Obama announces $3.4 billion in grants for smart grid – Yahoo! News
December 20, 2009 by Ailse Andrews
Filed under Government Grants, Government Grants for Businesses
ARCADIA, Florida (Reuters) –
President Barack Obama on Tuesday announced $3.4 billion in grants to help build a “smart” electric grid meant to trim utility bills, reduce blackouts and carry power generated by solar and wind energy.
It was the largest award made in a single day from the $787 billion stimulus package approved by Congress. The White House said the award will create tens of thousands of jobs while upgrading the U.S. electric grid.
Republicans have heavily criticized the stimulus as wasteful spending that has done little to reduce America’s 9.8 percent jobless rate.
The grants, which range from $400,000 to $200 million, will go to 100 companies, utilities, manufacturers, cities and other partners in 49 states — every state except Alaska.
Obama made the announcement after taking a tour of an array of 90,000 solar panels that line a grassy plain of cow pastures deep in the muggy heart of Florida, apparently more panels than there are people in Arcadia.
Obama, doffing his suit coat against the heat and humidity, told a crowd the program was an important investment in the types of clean energy he would like to foster in the United States to wean the country off carbon fuels.
He said the grants would go to private companies, utilities and cities and were aimed at creating a “smarter, stronger and more secure electric grid.”
“At this moment, there’s something big happening in America when it comes to creating a clean energy economy,” Obama said.
Carol Browner, Obama’s top adviser on climate change and energy issues, told reporters that the current grid system was outdated and dilapidated.
“Not only do we need to make the current system bigger and add more watts, but we need to make it function better,” she said.
“MORE THAN A FACE-LIFT”
The grants will not be used to build new power lines, but improve the capabilities of the electrical system. “I would say it’s more than a face-lift,” Browner said.
The money will pay for about 18 million smart meters that will help consumers manage energy use in their homes, 700 automated substations to make it faster for utilities to restore power knocked out by storms and 200,000 smart transformers that allow power companies to replace units before they fail, thus avoiding outages.
The winning companies have secured an additional $4.7 billion in private money to match their government grants, creating $8.1 billion in total investment in the smart grid.
One of the winning companies is Constellation Energy’s Baltimore Gas and Electric Co, which will receive $200 million in grants to add to $250 million in private funds to deploy a smart meter network for all of its 1.1 million residential customers.
Constellation Energy chairman Mayo Shattuck said the new technology would put the country on the brink of the “greatest transformations of the electric grid ever.”
“This technology allows consumers to have the opportunity to reduce their bills and it allows utilities to increase their efficiency,” Shattuck said.
The White House will act fast to get the money into the economy, with the funds expected to be in the accounts of the winning companies within 60 days. The projects themselves will last 12 to 36 months.
BGE customers can use the meters to view their electricity use in real-time, allowing them to run appliances when there is less demand on the grid and power prices are cheaper.
Sempra Energy’s San Diego Gas and Electric Co subsidiary will get $28.1 million on top of the $32 million it plans to spend to connect 1.4 million smart meters.
(Additional reporting by Tom Doggett and Patricia Zengerle in Washington; Editing by David Storey)
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Start Small Business Grants
December 19, 2009 by Ailse Andrews
Filed under Government Grants for Businesses
There’s a lot of discussion on why this is one of the best times to start a business. Not only is there more small business grants, aid and incentives for new business owners, but historically it is the small businesses that are flexible enough to flourish in both good and bad economies. Women, in particular, have the added advantage of obtaining small business grants for women to help launch or grow their business.
Applying for small business grants for women can reward you with as much as $50,000 cash to use towards building your business. That could mean money to help you open the doors at a new location, financing to hire new employees, or financial assistance to buy new equipment or furniture.
There are a variety of resources and organizations that help women business owners take their business to the next level. Some of these programs are government sponsored, while others are offered by private foundations and non-profit organizations that have your interest in mind. By searching for and applying for small business grants for women, you could reduce your financial business risk by getting free money that never has to be repaid.
This money can be used in conjunction with a business loan, but applying for grant money does not typically require good credit or even income verification. The purpose is to make it easier for entrepreneurs to take the leap and get their small business running. The results could mean a positive outcome for your community, but it starts with finding the grant programs that you may be eligible to receive…
Access the government grant resources that will help you quickly find and apply for the funds that you qualify to receive. Get the financing you need by obtaining a cash grant that never has to be paid back.
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Find Federal Grants For Small Business
December 5, 2009 by Ailse Andrews
Filed under Government Grants for Businesses
Federal grants for small business are all the buzz with websites and television ads that use hype to try to sell some magic formula for getting one of these grants. The problem is, these grants are not offered through the federal government.
Now this does not mean that grants for small business do not exist, it just means that there are no federal grants for small business at this time.There are other ways for a small business owner to get grants to grow their business. Many states offer grants, low interest loans, and other types of financial aid to entrepreneurs in need of funding.
