Government grants for black female small business owners

Thanks Rose for all of the useful information. I just fininshed reading your Grant Basics 101. Can you please give me your personal email address. I would really like to ask some specific questions. My address is rellybird@yahoo.com

Well one thing that stands out to someone like me that does grant research is that technically you're not "starting" your business if you already have a shop in place. There are still funding/grant programs that you may be eligible to apply for but it will depend on your business. I just read about MSNBC getting millions in grant money! In your specific case there are categories of grant programs that you should be looking into and please remember that not all grant programs are from the government. Grant programs are also provided by organizations, foundations and other such entities. Another thing that you should know that a lot of people don't seem to know is that the SBA does have grant programs though they are of a specific nature. Finding grant programs can be roughly compared to finding needles in a haystack. They may be hard to find but they are there. Personally I would go over your business plan to see what kinds of things that your shop can or could provide that would be eligible for funding. Things like hiring certain people, providing certain services - there are a whole lot of things that can be associated with selling candles you just have to know the ones that will qualify you to apply for grants.
Grant Basics 101

I did some internet searching and the first website that I found was SBA. They seem to have a lot of useful information, but I was kinda hoping one of my aidmates would be able to tell me which government grant to apply for. All of these companies want me to pay for just a list of government grants. How can I cut out the middle man and just apply now? I'm really in fast need. My candle shop is opening in a mini-mall that's scheduled to be finished by June 15. Help someone fast. I'm getting a wonderful deal on the space that I have, but my finances are not that great. I take care of my father-in-law at home, and my husbands has to work at home also because his dad is a fall risk. The opportunity to open this store just kinda fell into my lap. I had been doing catalog sales, which is not generating too much income. I have 5 kids and I really want to make this store a success for them to be proud of me. Help someone!!!

Did you try the SBA? Also, you could get information from SCORE. These are great places to start. They can send you information or communicate with you through e-mail. Good luck!