Question:

I started a company that is involved in providing retailers, restaurants and service businesses a cash advance against future receivables.  The cash advance is a minimum of $5,000 to as much as $150,000 per location which the business can use for any purpose.  It is paid back by allowing our company to take a small agreed to percentage of the businesses daily receipts until the cash advance contract is fulfilled.  The vast majority of our clients are retailers, restaurants and service businesses that cannot get a bank loan or lease because of many factors.

My question is, based on what we are doing, is there any Federal grants or programs, or state grants or programs that we might qualify for to build our business in terms of hiring additional staff, which we really need to meet the demand for our products, or to assist us in advertising, promotion of our company.  We want to grow, our investors want us to grow, but we need some staff help and promotional assistance.

Answer:

It sounds like a great business.  And to be successful in such is short time is certainly an accomplishment.  But I understand; when you see potential it can be very frustrating not to be able to fulfill it.  I hope the sources I list here are some help.

Training Grants

As you are probably already aware, grants are available for business, but they are the most difficult of the money forms to obtain. But the one business grant that is the most available is a grant for training your employees.  Every state and sometimes local governments have grants for business along with non-profit organizations.  Here is where I would suggest starting for training grants: 

• Georgia Department of Technical and Adult Education
  Michael Jones, Manager
  1800 Century Pl., Suite 300
  Atlanta, GA 30345-4304
  404-679-1700
  Fax: 404-679-1710
  www.dtae.org
  Quick Start is the State of Georgia's internationally known training program for new and expanding business and industries. Quick Start directly provides a full range of high quality customized training services at no cost to client companies. These services cover not only job specific skills but also automation, productivity enhancement and human resource development training. Examples: Statistical Process Control, Programmable Logic Controller, and Team Skills training. Also provides comprehensive training for office operations such as corporate headquarters, billing and remittance centers, and telecommunications operations such as customer service centers.
  
  
• Georgia Department of Labor
  Assistant Commissioner
  Job Training Division
  148 International Blvd., NE, Suite 650
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  404-232-3775
  Fax: 404-651-9377
  www.dol.state.ga.us
  The Department of Labor is responsible for implementing the federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA).  There are over 45 One-Stop service locations throughout the state to assist in job training for both the employee and employer.

Grants And Loans Programs

There are many local organizations that provide grants and loans to local businesses.  A lot of these programs receive their funding from Washington and they in turn provide money to local entrepreneurs.   Listed below are the major programs available:

* Office of Economic Development
Georgia Department of Community Affairs
60 Executive Park South, NE, Suite 250
Atlanta, GA 30329-2231
404-679-4940
Fax: 800-736-1155
www.dca.state.ga.us

Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA): Responsible for state administration of many incentive programs as well as providing technical assistance in the area of economic development to local governments, development authorities, and private for-profit entities. DCA provides information on financing programs and other services offered by the state government.

DCA maintains a highly skilled and extremely dedicated graphics and editorial staff to ensure that the information it gathers is effectively digested and promptly disseminated. Some of the department's many publications include:

• Small Business Resource Guide: Manual for small business owners with useful instructions, organization addresses and telephone numbers and resources.
• Georgia's Communities-Planning, Growing, Achieving: Publication contains information about various federal, state, and local financing programs that benefit businesses located in Georgia.
• Economic Development Financing Packet
• Regional Development Center Listing: List of Georgia's 16 RDCs with addresses and telephone numbers.

One-Stop Environmental Permitting: Georgia offers one-stop environmental permitting through its Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division. The state has the full authority of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to issue permits that meet Federal standards, thus allowing a single permit to meet all requirements.

Industrial Revenue Bonds: Taxable and tax-exempt industrial revenue bond financing is available through the state or local development authorities at competitive, below-prime rates.

Supplier Choice Power: Georgia companies with electricity demands of 900 kilowatts or higher may choose among competing suppliers, taking advantage of a competitive market. This cost-saving option has been available to Georgia consumers long before deregulation of the industry was even contemplated.

The Employment Incentive Program: A financing program that may be used in conjunction with traditional private financing to carry out economic development projects which will result in employment of moderate- and low-income persons.

Community Home Investment Program (CHIP): Created by the National Affordable Housing Act of 1990, the Home Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program is the first federally funded block grant designed to address state and local affordable housing concerns with a maximum amount awarded per local government applicant of $200,000.

