craftgrrl | Small business start-up - grants/loans? (Reply)

Looking through the community memories I saw a few things relating to this, but not quite the info I'm looking for.

Currently I'm trying to gather up some designs and things to sell in a semi-local clothing shop. However to do the volume that I would like to be able to do it requires a little more money (and a serger would be a nice perk!). Limited income really doesn't aid this. So I'm looking to see if anyone has any information on grants and/or loans for small business start up. I know that they exist it's just the process of getting the application filled out and finding the correct grant(s) for you. My search online turned up mostly listings for books and/or CD-roms that you had to pay to have shipped to you. The books I could go to my local Barnes & Noble and look through and choose which one I like and probably get it cheaper through friends.

So has anyone had success with finding applications online that you don't have to pay an "access fee" for first? Has anyone applied for and received a grant? Was it as easy as places say it is? How long did it take to receive the grant money?

Any information would be greatly appreciated!