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Top 7 Small Business Mistakes to Avoid</title>
		<link>http://www.mygrants.us/2010/03/7-small-business-mistakes-to-avoid/</link>
		<comments>http://www.mygrants.us/2010/03/7-small-business-mistakes-to-avoid/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 27 Mar 2010 12:08:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Muhammad Talal</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business mistakes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business success]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[how to succeed in business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mistakes to avoid]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mygrants.us/?p=1219</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Most new small businesses will be out of business within a few years. This is a bitter truth. While it is relatively easy to start a new venture, it requires far more to succeed in business. There are 7 commonly made mistakes by small business owners. And these are exactly the ones, you need to AVOID.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<!--INFOLINKS_ON--><p>Most new small businesses will be out of business within a few years. This is a bitter truth. While it is relatively easy to start a new venture, it requires far more to succeed in business. There are 7 commonly made mistakes by small business owners. And these are exactly the ones, you need to AVOID.</p>
<span id="more-1219"></span>
<br />
<h3 style="color:#0099cc;">Mistake #1: Undermining a Continuing Education / Learning Process</h3>
<br />
<p>
The business realm is like that of an erupting volcano. While many lives are being vanished, several more and new forms of life are coming into existence. Rigid businesses are being overthrown by hundreds and thousands of new business opportunities that arise around us every day!
</p>
<br />
<p>
Today’s world is characterized by rapid change. Keeping up on innovations in your business and new business strategies is crucial for long-term success. However, many small business owners find it too useless to invest time or money to develop themselves. The less you know, the more time and more money you're likely to exhaust in future.
</p>
<br />
<p>

You need not to attend a formal business school to educate yourself about what is happening in the business world around you. After all, if that would be the case, Richard Branson or Bill Gates wouldn't be running huge business empires. Here's a quick tip on how to keep yourself updated about what's happening around you. Keep track of what's happening with the top-notch businesses in your industry and how are they fighting with those challenges. You can find this information easily via internet.</p>
<br />
<p>

And thanks to Social Media, you can join groups, forums, facebook pages, follow companies or industry specialists on twitter and actively LISTEN to what consumers, potential business partners, suppliers or other people related to your industry are talking about. While you can quickly find yourself distracted away by the flows of conversations and ideas taking place on social media, always keep track of your main goal, and you can easily spare 20-30 minutes of your time each day to keep yourself educated about what's happening around, what opportunities those events are creating and how are entrepreneurs and companies capitalizing on those opportunities!</p>
<br />

<h3 style="color:#0099cc;">Mistake #2: Failing To Plan Is Planning To Fail</h3>
<br />
<p>
Most small business owners avoid planning at all costs. The old saying, “Failing to plan is planning to fail”, is true. Without a well-thought out plan for establishing your business, running your business, and marketing your business, you will waste a lot of time. Time you don’t have.
</p>
<br />
<p>
Complexity of writing formal business plans, market plans, organizational or operational plans may be one of the reasons why most people avoid planning. But as a matter of fact, those formal piles of business plans are good to be kept in drawers and never acted upon! A well established plan is no good if it is not implemented however, a not-so-good plan is a very good plan, if it is well implemented!
</p>
<br />
<p>
So, you don't need to sum up piles of papers and documents to make complex plans for your business. Often, I found many successful business owners do it on a single or 2 pages! That's it! Just brain-storm, draw rough sketch of the activities that are to be performed by your business in order to reach your goals! And there's no need to reinforce here that GOALS must be Objective, Smart, Concise, Concrete, Achievable and Measurable!
</p>
<br />
<p>

A quick way to do it is a 3-step process that I've always implemented in my business ventures! It's called a CPA Formula. CPA stands for:
</p>
<br />
<p>
<b>1)</b> CATEGORIZE<br />
<b>2)</b> PRIORITIZE<br />
<b>3)</b> ACT / ASSIGN<br />
</p>
<br />
<p>
Keep it simple, categorize all the activities that are key part of your business into 2-3 main categories i.e. Marketing, Support, Finance etc. Prioritize the tasks within each category for instance, you may want to give more importance in Marketing to activities related to retaining current customers than to acquire new ones! And 3rd, assign these categories AKA roles to people within your team. Make 1 person responsible for 1 major category, and then empower him to take all actions in order to achieve goals related to that department. Believe me, its dead simple!</p>
<br />