Immediate Threat and Danger Program: Funds community developments, having a particular urgency because existing conditions pose a serious and immediate threat to the health or welfare of the community. The maximum amount an applicant may receive is $50,000, which shall not exceed half of total project cost.

Local Development Fund: A state funded grant program that provides local governments with matching funds for community improvement projects. The maximum grant amount is $10,000 for single community projects and $20,000 for multi-community projects.

Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC): An economic development program providing matching grant funds to eligible applicants for projects that will benefit the entire 35-county area of Appalachian Georgia.

Appalachian Region Business Development Revolving Loan Fund: A $2.2 million pool that can be used in the Appalachian Region for loans to projects that create or save jobs. The maximum loan amount is $200,000 per qualifying business, or 50% of total project cost, whichever is less. There is no maximum project cost and no minimum loan amount.

Regional Assistance Program (RAP): Grants are available on a competitive basis to local governments, development authorities, and regional development centers for regional industrial parks and similar facilities, regional water and sewer treatment facilities, regional transportation and communication facilities, regional marketing and recruitment programs, and other projects important to regional economic development. Grants will be available up to $250,000 per multi-county or regional economic development implementation project with no minimum match required.

Business Retention and Expansion Process: Provides a process for local governments, chambers and/or development authorities to survey existing industries and identify the perceptions and potential problems of private sector firms concerning issues like future plans, international trade, labor and manpower, local government services, energy requirements, and community linkages.

Surety Bond Guarantee Program: Enables small contractors to obtain the surety bonds necessary to compete for government and non-government contracts.

Industrial Enterprise Zones: The City of Atlanta, as authorized under a special provision of Georgia law, has designated two industrial parks as industrial enterprise zones. Companies in both the Atlanta and Southside industrial parks receive 100% freeport on all three classes of inventory and may receive real property tax reduction for up to 25 years. All buildings constructed in these enterprise zones are exempted from local property taxes at levels that begin at 100%. These exemptions decrease in increments of 20% every five years. New businesses in both parks are eligible for a $2,500-per job tax credit for a payroll of ten or more persons.

Bond Allocation Program: Businesses that are looking to construct or improve manufacturing facilities, single- and multi-family housing projects can benefit from this program. Economic development projects must keep or create one job for every $125,000 of funding.

Industrial Development Bond Financing: Long-term, low-rate financing for businesses looking to improve or construct manufacturing facilities. Up to $10 million is available per project.

The Redevelopment Fund Program: The Redevelopment Fund provides flexible financial assistance to local governments to assist them in implementing challenging economic and community development projects that cannot be undertaken with existing public sector grant and loan programs.

Downtown Development Revolving loan Fund (DDRLF): The Downtown Development Revolving Loan Fund is designed to assist non-entitlement cities and counties in implementing quality downtown development projects. Loans may be used for a variety of public or private projects that involve infrastructure improvements, real estate development or redevelopment, and, in some cases, purchase or lease of equipment.

Georgia Academy for Economic Development: The Academy is a consortium of public and private economic development organizations providing economic development training throughout Georgia. These professionals serve as the Academy's program leaders and resource experts.

* The Phoenix Fund
Atlanta Development Authority
86 Pryor St., Suite 300
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-880-4100
Fax: 404-880-9333
www.atlantada.com

A program created to assist small and medium-sized businesses providing loan amounts from $10,000 to $100,000 for construction or renovation of privately-owned commercial buildings, equipment purchases needed to operate a business, and, in some cases, working capital.

* Department of Administrative Services
Governor's Small Business Center
200 Piedmont Ave., SE
West Tower, Suite 1804
Atlanta, GA 30334-9010
800-495-0053
404-656 6315
http://doas.georgia.gov

The mission of the Governor’s Small Business Center is to contribute to Georgia’s economic growth by increasing opportunities for new, emerging and established Georgia-based small and minority businesses to improve their operations, build business alliances, develop joint ventures and promote their businesses.

New Vendor Orientation: these monthly sessions provide general information on how to become a registered vendor with the state, marketing strategies and more. These sessions are also offered online at http://www2.state.ga.us/departments/doas/gsbc/newvendor.html.

