Business.com |
- Best Free PowerShell Training Resources
- Best Virtualization Certifications for IT Pros
- The 4 Entrepreneur Personality Types
- Three Leadership Podcasts You Should be Listening to
- 30-Plus Grants for Small Businesses
| Best Free PowerShell Training Resources Posted: 15 Jul 2019 12:30 PM PDT  PowerShell was developed at Microsoft by Jeffrey Snover in 2003. Since then, Windows administrators have recognized the benefits of using PowerShell for a range of administrative tasks, whether at the command line or from its GUI. Today, PowerShell is tightly integrated with Windows, Windows Server and other Windows products, and it's available for Linux and MacOS as well. In fact, PowerShell now replaces the Windows Command Prompt in the default Windows menus, as its capabilities completely overtake and eclipse the older, DOS-inspired command line. Whether your aim is run-of-the-mill Windows administration or you're branching out into the cloud or DevOps, knowing your way around PowerShell can improve the efficiency of your workaday tasks. If you need to brush up on all things PowerShell, check out these free training and general resources before investing money in any formal courses. MicrosoftWith the retirement of the Microsoft Virtual Academy (MVA) in June 2019, Microsoft Learn is a logical first stop in a search for free learning sources for Microsoft products. To get started, go to the main Microsoft Learn page, click the "browse all" link, and search "PowerShell." The site is fairly new and focuses mainly on Azure and various business apps (Microsoft Dynamics 365, PowerApps, Power BI), so its PowerShell offerings are sparse as of this writing. Check back occasionally to see if more PowerShell content has been added. It's possible that Microsoft will update some of the numerous courses that were available on MVA and host them on Microsoft Learn. PowerShell.orgSupporting all platforms and languages that use PowerShell, this site's Free Resources section is a portal to e-books and the PowerShell.org YouTube channel (which has more than 100 videos). The Build Server section lets you sign up for virtual instances of PowerShell for testing and learning purposes. While you're on PowerShell.org, be sure to browse the articles, forums and PowerScripting podcast series, all of which are current and chock-full of PowerShell how-to information. Channel 9Channel 9 provides hundreds of short-form and in-depth videos on using PowerShell with Windows Server, Microsoft Azure, Office 365, Hyper-V and Amazon Web Services. (Search "PowerShell" on the Channel 9 main page.) You can also pick up tips for using PowerShell cmdlets and scripts in the real world, as well as insights on IT roles and career development, such as why an IT pro should become a developer (and the other way around). If you're using PowerShell 5, the Ed Wilson series comes highly recommended. edXedX has become a premier source of free learning opportunities over the years. The site features only a few PowerShell courses at present, but beginners may find Windows PowerShell Basics a great first step. It's archived, so you would take the course as an "auditor" and have access to course materials but would not take part in active course discussions or receive a grade. If you prefer more active learning, visit the site every month or so to see if and when the course will be repeated live. PowerShell Security Best Practices is a free, self-paced course created by Microsoft and delivered through the edX platform. Although the course covers PowerShell fundamentals, its focus is on security, administration and exploits. There's also a lab component for hands-on learning. You can choose to pay an additional fee (currently $99) for a verified certificate upon completion. Veeam SoftwareVeeam specializes in cloud data management, backup, and disaster recovery for AWS, Azure, IBM Cloud, VMware and Hyper-V. Because PowerShell is an essential tool for managing Windows-based cloud technologies, the company also offers an in-depth, eight-lesson PowerShell tutorial that covers reading and writing to the console, functions, looping and branching, collections, formatting, and more. GitHubNestled under the PowerShell Team repository on GitHub is the Learning PowerShell doc, which takes you step by step through installing PowerShell, using the PowerShell editor, debugging and testing. There's also a map book aimed at seasoned Bash users who want to ramp up more quickly. The DevOps Collective on GitHub is a repository of short books and articles on PowerShell gotchas and how-tos, with code examples. Find out about handling errors, generating historical and trend reports, networking, remoting, and a lot more. Training with free trial periodsMost for-a-fee training providers provide a free trial period, typically one to two weeks, during which you can take a course or two to see if they're a good fit for you and to get a feel for the depth and quality of training before you pay. Here are a few providers you may want to consider when laying down hard cash for training:
Also swing by the Udemy PowerShell Courses page occasionally. Although the site charges a fee, you can usually find terrific deals, such as full courses for a mere $9.99 (which is nearly free). General resources: Microsoft, blogs and other sourcesYou can glean a lot of information on PowerShell learning and use by browsing these resources:
