When Business Grants Attack: How To Avoid The Scams
Topics: business, grants, grant, business grants, business grant
In a time when banks and credit unions are denying loan applications like never before, many entrepreneurs and business owners are turning to business grants as a dependable source of financial help.
Business grants are monetary aids that are specifically designed to help individuals start a new business or expand an existing one. However, just like scholarships and other financial aid opportunities - there are tons of scams to beware of.
Here are the top 5 signs of a business grant scam:
1) No Phone Number Listed
If you are on the web site of an organization or government agency that is offering a business grant opportunity, make sure that there is a working phone number listed. If not, it’s probably not a legit opportunity. In addition, there should also be a working email address listed as well. If you get the impression that they don’t want you to get in touch with them, that should sound off an alert.
2) PO Box Address
If the postal address associated with the business grant is a PO Box, this may be a sign of a scam. Be sure to investigate though because some organizations have physical addresses, but want all applications and correspondence to go to a mail box. Use your discernment on this one.
3) Fee Required
If a company or organization is asking for your credit card number or requiring you to send a payment with your application, this will almost always be a scam.
Remember though that is very normal for some companies to charge a fee for you to access their grant database. Others will charge a fee to send you a CD-Rom or e-book. This is okay.
What is not okay, is you having to pay to apply for an individual business grant opportunity - especially if they insist on you sending a money order, a payment that can not be reversed or refunded.
4) Poor Web Site Design
If you visit a web site promoting a grant opportunity, and the design looks poor and elementary - it’s likely a scam. Organizations and government agencies that give grants away have professional-looking and well-developed web sites. Don’t scrutinize it too hard, but just be weary of sites that portray low-quality.
5) Sounds Too Good To Be True
If an organization is making far-fetched statements about a grant opportunity, it’s more than likely not legit. For instance, some grant opportunities may say “Apply for our $1 million dollar grant for your business” or “No application is ever denied”. These are claims that indicate a bogus opportunity because such statements are not very realistic.
The National Institute of Business Grants at www.Business-Grants.com provides free tips, advice, and frequently asked questions pertaining to business grants.
Previous Articles Highlighter:
Advantages To Buying On A Lease Option (1)
Being skeptical of these options makes sense, especially if the house is offered on a lease option several times over. The large non-refundable deposit that is asked of the buyer upfront may seem risky.
Private Health Insurance As A Compliment To Health Services (2)
So, for those that can afford it, private health insurance is an invaluable investment, complementing the treatment provided by the NHS. Shaun Parker is a leading insurance expert with many years of experience in the health industry.
Your Credit Report Needs Regular Check Ups (3)
Consequently, your status could be excellent a few years down the line if it isn't already. This is another great reason that demonstrates the importance of your report. How do I obtain my credit report?
Tax Filing Tip - Filing Late (4)
The penalty will not be imposed if you can show reasonable cause for the failure to pay. If you did not file on time and you owe tax, you may owe an additional late-filing penalty unless you can show reasonable cause.
I Want To Be Wealthy, If I Don't Know Anything About Forex Trading, What Is The Best Way To Learn? (5)
See computers cost a lot of money and after you throw your computer out the window a few times because the market did something you did not expect it to do you will have to keep buying new computers, not to mention the windows you break.
Four Pitfalls Of Lease Options For The Seller (6)
Networking with home buying groups that have a long list of potential buyers is an excellent way to sell your home quickly or invest. Transaction specialists are ready to do the work for you.
Smart Tips For Avoiding Debt (7)
There are still those who don't want to keep money in the bank for fear of not being able to access it in case of an economic disaster like the Great Depression.
Home For Sale! Should You Consider Creative Financing Options? (8)
The private lender can choose to secure the funds through a commercial agreement or personal investment. The real estate is what is negotiated as the security. Make sure the terms are negotiated carefully to create a win-win situation between the buyer and lender.
