Author Archive: Ruth Collins

Small Business Administration HUBZone Program

April 28, 2019

The Historically Underutilized Business Zones Empowerment Contracting Program provides federal contracting assistance to eligible small businesses located in underutilized business zones to improve their employment opportunities, investments, and their area’s economic development.

This post is aligned with a network of sites interested with the intersection of small business, the philanthropic sector and government in creating healthy and sustainable communities.

Find additional information and resources on small business grants and loans, home buyer programs and impact investment programs from around the world.

Community Development

Get Information On Getting Into Home Improvements

April 27, 2019

Renovations and repairs! Taking the time to make changes to your home results in a beautiful residence that you can be proud of. Home improvement can aid in your health. The following piece is full of insight into how you can cheaply and successfully complete such jobs. By reading these pointers prior to launching a project, you are sure to be glad.

If you have the available funds you should choose real hard wood floors rather than laminate. Although laminate might look real and be easy to clean, you cannot refinish it. Years from now, you or the new owner are going to need to replace the entire floor, not just refinish it.

If you plan to redo your roof, use light colored tile. This choice will ensure your attic doesn’t absorb excess heat as the light colors reflect the rays of the sun. This can save you quite a bit on your power bill.

Think about adding a microwave above your range if you have limited kitchen counter space. Microwave ovens add class and style to your home, and many come with a lot of special features. This is not a suitable option for those who need high-powered ventilation, but it is a great idea for the everyday cook.

Aluminum Foil

Use aluminum foil to cover your wall outlets before painting. It is far easier to use aluminum foil than tape, and your covers will be shielded from possible splatters. It is quick and easy to remove, too. Let paint dry prior to removing the foil.

You may feel overwhelmed by the amount of advice that you’ve read. Just tackle your projects carefully and patiently. Gradually you can transform your home into one you are really proud of and happy to show your friends. You will be able to say that you improved your home on your own. You will be able to sit back and enjoy your creation once you are done.

Community Development

Home Mortgages 101: What You Need To Know

April 26, 2019

When you buy a home, you need a mortgage, but that also means you need to do your research. But, reading the information here will help you to make the best home loan decisions. Keep reading to learn more.

Mortgage Loan

Do not take on new debt and pay your old debts responsibly while awaiting your mortgage loan decision. You can qualify for more on your mortgage loan when you lave a low consumer debt balance. High consumer debt could lead to a denial of your mortgage loan application. The rates of your mortgage may also be higher when you have a lot debt.

In order to be approved for a home loan, you need a good work history. Many lenders expect to see work history of two years or more in order to grant a loan approval. Switching jobs too often can cause you to be disqualified for a mortgage. Also, avoid quitting from any job during the application process.

Mortgage Lender

When faced with financial difficulties, always talk to your mortgage lender. Many purchasers are afraid to discuss their problems with a lender; if you are in financial trouble try to renegotiate the terms of your loan. Pick up the phone, call your mortgage lender and ask what possibilities exist.

If your house is worth less than what you owe and you’ve been unsuccessful in refinancing it, try again. There are programs, such as HARP, that allow people in your situation to refinance. Talk to your lender since they are now more open to a HARP refinance. If this lender isn’t able to work on a loan with you, you can find a lender who is.

Mortgages let people get into their dream homes and live there. With your increased knowledge you will be able to make your mortgage the best possible. You can rest secure in the knowledge that you will be able to afford your home mortgage payments for years to come.

Community Development

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Grants and Loans From The Department of Energy

April 26, 2019

Since its establishment the Department of Energy has been pioneering the leveraging of informative science in order to address the country’s energy, environmental and nuclear challenges.

This post is part of a network of sites interested with the intersection of small business, the philanthropic sector and government in creating healthy and sustainable communities.

Find additional information and resources on small business grants and loans, home buyer programs and Community Foundation programs from around the world.

Community Development

Grants from the Department of the Interior

April 26, 2019

The responsibilities of the Department of the Interior include the management and conservation of federal lands and natural resources, including the administration of programs that are associated with Native Americans, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, territorial affairs, and to insular areas of the United States.

This post is part of a network of sites interested with the intersection of small business, the philanthropic sector and government in creating healthy and sustainable communities.

For more information on small business grant and home ownership programs visit TopGovernmentGrants.com.

Community Development

Great Gardening Tips To Build The Perfect Garden!

April 25, 2019

There are lots of natural ways that you can grow a healthy, organic garden. You just need to learn the methods and use them.

Climbing plants and vines are great for covering fences and wall structures. These versatile plants can grow over fences to enhance the fence’s appearance. Often, climbers grow quickly, so you’ll get the effect you want by the time the season changes. No need to worry if a bush or tree is in the way, as climbers can grow through them. Also, they can match the shape of an arbor. Some may need to be attached to a support, and others will attach themselves to any surface using their twining stems or tendrils. Trusted variations of climbers are honeysuckle, jasmine, clematis, wisteria and climbing roses.