When you need a break from learning about PowerShell and creating scripts, check out Reddit users' favorite Jeffrey Snover quotes. Moving onMany PowerShell power users lament the lack of certifications for this essential admin tool. Although Microsoft doesn't offer a certification based solely on PowerShell, the company has peppered several of its certifications – including the ever-popular Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) and Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) certifications – with PowerShell questions. Whether you earn a certification or simply develop working knowledge of PowerShell, you can't go wrong investing time to learn all you can about this valuable tool. Finally, as we write this story in mid-2019, we must note that PowerShell 7 is in beta test and expected to hit public release before year's end. Keep an eye on any or all of the sites mentioned here for coverage of the upcoming PowerShell version, and be ready to jump on it as soon as it's cooked. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Best Virtualization Certifications for IT Pros Posted: 15 Jul 2019 06:57 AM PDT  In today's competitive IT job market, virtualization is a must-have technology skill set, fueled by the exploding popularity of virtualization and cloud computing. IT professionals can get started in this red-hot technology space with these five best virtualization certifications for 2019. In both up and down economic times recently, IT job opportunities related to virtualization have remained a constant hot spot in the job market. As we analyzed top IT jobs, top IT pay and top IT certification surveys for the past several years, in fact, we saw at least one virtualization entry in every single category. That makes a strong case that virtualization is a good set of skills and knowledge for any IT professional. It applies across the board to IT pros who work with systems, networks or IT infrastructure and/or architecture. Virtualization is a technology space where the platform rules. This explains why our top "virt certs" originate from vendors such as Cisco, VMware, Citrix, and Microsoft and cover their specific virtualization platforms and tools. Though there are other virtualization players, they don't really compete with these large and well-established companies. There were a few notable changes to our featured certifications this year. Although the Oracle VM3.0 for x86 Certified Implementation Specialist has been in the top five several years running, the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Data Center bumped it from the leaderboard. We also replaced the now-retired Microsoft MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure certification with the Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate. This also underscores Microsoft's strong pivot toward Azure. It's not hard to understand why professionals want to specialize in virtualization technologies. Per SimplyHired, the average salary for virtualization engineer jobs is $109,353, with the lower end at $77,097 and the high end at $155,104. Glassdoor reports a salary range from about $67,000 for entry-level engineers to almost $139,000 for senior-level positions. Before you dive into the featured certifications, check out our job search results below. They indicate how frequently these certifications appear in job postings, at least as we took this snapshot. Job Board Search Results (in alphabetical order by certification)
*Search conducted on " VMware VCP Data Center certification." 1. CCNA Data Center: Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Data CenterCisco offers a portfolio of data center certifications designed to validate the skills IT professionals need to design, implement, troubleshoot and maintain enterprise-level data centers that house business-critical applications. Cisco Data Center certified professionals are well suited to work with common data center network management technologies, including automation, unified communications, physical and virtual resources, advanced virtualization, and application and cloud services. Cisco's Data Center portfolio includes credentials at the associate, professional and expert levels. Currently, this means three such credentials: the Cisco Certified Network Associate Data Center (CCNA Data Center), Cisco Certified Network Professional Data Center (CCNP Data Center) and the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert Data Center (CCIE Data Center). One of our featured certifications is the CCNA Data Center credential, aimed at IT practitioners with one to three years of experience with data center networking and infrastructure concepts. Candidates should understand how to install, configure and maintain data center technologies, such as network virtualization, automation and orchestration, storage networking, unified computing, and Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI). There are no prerequisites for earning the CCNA Data Center, but candidates must pass two exams. After that, the credential remains valid for three years. To recertify before this credential expires, candidates must pass one of the following: a current associate-level exam (other than ICND1), a current 642-xxx or 300-xxx professional-level exam, a current 642-xxx Cisco Specialist exam (some exceptions apply), a current CCIE written exam, the current CCDE written or practical exam, or the Cisco Certified Architect (CCAr) board review and interview. CCNA Data Center Facts and Figures
