Young and ambitious C.E.O. in search of desprately needed funding!

Well, i just stumbled into this community and well....what have I got to lose so here goes it.

I am a  struggling C.E.O. with all the ambition and drive in the world but I just cant seem to get off the ground. I  Left my family back in Indiana to come to California and persue my dreams. I transfered my job as a Merchandiser w/ a Major store chain and  Moved to the West Coast Division. Long story short, I was in a third round of layoffas and I have been out of a 9-5 ever since. Merchandising has sparked my creativity  and some say I am a "creative genius". I came to the conclusion that I have been developing and living off of my skills throught my twenties and I would like to  shift more  to my natural "talents"in my thirties. Thus I have developed my illustrator and photoshop to peak perfection and noticed that alot of small business are without that striking visual aid that I was sooo used to having as a merchandiser. I began to construct Marketing and advertising strategies for the local vendors in my area, coming to the establishment with a new image for the local storefronts the feedback and response has blown us all away! I never knew how challenged some people are when it comes to this and I began to take this more serious. As the second quarter is nearing completion, I have helped no less than 100 businesses get there image and original logo up , legalized and on there store fronts. The demand is incredible and I am very pleases with the product I have to offer.

I differ from other logo makers because I am much more "hands on"with the customer. I can also scketch by description as vendors (small) pour a lot of time and resources into there respective enterprises and want it personalized to thier liking or maybe not. Bottom line, I listen to the customer, find out what they want , advise them , and DELIVER THE PRODUCT! Simple formula and works everytime. If you can get the custmer off of the street and into your establishment then half of the sale is done for you. If you can get the customer off of the aisle and into a section, half of the sale is done. A great presentation or a really product /business defining logo will do the trick everytime. Once the customer is in your store, then all you really have to so is close the deal. The hard part is dont for you and thats getting the customer IN YOUR STORE! using this and many otyher strategies I learned as a multi million dollar (by volume) Merchandiser is yielding great results  but I need some serious assistance.  

People were VERY astonished that not only did I offer a comprehensive marketing package for them, that they could choose from several ORIGINAL logo's that I designed for thier company and were ready to go. Long story short, I am now in charge of my very own ""logo and corp. imaging firm". but there is a problem. I am in desperate need of a cash infusion or my (cannot reveal name of company yet) is never going to see the light of day, and failure is not an option.

I have precious little resources and even smaller chances of anyone giving me a credit line. My savings are next to depleted and I have been fortunate enough to keep going off of some close donations from family and friends who know that I have the talent and skills to launch and remain competitive. 

I would not risk damaging  my own career and the careers of others if I did not KNOW that I have an edge in this field. I ENJOY the work and I NEVER run out of ideas. That combined with my 8 years of merchandise management and I have a rockin money making machine. Just one problem, very little  startup capital. Goveror Swartenegger declared several zones in california to be "developement Zones"with the prospect of business wanting to plant down in these area's to stimulate growth, I happen to be in a city with 2 of them! I am a native of this city and the benifits of doing business in one of these zones are incredible. tax incentives and resources that a small business can really use in thier first year such as: 50% of annual emnploye salary to be refunded at end of the year, and numerous others. The time is NOW and I have (like I said)precious little resources to do what MUST be done!

The software (Adobe photoshop, Illustrator) is very expensive at best ranging anywhere from $399.00 to 1299.00 and that doesnt include office space and all the things needed to launch and sustain a good small business. I have a fantastic business plan in place and I am moving forward but I need an investor and then somone told me that the government helps people just like me in this kind of situation. Well, I have been scammed by everyone of these services (not really)  and they do-not produce anything that has much to do with Our U.S. Government that I can tell.

Does anyone know of any foundation, government department, personal , church, anything or anyone whom I can be put in thier general direction so I can obtain some funding or atleast a little assistance? Im at the end of my rope here and I would really like to hire a few people who are having a hard time these days and do my part to help. I am tireless in my pursuit and I work very hard (and smart). If I didnt KNOW that I have a advantage in this field, I would not be on this page spilling my guts out about this. I need help of anykind! Please. Can anyone help this struggling C.E.O.  get off the ground so he can in turn fulfill his destiny and help others in return?!

In success

Reji Hayes

P.s. I am also quite skilled im all office applications and if anyone wants to see a sample of the work, please dont hesitate to contact, Thanks.