If you own a small business and need capitol to grow, or are just dreaming of owning your own business one day, there may be hope for you.Federal grants for small business do not really exist but you may qualify for grants from a local organization such as your local government or a not for profit organization.Grants are normally provided for a specific purpose, so if you do not find a grant that you are qualified for at first keep trying. You never know when something is going to come up that you are a perfect candidate for.
A great place to start looking for small business grants is the Small Business Administration.These sites will tell you that there are no government grants for small businesses, but they will provide you with information on how to find funding for your venture.Female or minority business owners may qualify for some special grants so this may be an option if you fit one of these categories. There may be a grant available to you that would not have been otherwise. If you do not locate any small business grants from your search, you may be able to obtain a low interest loan for your small business.
If you do find a grant that you think you may be eligible for, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to fill out the application correctly.Grant boards will not accept a grant application that is not completed according to the directions requested in the grant. Grant applications are not easy to complete. Even though the grant applications are not for federal grants for small business, they are still official documents that need to be treated as such.One old saying that is true here is that “nothing comes without a price”.It may not require money to obtain a grant it will cost you time if you want a chance of being awarded a grant.
Again, at this time, there are no federal grants for small business.This does not mean that all is lost.Contacting your local SBA and doing some research could produce some great results for your efforts.
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Business Grants for Women
December 5, 2009 by Various Authors
Filed under Government Grants for Businesses, Women's Grants
Business Grants for Women
by: Rebecca Game
Many women in business find that in order to meet their business’ financial needs, they turn to searching out a loan source. Business loans for women are widely available through the Small Business Administration and a variety of other sources such as banks, credit unions and other financial institutions. Loans, however, are not the only source for financing. In some instances, business grants for women are available.
Business grants for women are a wonderful option for some women in business. Grants are an excellent source of funding because grants are not repaid. The funding is provided through government resources that have been budgeted for specific needs in our national community. Anyone is open to apply, so business grants for women are available to anyone regardless of gender, race, religion, or background.
The downside of grants is that business grants for women are not widely available. Rather, business grants for women are available only to select businesses and under very strict circumstances, mostly for research or development. Technologically-focused businesses, for example, will find it much easier to qualify for a grant than a craft or retail business. Still, because the money is readily available, even if your business is retail oriented, it may be of benefit to check into business grants for women available for various resources that could assist you in your business.
According to Denouement Solutions and Grants.gov, the United States government and its government organizations offer more 1000 grants totaling more than $400 billion in grant funding every year. Only 10 percent of citizens that qualify for these grants actually apply for grants, despite the fact that many more than that would qualify for a business grant for women. Therefore, even though not every individual or business is eligible for a business grant for women, it certainly can be beneficial to check into business grants for women.
According to grants.gov, the United States government’s web site and main resource for grants that are available and can be applied for, there are more than 1000 grant programs offered by the 26 Federal grant-making agencies. These programs fall into 21 different categories, as defined by the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance. While some agencies may list available grants under multiple grant categories, the Federal government lists these categories of grants as follows:
- Agriculture
- Art
- Business and Commerce
- Community Development
- Consumer Protection
- Disaster Prevention and Relief
- Education
- Employment, Labor, and Training
- Energy
- Environmental Quality
- Food and Nutrition
- Health
- Housing
- Humanities
- Information and Statistics
- Law, Justice, and Legal Service
- Natural Resources
- Regional Development
- Science and Technology
- Social Services and Income Security
- Transportation
Even though the category of Business and Commerce may be what appears to have the largest selection of resources for business grants for women, consider the other categories as well, according to where your business falls. For example, if your business is a restaurant, don’t hesitate to check the Food and Nutrition category for grants currently available. If your business is a farm, check the Agriculture section.
Grants aren’t available for starting or opening a new business, and they also aren’t available for expanding on an existing business. However, business grants for women can offer funding for research or development of the business. Many grants may not be applicable to your particular business or needs, but there may be funds available for research, education, or other things needed for you to operate and improve your business to help you achieve business growth.
In general, when considering the options for a business grant for women, do your homework and read carefully. Look at all grants available that might be related to your particular business. Consider looking into the Business and Commerce section, of Grants.gov, as mentioned, and also look into the different categories of grant fundings. Take the time needed to read the grant qualifications carefully. With any business, check into the Regional Development category, as well as the Community Development category. Depending on your location within the United States, it’s possible to qualify for a grant to economically develop certain areas, and expanding a business in one of these areas can possibly assist you in qualifying for a business grant for women.
Additionally, consider applying for an educational grant if returning to school is an option you’d like to consider. Many grants for higher education are offered each year, and not all are awarded. Knowledge is an extremely valuable business tool, and because the money is readily available for those who qualify, and educational grant is an excellent option to consider as a business grant for women.
Contact the specific government agency offering the grant for tips, information, and to ask questions before submitting your application.
About The Author
Rebecca Game is the founder of Digital Women ®, an online community for women in business. A 30 year entrepreneur and dedicated to helping other women find business loans and business grants. Visit her site: Business Grants for Women
http://grants.digital-women.com
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Budding Entrepreneurs & Women Rejoice!
