To: ASKRECY
Dear Mr. Recy: I started my non-profit organization called Minorities Helping Minorities, to help with the growing number of HIV/AIDS victims right here in Louisiana, the South that is. My question is that everyone tells me that there is no money in non-profit business especially dealing with HIV/AIDS. I told them that I didn't care, I have been doing this since 1990 and the faces of AIDS have changed a lot since then. African American women has the highest rate of HIV and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD's) and what's more alarming is that the elderly case is on the rise. Now I'm not out to save the world just people lives, especially the youths who has the next growing rate for HIV/AIDS. If there is someway that, I can find funding or blessing for this project please let me know. It is not about the money it about saving people lives. Most of the people that I try to hire are HIV patients, and women who are participating in the welfare to work program to give them some kind of hope and a way for a better life. Also working in this field they will find out that they life isn't really that bad and that they can make a difference in someone else life. Peace Out My Nubian Brother, Sharon PS I really love that music if you have it on CD or cassette please let me know where I can go and purchase it ASKRECY RESPONSE There are numerous grant resources available to non-profit, medical, education and training centers seeking to provide medical care and treatment for HIV and AIDS infected individuals. Depending upon which state you are located, I would contact your local state and congressional representative representatives for advice and suggestions. Second, the federal government has some grant funds available for certain organizations. For example under the Health Resource and Service Administration, Department of Health and Human Services under AIDS Education and Training Centers providers there is the Ryan White Comprehensive Aids Resources Emergency (Care) Act of 1990, Public Law 101-381, as amended; Ryan White CARE Act Amendments of 1996, Public Law 104-146. The objectives is to (1) provide education and training to primary care providers and others on the treatment and prevention of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), in collaboration with health professions schools, local hospitals, and health departments; (2) provide updates of new and timely information about human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection to primary and secondary health care providers; and (3) serve as the support system for area health professions through AIDS Hotlines, clearinghouses, and referral activities. The website address for this information is http://www.cfda.gov/public/viewprog.asp?progid=1160.
There are numerous HIV Care Formula Grants available for areas involving (i) HIV Demonstration Program for Children, Adolescents, and Women, (ii) HIV Demonstration, Research, Public and Professional Education Projects, (iii) HIV Emergency Relief Formula Grants, (iv) HIV Prevention Activities--Health Department Based, (v) HIV Prevention Activities--Non-Governmental Organization Based, (vi) HIV/AIDS Mental Health Services Demonstration Program, (vii) HIV Demonstration Program for Children, Adolescents, and Women, (viii) HIV Demonstration, Research, Public and Professional Education Projects, (ix) HIV Emergency Relief Formula Grants, and (x) HIV/AIDS Mental Health Services Demonstration Program This information can be obtained from http://www.cfda.gov/public/browse_alpha.asp
Good Luck! AskRecy P.S. you can find and purchase the jazz22 at http://midiworld.com/jazz.htm
From: AHMOS Z.) Dear Askrecy I will be moving to Houston in June. I will operate a small woodworking business. What is the prospect for a refinishing business in Houston?
ASKRECY RESPONSE The demand for personalized custom wood engraving and woodworking is rapidly and steadily growing and is a career that's both enjoyable and profitable. There are a number of woodworking companies that makes custom fine furniture, cabinetry, and woodturnings. Some are a one-man shop owned and others operating as a small business with a several craftsman that refinish wood to their customers' specifications. As with any competitive business your success and failure depends upon many factors, the City of Houston is located in Harris County, so the territory is extremely large. A quick glance in the Yellow Pages lists several companies listed under the heading of WOODWORKING, another 6 companies under WOOD CARVING and another 10 to 12 under WOOD REFINISHING. However there are probably numerous wood craftsmen working out of their garages and is not listed. Some of these people probably work in certain surrounding cities in Harris County, which is still considered the Houston area. Good luck in growing your woodworking business when you make your move. AskRecy From: KATHERINE M.
To: ASKRECY
Recy: I am constantly searching and finding articles, studies etc. on the availability of loans, grants etc for woman and minorities to start their own businesses. However, when you inquire it appears I have to need enough money to pay off the national debt, be trying to get off welfare and/ or trying to find daycare for my twelve children while I get trained to do something. I am 49 years old, divorced, have a graduate degree in Business. I am like many working women a victim of corporate America. I make enough money so that I do not live on the street, I can afford credit, but cannot save enough and live to do anything better for my self. Where can I find some straight answers, an application that does not require be dredging u twelve generations of relatives I don't know and a business plan large enough to re-sink the Titanic. I just want a chance to help myself. Can you help me? ASKRECY RESPONSE: First, let us both take a deep breath together and relax. I know personally that researching information and trying to obtain financing on starting a business is vexing. And you are correct that the size and amount of material requested for some of the grant applications and business plans could choke a horse. However, there is one thing that you must keep focused on-perseverence. No one is going to loan you any money, including myself, (if I had it) without a clear sense of direction, motivation, business plan, knowledge and skills required in order to be successfully in any business startup. Your email mentions nothing regarding the specific new business area for startup. The SBA Women's Prequalification Loan Program that exists in some states may help. This prequalifying organization works with Women Entrepreneurs and is dedicated to expanding economic opportunities for women by advancing entrepreneurship and providing resources to assist in successful business start-ups, maintenance of growth, and exploration of new business opportunities. Try calling your local Small Business Association. Although, they typically worked with existing business, SBA have been known to finance start-up business with a well prepared business plan that shows potential and demonstrates the business ability to repay the loan. Some banks with the SBA backing, may take a chance with new businesses. In addition, these banks may need to improve their Community Reinvestment Resource (CRR) with minority businesses. Another program is the Women's Business Ownership Assistance and they exist to fund nonprofit economic development organizations to assist, through training and counseling, small business concerns owned and controlled by women, and to remove, in so far as possible, the discriminatory barriers that are encountered by women in accessing capital and promoting their businesses. They may be able to provide some leads and assistance in the area of your field. Their web address is www.fedmoney.com/grants/59043.htm.
Another organization one is called the Women's Business Enterprise National Council. The Certification from this organization is one of the requirements for Minority and Women Owned Business to do business with Wal-Mart. Their website address is http://orgs.womenconnect.com/wbenc .
From: SHARON
From Your Nubian Sister,