2. CCNP Data Center: Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Data CenterAs its name implies, the CCNP Data Center certification is a professional-level certification targeting data center professionals engaged in various senior-level engineering (network, support, design, data center and the like) and administrator roles. To earn this CCNP, candidates must possess a valid CCNA Data Center or any CCIE certification and pass four CCNP data center exams. Five to eight years of IT experience is highly recommended. The CCNP Data Center credential is valid for three years. To recertify, candidates must pass any current 642-xxx or 300-xxx professional-level exam, a current CCIE written exam, a current CCDE written or practical exam, or pass the Cisco Certified Architect (CCAr) board review and interview. A logical step up from the CCNP Data Center is the CCIE Data Center, the pinnacle credential in the Cisco Data Center certification family. The CCIE Data Center targets experienced data center professionals. Leaders in their field, CCIE Data Center candidates typically possess at least eight years of experience. They can recommend, design and implement complex enterprise-level data center solutions. CCNP Data Center Facts and FiguresValid CCNA Data Center or any CCIE certificationFive to eight years of experience recommendedRecommended training:Implementing Cisco Data Center Unified Computing (DCUCI)Implementing Cisco Data Center Infrastructure (DCII)Implementing Cisco Data Center Virtualization and Automation (DCVAI)Designing Cisco Data Center Infrastructure (DCID) or Troubleshooting Cisco Data Center Infrastructure (DCIT)Cisco offers classroom courses, which run for five days and cost about $4,500 (price may vary). Online e-learning is available from Cisco for $1,500.
3. CCP - V: Citrix Certified Professional - VirtualizationFocused on IT professionals working with and deploying on XenApp and XenDesktop Service solutions, Citrix maintains a well-established certification program to assist IT professionals as they prepare for work as a Citrix professional. At present, Citrix offers credentials at the associate, professional and expert levels across two solution tracks – digital workspace and networking – with the virtualization certs falling under the workspace track. The Citrix Certified Associate - Virtualization (CCA - V) certification targets administrators and operators who install, configure, and manage XenDesktop and XenApp solutions. Successful candidates should possess practical experience working with XenApp Desktop, XenApp published applications, Storefront, monitoring and security. Training is recommended but not required. To earn the credential, candidates must pass a single exam. The CCP - V is the professional-level Citrix virtualization credential. Geared toward engineers, consultants, system administrators, and solution builders, CCP-V candidates configure, manage, and support advanced solutions using provisioning services on XenDesktop and XenApp. The CCP - V takes the associate-level CCA - V credential as a prereq, and candidates must pass the Citrix XenApp and XenDesktop 7.15 Advanced Administration exam to earn the credential. At the top of the Citrix Virtualization certification ladder is the Citrix Certified Expert - Virtualization (CCE – V) credential. The CCE - V targets engineers, architects and consultants charged with designing solutions using Citrix products. CCE - V professionals possess advanced skills and can assess environments, make recommendations, and design advanced solutions. The CCE - V takes the professional-level CCP - V credential as a prerequisite, and candidates must pass the Citrix XenApp and XenDesktop 7.15 Assessment, Design and Advanced Configurations exam to earn the credential. Candidates with current Citrix certifications recertify by taking the designated instructor-led training course (no exam required) or passing the current exam for the certification. Once a certification has expired, candidates must re-earn any prerequisite certifications and pass the associated exam. CCP - V Facts and Figures
4. Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator AssociateMicrosoft rolled out big changes to its certification program in early 2019, emphasizing practical, on-the-job skills over technology. Many MCSA and MCSE credentials have been retired or are scheduled for retirement soon, and new credentials (mainly for Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365, as of this writing) have been introduced. As a result, the certification website categorizes certifications under four primary job roles – Developer, Administrator, Solutions Architect and Financial Consultant – with the ability to drill down to several specific subroles. But because Microsoft certifications, by nature, will always have a strong technology component, the company also provides an alternative view of certs spread across the Applications and Infrastructure, Data and AI, Modern Workplace and Business Applications categories. Regarding virtualization, Microsoft currently offers several Microsoft Certified: Azure credentials for administrators, engineers, architects, security professionals, data scientists and developers. Our featured certification for this article, the Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate, targets IT professionals who implement, monitor and maintain Microsoft Azure environments. Candidates need working knowledge of virtual machines and networks, identity management, Azure subscriptions and resource allocation, and storage solutions. To earn the credential, candidates must pass a single exam. Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate Facts and Figures
