Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Im wanting to expand my breeding business to where I can be doing it full time from my home. I was just wondering if anyone has gotten a Government Grant or a Small Business Grant to help them get started. I would rather not have to use equity in my home to help finance, but if I had to I would. Just wondering how easy or hard it is to get grants for this type of business? Thanks....Mike

I have no clue how difficult it would be to get a grant for a full scale breeding business but I would imagine your chance is a little better than impossible. My comment is do not put yourself in a position where your hobby/business causes you to be in debt. It takes a long time to build a reputation. Success as a breeder is highly unlikely to be an overnight occurance. Start slow and enjoy your hobby. I can imagine how horrible I would feel if doing what I love is responsible for me losing my house and credit score for a decade.

you maybe able to get an SBA LOAN. You will have to have a business plan and do it thru your bank. If you qualify its a loan from your bank that is backed by the government. Usually up to 5 years to pay it back.

Unless you are medical or research you cant get a business GRANT.

Unless you are a minority or woman, then there are some government and non government grants that maybe podssible.

Check out SBA.gov

Or if you have decent credit, you can open a legit business. Get an LLC or INC, get licensed thru state and IRS, get a business phone. Then go open a business checking account and they will give you business credit cards and possible a business line of credit (LOC). I have done that and started with 50K in credit from my bank.

Remember, breeding reptiles rarely goes as planned. If you cant repay it, since you are the guarantor on the credit, they will hold you responsible.

My advice start small with your own money. I Started in 1995 or so just out of high school with $800 and by 20 y/o I made nearly a million overall. These days you can buy alot with little money. Buy something that will always sell good.. Pieds, albinos, etc.. Something pretty and that you like. Or buy something not proven that you believe in.. Sometime its worth taking a risk, it sometime doesnt pay off tho.

If you have a good job and are sure you can pay back the credit you use without depending on snakes to breed and for them to sell. Then get legit and go to the bank.

Good Luck.

Beau