Good Evening,

 Maxine, 

Congratulation on starting your new business venture.  Much success.

The ideas about grant sources are acceptable.  However:

I am reading that you have questions about what you were not aware of before starting your business.

I would recommend that you take a step back and acquire the information needed.

Too many start-up businesses fail to plan and thus end up failing.

Take some time to do a three or 4-page business framework to address your business concepts and goals and how you plan to accomplish them.  In the meantime, you can continue to seek funding for your business.

If you are a sole proprietor, you will not go on the payroll as you can withdraw funds as needed from the business.  Just know it's not an expense.  

In all cases, try to keep your personal and business activity separated and have separate bank accounts for each.

Again, best wishes.

Michael