Finding Financing for Your Business
If you need help to fund your business, there are some things you need to do first, that can make your business more attractive to investors. The followings are an easy way to improve your business image and make it become good-looking in investors' eyes.
The most important thing, you should always talk to a qualified business attorney. There are a lot of laws pertaining to how equity capital can be raised from the public, and the laws change often. You need someone who understands not only these laws, but also how to make sure that any business contracts are written to protect you and your business, especially the fine print.
1. Using your savings or credit cards. This is the most common way for entrepreneurs to raise needed business capital. Before choosing this method however, talk with your financial advisor. You want to look at the long-term consequences of using your savings, life insurance or credit cards, especially in the event that your business venture fails, or does not bring in the projected return on investment (ROI). If you do end up financing your project using credit cards, make sure that you shop around first, and find the card that will offer you the best rate and gives you the most "bang" for your buck.
2. Venture Capital and Angel Investors. Before even looking for venture capital, look at your company from an outsider's point of view. Ask yourself these questions: Does your company have a solid track record? (Most venture capitalists don't invest in start up companies). Does your company have the potential of becoming very large in the next five to seven years? (People don't invest in your company out of the goodness of their hearts. They're looking for a return on their investment -- the larger the better.) Does your company own a good percentage of its market, or does it stand to gain a large percentage in the next 12 to 18 months? (Contrary to popular belief, your company doesn't have to be involved in high tech to attract venture capital). If you can answer yes to the above questions, your next step is to find a venture capital firm whose ideals and goals are in line with yours. Your next step should be to look at your "circle of influence" and see if you know someone who can give you a personal introduction to someone at the venture capital firm. (People invest in people, not just companies.)
3. Taking your company public. Although security laws in the U.S. have made it easier for companies to go public, and offer stock as a way to raise needed funds, this is still probably the most risky choice. It is usually not a recommended option for very new or very small companies. Because of the number of legal issues involved, consulting with a knowledgeable attorney beforehand is vital. There is also a lot of stress involved in running a public company, and a considerable loss of autonomy and control. Before making this choice, be absolutely sure that this is the wisest course of action for your business.
4. Potential or Current Employees. Surprisingly, one of the most common ways (especially for new companies) to raise equity capital, is by inviting your potential or current employees the opportunity to become investors. With this method, not only do you get a really committed workforce, but many equity employees are also willing to accept a below-market wage in the beginning (especially if you do the same). There are other benefits, but this choice is not without its pitfalls as well. Again, before going this route, talk to your business attorney, and put policies into place that plan for potential problems. For example, what do you do if an employee's work becomes substandard? Or an employee quits and goes into competition with you after learning all of the company secrets? Putting a risk management plan into place and considering all contingencies is your best bet for this option.
5. Getting money from relatives. Yes, it can seem like begging, and it's a difficult thing to have to swallow your pride. Surprisingly, in a recent survey, almost 30% of entrepreneurs said that they raised all or part of the capital they needed through family members. If this is your choice, make sure that you have your attorney draw up a regular business contract. When approaching family members, talk to them about their investment the same way you would any other outside investor. Tell them about how much money they can make, not about how much you need their help. And make sure that you keep to your end of the agreement.
It is mot crucial which source you decide to use. What important is that you spend time on planning and following the advice of your personal. With this strategy, you will increase the probability of raising the money you need and making the relationship between you and your investors a profitable one.
Questions and Answers
One of the common reasons for business failures in today's business environment is lack of cash flow. The small businessperson must learn how to properly manage his or her business' cash flow. For one, cash flow management allows you to balance your income and expenditures, and work towards having cash
Credit counseling or debt settlement? While naturally Franklin Debt Relief is inclined to argue on behalf of debt settlement over credit counseling, we also recognize that it's impossible to declare which program is better because it depends on a number of variables that differ from individual to
When most investors think about offshore asset havens, the first prospect that comes to mind is the traditional Swiss Bank Account. This has become a virtual stereotype of asset protection, probably because Swiss banks have been in this field of financial services the longest compared to other countries.
It is fair to say that despite a turbulent year and many challenges, we have made some progress towards this goal. There has been progressive intensification of financial sector reforms, and the financial sector as a whole is more sensitized than before to the need for internal strength and effective management as well as to the overall concerns for financial stability.
If you're an American, your minimum monthly credit card payment may soon be doubling. If you're only paying the minimums now, you'll have to be careful to adjust your budgeting to pay more.
Mostly, a stock broker's career is defined by the financial advisor recruiter firm that hires them; this highlights the importance of the decision to join one.
Loans for people on benefits enable you an access to quick cash so that you can meet up all your pending needs easily.
Many people can't afford to obtain their own vehicle because of the financial state these days. One choice is to have pre-owned cars while another is to seek out car finance solutions that will allow an average individual to buy the favorite vehicle.
Residential real estate investments offer a history of proven investor gains. At the same time, the success path is littered with failed investments and investors.
Property auctions are extremely exciting! Whether you're a buyer or seller they definitely have an "edge of the seat" quality to them.
In life, nothing is permanent in this world. Everything that comes will definitely go. That is why it is best to put our best foot forward and save more for the future. The best thing that you have to start with is to have a retirement plan.
If you're an American, your minimum monthly credit card payment may soon be doubling. If you're only paying the minimums now, you'll have to be careful to adjust your budgeting to pay more.
"Geology is 90 percent terminology and 10 percent science," laughed Ray E. Harris, one of Wyoming's leading geological theoreticians, having been with the Wyoming Geological Survey since 1982. He died on March 7th. Two weeks earlier, we met with and interviewed Mr. Harris. Everyone we met in Wyoming, and who
Did you know that... we live in a lawsuit-crazy society? I'll bet you do know that. And I bet you also know that court judgments are getting more and more outrageous all the time. Unless you have some sort of asset protection strategy already set up, whatever assets you have built up can be wiped out from a
According to China's Ministry of Land Resources, China plans to build up "sufficient reserves" of uranium and other minerals, in a new five-year government plan. The ministry said it would be stockpiling strategic reserves of uranium, copper, aluminum and other key minerals because of rising demand for those