Small and Minority Business Coordinators: this program is designed to inform you of procurement opportunities with their specific agencies. In addition, they provide state purchasing agencies with a vendor list to increase bid opportunities to small and minority businesses.

Governor’s Mentor-Protégé Program: The Governor’s Mentor-Protégé Program pairs leading Georgia companies with emerging businesses for mentoring relationships that can increase their odds of success.

* The Community Investment Services Department
Federal Home Loan Bank
1475 Peachtree St., NE
404-888-8000
Atlanta, GA 30309-3037
800-536-9650
www.fhlbatl.com

Community Investment Services: The fund provides long-term funds to its member institutions for lending in their communities. Funds may be used to assist first-time homebuyers, for loans to small businesses, for the rehabilitation of historic districts, for community redevelopment programs, and for home mortgages for low- and moderate-income families. The maturities offered are up to 20 years at fixed rates.

* Small Business Administration (SBA)
Small Business Administration
233 Peachtree St., NE, Suite 1900
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-331-0100
Fax: 404-331-0101
www.sba.gov/ga

The Georgia Small Business Administration Office delivers a variety of programs and services, such as start-up and operational assistance through small business training and counseling, financial assistance for start-ups, business opportunities and much more.

* The Business Improvement Loan Fund Program
Atlanta Development Authority
86 Pryor Street, Suite 300
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-880-4100
Fax: 404-880-9333
www.atlantada.com

The Business Improvement Loan Fund Program is designed to encourage the revitalization of targeted business districts in Atlanta, and to support commercial/industrial development in other eligible areas. District loans and loan participation up to $50,000 are available to businesses that are not able to obtain a market rate loan.

Venture Capital

I understand that because you already receive venture capital you may already know about these sources.  But it can’t hurt to have them here, too.

$12 Million To Start A Real Big Business
No matter how much money you need, there is probably a program for you. You can also collect large amounts of money by putting together money from a number of programs. The government also offers venture capital through the Small Business Administration’s Small Business Investment Companies (SBIC).  Over 75,000 entrepreneurs received money from this source to get their dreams off the ground, including the big guys like Compaq, Apple, Federal Express and Staples.  See how they can help you at Associate Administrator for Investment, U.S. SBA; 202-205-6510 or www.sba.gov/inv.  Many states also have venture capital programs or will help you locate private venture capitalists and state governments can also help you prepare the necessary paperwork.   A good place to look for this kind of help is your State Government Office of Economic Development located in your state capital.  You can call 411 and ask for the state capital operator in your state capital or go to www.govengine.com and click on your state and find the office that is listed under business and/or economic development.

Over 500,000 Businesses are Assisted by Small Business Development Center Programs on an Annual Basis
Start-up and existing businesses can receive referrals to business experts, training in information access techniques, an equity financing course, educational assistance, and more. To find a center near you, contact the following:  Association of Small Business Development Centers, 8990 Burke Lake Road, Burke, VA  22015; 703-764-9850; Fax:  703-764-1234; www.asbdc-us.org; Email: ann@asbc-us.org. 

U.S. Treasury Provides Money to Low-Income Communities
The Community Development Financial Institutions Fund of the U.S. Department of the Treasury provides business loans and venture capital to people in low-income neighborhoods that would otherwise not have access to funding. To find funding sources near you, contact the following:  U.S. Department of the Treasury, Community Development Financial Institutions Fund, 601 13th Street, NW, Suite 200, South, Washington, DC 20005; 202-622-8662; Fax:  202-611-7754; www.cdfifund.gov; Email: cdfihelp@cdfi.treas.gov. 

400 Organizations That Help Low-Income People Start a Business
Members of the Association for Enterprise Opportunity provide free and low-cost assistance and training, as well as financial assistance, to underserved populations who want to start a business including “people with low incomes and welfare recipients.�  Contact:  Association for Enterprise Opportunity, 1601 North Kent Street, Suite 1101, Arlington, VA  22209; 703-841-7760; Fax: 703-841-7748; www.microenterpriseworks.org; Email: aeo@assoceo.org.