5 Frequently Asked Questions In Loan Modification (9)
In most cases, the interest rate is lowered with a fixed loan program. Aside from convenience and affordability, borrowers can expect advantages such as conversion of an adjustable loan into a fixed one, reduction of principal balance and prevention of foreclosure.
The FDIC And Living Trusts: When You Have More Than Five Beneficiaries (10)
In short, where the FDIC once only insured beneficiaries of revocable trusts who qualified under FDIC guidelines (namely, the account owner's spouse, children, grandchildren, parents, or sibling), the new and interim rule applies to any beneficiary named in the trust, including distant relatives, friends and charities.
The Benefits Of Investing In French Leaseback Property (11)
French banks will also charge a filing fee of up to 1 percent of the loan amount so you'll need to account for this in your sums. The market moves very fast in France and once you have decided to purchase a leaseback property, you'll need to place an option on the property you have chosen.
The Ultimate Forex Software Trading System For Raking Up Profits And Putting You On Easy Street (12)
After all, if you able to get into the market quicker than anybody else and get out just as fast, do you know what that does to your profits? If you don't, I will tell you, they explode.
Why You Should Keep Full Records Of All Your Share Dealings (13)
Bad trading decisions should be ironed out completely. You need to learn from your mistakes and eliminate these dodgy investments completely. It's perfectly normal to buy shares almost on impulse when they look oversold, but these impulsive trades can prove costly.
Which Forex Trading System Will Put Me On Easy Street? (14)
The prices of these products have decreased in recent years as there world wide appeal has grown. People from all over the world are now investing in the currency markets and they are all aware that having one of these systems is essential for there success.
The Necessity Of Id Theft Protection (15)
The act earlier mentioned makes it a requirement for creditors to conduct identity verification first before issuing a credit card in your name. This is a very effective id theft protection, which however lasts only for 3 months or practically ninety days.
How Does Foreclosure Work - Understand Foreclosure In 4 Simple Steps (16)
You might consider these steps if you are trying to avoid a foreclosure. These steps include things like the default being recorded, reinstatement of the loan, and more. Step 1 - The Bank Records Notice Of Default The first step of the foreclosure process is when the bank officially records the notice of default.
Buying Your First Investment Property (17)
If you have great credit, income for which you receive a W-2 statement, and lots of cash for a down payment, your financing options will allow you to take virtually any road you wish.
Tax Mistakes Not To Make (18)
And nobody wants that, right? Make sure also that you are using the proper forms and schedules for your return. Again, this is one of those "audit triggers." And while we're talking about forms, don't forget to sign and date your return.
Is It Difficult To Make Money From Forex Trading? (19)
A trading system doesn't necessarily need to be complicated in order to make money, but a lot of the simplest systems do have their flaws in the long run. The fact is that many traders spend an eternity looking for a system that is actually profitable, which just goes to show how difficult it is.
Unsecured Credit Cards And The Facts You Need To Know (20)
The credit limit or amount of unsecured credit that is granted is determined on an individual basis and can be raised or lowered based on performance and payment history. This also holds true regarding the terms of credit issued by the bank.
Newer Articles Highlighter:
Learn The Basics Of Adjustable Rate Mortgages And Avoid The Pitfalls (1)
If you do decide that an ARM loan is right for you, make sure that you understand each and every aspect of the loan. Are You In Trouble With Your Current Mortgage?
How To Improve Your Chances Of Getting Small Business Loans Online (2)
So you don't have to concern yourself about someone getting your home or your vehicle. This criterion is important because that is what will be used as the basis of you getting the small business loan.
Auto Insurance - The Things You Need To Look At! (3)
Most insurers offer a good driver discount. This means you have not had any accidents typically. If you are in the situation where you completely own your vehicle ( are not making payments to a lender), then you have some other options available to you.
Debt Elimination Tips On Eliminating Debt (4)
Consumer debt in this country can be compared to the obesity epidemic that is also plaguing this nation. It has to do with instant gratification and the sense of entitlement that we have come to expect.
