Even though you will not be able to find a Federal small business grant, you can often get a grant at the state level that will be dependent on you matching the amount of capital that they put up or somehow securing a loan to obtain the rest of the capital.

Many places will advertise that there are millions of dollars available in the form of many kinds of Federal small business grant. Whenever something sounds too good to be true, it likely is. This is the case here. Money rarely comes for free, and even when you get a grant at the state level there are usually many stipulations that you will need to adhere to.

Something that you should look into is getting backing from the Federal or state government for a low interest loan. They may provide this support or venture capital financing assistance so that you can get your small business up and running. It may not be as enticing as a Federal grant but it may still allow you to get your business started and that is really the most important thing.

You should check with the Small Business Administration to see what is available for you and it would not hurt to talk to other small business owners who have recently been in the same situation that you are now. It may help you to avoid people that are only looking to take your money.

For more information on a federal small business grant, Go to http://federalsmallbusinessgrantsandloans.com

Author: Susan Amato
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Make PCB Assembly

Free electricity is available to anybody but there are of course steps which we have to take to benefit from it and this does involve some financial cost. Free electricity can be generated in several forms by simply harnessing the power of nature.

As you have no doubt guessed, I am of course talking about solar and wind power together with one other little known piece of genius technology which I will talk about shortly. These renewable and natural energy resources have the capability to generate many thousands of hours of natural free energy for our homes and there are enormous benefits to either system.

Solar power is probably the more expensive of the two but on the plus side, it can also be the most efficient. I am not talking about enlisting the help of professional solar panel builders and installers here at vast expenses. You can very easily and simply build a solar panel array for your home for well under $200 regardless of DIY experience and with parts which you can get from any good hardware store.

You can build solar roof panels as big or as small as you wish but the capability to generate 100% free electricity is a definite reality when utilizing solar energy.

Wind power can also be turned into a great free source of electricity by making your very own windmill generator. Depending on your geographic location, you could easily harness the power of the wind and use it to generate substantial amounts of natural, free, home electricity. A windmill generator should cost you approximately $120 to build and this should get you a windmill which will generate hundreds of hours of electricity. These too are very simple and quick to build at home and all of the required parts are easily accessible from a good hardware store.

Now for the little known genius technology – a Magnet Generator. This fantastic yet simple piece of technology is what the large utility companies didn’t want you to know about and it’s easy to see why. Absolutely anybody can use the natural power of magnets to build a magnetic generator and generate hours of free home electricity and the best part is that you do not need to rely on the weather conditions for this to work. They can be built within a single day and are very cheap to make, depending on the required size of your unit. Simply a genius piece of technology which is becoming amazingly popular for free electricity at home.

Free electricity really does exist to those who have the motivation and willpower to really make a difference. Following the instructions of a quality DIY guide, you have a great opportunity to generate an almost unlimited amount of free electricity for a very minimal cost.

Right now there has never been a better time to seek out alternative home energy options and free electricity can be easily had by anyone dedicated enough to make a start.

If you decide to build your own Free Electricity, you will have a satisfying and rewarding experience provided you follow instructions which have been written by the experts.

Instructions should be well structured, clear and organized and you should have access to help if you should need it.

I have reviewed the best guide available on the market today which is the clear leader in the alternative home energy market. This quality guide is available with FREE bonuses ready for you to Take Advantage Now…

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/environment-articles/free-electricity-does-it-really-exist-1366435.html

Writing a business plan is one of the first tasks on your list. Well the, what makes a great social business plan? It’s both an art and a science, and there are hundreds of books, websites, and other resources on business plans in general. Here are nine great tips specific to writing social business plans, tips that you won’t find in any traditional business plan how-to.

1. Tell your story. How will your company benefit a social or environmental cause? Why start this particular business, why now, and why you? Do this in the synopsis and subtly throughout the whole plan. As a social business, this story is where you can really shine.

2. Keep it brief. No one wants to read a 50 page business plan, and in fact, no one probably ever will, no matter how special or amazing your cause is. Ideally, keep your plan to ten pages, and most certainly under 20.

3. Continually update it. A business plan is a living document that must be reviewed and adjusted on at least a monthly basis. As your company and your cause grow and change, your business plan should evolve in lockstep.

4. Include a brief Envisioned Future section. What will your company look like in 20 or 100 years? How will the world have benefited from its existence? Your business is an organization with a good cause, so spell out your vision. It will help you keep your eyes on the prize in hard times, and the visual will also help sell the idea to investors, bankers, donors, employees, customers, and everyone else.

