How to raise money for starting a business - part 2

Why don't you reread it to refresh your memory, then perhaps we will be on the same page.

here we go...

Always ask for more money than you need

This is a good idea because you will have room for negotiating. Your ad should also state the type of business involved (to separate the curious from the truly interested), and the kind of return you're promising on the investment.

• Take a page from the party plan merchandisers.
• Set up a party and invite your friends over.
• Explain your business plan
• the profit potentials
• and how much you need
• Give them each a copy of your prospectus and
• ask that they pledge a thousand dollars as a non-participating partner in your business.
• Check with the current tax regulations. You may be allowed up to 25 partners in Sub Chapter 5 enterprises, opening the door for anyone to gather a group of friends around himself with something to offer them in return for their assistance in capitalizing his business.
• You can also issue and sell up to $300,000 worth of stock in your company with out going through the Federal Trade Commission. You'll need the help of an attorney to do this, however, and of course a good tax accountant as well wouldn't hurt.

It's always a good idea to have an attorney and an accountant help you make up your business prospectus.

As you explain your plan to them, and ask for their advice, casually ask them if they'd mind letting you know of, or steer your way any potential investors they might happen to meet.

Do the same with your banker.

Give him a copy of your prospectus and ask him if he'd look it over and offer any suggestions for improving it,

and of course, let you know of any potential investors.

In either case,

it's always a good idea to let them know you're willing to pay a "finder's fee" if you can be directed to the right investor.

Professional people such as doctors and dentists are known to have a tendency to join occupational investment groups.

The next time you talk with your doctor or dentist, give him a prospectus and explain your plan. He may want to invest on his own or perhaps set up an appointment for you to talk with the manager of his investment group.

Either way, you win because when you're looking for money, it's essential that you get the word out to as many potential investors as possible.

Don't overlook the possibilities of the Small Business Investment Companies in your area. Look them up in your telephone book under "Investment Services."

These companies exist for the sole purpose of lending money to businesses which they feel have a good chance of making money.

In many instances, they trade their help for a small interest in your company.

Many states have Business Development Commissions whose goal is to assist in the establishment and growth of new businesses.

Not only do they offer favorable taxes and business expertise, most also offer money or facilities to help a new business get started.

Your Chamber of Commerce is the place to check for further information on this idea.

Industrial banks are usually much more amenable to making business loans than regular banks, so be sure to check out these institutions in your area.

Insurance companies are prime sources of long term business capital, but each company varies its policies regarding the type of business it will consider.

Check your local agent for the name and address of the person to contact. It's also quite possible to get the directors of an other company to invest in your business.

Look for a company that can benefit from your product or service. Also, be sure to check at your public library for available foundation grants. These can be the final answer to all your money needs if your business is perceived to be related to the objectives and activities of the foundation.

Finally, there's the Money Broker or Finder.

These are the people who take your prospectus and circulate it with various known lenders or investors. They always require an up-front or retainer fee, and there's no way they can guarantee to get you the loan or the money you want.

There are many very good money brokers, and there are some that are not so good.

They all take a percentage of the gross amount that's finally procured for your needs. The important thing is to

• check them out fully
• find out about the successful loans or investment plans they've arranged, and
• what kind of investor contacts they have

Make sure all of this is done before you put up any front money or pay any retainer fees.

There are many ways to raise money - from staging garage sales to selling stocks.

Don't make the mistake of thinking that
the only place you can find the money you need
is through the bank or finance company.

Start thinking about the idea of inviting investors to share in your business as silent partners.

Think about the idea of obtaining financing for a primary business by arranging financing for another business that will support the start-up, establishment and development of the primary business.

Consider the feasibility of merging with a company that's already organized, and with facilities that are compatible or related to your needs.

Give some thought to the possibilities of getting the people supplying your production equipment to co-sign the loan you need for start-up capital.

Remember,

there are thousands upon thousands of ways to obtain business start-up capital. This is truly the age of creative financing.

Disregard the stories you hear of "tight money," and start making phone calls, talking to people, and making appointments to discuss your plans with the people who have money to invest.

There's more money now than there's ever been for new business investment.

The problem is that most beginning "business builders" don't know what to believe or which way to turn for help.

They tend to believe the stories of "tight money," and they set aside their plans for a business of their own until a time when start-up money might be easier to find.

The truth is this...

• Now is the time to make your move.
• Now is the time to act.
• The person with a truly viable business plan, and determination to succeed, will make use of every possible idea that can be imagined. And
• the ideas I've suggested here should serve as just a few of the unlimited sources of monetary help available and waiting for you!

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