REAP Women's Business Center
New! Women who own small businesses can use a new online training course to identify and take advantage of federal contracting opportunities. The new SBA training course, Winning Federal Contracts: A Guide for Women Entrepreneurs, is part of a government-wide initiative to promote opportunities for women-owned businesses in the area of government contracting. Find out more.
Commonly asked questions about women in business.
Q. Are there grants to help fund a for-profit business?
Answer: Generally funding organizations do not provide grants to help fund a for-profit business, however several agencies including the Small Business Administration have low interest loan programs. Of the few grants that may provide funding to for-profit businesses they are for a very specific purpose and not for general business operating purposes. Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) recommend that time generally would be better spent in working on improvements to your business rather than investing time in applying, performing the work required and reporting on the use of grant funds.
There is a federal grant program for small businesses titled the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program. It is reserved for companies doing research and development and not intended to fund the operations of a company. Many states have programs that provide assistance in applying for SBIR grants.
Q.Where can I obtain a loan to help start or grow my small business?
Answer: The Center for Rural Affairs Rural Enterprise Assistance Program (REAP) has loan funds from $1000-$35,000. Access the loan application and information. The Small Business Administration has a number of programs to financially and technically assist developing small businesses. The SBA may be reached by phone at 202.205.6600, or toll-free at 1.800.UASKSBA. The Department of Commerce also has programs to assist small businesses. They may be contacted by phone at 202.482.2000.
Helpful Links
Start Up Nation - "A website for entrepreneurs by entrepreneurs." The site features success stories, step-by=step advice, tips, newsletters, blogs, forums, etc.
Small Business and Self-Employed IRS Resource Website - Links to major business subjects, such as Business Expenses. Lists information by business topics, or by business type such as sole proprietor, corporation, etc.
HUD Small and Disadvantaged Business Resource Guide - Great Resource for Small Businesses - Links to agencies helpful to business development.
Doing business with the government - If you intend to buy from, sell to, or do business with the State of Nebraska you need to register with the State Procurement Office.
Register your business with the Nebraska Secretary of State. Downloads available; fillable forms. Download packet of material for new Nebraska businesses.
How to Protect your Idea - Contact the Patent & Trademark Office.
US Small Business Administration
SCORE - Senior Corps of Retired Executives
REAP Women's Boost Award Program
REAP has partnered with the Women & Co.® Microenterprise Boost program to provide selected entrepreneurs a cash award from $1000 to $5000. These women also receive additional business skills training from the REAP Women’s Business Center to help them with the growth and development of their businesses.
The Women & Co.® Microenterprise Boost Program is designed to help low-income and moderate-income women who are owners of microenterprises (businesses with five or fewer employees). The program, begun in 2005, is funded by Citi Foundation and managed by the Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO), the national leadership organization and voice of microenterprise development.
The REAP Women’s Business Center is one of 13 organizations selected by AEO to serve as a local partner in the program and is responsible for selecting the women in Nebraska to receive the awards. In 2009, 3 women received awards. Prior to that, 36 have been awarded cash prizes.
More than 300 women entrepreneurs nationwide have received a total of more than $350,000 in equity awards since the Women & Co.® Microenterprise Boost Program began in 2005. The majority of recipients report an increase in sales, revenue, or customers after receiving the award.
Read more about the Boost Award
Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.