5.VCP-DCV 2019: VMware Certified Professional - Data Center Virtualization 2019As a company with virtual machines, hypervisors and related technologies that dominate the virtualization market, it should come as no surprise that VMware also has a multitiered, robust certification program. VMware currently offers several well-recognized and highly sought-after credentials. You'll find Associate, Professional, Advanced Professional (Deploy and Design tracks) and Design Expert levels, as well as several badges. The VMware certification program includes six solution tracks: Data Center Virtualization, Network Virtualization, Cloud Management and Automation, Desktop and Mobility, Digital Business Transformation and Digital Workspace. Note: VMware certifications are geared toward the VMware vSphere product, the latest incarnation of which is version 6.7. VMware credentials form a certification ladder, in that more senior-level credentials generally require candidates to earn a lower-level credential as a prerequisite. For example, the VMware Certified Advanced Professional (VCAP) requires the VMware Certified Professional (VCP) certification, and the VMware Certified Design Expert (VCDX) certification requires a VCP and a VCIX certification. The VMware Certified Professional - Data Center Virtualization (VCP-DCV) has been a highly popular certification in the VMware portfolio for years. The VCP-DCV 2019 credential is the latest version, which recognizes IT professionals with the skills to implement, manage and troubleshoot a vSphere V6.7 infrastructure. Because older versions of vSphere are still in play and being supported, the VCP6.5-DCV credential is available for those who work with vSphere v6.5. It has similar requirements to the VCP-DCV 2019. The VCP6-DCV, which focuses on vSphere 6, retires August 30, 2019. VCP-DCV 2019 Facts and Figures
Beyond the Top 5: More virtualization certificationsA few credentials that didn't make this year's top five list, but still worthy of mention, are the Oracle VM 3.0 for x86 Certified Implementation Specialist (CIS) the Red Hat Certified Virtualization Administrator (RHCVA). IT professionals who work with either platform should take a closer look at these credentials. Other noteworthy virtualization/cloud certifications are available from IBM, Juniper, HPE, Ivanti (formerly AppSense) and NetApp. You can most likely turn up other virtualization-related certification credentials by doing a web search or visiting such certification forums as TechExams.net. Given the high demand for virtualization technologies and qualified professionals to use them to design, install, and maintain virtualized environments, this is one IT technology niche that should continue to show strong growth and outstanding opportunities. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The 4 Entrepreneur Personality Types Posted: 15 Jul 2019 06:52 AM PDT  There are so many misconceptions, stereotypes and blatantly wrong factual information floating around that its no wonder all entrepreneurs get slapped with a bad reputation label. The discrimination runs deep but thanks to a swift and positive upswing in the dominant demographical markets, these ideals are rapidly changing for the better. We're not all bohemian, airy-fairy, dream-chasers, who will likely crash and burn. If that's what you believe, I'm here to tell you that you've got it all wrong. Until recently, everyone from financial lenders to the tax man treated the entrepreneur with an underlying tone of distrust or at least with caution tape. All hail the Boomers and Millennials for infiltrating the entrepreneurial world with gusto. These demographic markets are not only the dominating force in society at the moment (dictating the sway of masses), they're also embracing the need to create and build their own future, forge their own path, and the cherry on top is their seemingly innate ability to do so. As if they were born for this moment in history. As Amazon gobbles up retail and corporate America, the "new kids in town" aren't hesitating to reinvent the wheel. What to expect
The world of entrepreneurialism can be a peculiar scene for a nine-to-fiver to experience. It takes certain types of people, or more specifically, personality types, to truly thrive in the freedom (and uncertainty) that comes along with living the entrepreneur's lifestyle. Lack of stability and the ability to consistently derive comfort from living in the known versus the unknown is what separates the entrepreneur from those who prefer to hold a job or build a career. There's nothing wrong with the latter. It's simply a matter of preference. The question is; what is the driving force behind the preference? The dictionary definition of the noun entrepreneur is explained as such: "A person who organizes and operates a business or businesses, taking on greater than normal financial risks in order to do so." While this definition does describe one facet, there's a whole lot more to embracing the role of the entrepreneur than just financial risk. An entrepreneur is willing to create an entire life built around "risk-taking." The more proper terminology to define the perspective through which an entrepreneur builds their universe is the utilization of the power of choice, guided by complete confidence in gut instinct. If that last phrase fills you with a zing of exhilaration at the thought of