How to expand the business?

How do I get a free federal grant to start or expand a business.?

• I am a minority female with majority ownership in a small business and a permenant resident here in the U.S. My husband and I have a small business but I want to expand into a large business but we dont have the money. I here that there is free federal grant money but cant seem to find someone who has the "know how" when it comes to applying for this money. I dont need the "how to" books or CD's as I dont have much trust in thir sources. But if there is anyone out there who can actually help me please give some advise.

• Answer:

  There are no grants for a for profit business unless you are opening a daycare. If you need money, you will need to apply for a loan. No lender will talk to you unless you provide them with a valid business plan. Go to http://www.sba.gov , http://www.score.org or http://www.bplan.com for sample business plans and instructions on how to write a business plan. Then, go to http://www.score.org/ and in the upper left hand corner, enter your zip code. On the next screen, you will get information on the nearest SCORE chapter. Call them and arrange for a free meeting with a SCORE counselor to review your business plan and discuss various loan options available to you. SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth and success of small business nationwide. SCORE is a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). SCORE has 389 chapters in locations throughout the United States and its territories, with 10,500 volunteers nationwide. Both working and retired executives and business owners donate time and expertise as business counselors