So, you're starting a business. Congratulations! With a great idea, carefully thought out business plan, talent and motivation, you are ready to go! Except for the money, that is! Start up money would help. A pleathora of sources tease new business owners with claims of government grant money. Cliche, but appropriate: "if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is."

Quite simply, no SBA or other grant money exists simply because you are a businesswoman. (This doesn't stop a lot of folks from asking for such grants from the Small Business Administration - See SBA.gov)  It is true that the SBA has some $12M to fund Women's Business Centers which can provide a great resource to businesswomen.  However, don't expect to walk away with grant money simply because you want to start a business. What grants do exist generally amount to offers to pay if your business can do a certain job for the government. Thus, non-profits can often obtain grants for such things as running after-school programs, providing job training or cleaning up the Bay. That being said, there are times when being certified as a minority business owner, or a business with at least 51% women owned, may help.

But if you are looking for money, it will likely come in the form of a loan. The SBA may point you in the direction of private lenders who look to loan.  The 7(a) SBA loan program provides small businesses with capital loans up to $2M. To increase your chances of getting a loan, small business owners should make sure their books are in order. Have an up-to-date company record book with bylaws or operating agreement, meeting minutes, resolutions, balance sheets and the like. While tons of online sites offer form Articles, often for a modest fee, Articles alone will not suffice. Want to show your business savvy? Then consult a professional or two - preferrably an attorney and accoutant who work with small businesses. In the Annapolis area, my firm offers flat-fee start-up help, which includes the company record book and basic tax set-up. elawmd.com Once you get your books in order, walk confidently to your financial institution to apply for a small business start up loan or approach a venture capitalist with a polished business plan.