>Good morning!
>So all I hear is how women and moms can get small business
>grants... but yet everywhere I look someone is looking for
>money up front for a list of places... the lists usually
>being outdated and old!
>
>In this economy, are there still orgnanizations offering
>grants? Can anyone help?
>
>My background info: I am a SAHM with three young children,
>and pregnant with my fourth. I have a Master's of Science
>Degree in Counseling with an advanced degree in Marriage and
>Family Therapy. Before my twins were born last year, I was
>working as a therapist in a foster care agency in NYC.
>
>I incorporated my small business in September, where I sell
>children's books for siblings of twins and a twin journal. I
>am now working on expanding my business to utilize my degree
>while still being at home (or at least with my kids!). I am
>attempting to start up Baby and Toddler classes teaching
>weekly "Mommy and Me" type sessions such as Baby
>Sign Language, baby and toddler gym classes, potty training.
>I have already begun working on becoming certified with some
>companies that offer these courses as home businesses.
>
>So now I need funding for transforming my basement into a
>child-friendly "playspace" to hold the classes, as
>well as funding for advertising and brochures, flyers, etc.
>
>As I just found out I am expecting my fourth child, this puts
>a bit more stress on my funding options, as my husband can
>only help out so much! If anyone can help, please let me know
>where to turn and who can possibly consider me for a small
>business grant.
>
>I do appreciate you taking the time to read my post and look
>forward to hearing from you.
>Thank you.
>Jennifer


As someone that does grant research for a living I have to tell you that finding grant programs involves a lot of work and that is the reason why you are being asked to pay - you are paying for the work that had to be done to find the grant program(s) that you are eligible to apply for.

As someone else who has replied has said there are grant programs out there that you may be eligible to apply for - even here at the Business Owner's Idea Cafe!

But there are definitely programs out there that you may be eligible to apply for and what I have seen so far that no one else has mentioned is that you can apply for as many that you qualify for - you don't just have to settle for applying to just one grant program!

Rose
Grant Basics 101
http://grantbasics101.bravehost.com/grants.htm