"Third-Party Hustle"

 “Third Party Hustle” 

This post was actually meant to be just a comment in a LinkedIn Discussion, but as you will see, I got a little too carried away, and decided to move it here. Besides the long windedness, I did not want to have to wait for LinkedIn hotshot to decide if what I have to say is what they want to hear. Seriously, the superficial B.S. is too stupid to be real, but I will admit, that once you weed through it all, it is by far the best networking website that I am aware of, and am naturally against conformity in a world where majority rules, so I really can’t Hate on LinkedIn...I found something else to give my two cents on…

If you are offended, I say do not take it personally, I didn’t when  I dealt with those in your position, so I see no reason why you should when I speak about the reality of what I call the “Third Party Hustle”

•   If it sounds too good to be true, resist.
•  If they call you, resist.
•  If they tell you they can get you financed for a fee, resist.
•  If they say you can get a loan that is not based on your credit and then ask for money to  build your biz credit, resist.
•  If they say they will fix your credit for a small fee, resist. 
•   If you are asked for money to build D&B, resist.
•  If you are asked to pay for a DUNS report, resist.
•   If they say they can get you a 25,000 to 150,000 loan for only 389.00, resist.
•   If their financial advice ends in a for profit they are directly related, resist.

The "Third Party Hustle" is everywhere you turn, and their main target are those who have credit issues. if you think about it, if what they are offering is so wonderful, why are those in good credit standing not taking advantage of their services as well? Now, I imagine those who make a living in this line of work will have argument, but that is all talk designed to lead with truth that omits facts. Most of the time the person omitting the facts, does not know themselves, because if they did they surely they would not lead down a wrong way path, or would they? I am sure there is good and bad in any profession.

tried everything that is advised here and then some, and at the end of the year, my credit was worse than when I started, and while each person who contributed to its demise, did come through with all they had promised, each one also left me saying "Well that sure was stupid."

You most likely qualify for a Government Grant, it is a process, that I would resist paying a third party to do, but that is me.. This will give you time to regain your credit, and then again paying someone to help fix your credit is not the only way. You can contest, settle, consolidate in as much time as you spend on the phone with the person you would pay to do it. if you get stuck there is far more free answers on Google than you could ever pay one person to give you.

http://www.sba.gov/category/navigation-structure/loans-grants/grants

Facts About Government Grants

SBA does NOT provide grants for starting and expanding a business.

Government grants are funded by your tax dollars and, therefore, require very stringent compliance and reporting measures to ensure the money is well spent.  As you can imagine, grants are not given away indiscriminately.

Grants from the Federal government are authorized and appropriated through bills passed by Congress and signed by the President. The grant authority varies widely among agencies. SBA has authority to make grants to non-profit and educational organizations in many of its counseling and training programs, but does not have authority to make grants to small businesses. The announcements for the counseling and training grants will appear on grants.gov. If Congress authorizes Specific Initiative Grants, organizations receiving such grants will receive individual notifications.

Some business grants are available through state and local programs, nonprofit organizations and other groups. For example, some states provide grants for expanding child care centers; creating energy efficient technology; and developing marketing campaigns for tourism. These grants are not necessarily free money, and usually require the recipient to match funds or combine the grant with other forms of financing such as a loan. The amount of the grant money available varies with each business and each grantor.

If you are not one of these specialized business, both federal and state government agencies provide financial assistance programs that help small business owners obtain loans and venture capital financing from commercial lenders.

Application Forms for Non-Construction Grants

• Disclosure of Lobbying Activities
• Forms A-9 through A-12: Budget Detail Worksheet
• Cost Policy Statement
• Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants
• FY 2010 Checklist of Required Documents for Non-Construction Projects
• FY 2010 Frequently Asked Questions
• FY 2010 Program Announcement
• SF 424A - Budget Information - Non-Construction Programs
• Standard Form 424: Application for Federal Assistance
• Standard Form 424B: Assurances - Non-Construction Programs
• Standard Form 3881: ACH Vendor/Miscellaneous Payment Enrollment Form

Application Forms for Construction Grants

• Disclosure of Lobbying Activities
• Forms A-9 through A-12
• Cost Policy Statement
• Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants
• FY 2010 Frequently Asked Questions
• FY 2010 Checklist of Required Documents for Construction Projects
• FY 2010 Program Announcement
• Standard Form 424: Application for Federal Assistance
• Standard Form 424C: Budget Information - Construction Programs
• Standard Form 424D: Assurances - Construction Programs
• Standard Form 3881: ACH Vendor/Miscellaneous Payment Enrollment Form

Related Articles: 

• article Research Grants for Small Businesses

Related About SBA Articles: 

• article Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR)