Archive for July, 2009
Beware of Free Government Grant Scams
Beware of Free Government Grant Scams
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jeslyn_Jessy]Jeslyn Jessy
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has warned all the consumers that they have to be more alert and do not get trapped by the “Free Government Grant” scams. The grant scammers are very aggressive recently and you may see their advertisements in local newspapers, magazines and leaflets. They also approach you through telephone calls. Many people have been cheated and lost a lot of money.
The following is the precaution steps the consumers should take to avoid themselves from losing money to these “free grant” scams:
• Do not trust any phone caller who claims that he or she is calling from Federal Grants Administration. It is quite difficult to trace the telephone numbers as the scammers are smart. They normally disguise their area code in caller ID system to convince you that they are calling from the government agencies. They may claim legitimacy and pretend to ask you some basic questions to determine whether you are qualified for the grant.
• Never give your bank account information to anyone
The scammers normally start the telephone conversation by congratulating you on your eligibility to receive free grant from the government. Then they inform you that the procedure is very simple. By just providing your bank saving account, they can deposit your grant directly into your account in a few working days. After obtaining your account information, the scammers are able to “steal” the money from your account without getting your approval.
• Never ever make any payment to anyone in order to obtain free grant
This is another tactic used by some scammers. They pretend to be the agencies that are responsible to process the grant. They instruct you to make a lump sum of payment as one-time processing fee to their accounts in order to obtain your grant. Of course, at the end of the day, you don’t get any single cent. A real government agency definitely do not request you to pay a processing fee for a grant that you have already been awarded.
• Ignore all the unknown telephone numbers
It is safer if you can ignore all the unknown telephone numbers. Do not entertain any phone call which you are not familiar with. You will be safe from being trapped.
• Do not trust any advertisement or promotion held by private companies.
These companies normally state that they are assisting government to manage free grants for qualified citizens. Federal government will never appoint any private company to do that!
Bear in mind that there is only one official internet access point for all federal grant-making agencies, i.e. <A target=”_new” href=”http://www.grants.gov”>www.grants.gov</a>. Only this website is able to provide you all the real information. Be smart and avoid yourself being one of the victims of the scams.
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No CommentsGovernment Grants for Women
Women owned businesses are growing at a rapid pace. More women than ever before in history are going after their dreams and starting their own businesses. Money or lack of money can be a huge stumbling block to getting a business off the ground. The funding search can be a challenge and most women just do not know where to start. Goverment grants are being awarded to women and helping women all over America become business owners.
There are two types of business fundings available to women. There are business grants awarded by entities that want women to succeed. Not for profit groups offer grants, goverment agencies and for profit companies are just a few of the types of entities that offer help to women. Grants do not need to be repaid. And there are loans. The Small Business Administration is one of the goverment agencies that support women owned businesses and are there to provide reasonable short term loans to get you on your feet.
Grants can be used for supplies, advertising, expenses, paying employee salaries, equipment, etc. Your business will grow and the funds can be used for a multitude of needs that you may encounter. A solid business plan is a must with any funds that you choose to pursue. When you apply for the grants, you will also be required to turn in a business plan to show what the money will be used for and what your long and short term goals are with the business. These applications are not difficult to fill out and business plan software can be found online or at your local library. Many people shy away from grants, thinking that they are too hard to figure out. This is simply not true. Billions of dollars are available for grants each and every year and many grants go unawarded because of the lack of applicants. More women are encouraged to take advantage of the help that is being offered. Also, having a well thought out business plan will only help your business succeed and help you identify your needs before asking for a grant. You don’t want to ask for too little money or too much. Your business plan will help you ask for the right amount and let the entity that you are applying to, know that you are planning a successfull business.
You will want to apply for multiple grants and search on a local and state level as well. Many entities or agencies that are giving the money away, like to know you reside in the same state as they do. Research grant websites carefully. You will want to look for websites with extensive help, great directories and up to date information. Those that help you with a business plan template will help you too. Websites like www.WantFreeMoneyGrant.com are a great resource and proven website that will provide up to date information.
You are well on your way to finding the grant that will suite you! Apply for the grants you are looking for and join the many women who found success and help through these goverment grants.