100 Venture Capitalists Looking to Invest in Poor Areas
The Community Development Venture Capital Alliance is an association of over 100 venture capitalists who want to advance the livelihoods of low-income people and the economies of distressed communities through entrepreneurial activity.  To find out about the opportunities for you, contact: Community Development Venture Capital Alliance, 330 Seventh Avenue, 19th Floor, New York, NY 10001; 212-594-6747; Fax: 212-594-6717; www.cdvca.org; Email: cdvca@cdvca.org. 

Other Money And Help

I thought you might find the programs and offices listed below helpful to you or even your clients now or sometime in the future.

* First Stop Business Information Center
Suite 315, West Tower
2 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive
Atlanta, GA 30334
800-656-4558
404-656-7061
Fax: 404-657-6380
www.sos.state.ga.us/firststop
Email: firststop@sos.state.ga.us
The First Stop Business Information Center provides the small business owner and the prospective entrepreneur with a central point of information and contacts for state regulatory requirements for operating a small business. The primary objective of this center is to facilitate sustainable small business development in Georgia by offering a central location for determination of what licenses and permits must be obtained and maintained by individuals and businesses conducting their enterprises.

* Office of Adult Literacy Programs
GEA Office
1800 Century Place, NE 
Atlanta, GA 30345 
404-679-1644
Fax: 404-679-4911
State Office of Adult Literacy
404-679-1625
Fax: 404-679-1630
www.dtae.org/adultlit.html

Georgia Department of Technical and Adult Education
Georgia Department of Revenue
Georgia Tax Credit for Adult Basic Skills Education: Designed to encourage businesses to provide or sponsor basic skills education programs for their employees. The program provides tax credits under Article 2 of Chapter 7 of Title 48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, 48-7-41. The amount of tax credit shall be equal to one-third of the costs of education per full-time equivalent student or $150 per full-time equivalent student, whichever is less, for each employee who has successfully completed an approved adult basic skills education program. The tax credit granted to any employer pursuant to the Code shall not exceed the amount of the taxpayer's income liability for the taxable year as computed without regard to this Code section.

* Rural Development Administration
Community and Business Programs Division
Georgia State Office
335 East Hancock Ave. 
Athens, GA 30610
706-546-2162
Fax: 706-546-2152
www.rurdev.usda.gov/ga

Special Grant Programs
Recycling and Waste Reduction Grants: Objectives are to reduce or eliminate pollution of water resources and improve planning and management of solid waste sites. Grants may be used to evaluate current landfill conditions to determine threats to water resources; provide technical assistance and/or training to enhance operator skills in the maintenance and operations of active landfills; provide technical assistance and/or training to help communities reduce the solid waste stream; and provide technical assistance and/or training for operators of landfills which are closed or will be closed in the near future.

Value-Added Agricultural Producer Grants: Designed to encourage independent producers of agricultural commodities to process their raw products into marketable goods, thereby increasing farm income. There are four entities that may apply for funds: Independent Producer, Farm or Ranch Cooperative, Agricultural Producer Groups and Majority-Controlled Producer Based Business Ventures. Funds for eligible products may be used for planning and working capital. Contact Craig Scroggs at 333 Phillips Dr., McDonough, GA 30253 or by email at craig.scroggs@ga.usda.gov

Rural Business Enterprise Grants: This grant program supports the development of small emerging private business enterprises in rural areas. Small or emerging businesses generally employ 50 or fewer employees and have less than $1,000,000 in projected gross revenues. The grants may be used to acquire and develop land, construct or make repairs to buildings/equipment, technical assistance, providing financial assistance and other business purposes. Contact the office or web site for a complete listing.

State Historic Preservation Tax Incentives: Designed to encourage rehabilitation of both residential and commercial historic buildings that might otherwise be neglected. The law provides an owner of historic property which has undergone substantial rehabilitation an eight-year freeze on property tax assessments. For the ninth year, the assessment increases by 50% of the difference between the recorded first year value and the current fair market value. In the tenth and following years the tax assessment will then be based on the current fair market value. The rehabilitation project must meet a rehabilitation test. If the property is: Residential (owner-occupied) C rehabilitation must increase the fair market value of the building by at least 50%; Mixed-use (primarily residential and partially income-producing property) C rehabilitation must increase the fair market value of the building by at least 75%; Commercial and Professional Use (income-producing property) C rehabilitation must increase the fair market value of the building by at least 100%.

