My home based business is my passion and I needed a financial boost to get it running. I was out of work and had been for several months. In substantial debt, getting behind on bills, I had no extra money for things like advertising, marketing to grow my business. I saw a few advertisements on grants the government had available for people like me.

I Googled a search on “government grants” and holy cow - there was so much information to choose from. The assortment of sites offering “free” information to get started is overwhelming. But, free grant information? Nothing in this world is free. The one dollar for “free” information to get started is only the tip of the iceberg. By the time you’re done, you will be paying “big time” for the information you so desperately need to build your business.

There may be free money available through the government, but be ready to pay for the expertise of information from people who make it their business to earn off of your desperation.

I found three websites and signed up to receive information so that I could compare. Each site offered different types of information such as how to write a proposal, how to apply for grants, where to look for grants and loans and downloadable information just to get started. I took their bait, paid my dollar and gained access to their partial sites. By “partial sites”, I mean that there is limited information available to get you started and to bait you into their program. Keep track of these sites because they have your credit card number for the dollar and will charge you a monthly fee to keep your business.

I found one site that I signed up to receive information and was invited to a webinar to learn more about free money. I attended the hour long sales pitch and I took their bait. I’m broke. I haven’t had a job in months and I am trying to build a business, not spend money I do not have. Their cost was in the thousands of dollars for this education.

Fast forward. I phoned the number associated with the “deal” after the webinar I attended. I explained my financial situation and I received a very generous discount. My faith was starting to come back to me in regards to the bait I took in the first place. I received videos, written information, and a help line to phone into for assistance. I had downloadable information on setting up a cash flow statement, income statement, and sample grants. I received so much information that I was overwhelmed.

You know what? I got started on my quest for free money. I started to do exactly as instructed and am in the process of looking where to apply. It may take time, but it will be worth it. I’m an entrepreneur and a woman and determined to build a business and teach others in my business to do the same and not to make my mistakes.

Oh, yes, and what about the sites I signed in with my credit card for the one dollar deals? Go back and cancel them quickly. I did not and one month later their monthly charge hit my bank account. No problem, however, I phoned the grant companies and they refunded my money.

Please feel free to email me with suggestions or comments. lindatygenhof@gmail.com