<p>
This type of plan would not take more than 1 sheet of paper!</p>
<br /><h3 style="color:#0099cc;">Mistake #3: All Work and No Fun</h3><br />
<p>Running your own business is hard work. There is no doubt about that. However, without proper relaxation, you will become increasingly less productive. It isn’t the hours you spend at work but the productivity of the hours you spend there. Become an observer of your own business. When do most customers access your business? Where do they expect the most to hear about your product? When is the slow time of the day or week? If you are available for an entire hour that may only yield one small sale, you would be better off out of the office.</p>
<br />
<p>

Take a walk. Talk to people along the way, socialize and network! They could be future customers. Join a gym and work out during a half of that slow hour. This kills two birds with one stone. You get healthier with better endurance and again, you can network with people who might be future customers. Join that Chamber of Commerce and attend those meetings! Join the Rotary or Lion’s Club! Not everything you do to successfully advance your business will occur at your business.</p>
<br />
<h3 style="color:#0099cc;">Mistake #4: Taking Existing Customers for Granted</h3><br />
<p>Remember the first customer you ever had? Remember the appreciation you had for them? Remember the little things you did for them? When did you stop and WHY?
</p>
<br />
<p>
Avoid looking after your existing customers and they will go elsewhere. Customers have more options today then they ever had before. If they don’t find your competitor locally, they will find him/her on the Internet. Ignore customers at your own peril.
</p>
<br />
<p>

The fact is without them you wouldn’t be in business. It’s time to make certain they understand how much you really appreciate them. How about having a special reception or buffet on site for your customers? What about a special appreciation day? When was the last time you contacted customers just to tell them how much you appreciate their business? A happy customer is a valuable business asset, now and in the future.
</p>
<br />
<p>
May be at times small business owners think that its too small or meaningless thing to do but believe me, it is these small things that make BIG DIFFERENCES! Big Growth is Hidden in Small Thinking! Look at Facebook, Twitter etc. If they were cynical, they couldn't ever have started a "FREE BUSINESS MODEL" while still be able to monetize it, and do so HEAVILY!</p>
<br />

<h3 style="color:#0099cc;">Mistake #5: Never Ask For Referrals</h3>

<br /><p>
As stated above, your existing, happy customers are a major business asset. That asset can yield benefits in many ways. But you have to ask. Instead of spending a lot of money on your advertising, why not ask customers for referrals? Referral sales are the cheapest and easiest way to grow your business. “Two Men and a Truck”, a moving business, generated $150 million dollars in revenue from 95% referrals sales. That is a target we should all shoot to match!</p>
<br />

<h3 style="color:#0099cc;">Mistake #6: One-Stop Shop Mentality</h3>

<br />
<p>
Many business owners fail to achieve their true potential because they try to be all things to all people. You need to target your ideal customers. Look at your product. Ask yourself who would benefit most from your product. Once you have selected a targeted group, learn everything you can about them.
</p>
<br />
<p>

Change your store or website to reflect that targeted customer’s needs or desires. Speak their language. Find out where they hang out and what they read or listen to. Understand their concerns. Sell them solutions, not products, and you will excel!</p>
<br />