Business and Industry Loans: This Direct Loan Program provides loans to private parties, who can’t obtain credit elsewhere and to public bodies.  This assistance is available in areas outside of the city with a population of 50,000 or less.  Loans can be used for improving, developing or financing business and industry, employment and to improve the economic and environmental rural community, including pollution control.  The maximum loan available is $10 million.

Renewable Energy System and Energy Efficiency Improvement Program: This grant, loan and loan guarantee program is available to farmers, ranchers and rural small businesses to purchase renewable energy systems and for making energy efficiency improvements.  Grants for Renewable Energy Systems are limited to $500,000. Grants for Energy Efficiency Improvements are limited to $250,000.

* The Georgia Procurement Assistance Center
Georgia Tech Economic Development Institute
760 Spring Street, Suite 330
Atlanta, GA 30332-0640
404-953-3155
Fax: 404-953-3169
http://www.gtpac.org/

The Center assists firms in their efforts to do business with the federal government. The Center helps firms solicit bids and locate procurement opportunities with the Department of Defense and area military facilities seeking certain goods and services. Although assistance is given upon request to any firm, the majority of clients are small and disadvantaged businesses.

* Minority Small Business Resource Organizations
Atlanta Business League
PO Box 92363
931 Martin Luther King Dr
Atlanta, GA 30314
404-584-8126
Fax: 404-584-0445
http://www.atlantabusinessleague.org/

Atlanta Public Schools
Contract Compliance Office
130 Trinity Avenue, SW, 4th Floor
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-827-2436
http://www.atlanta.k12.ga.us/inside_aps/finance/procurement.html

Business Development Center - NAACP
2034 Metropolitan Parkway, SW
Atlanta, GA 30315
404-761-1266
www.atlantanaacp.org

Department of Commerce
Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)
Summit Building, Room 1715
401 West Peachtree Street, NW
Atlanta, GA 30308
404-730-3300
Fax: 404-730-3313
http://www.mbda.gov/

Small Business Administration
Minority Small Business Division
233 Peachtree Road, NW, Suite 1900
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-331-0100
www.sba.gov/ga

These organizations provide a variety of technical counseling and financial assistance to minority small businesses.

* Small Business Assistance Program
Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Georgia Environmental Protection Division
4244 International Parkway, Suite 120
Atlanta, GA 30354
404-362-4842
877-427-6255
888-373-5947
Fax: 404-651-5778
www.gasmallbiz.org

Georgia Department of Natural Resources created a Small Business Assistance Program (SBAP) in 1993. The goal of the SBAP is to help small businesses comply with clean air requirements in Georgia. Air quality regulations require many small businesses to obtain permits, install pollution control equipment, and maintain extensive records on emissions.

* Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority
Paul Burks, Executive Director
2090 Equitable Bldg.
100 Peachtree St.
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-656-0938
Fax: 404-656-6416
www.gefa.org

The Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority will responsively and responsibly provide environmental and energy efficiency financing, coordination and education to governmental units and non-profit organizations so that they can use available resources in an environmentally sensitive manner for all Georgians.

Recycling And Waste Reduction Grants: The purpose of this grant program is to assist local governments in planning, expanding, improving and implementing waste reduction programs in Georgia. The grants are designed to provide much needed technical and financial assistance to Georgia local governments for recycling and waste reduction infrastructure. The goal of the grants is to help local governments foster an integrated approach to waste reduction through waste minimization, recycling, composting and other innovative programs.

Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund (CWSRF): This federally funded program is administered by the Environmental Facilities Authority for waste water projects.  Low-interest loans are available for a variety of water quality and wastewater treatment projects that include: construction of new wastewater treatment plants, installing sewer lines, purchasing street and storm sewer cleaning equipment and others.

Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund (DWSRF): This federally funded program is administered by the Environmental Facilities Authority for drinking water projects.  Low-interest loans are available for a variety of public health related water supply projects that include: replacing aging infrastructure, installing or upgrading treatment facilities to improve drinking water quality, maintain compliance and many others.

Georgia Fund Loans:  This state bond funded program finances all types of water and sewer projects, including water and sewer lines, treatment plants, pumping stations, and water storage tanks. Loans from this program range from $20,000 to $3 million. Over 70% of communities receiving Georgia Fund are in rural areas. Contact Dan Clarke for additional information at (404) 656-0940.