5. Show how and why you will be competitive and profitable in a market that doesn’t really care whether your products are made of recycled materials or if you’re empowering poor women beekeepers in Africa. If everything else is equal (i.e. price, brand recognition, quality, shelf location), you might have a slight edge because of your cause. But probably not. You’re providing a product or service to the world, and you must make a profit doing so. Use your plan to legitimately prove that you will. Remember: you can’t help anyone if you go bankrupt.

6. Don’t get too crazy with the use of words like sustainability, green, social business, good cause, fair trade, and so on. Unfortunately, many traditional business people have negative connotations for all those words, left over from extreme environmentalists of the 70s (think off-the-grid communes and lack of deodorant). Unfair images, but we all still have to deal with that for the time being. Use those words when you must, but keep it to a minimum. If you can, use words like “efficiency,” “improved safety standards,” and “increased profit” instead.

7. Do ample research. As a social business, your company will likely undergo more scrutiny from everyone involved than a traditional business model would, which is unfair but true. Back up everything you say with piles of credible research, some of which you may even include in the Appendices to your plan, where appropriate.

8. When compiling your financial projections, make sure to include a Social Return on Investment, or SROI. Explain how you plan to quantify, measure, and analyze your SROI. Quantification is how you will show the world the good things you’ve done, and how you can decide what your biggest and best levers for change are.

9. Use a template business plan to get started. No need to reinvent the wheel. There are lots of free or cheap business plans out there that can help you write your own amazing plan. Granted most of them are not specifically geared to social businesses, so you may have to improvise a bit.

Or, you could just click here:

http://SocialBusinessCentral.com

to download a social business plan template/how-to manual from Social Business Central, possibly the single best resource for small business entrepreneurs with a conscience. You’ll also find loads of other resources, a social business blog, and much more. It’s a really great website.

About the Author

Matt Sparks is a successful entrepreneur, both offline and on, having launched over 25 businesses (some notable successes and some colossal failures, both of which are important). He is a small business mentor and counselor for SCORE-a division of the Small Business Administration (SBA), Micro-Business Development, and other organizations. He has written books, articles, and blogs about social business, small business, real estate, finance, New Urbanism, and sustainable cities.

(c) Copyright – Matthew R. Sparks. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

Author: Matt Sparks
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Wordpress plugin Guest Blogger

So the United States economy is struggling. Everyone is trying to figure out what will pull us out of the current recession.  In February 2009 U.S. Congress passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), also known as the stimulus bill. Its purpose was to provide a stimulus to the U.S. economy in the wake of the economic downturn. I don’t agree with everything our Congress and the Obama administration is doing. But I trust they are getting wise counsel. Hopefully people / advisors who are well versed in the field of economics. But we are sailing in uncharted territory. Academics won’t reveal the solution, only the tendencies and trends. Creativity applied to financial wisdom and judgment will bring about and / or accelerate our recovery.

At the business level, the struggle is similar. The business challenge is how to increase revenues and reduce costs. (The government is apparently not concerned with the cost reduction side. We already had a budget deficit before the stimulus bill.)  So what can companies do to survive? Marketing in uncertain times has to continue, so the business can be positioned and in the minds of its customers and clients when the recovery happens. Sales people have a unique challenge, when prospects and customers are dealing with tight and contracting budgets. The initial sale and the add-on sales is more difficult.

Who is Spending?

The one sector that is spending money is the federal government. Much of the money allocated in the Stimulus Bill / Recovery Act is targeted at governmental entities. So there is a layer of government involvement in between the money source and the business community and also individuals. Apart from the Recovery Act, the government has been and continues to provide money for many projects. The federal government buys just about every product and service. The military does the same. There is money for green initiatives. But how does the business community get access to this money and funding?

Businesses can get on GSA schedules to do business with the government. Some state and local governments are also making use of the pre-approved vendors on the federal GSA schedules. There are special programs and set asides for businesses which qualify for the 8(a) program or for those in minority owned, woman owned, veteran owned and small business categories.  To get access to this money and these contracts, the business must respond to requests for proposals and requests for quotations.

An Alternative

There is one more alternative: grants. For the most part these are for governments and non-profit organizations. But, there are instances where for-profit businesses can apply for and receive this free grant money.

Want some free grant money for your business? I’d like to invite you to claim access to your *FREE* Report, “Grants For Profit: 5 Steps For Successfully Getting Business Grant Money”, by visiting http://www.GrantAndProposalExpert.com

Sandra Noble, President and CEO, Noble & Associates Consulting offers expert proposal and grant writing. We help you create successful responses to bids and RFPs. We help you apply and receive government grant money. Get started with your grant application today. Get government contracts by responding to RFPs and bids today. Stop what you’re doing and call the grant and proposal writing experts at 404-374-3384 or visit http://www.GrantAndProposalExpert.com right now!