such freedom of expression, you're about to find out what makes you tick. Keep in mind, entrepreneurialism isn't a haphazard, fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants operation. Individuality plays a big role in varying degrees, shades and styles to the approach. You might have your own spin to add to it, but there are four main categories most entrepreneurs fall into – which one are you? Pioneer/trailblazerThe inventors, aka "first to market," are always a step ahead of the competition. The Pioneers and Trailblazers play and work hard to forge their own path. They wouldn't be caught dead rehashing someone else's dream. Originality is at the seat of all they seek to achieve and accomplish. Leaving their mark on the world is of the utmost importance but in a humanitarian-oriented fashion (sans-ego). The goal is to better mankind with their work. Gentle, supportive leaderNot necessarily any less achievement-driven than the first personality type, the Gentle, Supportive Leader simply uses a different strategy to get the job done. Unlike the solo-flyer pioneering trailblazer, this type is keen on maintaining the art of interdependence as the centrifugal force. That said, don't mistake this type for being a push-over or lacking a handle on things. This personality type are masters of delegation and team-building. They know precisely who fits where and why. Practical foundation-builderGrounded in practicality in all they do, this personality type lays a foundation, brick by brick, ensuring a solid footing upon which to build their massive empires. Similar to a blueprint or master layout that an architect utilizes to envision, plan, and construct their architectural design, the Practical Foundation-Builder is the architect on the entrepreneurial spectrum. They understand it takes hard work and often a long haul to achieve the desired results. Regardless, they're willing to remain diligent to the cause, no matter what it takes, or how long. Patience and endurance are their underlying superpowers. Creative visionaryInstead of step-by-step or brick-by-brick, the Creative Visionary carries an ability to view the entire picture, all at once. Captured as a photographic puzzle, where each piece is viewed as a part of the whole picture. These creative types, with their visionary talents, allow them to hold an image in their range of perspective which is exactly how they bring their dreams to fruition. Collecting the puzzle pieces and placing them into their proper home within the bigger picture. They are fully aware of the vital importance of each piece separately and none are treated as lesser or more than another. This can also mean envisioning people, places and things as those puzzle pieces, as well. Even though I have more than two decades of experience swimming in the ocean of possibilities that come with being an entrepreneur, I don't expect you as the reader, to take what I've said as verbatim. For you see, that's the whole point of the entrepreneur. We are individuality and uniqueness, personified. Like snowflakes, no two of us are alike.
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| Three Leadership Podcasts You Should be Listening to Posted: 15 Jul 2019 06:25 AM PDT  We're neither here nor there; we're on our way from one point to another, usually sitting in traffic, reading email on a train or bus, or simply zoning out in the back of a shared carpool. In my opinion, this in-between time offers the perfect opportunity to brush up on your leadership skills, take on a fresh perspective, and really dig deep into the things that matter the most to you in business. The best way to do that is to find some great podcasts to listen to as you shuttle from one place to another. Podcasts are boomingYou have probably overheard all of your coworkers and friends talking about podcasts lately. That's because podcasts have seen a significant uptick in popularity in the last few years. Podcasts are easily consumable when you are on the go. Whether you have 15 minutes or an hour-and-a-half, you can find a podcast that will meet your needs, feed your interests or teach you something new. Podcasts also fit comfortably into our busy daily lives. On your way to pick up the kids after work? Listen to part of a podcast. Waiting for your train from the city? Dive into that article you couldn't read by listening to the interviews on a podcast. Anytime you want to make the most of that in-between space, you can just plug in a pair of headphones or connect your smartphone to your car and take advantage of any sort of downtime you might have. You can choose an educational podcast, something light and funny, a dark mystery, or something that lifts your spirits. It all depends on how you want to spend your time. Podcasts have also begun to help build communities of people who share similar passions and interests. In an increasingly separated, divided, and fractioned world, finding a connection with someone who listens to the same podcasts you do is a welcome breath of fresh air. As a result of an increasingly engaged and enthused fan base, a podcast becomes better and more targeted and offers more engaging content. A podcast then becomes a beneficial feedback loop and in turn engages more people and builds a bigger community. Podcasts are also very personal. Many people listen to them in what I refer to as public-private spaces — in their cars, on trains, on flights, as they are waiting in lines at the grocery store, etc. They plug in headphones