Dipetik Dari: The Borneo Post ( Monday, May 5, 2008 )
Modern women, especially those who are also mothers, have myriad responsibilities hefted upon their shoulders daily. A growing number of women are searching for ways to advance in the workforce, and complete college courses, while balancing the needs of their families. Little time is allowed for the actual researching of opportunities in the small window of downtime available during a typical day. A multitude of loans, grants, and low-interest financing options do exist for female entrepreneurs. Searching for the potential funding sources required in order to get a new business off the ground can often seem overwhelming. Through the small business initiatives, revolving loan funds, and grants for non-typical students and businessowners, assistance can be found.
FUNDING SOURCES
An understanding of basic credit guidelines and the creation of a business plan should be the first steps taken before actually applying to any financial agency for potential funding. The expense of working with an accounting agency prior to meeting with lenders or filling out a grant application would be money well spent. A detailed business plan and knowledge of the economic environment would relay to lenders the commitment and professionalism the female entrepreneur possesses.
KEYS TO SUCCESSFUL PLANNING
When preparing to seek funding for a business, it is important to keep in mind the high volume of applications reviewed by any given agency on a routine basis. If the process of seeking funding assistance is approached as a competition, a more realistic view of how to prepare will be visible. Many worthy applications may be turned down due to sheer volume of applicants and funds available. Taking the preliminary steps to make a business plan stand out and the project shine are crucial aspects of gaining approval.
Approach every funding meeting with the assumption that the lender knows little to nothing about the type of business being presented. Develop a marketing package to highlight the need for the particular service of product and history of success for similar business in other locations, and use visual aids if possible. By developing times such as a PowerPoint presentation, charts, photos, and letters of support, a lender or granting agency will leave a meeting with the fullest understanding of the concept being presented.
NETWORKING AND SUPPORT
Women need not feel daunted or discouraged when taking the initial steps of businessownership. The tools are far more readily available than one may think, and a helping hand is often there for the extending. The sole largest resource for a woman considering venturing out into the world of businessownership is often times. The comfort and encouragement women receive when sitting with a group of girlfriends and hashing out the woes and thrills of life is also available in the world of female businessownership. After the decision process is completed and a women is resolved to begin her business, the safety net and guidance is there for the taking.