Author: Sandra Noble
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Guest blogger

The assessment can be carried out at any point in the project lifecycle, but usually the earlier the assessment is taken the better.  This allows for any corrective action that needs to be made to be built into the schedule of works and minimises disruption.

The EcoHomes assessment tests the development or refurbishment against a set of criteria that help determine the impact the said dwelling will have on the environment around it.  Currently, the assessment areas include energy, transport, pollution, materials, water, land use, ecology, health and wellbeing and management.

Credits are awrded against the assessment criteria, when complete all of the credits are added together to give one overall score.  It is this score that gives the final result, this can be a pass, good, very good, excellent or fail.  The aim of the credit system is to consider the concern of climate change, use of resources and the impact on local wildlife.

The wide ranging assessment criterai covers such as aspect as how far is the nearest shop?  Does it require a car journey or is it easy enough to get there on foot?  This simple scenario can effect pollution, resources and transport.  Also, how efficient the heating system is and other household appliances can also have a major effect on the environmental impact of the development and the overall score attained.

An EcoHomes assessment can be ueful in pointing out energy saving solutions early in a development or refurbishment project and potential areas for improvement.  These are areas that if rectified can help the environment but also save money on energy bills in the future.

EcoHomes experts Energist are a UK based company who specialise in sustainable energy solutions.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/environment-articles/ecohomes-assessment-whats-it-all-about-1346752.html

As the investors, the business angels, we need to be on our guard.

There appear to be two dangers with the current alternative or green energy fad.

The first is the classic investment risk taught by Benjamin Graham and discussed in his book The Intelligent Investor. Graham, the mentor of Warren Buffett, took apart the reasons for investing in the 1950s boom industry – the airlines.

His analysis has been proven to be right as Buffett now claims that in 50 years, airline investors taken as a whole still have not had a return on their money.

However, Graham did spot that a large number of companies supplying the new industry did make a lot of money for investors. Airports, retailers and caterers have done well.

Graham’s conclusion was that it is far better to supply a growth business sector than to be a part of a great swam of investment as inevitably too much money will be invested too easily squeezing the profit margins of good ideas.

The second risk is that climate change will turn out to be a Malthusian idea that solves itself as population growth, mutually assured destruction and other apocalyptic scenarios usually do.

This is illustrated by the increasingly skeptical scientific community which is beginning to raise its head against the slavish commitment to all forms of greenery.

I and my fellow investors are not scientists, but it is worth noting their scientific concerns as it could up-end a few business models and a lot of start up ideas.

Firstly, there is a generally held view by the (admittedly few) academics that I know that if a scientist wishes to receive funding for research he is well advised to research ‘the affects of climate change’ and that research into ‘climate change – the myth’ isn’t currently being funded. By making the assumption that climate change is real, researching get money, if not then not.

Therefore, the scientific literature being published is already biased by the incentives of the research grant process and therefore, can needs to be viewed as biased in favour of climate change. The latest report from the IEA (International Energy Agency which made the front page of the Financial Times) might be a good example as it take it as proven that global temperatures are rising).

Next, dissent is beginning to break out in normally green magazines such as the UK’s Big Issue (sold on the streets by UK homeless) as well as larger circulation magazines such as The Economist.

In fact, a recent letter to the Economist by Horst-Joachim Luedecke, retired professor of physics, Heidelberg set out three reasons to be skeptical of green alarmists.

1. There has been no discernible increase in storms, hurricanes, floods or droughts according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate change.
2. Rises in sea levels of 1-2mm per year have been occurring for many centuries and therefore this is not evidence that sea levels are rising as a result of any climate change factors.
3. Mean global temperatures have actually declined since 2001 and the research scientist, Professor Mojib Latif of University of Kiel, predicts further declines over the coming decades.

Let’s not enter the green / not green arguments here.

Let’s simply take this as a warning and a reminder that green start-up business are at greater risk of hype and hyperbole, rather like dot coms in 1999, and therefore each idea needs to be scrutinized much more closely.

Or indeed, that if you are not an expert on this sector, simply do not allow yourself to be drawn into it on the promise of easy winnings.

Read more like this at iBusinessAngel http://www.iBusinessAngel.com.

Author: Neil Lewis-Vahl
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Add to that the challenges and demands of running a business, and it is easy to understand why taking a business Green is frankly beyond the resources of most businesses. It is a practical matter of necessity. The needful chores and obligations of business are back breaking. How can you fit an elephant of environmental challenges into a coffee cup of available time? That is why most businesses are forced into a token form of environmental contributions. The solution is not squeezing another load of duties onto an overworked staff.