<h3 style="color:#0099cc;">Mistake #7: Neglecting Marketing</h3>
<br /><p>
It is so easy for a business owner to get caught up in the daily operations of a business. The inventory ordering, order processing, data input, and more, can become all consuming. Then one day you look up and wonder what happened to the business.
</p>
<br />
<p>
Marketing is all about future sales. You plant the seed today to reap the benefits tomorrow. If you want a long-term successful business you can hand off to the children, don’t neglect marketing. Every month, set aside at least 20% of your time dedicated to marketing activities.
</p>
<br />
<p>
Marketing activities include deciding to expand an existing product line, dumping unprofitable products or adding new products, determining where your advertising can generate the biggest return for the investment, and planning your marketing materials. These are crucial functions for your success.</p>
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		<title>How Government Grants Work?</title>
		<link>http://www.mygrants.us/2010/03/how-grants-work/</link>
		<comments>http://www.mygrants.us/2010/03/how-grants-work/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 08 Mar 2010 23:53:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Muhammad Talal</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business loan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[education grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[first time homebuyer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[government grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home repair]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[housing grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[medical grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[scholarship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[small business grant]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[student aid]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://localhost/mygrants/?p=969</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Government grants glossary is a comprehensive article that provides brief information on general grant programs. The information is divided into 5 major categories namely housing grants, small business grants, education grants, medical grants and miscellaneous grants. Most of us seem to be having confusions about some grant programs. So the purpose of this post is to clarify those confusions, and provide specific information about each grant's functionality, scope, general eligibility criteria, application process and funding limits. Hope you'll find this post useful.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<!--INFOLINKS_ON--><p>Most of us seem to be having confusions about various government grant programs that are available for general public. While there are hundreds and thousands of grant programs available out there, aimed towards various target audiences, yet the major ones can be divided into 4 categories namely: </p>
<br />
<ul>
<li>- Housing Grants</li>
<li>- Small Business Grants</li>
<li>- Education Grants</li>
<li>- Medical Grants</li>
<li>- Miscellaneous Programs</li>
</ul>
<span id="more-969"></span>
<br /><p>
So I summed up my knowledge of the major grant categories and their sub-categories to define and clarify the purpose, scope, functionality, general eligibility and framework of each of these programs in a manner, that a common man can easily understand them.</p><br />
<h2>Housing Grants</h2>

<h3 style="color:#0099cc;">Homebuyer Grant / Downpayment Assistance Program</h3>
<br /><p> A homebuyer grant usually comes in the form of a down payment or closing costs assistance, which means that the homebuyer has to apply for a government backed mortgage program that is prevailent in his/her state (which usually is a below market &#038; fixed interest rate, easy terms and conditions and government insured mortgage program i.e. government guarantees the monthly mortgage payments on behalf of homebuyer in case of his/her unwilling unemployment or other financial problems).</p>

