Small Business

Ditto to contacting the SBA; they also have counselors that will help you develop a business plan if you don't have one yet. DO NOT put anything for the business on a personal credit card; if you have to resort to cc's get a card specifically set up for the business.
Good luck with the business; it's tough to get one up and running, but can be very gratifing too.

Check out your local Small Business Association. They can help you find resources.

Have you tried an American Express Business account? That will help you to establish credit with the business. Otherwise, maybe you could ask family members to help you get your business off the ground.

Good luck!

that's what sucks about trying to start a business. You have to have money to make money. Blegh. I would either try to cut your personal expenses until you can save up the money you need to get started, or ask friends and family to invest in your company...

It's extremely difficult to get a low-interest bank loan right now, even with a great business plan. I know this isn't a "good" idea, but you can take out a cash advance sometimes on your personal credit cards. It is high interest, but you really aren't borrowing that much and you hopefully can pay it off quickly. Also, you could just use a personal credit card for the items you need. I co-own a business and sometimes you have to be creative like this in this economy to get working capital. It sucks but sometimes it's the only way to do it.

I, too, have worked with the SBA's SCORE and while they helped me a lot with my business plan, they did squat for me as far as helping me get a loan. There just aren't any banks willing to take many risks right now.

I would recommend taking out a personal loan or credit card if you only need a couple thousand dollars. Getting business loans is very difficult.

sba but you better have a buisness plan with all of your ts crossed and is dotted or they will make mincemeat out of you. it better be verywell thought out do you need paper pens a computer log books pike passes paper clips I am talking down to the final detail. signs paint on the truck advertising your company. you better ask for it all at once. do you need a printer and paper internet access, cell phone how often are you going to need oil and trans fluid changed new tires maitnance on the truck. and ask for 3 months worth buisness expenses in case the bank lock boxes you.trust me on this

Try googling SCORE, it is a nationwide program sponsored by the Small Business Association. It consist of free mentors that will help people who are looking for help starting their business. They will not loan you money but they will have lots of resources for you. Currently I am working with a SCORE mentor and his advise and resources have been very helpful. Try to find a mentor in your area then you can meet in person or you can just talk via the internet - it is completely free and the website is very clear about what it is and how SCORE works.

Good Luck

Hi I.-

I am a business attorney here in California. Even though you are new, you most likely qualify for a small business loan through the SBA. You use your regular bank, but the SBA guarantees the loan. Down in San DIego, ther eis an organiation that holds monthly information meetings about the process. Be forewarned that it usually takes at leat 60 days to go through the application process and und the loan. The loan may be more than you need (I don't recall the minimum-might be $100k), but you can also take out more than you need and pay it back right away.

Once you are in business for at least a year or two, then you can get a line of credit through your bank (the smaller banks tend to be easier than the large/national ones). Good luck!

If that's all you need, why not just get a business credit card and put it on there?

-M