The smart answer is that the Green transition of a business is best accomplished by bringing on a Green consultant as the outsourced expert that brings a carefully crafty plan to move the business to a Green operation. This professional can make sense of a very confusing subject by stepping the business through the best ideas for that company. Businesses outsource a variety of tasks rather than trying to pay for an internal staff member that will cost a great deal more in salary, benefits, and health care. For a fixed price, a Green consultant will provide an year-long process that will move the business toward a successful GCI Green Building certification.

Other programs can make the Greening process far more costly, complex, and over-reaching. Frankly, why are bike racks and proximity to public transportation part of the Green business formula. While they may be good ideas and help in the greater world issues, they do little to improve the health and operation of the business and its employees. Are Green roofs the singular “Best Idea” for each and every business? If you listened to some narrow-thinking advisers, it would seem so.

In fact, there are hundreds of ideas (small and sizable) that may be applied to a business, and we know that no two Green plans are exactly alike. The businesses differ in their practice, budget, and geography. It is also important to understand that Going Green is a progressive effort that cannot be accomplished in a once-forever approach. New innovations, new revelations, and new ideas are emerging month by month. The Green consultant is therefore the Ad Hoc expert bringing the best Green ideas to the table for consideration.

The last concern for Green business transition is the cost of the changes required. To be honest, getting some Green certification can be a $25,000 entry fee and a $250,000+ ultimate investment. There are elite and pretentious services that ask for more exorbitant fees to take your business Green. However, it is also very possible to take your company Green for a few thousand dollars. Spread the cost over a year, and the process becomes affordable and less intrusive.

To find out how earn your Green Consultant certification, visit the Green Business League website. Courses are offered in several major cities in four-day sessions. These classes are powerful and part of a national network of Green consultants. Check out the curriculum and consider if you are ready to start one of the most innovative businesses in the country.

Ready to start a Green program in your business? Check with our team to host a Green Awareness seminar, or to install a Green Management program that will earn your business the coveted GCI Green Building certification.

Michael Richmond is the director of the Green Clean Institute, key trainer the Green Clean Consultant program, and chief adviser for the Green Business League.

Author: Michael Richmond
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

This means that you do not have to get caught up in the dark any more. You can simply buy a few simple parts and use them to build your own solar generator.

All you need for this is a solar panel, batteries, batteries box, DC input model, inverter if you want to change the current to AC and some insulated wire.

The first thing that you have to buy for this to work is a 12V or higher voltage solar panel. While this may cost a little around $100, you can get better deals through the internet.

Next thing you need to buy is a battery box which will get you a safe place to charge up your batteries. Then after that, you need to buy DC input model. This will help you to produce power.

Generally, you should go for the triple input model as it can produce adequate power for your benefit. But this is not all. There are several other things you need to keep in mind.

Like if you are planning to run AC appliances, you will need to buy an inverter to convert the DC power into AC. This is done by searching any online stores that will help you to find one for less money.

Now when you connect this, the electronic appliances like television that runs on AC will function on solar panels.

After you do all this, you will require closing the lid of the battery box and for this you can use a bungee cord. This is how you can build your own solar generator. Now place the panel in the sun for about five to eight hours and your batteries will be charged up.

Then you can use them to charge your electrical appliances like fans and radios.

Discover how to build your own solar generator and save money with Earth 4 Energy guide. Check out my in depth Earth 4 Energy review and learn how anyone can build your own solar generator for less than $500.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/environment-articles/build-your-own-solar-generator-and-reduce-your-electricity-cost-1297696.html

The same principles apply to the domestic property market. The EU EPBD directive is now applicable to all property in the UK including England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) will require the services of a Domestic Energy Assessor for residential property. A Commercial Energy Assessor is required for commercial buildings, example shops, warehouses, industrial units.

It is advisable to select an assessor who is accredited with an official accreditation body e.g. ABBE, NHER, Quidos. Various registers and directory sites are available on the web to help you find a local energy surveyor/consultant.

Asset owners and the public can save money on energy bills by adopting the recommendations provided with an EPC. The recommendations are advisory only, the property owner is not obliged to carry out the advice provided on the report.

It makes economic sense to adopt low cost measures to save energy and money as long as the capital cost is not prohibitive. Payback time is another factor to consider when adopting energy saving measures.

The are some exemptions from having an EPC for some types of property, discuss this when contacting an energy assessor for your requirements. A number of energy related forums have been established which can assist with questions an more information about EPC’s together with official websites.

Display Energy Certificates (DEC) are for public buildings only. Commercial EPC’s utilise SBEM calculation tools to determine the EPC rating and recommendations for commercial buildings.

John Stubbs is an industry insider covering the EPC for domestic purposes and Commercial EPC for the commercial market property sector, including Display Energy Certificates

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/environment-articles/epc-energy-performance-certificates-1278487.html