It’s out there. And, to get your piece of it you will have to jump through some hoops. Only a fraction of the latest Stimulus Package of 2009 has been doled out! Use caution in your research as there are several outfits out there that are more interested in scamming people than providing true direction. I have done some research and  uncovered how small to medium businesses (SMBs) can access stimulus funds starting with online research using a handful of search terms like: stimulus, package, Obama, 2009, recovery and economic. First you will be led to www.recovery.gov. It’s the right place to start understanding how the stimulus package is intended to work. But it isn’t clear who qualifies. Where experts, like me, come in, is we are able to determine how SMBs qualify, identify what needs to be done, work the system, and navigate through the process.
The Obama Stimulus Package of 2009 augments the Bush Stimulus Package of 2008 and is developed to target stimulus money into some key economic engines. Those categories and allocations are:
$126 B for Infrastructure and Science
$142 B for Protecting the Vulnerable
$78 B for Education and Training
$65 B for Energy
$59 B for Healthcare
Knowing what to look for increases your opportunity. You will need to research further to find the links on how each department is charged with managing and disbursing those funds. Because only a small fraction of the monies have been distributed to date, you may find that your company or you as an individual can qualify for monies. Go here for a more detailed category list.
Pumping trillions of dollars into the economy will have an impact! What is apparent is that the stimulus plan is designed to accomplish some specific results. Targeted industries will get money and others will get nothing. The stimulus is particularly aimed at law enforcement, energy, science and greentech. With the Federal Government’s help, America will move towards more energy independence and efficiency. The huge cash injection will accelerate the desired results. So, if you are in those industries or support those industries, whether a venture (VC) funded /starting a small business or an established SMB on the periphery, by undertaking a small effort and shift you could avail your firm to those monies. And, you better start now!
The venture and investment communities are asking their portfolio companies to find out how to access the stimulus money. It’s complicated uncovering how your SMB might qualify, and early stage companies can rarely dedicate the resources. Furthermore, it takes a fair amount of savy to garner stimulus funds, and more critical now than under the prior administration, it takes political positioning.
So, sharpen your pencils and start working the phones, the web and start building your small business plan and working the right relationships. Alternatively you can find a consultant with expertise in this kind of work, but be warned. One day that money is going to dry up. You wouldn’t want to miss out on something that you paid for, will pay for, and that your kids will pay for…would you?