and experience the podcasts in a personal way while still interacting with and paying attention to the outside world. The experience of being present both in the story being told in a podcast and the events happening around you in the outside world can really affect the way you take in the lessons, stories, and anecdotes from a podcast. This makes podcasts an incredibly powerful tool to improve your business and leadership skills, and it's why I recommend the following podcasts to help you level up. The three best leadership podcasts to help you up your gameBecause podcasts have become so popular, it can be challenging to wade through them to find the right one for you. I listen to a lot of great content, but these are a few of my favorite podcasts. I am specifically drawn to hearing leaders talk firsthand about the things they have learned and how they have applied those lessons. I go for podcasts that feature guests from a wide variety of backgrounds, and I listen to a lot of podcasts with strong hosts who aren't afraid to ask direct questions. A few of my favorites are below. Recode/Decode with Kara SwisherSwisher is a long-time technology business journalist who has interviewed everyone from Jack Dorsey and Mark Zuckerberg to Elon Musk and Sheryl Sandberg. She was formerly a writer with The Wall Street Journal and has an uncanny way of getting people to talk. Her conversations with some of the top leaders in the tech world have both unsettled companies and made them more robust. Swisher has a straightforward, no-nonsense style that presses leaders to answer the hard questions that offer direct insight into their leadership style. You can take a lot of great information away by getting it straight from the horse's mouth, especially if you work in the tech industry. Recode/Decode publishes a new podcast five days a week, and you can find it both on iTunes and online. HBR IdeacastI am a tremendous fan of the Harvard Business Review, or HBR. It often offers incredible insights, smart research, and insightful interviews with top business leaders all over the world. I've learned a lot from its podcasts, and it publishes them once a week. If you're looking for some fascinating insights into becoming a better leader, check out the following podcasts from their recent collection:
You can find the HBR Ideacast on both Stitcher and iTunes. No EgoThis is an excellent podcast for those of us who strive to balance our leadership with our hearts and keep drama at bay. Cy Wakeman is an author and speaker who challenges leaders to find the right work-life balance and get rid of anything that is not serving you in your life and in your career. She has tips for how to mentor and promote the growth of your employees and sits down with some interesting guests, like Dr. Fred Luskin, who discusses the choices we make to be happy. No Ego comes out once a week, and you can find it on Stitcher and iTunes. Find what is right for youWhen it comes to finding the best leadership podcasts, it all comes down to personal preference. Whatever you choose, make sure that it aligns with your interests and your passions, and you'll be sure to find a great podcast to help boost your leadership skills going forward. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 30-Plus Grants for Small Businesses Posted: 15 Jul 2019 06:00 AM PDT  A loan isn't your only option: Many government organizations offer grants to local businesses that meet certain eligibility requirements and qualifications. You can also find small business grants sponsored by corporations, nonprofits and independent organizations. [Looking for more information on how to apply? Check out this related article on securing a business grant.] Because grants are generally not expected to be repaid, they aren't given to just anyone. Most organizations have strict guidelines and reporting measures to ensure that grant recipients use the money wisely. Many grants require you to match or combine the grant with other forms of financing. To successfully navigate the often-complicated process of applying for a small business grant, seek help from a financial professional. Independent grants for small businesses1. The Awesome FoundationThis independent organization offers micro-grants of $1,000 each to small organizations or independent creators that are "advancing the interest of awesome." Grants are awarded by independent local chapters around the world. The majority of awards go to projects that focus on community development, technology and the arts. 2. National Association for the Self-Employed Growth GrantMicro-business owners who are also NASE members can apply for small business grants of up to $4,000. Grants are usually approved to finance a specific business need, such as buying equipment, hiring part-time help, creating a website, or investing in specific training and education. Grant winners are chosen monthly. 3. Idea Cafe Small Business GrantBusiness Owners' Idea Cafe awards a $1,000 micro-grant to "the most inspirational business owner" in order to start or grow a business. Semifinalists are chosen by panel; finalists and the ultimate winner are chosen by open voting. The winner also receives a total of $1,500 in advertising credits, as well as free hosting for two years from Liquid Web, the award's sponsor. Editor's note: Need financing for your business? Fill out the below questionnaire to have our vendor partners contact you with free information. |
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