<br /><p>After the applicant is found eligible for the Homebuyer Program, he/she automatically qualifies for a downpayment assistance which can be given with slight condition of completing a Free Homebuyer Education class / course. This downpayment assistance can be given in following forms, depending upon each state's Housning Authority's policies:</p>
<br /><p>
<ul>
<li>A fixed non-repayable amount e.g. $5000 or $10,000</li>
<li>A percentage e.g. 5% of the total house cost</li>
<li>A defered payment, zero interest 2nd mortgage</li>
<li>Elimination of downpayment requirement</li>
</ul>
</p>
<br />
<h3 style="color:#0099cc;">Home Renovation / Repair / Rehabilitation Program</h3>
<br />
<p>
A home improvement / repair / renovation grant program usually comes in the form of a grant which is mixed with a loan in various ways. A person looking for home improvement assistance has to apply for a state sponsored, home improvement / repair loan program. A portion of interest payments is forgiven or bore by the government which results in reduction of interest rates on the loan, as compared to a conventional bank loan.</p>
<br />
<p>In some states, a home improvement grant comes in the form of a zero-interest loan program, which means all the interest is forgiven / paid by the government on behalf of the homeowner looking for repairs. Where as, in other states, a home improvement grant comes with a portion of the funding as a non-repayable grant, and the other portion of it is repayable.</p>
<br />
<p>Yet there are few states and counties, where a home-improvement grant is purely a grant, and doesn't require to be paid back. But again, there can be various limitations / conditions attatched to it. There are very few states, who do not have a home improvement grant or loan program, in such states, a homeowner has no option but to acquire a conventional bank loan for making home improvements.</p>
<br />
<h3 style="color:#0099cc;">Mortgage Payments Assistance / Foreclosure Prevention</h3>
<br />
<p>
A mortgage payments or mortgage lowering prgram is usually refered to as a "Loan Modification Program." A Loan Modification is the retooling of an existing loan made by a lender in response to a borrower’s long-term inability to repay the loan based upon the original terms and conditions.</p>
<br />
<p>Loan Modifications typically involve a reduction in the interest rate and/or principal balance of the loan, an extension of the length of term of the loan, a different type of loan or any combination of the three. A lender will consider modifying a loan because the cost of doing so is typically less than the cost of default
</p>
<p>At times, certain cities, counties or states as well as some other non-profit organizations, having received Community Development Block Grant or some other program funds, may also be able to provide a one time mortgage payment assistance for eligible applicants who are delinquent on their mortgage. But this type of assistance is not very common.</p>
<br />
<h3 style="color:#0099cc;">Rent Payment Assistance Programs</h3>
<br />
<p>
Rental assistance programs provide rental vouchers to assist with rental payments, rental properties, and/or assistance with security deposits. Normally, each state administers its programs and services through a network of organizations, and does not fund individuals directly. MYGRANTS can help you identify the list of participating foundations and agencies in your area - who can be contacted to assist you with rent payment assistance.</p>
<br />
<p>There are usually two forms of rental assistance programs:</p>
<br />
<p><b>1. </b>Each state maintains its Public Housing Units, that are government subsidized apartments, where low-income citiznes / families can apply for living, at a subsidized or low monthly cost, and under certain conditions, this low cost can also be eliminated alltogether.</p>
<br />
<p><b>2. </b>In second case, the applicants are put on a waiting list, and once their turn comes, they have the freedom to choose their own property / home / appartment they want to rent (provided the home meets certain government limitations / regulations), and then the government assists the renters get the apartment / home at a below market rent cost. In certain states, this Rental Assistance Program also gives the renters, the opportunity of either Rent-to-Own program or Homebuyer Assistance Programs.</p>
<br />
<h3 style="color:#0099cc;">Home Weatherization Assistance</h3>
<br />
<p>
A home weatherization program is sort of a mini house repair program, which allows only for specific repairs like heating / pipelines / electric cables / lead paint etc. The sole aim of a weatherization program is to make a home energy effecient and reduce the monthly home energy bills.</p>
<br />
<h3 style="color:#0099cc;">Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)</h3>
<br />
<p>
Each state provides bills payment help to its income-eligble citizens and families, to assist with their fuel needs, heating and cooling needs. This program usually helps applicants pay their electric energy, heating or cooling and / or other utility bills.</p>
<br />
<h3 style="color:#0099cc;">Rural Homebuyer and Home Repair / Rehab Programs</h3>
<br />
<p>
The Rural Housing Service provides a number of homeownership opportunities to rural Americans, as well as programs for home renovation and repair. RHS also makes financing available to elderly, disabled, or low-income rural residents of multi-unit housing buildings to ensure they are able to make rent payments.</p>
<br />
<p>It is however important to note that while rural housing programs work more or less in the same way as that of urban housing programs, they may offer additional leverage by providing a portion of funds as a complete or partial non-repayable grant to certain income and/or age eligible homebuyers and homeowners.</p>
