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HOW TO RAISE MONEY FOR STARTING A BUSINESS

The task of raising money for a business is not as difficult as

most people seem to think. This is especially true when you have

an idea that can make you and your backers rich. Actually,

there's more money available for new business ventures than there

are good business ideas.

A very important rule of the game to learn: Any time you want to

raise money, your first move should be to put together a proper

prospectus.

This prospectus should include a resume of your background, your

education, training, experience and any other personal qualities

that might be counted as an asset to your potential success. It's

also a good idea to list the various loans you've had in the

past, what they were for, and your history in paying them off.

You'll have to explain in detail how the money you want is going

to be used. If it's for an existing business, you'll need a

profit and loss record for at least the preceding six months, and

a plan showing how this additional money will produce greater

profits. If it's a new business, you'll have to show your

proposed business plan, your marketing research and projected

costs, as well as anticipated income figures, with a summary for

each year, over at least a three year period.

It'll be advantageous to you to base your cost estimates high,

and your income projections on minimal returns. This will enable

you to "ride through" those extreme "ups and downs" inherent in

any beginning business. You should also describe what makes your

business unique---how it differs form your competition and the

opportunities for expansion or secondary products.

This prospectus will have to state precisely what you're offering

the investor in return for the use of his money. He'll want to

know the percentage of interest you're willing to pay, and

whether monthly, quarterly or on an annual basis. Are you

offering a certain percentage of the profits? A percentage of the

business? A seat on your board of directories?

An investor uses his money to make more money. He wants to make

as much as he can, regardless whether it's short term or long

term deal. In order to attract him, interest him, and persuade

him to "put up" the money you need, you'll not only have to offer

him an opportunity for big profits, but you'll have to spell it

out in detail, and further, back up your claims with proof from

your marketing research.

Venture investors are usually quite familiar with "high risk"

proposals, yet they all want to minimize that risk as much as

possible. Therefore, your prospectus should include a listing of

your business and personal assets with documentation---usually

copies of your tax returns for the past three years or more. Your

prospective investor may not know anything about you or your

business, but if he wants to know, he can pick up his telephone

and know everything there is to know within 24 hours. The point

here is, don't ever try to "con" a potential investor. Be honest

with him. Lay all the facts on the table for him. In most cases,

if you've got a good idea and you've done your homework properly,

and "interested investor" will understand your position and offer

more help than you dared to ask.

When you have your prospectus prepared, know how much money you

want, exactly how it will be used, and how you intend to repay

it, you're ready to start looking for investors.

As simple as it seems, one of the easiest ways of raising money

is by advertising in a newspaper or a national publication

featuring such ads. Your ad should state the amount of money you

want--always ask for more money than you 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

potential, 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 S 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 without 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 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 of 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 directories of

another 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're arranged, and what kind of investor

contacts they have---all of this 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 developing 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 invest. There's

more money now than there's ever been for a 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!