Entrepreneurship: Starting your own business

[SummerChild]

Hi McCoyred, have you ever heard of grants for developing businesses in areas that the city or government wants to revitalize? I don't know of any but in this era of inner city gentrification all across the country it seems like there might be something out there. Just wondering.

Originally Posted by mccoyred

I am glad that you brought that up. Public Service Announcement: THERE IS NO FREE MONEY! Many people think that the government or venture capitalist will provide grant money for a start up business. Startup businesses are either funded via equity (savings, family, etc.) or capital (small business loans, home equity loans, 401k withdrawals, personal loans or guarantees, etc.); there is always a cost.

[mccoyred]

Originally Posted by SummerChild

Hi McCoyred, have you ever heard of grants for developing businesses in areas that the city or government wants to revitalize? I don't know of any but in this era of inner city gentrification all across the country it seems like there might be something out there. Just wondering.

Yes, they are generally community development grants. These grants are very limited in number and amount and often have guidelines that only the hardiest investors meet. They can be found but definitely not in any email solicitation (I get a whole bunch of these types of emails and it boils my blood!) but generally through political connections.

[D.COM]

I have a lot of interests and always pursued going into business after spending some time with my hobbies. I used to offer web design, domain names, and web hosting. Then I thought about having a small all natural cosmetics and soaps shop. And finally I am in the TRAVEL business.

I've been to Europe, South Korea, and South America, etc. I just came back from my two week vacation in the Dominican Republic. The more I traveled, the more I realized that this is something I wanted to do more often - learn new languages (I know almost 4) and about other cultures. Not to mention all of the adventures during the journey to my destination as well as people-watching at the airports. I love nature, so I also enjoy taking photographs when I am in another country. This home-based travel opportunity has been the best decision I've made. It's fun, I get to travel and go on cruises, and enjoy all the travel discounts and perks that come along with it.

From my experience, one of the ingredients necessary to become successful is to be passionate about what you do. It all starts in your mind...

[SummerChild]

D.Com, have you been to Costa Rica? I know that it's technically Central America but I was wondering. Know much about it?

ETA: Where were you in the DR? I was in Punta Cana in February at the Paradisus. How did you like the DR? Aren't the people wonderful?

SC

Originally Posted by D.COM

I have a lot of interests and always pursued going into business after spending some time with my hobbies. I used to offer web design, domain names, and web hosting. Then I thought about having a small all natural cosmetics and soaps shop. And finally I am in the TRAVEL business.

I've been to Europe, South Korea, and South America, etc. I just came back from my two week vacation in the Dominican Republic. The more I traveled, the more I realized that this is something I wanted to do more often - learn new languages (I know almost 4) and about other cultures. Not to mention all of the adventures during the journey to my destination as well as people-watching at the airports. I love nature, so I also enjoy taking photographs when I am in another country. This home-based travel opportunity has been the best decision I've made. It's fun, I get to travel and go on cruises, and enjoy all the travel discounts and perks that come along with it.

From my experience, one of the ingredients necessary to become successful is to be passionate about what you do. It all starts in your mind...

[OneTimeSBX]

i want a bookstore/cafe.

i read ALL. THE. TIME. my fiance caters on the side, so i figure we could both do what we do and make money for real.

my fantasy business would be wedding planner. it seems like so much fun helping but i know it is a ton of work.

[*ClassyKeshia*]

I have thought about startin my own business in the future. I want to be a forensic psychologist however, i want to have my own social work/day care (something along those lines). I just love kids and i want to help them and their families who are less fourtunate. Help will be along the lines of job placement, parenting classes, after school activities to get kids off the street something like that........(Those are alot of ideas i hope u all understand what I am tryin to say)

[PhDiva]

I will be launching my independent grant writing business in the next month or so. I do have one client on retainer now and I've been doing this sort of work off and on for about 5 years.

My short-range goal is to use some of the profits for the purchase of our first home but in the next 5-10 years, I plan to have enough business that my husband can quit his job and work for the business full-time (I'm an academic with a gig I love and lots of flexibility and great benefits) as an independent IT/data architecture consultant.

My business has low start up since I'm selling my skills at technical writing and research.

[EssenceofElle55]

I forgot to mention my most recent business venture. I own a franchise of Edible Arrangements, opening soon in Fontana, California. City permits are a beast. What a process. Check out the national website.

http://www.ediblearrangements.com

Let me know what you all think.

[SummerChild]

Wow, Soror, that's great! When I first started this thread, it was b/c one of my ideas was to purchase a franchise. What has been your experience?

SC

Originally Posted by EssenceofElle55

I forgot to mention my most recent business venture. I own a franchise of Edible Arrangements, opening soon in Fontana, California. City permits are a beast. What a process. Check out the national website.

http://www.ediblearrangements.com

Let me know what you all think.