The first step is doing your homework to locate grant programs you can qualify for. If you're in a rush and have a little money to spend, you might want to take advantage of the services of a professional grant writer to help you, because the fact is finding grant programs can be a little overwhelming for someone new to the concept and your research phase can be frustrating unless you know exactly where to look. A professional grant writer will also be able to make good recommendations as to which  grant programs match your business model.

If you are going to use a professional grant writer, here are some tips to make the experience go as well as possible:

* Be sure your application has thorough and accurate information.The reason you're using a professional is to save you time. You don't save time if he is forced to keep calling you to get information that you forgot to give him at the start.

* Be prepared - You need a well thought out business plan. Having a good business plan gives you a leg-up over the competition. If you do not have the knowledge to write a business plan, it is crucial that you hire someone to do this for you. Whether you're looking for a straight grant, small business loan, or venture capital, you won't be taken seriously unless you submit a business plan that shows you have researched the viability of your business model.

* Show to the government agency how the grant will benefit others. Your business plan should show that you have a good chance to succeed, and that you will be providing jobs and tax revenue to your community.

* Bring in an accountant or other experts that can add credibility to your application process. While all grant writers are willing to submit proposals for anyone, the fact is that they will work a little harder for someone they feel has a good chance of actually getting the grant. Having clients who succeed makes the grant writer look good. This benefit is extra incentive to go the extra mile, so you want to impress your grant writer by proving to him that you stand a good chance of becoming one of those successful clients he can point out to prospective clients.

The bottom line is that hiring a professional grant writer is like hiring a professional ANYTHING. You do it because you either don't have the time or knowledge to do it yourself and are willing to trade your money for his time.