Forex Course Which Is Online That Teaches Currency Trading For Profits (5)
To tell you the truth, it was mostly error which was costly. But, every now and then I would make a good investment which would give me confidence that if I stuck with it someday I could make real good money at this.
The Truth About Interest Rates Of The Best Credit Cards (6)
Topics: best credit cards, credit cards, bad credit credit cards, gas credit cards Amidst the massive amount of credit card offers to which a single person is introduced, it takes some research to find the best credit cards suitable for that person.
Did You Know That Col. Eddie Rickenbacker Had A Six Word Formula For Success? (7)
One of his most famous quotes, and the one he is reported to have personally lived by was, "Think things through then follow thru." He believed and I have witnessed that most of the stress we experience in our careers comes from working on low priority - or as my friend Jack Werth says, low probability tasks.
The Ins And Outs Of Fort Lauderdale Health Insurance (8)
For example, a benefit of a PPO is that they allow you to choose any doctor. But if you are complacent about what doctor you get, you can save money by signing up for an HMO.
The Best Investment For Beginners (9)
Now, at this very moment, you might be looking at this article very puzzled, trying to believe it while knowing that property was the single thing that has brought the world financial market to its knees.
Farm Insurance Agents - Your Long Term Planning Partners (10)
Farm insurance agents have all the proof anyone should need, based on their experiences and those of their companies when it comes to the relationship between planning for the future starting today or not planning until you get a round to it.
Fear, Money, And Successful Trading (11)
If you grew up so impoverished that you family couldn't afford Band Aids then you may have the fear that without enough money you will not be safe, not even safe enough to fall down while "playing." If you grew up in a household where money spoke the language of love, and your affections were purchased, you may have the fear that making money will mean that you will lose your ability to love your family fully and deeply.
Mortgage Rates At All Time Low (12)
The federal government decreased interest rates for the seventh consecutive week. This is an all out attempt to bring home buyers into the market and take some inventory off the shelf.
Are You Suffering From Anemic Profitosis? (13)
Equity gives you more flexibility, and more exit strategy choices. Property Taxes are a major fundamental issue. No matter what type of property you purchase, no matter what investing strategy you choose, property taxes will affect your profitability.
Loop Holes Of Some Of The Best Credit Cards (14)
Many introductory rate offers, even those of the best credit cards can be misleading. Such offers are often complex, being challenging for the card user to understand. In some case, they may be required to pay off the sub-balance by a certain date or have interest charged retro-actively, or pay a certain amount above the minimum due by a certain date.
How Should The Government Stimulate The Economy (15)
Wouldn't it have been better if the government is going to go in debt anyways to offer relief to every man and women that contributes to the tax system? We will see what happens, at the end of the day this is going to take some time but things always bounce back, the question is how much debt will we all be in when this happens?
How Are You Doing In The Stock Market? (16)
I can't recapture that and all for a stupid trade. I resolved from that point forward not to let trading rule my life. I found that I was unwilling to give the absolute attention and sacrifice that was necessary to be a directional trader.
How Landlords Can Choose Letting Agents (17)
Hopefully this article has made it clear what landlords should expect from letting agents and the services they offer. With a conscientious attitude a good deal should be found and the best service secured.
3 Classic No Down Payment Strategies For Buying Real Estate (18)
Your gross profit is $20,000 cash and $15,000 equity. Total gross profit $35,000 before other expenses are deducted. Our goal is to end up with more cash in hand than we spent to get in the deal.
Getting Term Life Insurance Quotes With No Medical Exam (19)
If you live by yourself in a small house or apartment, then you won't really need cover from life insurance, but, if you have a business and have major or only control over it then you should consider getting term life insurance coverage to make sure that if you do need it that your family won't be left with a huge amount of debt to be paid off.
How To Get The Best Possible Interest Rates On Your Savings (20)
The regulation provides in most cases in repayment up to EURO 38,000.- by account holder by bank. Important note: If you want your savings assured as much as possible, then you must split up your savings over several accounts with several different banks.
Permalink to When Business Grants Attack: How To Avoid The Scams