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Frequently Asked Questions
I just heard about Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women. What kinds of opportunities for women do you have? We are an economic development non-profit organization that helps women who want to start or expand their own businesses. We offer:
For more information, please click on services. [ top ] How do I know if GROW is right for my needs? Come to a free orientation session. These are held on the first Tuesday of each month (excluding holidays) in the GROW office at 25 Sheldon SE in downtown Grand Rapids. The orientation will introduce you to all GROW services, how to apply, enrollment dates, work expectations and scholarship opportunities. All you need to do to attend is call in advance to reserve a seat - 458-3404. [ top ] Where is GROW located? We are in the Center for Women (previously known as the Downtown YWCA), 25 Sheldon SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503. We are one intersection EAST of the major intersection of Fulton St. and Division Ave. Our office is on the second floor, suite 210. For specific driving directions, please call (616) 458-3404. [ top ] Where can I get a loan? GROW is not a lending agency. If you'd like to call in, we may be able to make some recommendations based on your specific case. [ top ] I have heard that there are grants out there for: (see list below) Where can I get one?
In spite of what people see on television or hear from friends, the fact is there's no government agency or private foundation handing out free money to start small businesses, regardless of the money-seeker's gender, ethnicity, or economic status. Everyday our office gets calls from people convinced there's 'free money' out there to fund business start-ups. The fact is that most grants are awarded to non-profit organizations. A few go to businesses that do research and development geared toward crucial government projects. These grants are extremely specific in nature and often quite technical. For example, there is a tiny grain of truth in those late-night TV infomercials. There's a program called 'Small Business Innovative Research' which does award grants of up to $100,000 to research ideas which seem promising, and then to develop products if the research is successful. However, most of these grants are for projects such as how to put a satellite into orbit and then repair it. These funds are not available to people who are interested in opening restaurants, hair salons, and other more common small businesses. If the government provided free money to everyone who wants to start a small business, it wouldn't last long. And can you imagine the outcry from taxpayers if their money was funding these risky ventures? The fact is that most new businesses are started with personal savings, loans from friends or relatives, or small commercial or personal loans. I think one reason this 'free money' myth is so prevalent is that people are looking for an alternative to the work and detail required to get a conventional loan. The idea of writing a business plan and approaching a lender can be intimidating. But think about it, aren't you more likely to succeed if you do the groundwork and research required? There's a reason procedures are in place for small business loans. One of the most important factors in obtaining a loan for a new business is the borrower's personal credit history. Lenders don't care if you're male, female, black, white, Asian, Hispanic, young or old. The bottom line is: Can you pay the money back? [ top ] How can I get more information about GROW? If you have further questions, please call us at (616) 458-3404 or e-mail us at . [ top ] What if I start taking your classes and someone steals my business idea? First, there are very few "brand-new, out-of-the-blue" business ideas that someone hasn't thought of or tried in the past. Your idea is probably a new spin on an old idea. So you will be able to talk about the category of your business (e.g. a coffeehouse) without telling more than you wish (e.g. a coffeehouse with a horticultural theme next to a public garden). Second, women in our classes often develop camaraderie and tend to help each other more than compete with each other. [ top ] How much do GROW services cost? The 15-week "Minding Your Own Business" (MYOB) course is on a sliding fee scale based on your household income. Business Counseling for up to 2 hours is free, as is participation in a mentoring circle. Seminars are generally $20 per session (so a 2-part seminar would cost $40) and MYOB grads can attend for half price. If you are unable to participate in ANY services for financial reasons, please talk to us about scholarship money. We do not turn anyone away strictly for inability to pay. [ top ] Where should I park when I come to GROW? You can pull into the lot on our Southwest corner at Division Ave. and Weston St.; however, this lot serves the Fitness Center and may have few spaces. Metered parking spots are available on the front (Sheldon Ave.) side of our building and on the south (Weston St.) side. [ top ] |