Environmental Emergency Loans: Environmental emergency loans are available at any time for projects needed to protect community health or safety. The interest rate is only 2.0%. The maximum loan amount is $200,000, but this can be combined with other GEFA loan programs to fully finance projects that cost more than $100,000. Contact James Thompson for more information at (404) 656-4046.

Construction Loans: GEFA offers up to $1,000,000 in interim financing for applicants with a known source of permanent financing, such as Special Purpose Local Option Sales Taxes (SPLOST), a United States Department of Agriculture loan, etc.

Solid Waste Facility Financing: GEFA offers low-interest loans of up to $1 million for solid waste capital projects that serve local governments. Also, to help minimize their waste streams, cities and counties can purchase facilities and equipment for new recycling or waste reduction programs through GEFA recycling and waste reduction grant funds.

GEFA / ENERGY: As the State Energy Office, the GEFA Division of Energy Resources is the primary agency for energy programs, grants, and educational materials. Through a broad array of programs ranging from Home Energy Clinics for the residential sector and the installation of weatherization materials in low-income homes to assisting fleets to use clean alternative fuels, GEFA annually assists thousands of citizens throughout the state.

* Loans For Farmers
Farm Service Agency
U.S. Department of Agriculture
355 East Hancock Avenue
Room 102 Mail Stop 100
Athens, GA 30601-2775
706-546-2266
Fax: 706-546-2151
http://www.fsa.usda.gov/ga/

The Farm Service Agency provides Direct and Guaranteed Loans to farmers through a variety of programs, including:

Farm Ownership Loans: purchase farmland, construct or repair buildings and other fixtures, and promote soil and water conservation. Up to $200,000.

Operating Loans: purchase items needed for a successful farm operation, such as livestock, farm equipment, feed, seed, fuel, farm chemicals, insurance, and other operating expenses. These loans can also be used to pay for minor improvements. Up to $200,000.

Beginning Farmer and Rancher Loans: provides funds to beginning farmers and ranchers who are unable to obtain financing elsewhere.

Downpayment Farm Ownership Loans for Beginning Farmers: helps beginning farmers and ranchers purchase a farm or ranch. Also provides a way for retiring farmers to transfer their land to a future generation of farmers and ranchers. Applicant must have a down payment of 10% and FSA with finance of 40%, with the remaining balance from a commercial lender. Purchase price cannot exceed $250,000.

Loans to Socially Disadvantaged Farmers/Ranchers: helps socially disadvantaged applicants buy and operate family-size farms and ranches.

Youth Loans: Made to youths to establish and operate income-producing projects with the participation in 4-H clubs, Future Farmers of America, and similar organizations. Up to $5,000.

Emergency Loan Assistance: provides loans to help producers recover from production and physical losses due to drought, flooding, and other natural disasters, or quarantine. Up to $500,000.

Beginning Farmer and Rancher Land Contract Guarantee Pilot Program: “prompt payment guarantee� from FSA. FSA will provide payment to seller two times if the beginning farmer does not pay. Program is tested in IN, IA, ND, OR, PA and WI.

Farm Ownership and Operating Loan Guarantees: FSA will guarantee loans up to $782,000.

* Georgia Development Authority
Agricultural Loan Division
2082 E. Exchange Pl., Suite 102
Tucker, GA 30084
770-414-3400
Fax: 770-414-3407
www.gda.georgia.gov

Georgia business owners have a fast, convenient way to register their business with the State of Georgia. By visiting www.georgia.gov and clicking the Online Business Registration Section, business owners will be able to register for a state sales tax identification number and a provisional Federal Employee Identification Number (FEIN). Obtaining a state sales tax identification number and a provisional Federal Employee Identification Number (FEIN) used to take several days.

