Dairy Business Grants Available in Missouri

Aspiring dairy producers in the state of Missouri can now apply for some "milk money". The Missouri Department of Agriculture has announced that the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority is now accepting applications for their newly developed Dairy Business Planning Grant Program.

The unique program is designed to help dairy producers in the state to become more successful. The financial assistance will help them to better work with qualified dairy business planning professionals to develop a business plan to facilitate a start-up, improve profitability, increase production and encourage modernization and expansion of dairy farms.

Advantage Grant Program For Pennsylvania Small Businesses

Small business owners in Pennsylvania can now apply for business grants in the amount of up to $7,500. The grants have to be used to adopt or acquire energy efficient or pollution-prevention equipment or processes. Since 2004, the Small Business Advantage Grant Program has awarded nearly $6 million to more than 1,000 businesses across the state.

The qualification terms are simple. Applicants must be a for-profit corporation, LLC, partnership, sole proprietorship or other legal entity with 100 or fewer full-time employees. Non-profit organizations are not eligible.

Facebook Investor Giving Away Twenty $100,000 Small Business Grants

Peter Thiel, an early investor in Facebook and a current board member, is planning to give away twenty $100,000 small business grants to teenagers who have promising ideas for business technology. The program is called "The Thiel Fellowship: 20 Under 20".

The purpose is to help foster the next generation of tech visionaries. The cash grants will be used to invest in young talent and alleviate some of their barriers, such as high college costs that can often distract young people as they try to create businesses.

Small Business Innovation Research Grants Extended; National Conference Scheduled For November

To ensure that the nation's small, high-tech, innovative businesses are a significant part of the federal government's research and development efforts, the Small Business Administration (SBA) has been funding grants for innovative companies.

They are called SBIR or Small Business Innovation Research Grants. Annually, about $2 billion in funding is awarded to small high-tech businesses.

Just recently, after receiving bipartisan support in the Senate, a bill was passed that extends the availability of this program to entrepreneurs and business owners until at least January 31, 2011. President Obama is expected to sign off.