Plant bulbs if you want spring and summer flowers. Typically, bulbs are simple to grow, and they’ll grow every single year. Different bulbs bloom at various times, so choosing appropriately, you may have blooms early spring to later summer.

Pre-soak seeds overnight in a dark place. Drop your seeds into a small jar that is filled with cold water. This will hydrate the seeds and facilitate growth. Your seeds will then have the best chance possible to survive to maturity.

Tempt your cat away from the plants he has been bothering by planting catnip or wheat grass near them. You could also repel your pet by planting rosemary or placing citrus fruit peels around your garden.

Knee Pads

If your garden requires a lot of low work, then save yourself some strain by investing in knee pads. If you spend a large portion of your gardening session on your knees, it could create pain over time. Having a pair of excellent knee pads for gardening can help cushion the knees to provide additional comfort.

Anyone can plant a garden, but only those with the proper knowledge will receive the most out of their crop. These tips on organic gardening are here to guide you on the right path.

Community Development

Tips For Harvesting Your Organically Grown Produce

April 24, 2019

Does the grass look greener when you look to the other side? You might imagine that all your neighbors have some top-secret formula that keeps their grass and garden looking so much better than yours. The fact is, there is no secret in getting a beautiful garden. All it requires is knowledge to take proper care of plants. Information about gardening is available online, in books and in magazines created for garden enthusiasts.

Choose perennials that are not vulnerable to attack by slugs. Slugs and snails can decimate a plant in one night. They gravitate towards perennials with smooth thin leaves, particularly on younger plants. Perennials with hairy leaves or bitter taste are unattractive to snails and slugs, keeping them safe from harm. Some of the best varieties of these include achillea, campanula, euphorbia, and heuchera.

Baking Soda

You do not need store-bought chemical treatments for plant mildew. A great home remedy is to mix baking soda with water and a little bit of liquid soap. Once every week, you should spray the mixture on your plants; the mildew will disappear shortly thereafter. Baking soda will bring no damage to your plants, and will treat the mildew in a gentle and efficient manner.

Make sure your soil is healthy enough before you start planting anything. You can do a soil sample analysis for an affordable fee and then know what you need to properly treat your soil with so you can grow the best plants. A lot of cooperative extension offices can provide this service to you and it is worth knowing what you need to do in order to avoid ruining your plants.

As you can see, the suggestions here are easy to follow and rather simple to implement. You simply need to know some basic approaches and then you can carry those techniques into your garden. Focus on the reaction of the plants to your methods. If you find a method is not working for you, discontinue it and try another way. With patience and love you can grow the best garden in your neighborhood.

Community Development

Small Business Administration Background

April 24, 2019

The Small Business Administration was established in 1953. Since that time the agency has dispensed millions of dollars in loans and loan guarantees, contracts, consulting assistance and other programs for small business across the United States.

This post is part of a network of sites interested with the intersection of small business, the philanthropic sector and government in creating healthy and sustainable communities.

Find additional information and resources on small business grants and loans, home buyer programs and Community Foundation programs from around the world.

Community Development

Simple Organic Gardening Tips From The Pros

April 23, 2019

If you invest your time in doing organic gardening properly, the results are obvious. It lets other know that you are serious about getting the most out of your organic plants. This is a great thing. Just as with any hobby or skill, there is always room for improvement. There are tips below to help you with this.

If you are planning to grow plants within the house, the temperature should be maintained between 65 and 75 degrees within the daylight hours. They need this type of warm temperature in order to grow. Heat lamps can be used to promote growth without the necessity of raising your home’s interior temperature.

It is easy to quickly prepare your perennial garden ground. Using a garden spade, dig underneath the turf and flip it. Then, create a layer of wood chips at least three inches deep over the area you just flipped. Let the area have about two weeks, then dig it and plan the new perennials.

After sprouting occurs, you will not need to keep seeds as warm. Locate your plants further from your heat source as they mature. Additionally, remove any plastic films that were on your containers. This will keep out warmth and humidity. Watch your seeds closely to know how to go about this.

When you are working in your garden, you will want to have all of your tools in a convenient location. Do not waste your time looking for tools. Before you start work in the garden, make sure you have the necessary tools, and always remember to put them away when you are finished. Get a tool belt if you need to, or a pair of pants with a lot of pockets.

Organic Gardening

You have the tools, the products, and the skill set to apply those tips to your organic garden. This is a positive thing. As with most things, organic gardening requires that you never stop learning to improve your craft. Take the tips from above to boost your knowledge arsenal about organic gardening. You may have even found something new to employ in your own organic garden.

Community Development

SBA Resources for Women-Owned Businesses

April 23, 2019

The Small Business Administration has a variety of offerings to assist woman entrepreneurs start and grow and their business endeavors. This latest video provides an in introduction to how the SBA can help you.

This post is aligned with a network of sites interested with the intersection of small business, the philanthropic sector and government in creating healthy and sustainable communities.

Find additional information and resources on nonprofit information, educational grants and Civic Engagement programs from around the world.

Community Development