I have a small business located in Martinsville, IN.  I have a disability, and I have worked for several years through Vocational Rehabilitation to help other people with disabilities.  The state funds grew smaller, so I saw the need to hire two employees and expand in October, 2004.  We made a business plan, and tried to get grants, but anything we could find was for non-profits.  We built two websites, hoping to make money on those while waiting for the process for certifications to start home modification assessments, design, for aging and disabled for medicaid. So far, I have encumbered $100,000 already building small business.  It took so long to get the certifications we needed that, now that we have our certifications, and are starting to work the projects, I am running out of funds to pay my employees and keep my business going, not to mention all the loans I have incurred to pay my employees on startup.  We spent $6,000 on a grant consultant company that was a hoax, because all they could really offer was grants for non-profit.  We are not non-profit.  We are a for-profit, sole proprietor business which helps people with disabilities and aging. We now have our certifications, and have met with aging and disabled offices that will be using our services, but there will be more time involved in actually working those cases, billing, and receiving our money from the state.  I am out of resources at this point, and need help.

Woman-owned small business.  Has incurred $100,000 in loans for startup.  Sole proprietorship.  Now at the point where we have obtained our certifications, but running out of money.  We are a disability services company, for profit.  We provide services through medicaid to aging and disabled for home modification assessments and desigin, specs.  It took so long to get our certifications that, now that we can start working these jobs, it will still take time to get our income in from state billings, and running out of money to pay employees and bills until this happens.  I don't want to go bankrupt, as the things we have been working for all year are finally coming about.  Help!