November 21, 2009 by Various Authors
Filed under Government Grants for Businesses, Women's Grants
Citizens of USA, especially budding entrepreneurs and women have now got a new found reason to rejoice. Anyone in a mind to set up a business for themselves, or planning for business expansion now do not have to burn the oil of midnight lamps worrying about the credit. It is a known fact now that every year the U.S. Government keeps aside $350 billion for people who want to do something different or aim to achieve financial independence by starting their own business. By far, the government grant is the single greatest source for free money. With tumbling stocks and stumbling economy there is high requirement for greater economic development on all fronts, and therefore, the State grants act as a savior. It provides financial support to budding entrepreneurs to start their own business or to grow an existing one.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers business grants to novel and existing small businesses. Recipients of these grants can get up to $25,000 to start a new business. SBA’s also makes available women’s grants to fund female entrepreneurs. The United States Department of Energy (DOE) provides college grants to students and grants for research and certain types of training. Through its Rural Business Cooperative service, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) grants loans to assist rural individuals and organizations. The Defense Department’s National Security Education Program and Language Flagship Program provide funds to scholars. National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) offers financial grants for the literary, visual, design, media and performing arts. HUD offers housing grants to benefit first-time homebuyers and low-income homebuyers. Besides, there are grants like Minority Grants meant for the development of the minority groups, Green Grants to ensure a greener environment and lots more. But quite unfortunately, it is the fear of the red tape that keeps away the majority from grant money. However, there are few who look up to the government for financial help.
It is here that that the specialized Government Money Club comes into play. The clubs have staff that devotes their time on researching various government grants that can aid Americans of diverse income groups. As President Obama is releasing billions of new government funding, these updates are of great value. The information provided by the Government Money Club Programs in this regard is updated on a regular basis. At the club, up-to-the-minute information on all of Obama’s Government Money Programs is obtainable. What further makes these organizations a favorite with the masses, is that they make people aware of the basic hurdles that they need to overcome while applying for these government grants. For this reason, all the free technical know-how required to locate the apt Government Money Programs are provided against a subscription fee.
It is the homework and information about funding sources that are the keys to obtain government grants. Homework involves identification of a particular grant program that fittingly serves the purpose and determination of the case in the scenario of a failure. As there are over 10,000 Government Money Programs, a meticulous search of the Americas Largest Free Money Database of current Government Money Programs is what is mandatory to help the creditors. There are scores of online portals on the Internet that provides hassle free accessibility of free Government Money. Nowadays, most of the Government Money Clubs are available online with some having enviable repute on the subject of government grants, such as finance expert Matthew Lesko. Availing a financial help has become easy, but it is best to first check the authentication and professional experience records before hiring. An organization of superior repute help creditors by assisting with researchers to clear off their doubts and questions and by filling out Government Money Applications. They also get free video training programs for them.
With Government Money Club to assist, the people of USA can bag the best free government grant.
About The Author
Matthew Lesko is America’s #1 Expert on Government Grants, Free Money and Information. He is an author, lecturer, and consultant to Fortune 500 companies. He has written 100 books, two which were New York Times Best Sellers. His latest offering is the Government Money Club. More information visit – http://www.mlesko.net
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Government Federal Grants – Pros and Cons of Targeting Federal Government For Funding of Technology Grants Non Profit
November 16, 2009 by Ailse Andrews
Filed under Government Grants, Government Grants for Businesses
When searching for technology grants one should look at the pros and cons of targeting federal government for funding of technology grants for non-profit business. When seeking funding for programs I think that there are three advantages of targeting the federal government 1. The money is certain, 2. There is easy access to information, and 3. The larger orders, thus more profit. Whereas, three Read more
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Small Business Government Grant Funding
November 16, 2009 by Ailse Andrews
Filed under Government Grants for Businesses
Small Business Government Grant Funding
One of the most daunting potential problems any young companies are confronted with is money. Money is essential in trying to get any start-up company off the ground and there are a couple methods to acquire it.
To receive capital many companies will borrow cash from a banking institution or investment group. Both these choices have notable issues.
Taking advantage of bank loans to start your small venture can supply the required funds, unfortunately current crises in the global financial industry has made borrowing cash harder. Borrowing funds usually demands speaking to lenders with little promise of capital. You are also required to reimburse the borrowed cash overtime.
Finding associates means locating a fellow entrepreneur or firm that has an understanding of the business and giving them an ownership stake for start up resources. Opening your new venture with resources from private equity necessitates that you will not own all of your company. The benefit of this plan is that the capital is not paid back like lent money.
Public grants are an alternative method for receiving funding for your growing business. New commercial fund programs distribute money for aiding growing self owned ventures to get on the road to success. The ongoing economic stimulus package means there is even more funding available for all categories of government grant programs. The cash usually does not have to be repaid and can be a significant aid to expanding businesses. Trying to get government stimulus cash is often difficult however. Many the public grant applications requirements are hard to work through and the funds are usually paid to authorized requests.
Since fully going over the intricacies of the government grants request process is often hard there are services existing that will assist you totally understand the protocols and how to use it to receive federal funding.
By: Steven Toms
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