<br />
<h3 style="color:#0099cc;">Housing Assistance for Elderly and Disabled</h3>
<br />
<p>
The Public Housing Program is one of several Federal Rent Assistance Programs established to provide decent and safe rental housing for eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Public housing comes in all sizes and types, from scattered single-family houses to high-rise apartments for elderly families.</p>
<br />
<p>The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) administers Federal aid to local Housing Agencies (HAs) that manage the housing for low-income residents at rents they can afford. HUD furnishes technical and professional assistance in planning, developing and managing these developments.</p>
<br />
<p>There are approximately 1.3 million households living in public housing units managed by some 3,300 HAs, which, within Federal guidelines, set eligibility standards and determine rent payments.</p>
<br />
<h3 style="color:#0099cc;">Veterans Housing Grant / Assistance Programs</h3>
<br />
<p>
Veterans or service members who have specific service-connected disabilities may be entitled to a grant from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for the purpose of constructing an adapted home or modifying an existing home to meet their adaptive needs. The goal of the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant Program is to provide a barrier-free living environment that affords the veterans or service members a level of independent living he or she may not normally enjoy.</p>
<br />
<p>There are two types of grants administered by VA, which are available to assist severely disabled veterans or service members in adapting housing to their special needs.</p>
<br />
<p><b><i>The Specially Adapted Housing Grant</i></b> is available to severely disabled veterans or service members who are entitled to a home especially adapted for their needs due to loss of mobility. Under this entitlement, a temporary grant (TRA) may be available to veterans who are/will be temporarily residing in a home owned by a family member. </p>
<br />
<p><b><i>The Special Housing Adaptations Grant</i></b> is available to veterans or service members who are entitled to home adaptations due to blindness in both eyes with 5/200 visual acuity or less, or includes the anatomical loss or loss of use of both hands. Under this entitlement, a temporary grant (TRA) may be available to veterans who are/will be temporarily residing in a home owned by a family member.</p>
<br />
<h3 style="color:#0099cc;">Affordable Housing Developers' Assistance Programs</h3>
<br />
<p>
Each state's Housing Finance Agency (HFA) offer financing to for-profit and not-for-profit developers to encourage the construction and preservation of affordable housing in communities across the state. In some states, mortgaege insurance is also offered to lenders of low-income &#038; multifamily housing.</p>
<br />
<h2>Business Grants and Financing Programs</h2>
<h3 style="color:#0099cc;">Small Business Innovation and Research (SBIR) Grant Program</h3>
<br />
<p>
This is probably the only pure grant program offered at federal and state levels, meant for for-profit businesses. However, this non-repayable grant program si offered only to businesses, that are interested to carry out researches and projects, resulting in innovation and enhancement of technology.</p>
<br />
<h3 style="color:#0099cc;">Foundation Grants or Grants for Non-Profit Organizations</h3>
<br />
<p>
Foundation grant programs are administered on federal, state, county and city level by the government as well as other private foundations. Foundation grant programs are only meant for Non-Profit organizations and for a very few For-Profit organizations as well, that are carrying out a public / general welfare project.</p>
<br />
<p>These grants can be given to any non-profit organization working in social, defence, educational, research, medical, music, arts, religious or any other sector of general public interest / welfare.</p>
<br />
<p>These grants are non-repayable however, they are striclty monitored by the grantors to evaluate the performance of the grantee organization, and to ensure the right and legal use of funds.</p>
<br />
<h3 style="color:#0099cc;">Small Business Microfinancing Programs</h3>
<br />
<p>For all other businesses, that are already operating or looking to start, there are government backed and private foundations' backed Micro Loan and Financing programs, that are very viable and affordable as compared to conventional bank loans.</p>
<br />
<p>These Small Business Financing programs are also best options for minorities, women, disabled and other people who do not have strong enough credit score to be able to obtain bank loans.</p>
<br />
<p>Some Government Backed Business Loan programs under certain conditions are also converted to defered payments, zero-interest loans, thus saving a siginificant amount of money for the borrower.</p>
<br />
<p>Government also provides tonnes of free facilities, like free management training, free marketing and other business informational resources that can significantly help the small business owners guide their businesses on a highly profitable track.</p>
<br />
<p>
<b>Financing Available:</b>
<br />- Upto $35,000 for business start-up 
<br />- Upto $50,000 for business expansion</p>
<br />
<h3 style="color:#0099cc;">Government Backed Large Business Loans</h3>
<br />
<p>
SBA offers 2 very popular government guaranteed / backed business financing programs, namely SBA-7A and SBA-504 programs. These programs offer financing upto very high limits for large business projects. These programs are usually used for acquisition of land / building / machinery / equipment and for working capital and other business needs. These programs also require collateral against the financing to secure the loan funds.</p>
