AboutRich Mihalic Expertise Can answer private industry questions concerning how to do business with local, state and federal government buying activities. How to register with the CCR and provide various Internet sites for companies to browse to seek bid opportunities. Can also provide companies with how to obtain federal and military specs & drawings. In addition, federal credit card purchasing and Electronic Fund Transfer. Can assist minority and woman-owned businesses with how to become certified wioth the state of PA.
Experience
Past/Present clients Currently serve nearly 500 companoies in the eight counties of NW PA
Expert: Rich Mihalic Date: 6/22/2008 Subject: federal grants small business startup
Question Some friends and I want to pursue the startup of a coffee shop in the historic district of Wilmington, NC. Do you know of federal grants for which we can apply to do this?
Answer Hi, J.R.: Thanks for the question. First of all, you must put together a business plan for your coffee shop. You must identify where you are going to locate your business, who you are targeting for potential customers, expected profits/losses over at least the next three years, how you plan to fund the project, etc. You can go online for business plan templates or visit the nearest Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to your location. SBDCs specialize in assisting people like yourself in completing business plans. Next you can go online at: www.grants.gov and see if there are any potential grants out there for your venture. I would also contact your local chamber of commerce for assistance and your local Small Business Administration (SBA) office. If nothing else, the SBA can assist you in applying for a small business loan for your coffee shop. It may also be worthwhile to contact your state and federal representatives' district offices to see if they can be of assistance. Good Luck!
