Grants and Starting My Own Business
 

This question may have been asked before but I got crazy results when I tried to search-- so I appologize beforehand.

Anyway, I'm trying to launch my own business, and was wondering if any of you knew where to go for financial assistance, ie. grants. I have worked as a tax professional for several years, and I'm partner in a firm in Atlanta. However I live in Florida, and would like to start a firm down there, so I wouldn't have to be away from home for 4 months. (I really miss hubby!) I know the area I want to target, and the demographics I think would work well.

My biggest concern is the rent/utility payments. Although I could afford most of the equipmet and supplies myself, I realize I would need to rent a place year round, even if it is just utilized during the tax season.

I'm working on a business plan, but I'm a little lost (I was a history/poli sci/public relations major! EEP!).

My parents in Missouri, just started their own tax business (but had all the capital for start up they needed) and they are already making a very nice profit. So I forsee this making a decent profit within two years. I would just like to have the money to run for at least 1 full year without profit, if that makes sense. Just in case.

Sooo... if anyone has advice or help it would be appreciated!
:D

Check with your local Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber will have lots of resources for you, including advice on how to get financial support, help with your business plan, help finding office space to rent, etc.

When I was first starting my Martial Arts business, I used the free services of SCORE http://www.score.org/

They're extremely helpful, because they've been there and done that. You'll come home from your meeting full of info and with a fist full of helpful articles.

I'm not quite sure what you plan to do, but I'm a great believer in starting small with as little overhead as possible. Would you be able to meet clients in their own homes or yours?