<br />
<p><b>Financing Available:</b>
<br />- SBA 7A Offers upto $700,000 
<br />- SBA 504 Offers upto $2,000,000</p>
<br />
<h2>Education Grants and Scholarship Programs</h2>
<h3 style="color:#0099cc;">Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)</h3>
<br />
<p>
These grants are free to apply for, and are commonly refered to as Federal Pell Program or FAFSA. These programs provide financing to continue your education based on various factors including financial situation, educational standing, grades / performance etc. You can simply apply for FAFSA by logging on to <a style="color:#003399;" href="http://www.fafsa.ed.gov" target="_new">www.fafsa.ed.gov</a></p>
<br />
<h3 style="color:#0099cc;">Other Educational Grants / Scholarship Programs</h3>
<br />
<p>
Beside Federal Educational Grant Program (FAFSA), there are hundreds of other non-repayable educational grants and scholarship programs that are administered by each state, educational institutions, private foundations and certain corporations. One can easily qualify for such programs, as they are mostly given on the basis of financial needs and not solely on the basis of educational performance.</p>
<br />
<h2>Medical Grant Programs</h2>
<h3 style="color:#0099cc;">Disability Insurance Program</h3>
<br />
<p>
Disability Insurance Programs have the "basic objectives of providing for the material needs of individuals and families, protecting aged and disabled persons against the expenses of illnesses that could otherwise exhaust their savings, keeping families together, and giving children the opportunity to grow up in health and security."</p>
<br />
<h3 style="color:#0099cc;">Cash Disability Benefits</h3>
<br />
<p>
Monthly cash benefits for qualifying disabled workers; needy, blind or disabled individuals; disabled widow(er), or disabled surviving divorced spouse; disabled son or daughter. Also offers vocational rehabilitation assistance. </p>
<br />
<h3 style="color:#0099cc;">Medicare Program</h3>
<br />
<p>
Medicare is a Health Insurance Program for people 65 years of age and older, some disabled people under 65 years of age, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure treated with dialysis or a transplant).</p>
<br />
<h3 style="color:#0099cc;">Medicaid Program</h3>
<br />
<p>
Medicaid provides medical care to the poor, to children and to pregnant women living under the federal poverty level. It is funded jointly by the states and the federal government.</p>
<br />
<p>Medicaid was established in 1965, at the same time as Medicare, under Title XIX of the Social Security Act. It was designed to assist low-income families in providing health care for themselves and their children. It also covers certain individuals who fall below the federal poverty level. It covers hospital and doctor's visits, prenatal care, emergency room visits, drugs and other treatments.</p>
<br />
<p>Other people who are eligible for Medicaid include low-income children under age 6, low-income pregnant women, Supplemental Security Income recipients, adopted or foster children, specially protected groups, children under age 19 whose family income is below federal poverty level, some Medicare beneficiaries and other groups, as determined by each state. Most families who receive welfare probably have a social worker assigned to them, and this person will usually advise a family on its Medicaid eligibility. Many doctors will also be able to inform their patients about Medicaid.</p>
<br />
<h3 style="color:#0099cc;">Veterans Health Benefits and Services</h3>
<br />
<p>
The VA provides a broad spectrum of medical, surgical, and rehabilitative care to its customers. Our goal is to share information about these benefits and services to make it as easy as possible for you to receive the care you need.</p>
<br />
<h3 style="color:#0099cc;">Childcare Financial Assistance</h3>
<br />
<p>
Government offers financial assistance for low income families who have trouble paying for childcare. If you meet certain income guidelines set forth by your state, you may also qualify for childcare grant program.</p>
<br />
<h2>Miscellaneous Programs</h2>
<h3 style="color:#0099cc;">Temporary Assistance for Needy Families / Cash Assistance (TANF)</h3>
<br />
<p>
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families ( TANF ) is part of the American welfare system, and is designed to get funds into the hands of poor families with children in order to assist them with rent, food, and medical care.</p>
<br />
<p>This type of assistance is only provided to very low-income families and is a temporary assistance, with its sole purpose to help the citizens under financial hardships, while constantly trying to help them stand on their feet once again and become financially self-sufficient.</p>
<br />
<h3 style="color:#0099cc;">Debt Reduction Assistance Program</h3>
<br />
<p>
Although there are no grants available to help pay off your credit card or other debt like personal loans, doctor bills, lawyer bills, student loans etc, yet there's a very popular program called a "Debt Relief or Debt Reduction Assistance Program" that is administered by various non-profit organizations that are catering many states.</p>
<br />

<p>Under this program, the applicant's debt is negotiated by the debt reduction foundation with the borrowers' creditors to get the debt amount reduced by 40% to 60% thus making it easily affordable for the borrower to pay off his/her debt and become debt free, while saving thousands of dollars which would otherwise have been paid, in settlement of debt.</p>
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