Micro Loans Available Through Federal and State Levels

Small business entrepreneurs are turning to micro loans at federal and state levels, with standard lenders keeping a tight hand on loan funds. These federal funds are available to business owners and entrepreneurs via the Small Business Administration (SBA). Currently, the cap on small loans through the SBA has been raised from $35,000 to $50,000 as a result of the Small Business Jobs Act, which was signed into law only last week. The law also extends the term of a loan repayment up to five years.

Tennessee ECD-BERO Awards Micro Loans Through ARRA Funds

Not only are the Feds stepping up loans to micro-businesses, but states working through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 are also doing the same. During the same year, Tennessee’s Economic and Community Development (ECD) agency created the Business Enterprise Resource Office (BERO). Both BERO and the ECD were developed to help micro-business entrepreneurs in Tennessee to grow their businesses, leading to the ECD-BERO Rural Micro Loan Fund.

Jane Easterly of Cleveland, Tennessee, contacted BERO when she decided to start her new business venture – Recycled Elements of Design. Her business recycles materials left behind from interior design projects and turns them into fashionable purses. Funding from BERO allowed Easterly to create a business plan and receive business micro loans of $10,000. Thanks to the funding from BERO, Easterly has hired expertise to help identify her primary customers and create a marketing strategy.

Microgiving congratulates recipients like Ms. Easterly and other small business entrepreneurs who seek creative ways to meet their needs. Microgiving works to help those in need by doing just that: micro-giving. If you would like to help others, or you could benefit from the assistance of our donors, please visit our website and see how micro loans can help.

7 Healthy Foods For Under $1

by Becky (aka. Rayhawk)

We’re all trying to budget frugally these days, but sometimes it’s tough to budget and eat healthy at the same time. Your grocery bill can get expensive if you’re thoughtless when you grocery shop. In other words, the more thought you put into the dietary needs of each family member, the less you will actually spend in the end.

In fact, when you begin to consider the needs of each person in your family you’re likely to find that many items are either unnecessary or just plain unhealthy. For example, many families spend large amounts of money on meats. Reducing your meat to very small portions is not unhealthy. The recommended daily allowance of meat intake is no more than 3 oz – the size of a woman’s palm. Moreover, you’d be surprised how cheap healthy food can be when you do the math. Here is a list of 7 healthy foods for under $1:

Rice . Rice is the most consumed food item in the world. Rice is the staple food for many countries and brown rice in particular retains a lot of nutritional value! At a mere 3 to 4 cents per oz. you have yourself the foundation of a great healthy meal.

Oatmeal. There are great health benefits in oatmeal. Oatmeal is high in dietary fiber and is proven to lower cholesterol while optimizing your cardiovascular health as well. At a mere 42 cents a pound, you have yourself a great breakfast to kick start your day.

Potatoes. High in fiber and low and other essential nutrients, potatoes are a great staple to any diet. However, avoid the globs of sour cream and bacon bits! Potatoes market around 40 to 60 cents per pound.

Eggs. Great source of protein and makes for a healthy breakfast for a mere 20 cents or less per egg.

Popcorn. Low in calories and fat, popcorn makes for a great snack food. Loose kernels cost about 75 cents per pound making it one of the most affordable food items

Apples. These guys are loaded with antioxidants and are proven to reduce the chances of cancer. Apples can be purchased for around 70 to 80 cents per pound.

Lentils. Another great source of protein, one cup supplements more than a third of your recommended daily intake and can be purchased for around 90 cents per pound.

Be conscience of the actually dietary requirements of your family when it comes to grocery shopping. Cut back on the consumption of meats and focus on these items to meet the needs of your family and your budget!

Would love your feedback…

• What are some other cheap grocery items?
• What are ways that you cut down your grocery bill?