City And County Sources Of Money And Hand Help

Every city and county has programs that provide money and help to local businesses. Obviously programs and services vary from city to city and county to county, but they can include the following:

• Site location assistance
• Industrial Revenue Bonds
• Property Tax Abatement
• Gap financing
• Job Training Tax Credit
• Create new jobs and get a great tax credit worth up to $3,000
• Downtown Revitalization programs

Many places have microloans or grants available for up to $35,000 for deserving businesses to start or expand. For instance:

• Savannah, Georgia offers an Entrepreneurial Center for technical assistance, training, access to loans and workshops.
• Business Incubators can be a great place to get low rent, services, and help in getting your business started. Erie, Pennsylvania and Santa Fe, New Mexico each offer incubators.
• Buffalo, New York has gap financing for minority construction businesses.
• There is a $5,000 mini grant available in Alameda County, California for recycling programs.
• Thornton, Colorado offers small grants to local businesses to upgrade their buildings or to help fund special promotions such as grand openings.
• New Haven, Connecticut has a microloan fund for childcare facilities.

To see what the local governments in your area have to offer, just call the office of the Mayor or County Executive and tell them you would like to know about all the programs they have for “Economic Development.�  You can also go to www.govengine.com and search for the cities and counties listed under your state.

Free Business Services

Another great opportunity within the government is the wonderful free services that are available to run any business. You can get free assistance on anything from choosing the right computer to help with developing a business plan to free legal advice.  Here are some stating places:

* Intellectual Capital Partnership Program
Office of Economic Development
University System of Georgia
270 Washington Street, SW
Atlanta, GA 30334
404-656-2275
Fax: 404-657-1489
www.icapp.org

The Intellectual Capital Partnership Program provides one-stop entry to the intellectual capital of the University of Georgia, which includes educational programs, facility expertise, and research and development facilities.

* Georgia Small Business Development Center
University of Georgia
Chicopee Complex
1180 East Broad Street
Athens, GA 30602-5412
706-542-6762
Fax: 706-542-6776
www.sbdc.uga.edu
Email: hlogan@sbdc.uga.edu

Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) could be the best deal the government has to offer to entrepreneurs and inventors, and a lot of people don't even know about them! Where else in the world can you have access to a $150 an hour consultant for free? There are over 700 of these offices all over the country and they offer free (or very low-cost) consulting services on most aspects of business including:

-how to write a business plan
-how to get financing
-how to protect your invention
-how to sell your idea
-how to license your product
-how to comply with the laws
-how to write a contract
-how to sell overseas
-how to get government contracts
-how to help you buy the right equipment

What You Have To Do Now

Be sure to personally contact each of the sources presented above.   See if you can talk to someone about your specific problem.  The more you talk with people, the more you will get from the program.  People are human (sorry) and they will relate to you and want to help you if you let them.  This can become a people business.  The nicer you are to these people, the nicer they will be to you. That’s on average.  There are always nasty people in the world no matter how nice you are to them.  Keep remembering that these people have the power to help you and they get the same paycheck whether they help you or not.  So give them a chance to help you.

Your objective is to get an application to fill out or to get another potential source from these people if they cannot help you directly. So if they can’t help you, before you hang up you ask, “Do you know of any other offices or programs that might help?�

DON’T hire a grant writer if you have problems filling out any application for money.  All you have to do is contact the office handing out the money.  It is their job to help you with any problems you have.  If, for some reason, they are not helpful, contact the local office of your U.S. Congressman and/or U.S. Senator and ask them where you might turn for help.  They should know non-profit organizations in your area that can help.

Your Hard Work Will Pay Off

Wow.  You are probably tired just from reading all this, and you haven’t even started any of the real work yet.  That’s the problem with life nowadays.  It’s a lot bigger and complicated than it used to be.  When I grew up in the 50s there used to be just one place to turn to for help, and that one person seemed to know it all.  Now times have changed.  No one person knows everything anymore.  Life’s become so complex.  Even though I have been studying money programs for over 25 years, and I am likely to be the best one in the country at it, still don’t feel like I know it all.

You can’t trust a “no� answer anymore. No, just means that they don’t know anything.  It seems that success in this world goes to those who don’t take no for an answer and find a way to solve the problem no matter what the experts say.  The experts are wrong too many times to trust them completely.

It’s fun to continue to learn new sources of help and new skills for finding money. I always believe that the sources you identify this time and don’t use will be of value to you some time in the future, but you just don’t know it yet.

I hope our sources give you some help. Hang in there; it’s a big world and there are lots of sources waiting to help you, but they won’t come looking for you, you have to go looking for them.

Matthew Lesko
Entrepreneur and Best Selling Author
Information USA, Inc
www.lesko.com