New Start-Up: Dance Circus

lockossa

Help Anyone?
 
I`m in the start-up process of building a new business, a dance circus.
Can anyone share ideas for financing sources, particularly grants?
I`ve done incorporation, and name trademark, and all. I`ll get start-up
help with about 2-3 grand. But after that, where else can I get grants?
 
Any other business buiding ideas welcome. Thanks in advance.
 
signed;
Determined to be successful!

KevDev

Grants typically are not available to for-profit businesses, although there might be some monies available if you are female/minority.
Check with your local SBDC for more ideas.
Good luck!

robertj

Help Anyone?
 
I`m in the start-up process of building a new business, a dance circus.
Can anyone share ideas for financing sources, particularly grants?
I`ve done incorporation, and name trademark, and all. I`ll get start-up
help with about 2-3 grand. But after that, where else can I get grants?
 
Any other business building ideas welcome. Thanks in advance.
 
signed;
Determined to be successful!

We have identified more than 50 strategies for acquiring capital. The optimum one(s) depend upon the specifics of your situation. The first being how much you will need (now and in the future).
As for grants - despite what the guy on TV (and others) say, there really isn`t Federal grant money set aside for starting a business. If there is help available - it will most likely be at a more local level; so I would begin by talking with the economic development folks in your area.
 

startuphelper

At the risk of sounding like a broken record....there are no grants out there for small, for-profit startups. Sure, you might see a small grant here or there (under $2000) being offered by specialty groups but the competition will be fierce and the liklihood of winning one is negligible.
And no it doesn`t make a difference if you`re a female or minority or disabled. Government grants are generally meant for very specific industries that are meant for companies that are going to directly stimulate the local economy and employ hundreds of local workers.
Small startups must be able to be self funded for the most part. Even applying for SBA backed loans is much more difficult than you would imagine. The process isn`t difficult, but the required criteria must all come together just so. You need to provide about 30% of the your startup cash needs yourself. You must prove experience in the field. And you must provide collateral. And of course it should go without saying, you must have good credit.
 
Even applying for microloans (under $25,000) requires collateral and good credit.
 
If  you are "determined to be successful", as your signature says, then you must be determined to fund your business yourself. If you have a full time job, get yourself a part time job in addition to your f/t job. Save the additional income towards your startup fund or use the additional income to pay off credit card debt (if you need to clean up your credit score).
 
People need to stop expecting free handouts in order to fund a new business. It just doesn`t happen that way. It takes good old fashioned hard work and sacrifice.
 
Get started with your written business plan if you haven`t already done that. No matter where you turn for funding you will need that business plan.
 
Good luck to you! I really hope you can make  your dance circus a reality. But you need to change your strategy or you will just be spinning your wheels and losing precious time.
 

StartUpSmart

Hi,
 
For raising capital you might try www.prosper.com. I haven`t personally used the service but I do know entrepreneurs who have secured loans there.