My sister and I are interested in opening a business as partners; we are in our 30's. And we need some basic information on how to begin; ie; where & how to go about applying for loans or grants for starting a minority business, what all is needed to do so. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

To start a business you are going to first need to incorporate your business, which will require a lawyer. I actually just did this and the lawyers fees were about $500. The lawyer will get you started on the incorporation and from there you will need to register your business with the IRS -- depending on what type of business you want to
start you will need to fill out different forms -- and from here, you
also need to register with your state.

The best bet is to contact the Small Business Administration, which has an office in every state. They will have loan information for you, including minority and women's funding -- which they administer. I hope that gets you started

— Amy