"Inch by inch, row by row...that's the way my garden grows" was a favorite saying of my grandmother's -- usually when she was trying to teach me something about patience!
While I never mastered the art of having patience, I have learned how that saying can apply to creating a successful business.
If you've got big dreams for starting or growing your own business, but you lack the start-up capital, technical assistance or training that you need to succeed, then start by thinking...small. In fact, think smaller than small! Think micro -- as in "microenterprise development programs".
What is a microenterprise development program? Basically, it's a government sponsored or supported program that provides start-up or expansion capital, technical assistance and training to microbusinesses. It's designed to help entrepreneurs who don't have access to traditional means of credit. Which means that if you're low-income, you've got bad or no credit, you don't have enough collateral to apply for a business loan -- then you're a good candidate for a microloan.
Need other help? How about training? Learning to write a business plan? Want to go back to school? Need help understanding how to put together a cash flow statement?
Most microenterprise development programs also offer training, workshops and other assistance. If they don't offer it themselves, they'll be able to refer you to a community organization that does, and guess what? The help is often free, or offered for a very low cost!
What is a microenterprise? It is any business that can be started for less than $35,000, has fewer than five employees and has an annual revenue of less than $100,000.
What kind of businesses are eligible for microenterprise loans? Traditional businesses such as:
*beauty parlors
*bakeries
*auto or small engine repair shops
*childcare facilities
*arts and craft sellers.
Nontraditional businesses such as:
*massage therapists
*event planners
*business, life and relationship coaches
*soap and essential oil manufacturers
*acupuncturists
If you want to start and run your business out of your home? You can. If you're ready to move out of the basement and into your own building? Microenterprise can help.
Where can you Find a Microenterprise Development Program in Your Community?
*Check out local nonprofit organizations such as the United Way, local community colleges or Small Business Development Center
*Talk to a SCORE Counselor
*Visit your local Chamber of Commerce
*Contact your local women's organization or other small business group
*Visit http://www.microenterprisesuccess.com for free resources, information and helpful articles
Cheryl Antier is the President/CEO of Dream Weaver Enterprises, a business and fundraising consulting company. She started MAPS (Microenterprise Answers to your Personal Success) as a way to give something back to other women for the blessings she's received in her life. http://www.microenterprisesuccess.com offers information about government grants, microenterprises development programs, training and resources. The information is broken down by state. Sign up for "Directions" the free newseltter for small business owners that will help you get your business going where you want it to. We've done all the research for you, saving you time and money. Each issue is jampacked with information about hot business topics, so you can learn what you need to know, quickly and easily. Learn about the latest programs, and know if you qualify BEFORE you apply. Read reviews about the books, programs and software that can help you succeed. NEVER be taken in by a con artist again! Monthly ALERTS warn you about scams. Your privacy is important so your information is safe. Subscribe today free!
no-contract cleaning service Glenview ..All cities have a purchasing office and/or a procurement officer.... Read More
Since you own a business you probably have liability insurance... Read More
Shopping for a franchise is easy if you know what... Read More
A successful joint venture marketing effort is the goal of... Read More
Small business owners can relieve a lot of their own... Read More
The goals of businesses have undergone much evolution from the... Read More
Washing the exterior of a truck. Sounds easy right? Well,... Read More
Fuel prices these days are quite high and they take... Read More
When is the Chamber ideal for your business?Joining a Chamber... Read More
It appears the mini-blimp indoor theme and concept is making... Read More
Frankly, given the legal and regulatory requirements involved in attempting... Read More
Paul Leonard's BirthdayCards2Go.com paid greeting card service offers convenience when... Read More
Would it help you as a real estate investor to... Read More
Commonly folks have asked me what the technical difference is... Read More
Why does consistency in the message have an effect on... Read More
Everyday more web based companies enter the business scene. The... Read More
Those who are in the pressure washer business should not... Read More
Great question!Freeing your time is an indisputably key element in... Read More
"So what?" is a lovely question.It can lead to a... Read More
Auto detailers are often asked to clean boats and detail... Read More
The Workers' Compensation situation in this country is unbelievable. Why,... Read More
Why should you always maintain a good report with a... Read More
As an entrepreneur you can learn a lot by following... Read More
If you are a small business and qualify to participate... Read More
What are the 5 best ways to gain new contacts?There... Read More
house cleaning company Glencoe ..There is a continual trend we are seeing which I... Read More
How do window cleaning franchise businesses start? It is a... Read More
Those who are in the pressure washer business should not... Read More
As a Boat Detailing Specialist, you may want to offer... Read More
No matter type of business you operate you've got to... Read More
A career coach could be simply defined your job seeking... Read More
We love Wichita because it has great all round weather... Read More
How is your pipeline structured?I assume most of you have... Read More
Many investors and business ethics professionals are calling for more... Read More
We are noticing an increase in the length of time... Read More
Everyone loves a good story. Whether it's the story of... Read More
In the Truck Washing Business every single type of vehicle... Read More
Do you spend every waking minute in your business? Do... Read More
What makes a business relationship?What really makes a business relationship?... Read More
While driving through Pennsylvania farmland, you have probably noticed an... Read More
Do you sometimes find yourself just going "through the motions"... Read More
A corporate shell could be liken to a house that... Read More
Many people ask how many graphs or charts they should... Read More
If you are in a franchise and have a territory... Read More
In the heavy equipment cleaning business you can make good... Read More
Due to the over regulation in the Franchising Industry and... Read More
Yes, that IS security when nobody can downsize you because... Read More
One way to determine your companies mission statement is based... Read More
Aside from the fear of losing a spreadsheet or research... Read More
The stock market is still on a wild roller coaster... Read More
Small Business |