• Personal Credit Cards

    Although they certainly don’t get credit for it (pardon the pun), American Express, Visa, and MasterCard have funded more startup companies than every venture capital firm combined! The personal … more

  • Sweat Equity

    Sweat Equity is created when you or others contribute work to a business in the hopes that it will pay off in terms of an interest in the company as opposed to hourly or salaried wages. You may … more

  • Friends and Family

    Next to an entrepreneur's personal savings, Friends and Family may be the most significant source of capital for startup companies. Raising money from Friends and Family often has nothing to do … more

  • Bootstrapping

    Bootstrapping

    Contrary to what many believe, most businesses don't get started by way of a big investment from some deep-pocketed investor.  Most businesses get started by an … more

  • MicroLoans

    The SBA MicroLoans program provides loans up to $35,000 to new businesses or for small businesses focused on growth. The average loan according to the SBA is around $13,000. Interest rates range … more

  • How the Pitch Process Works

    How the Pitch Process Works

    Preparing to pitch investors is about having all of your pitch materials in order.  Most investor introductions follow a common sequence of events that … more

  • Key Pitch Assets

    Key Pitch Assets

    Once you have your Fundraising Plan and your Pitch List together, it's time to make sure you have all of your key pitch assets in order.  Most of these assets are … more

  • What do Investors Want?

    What are Investors Looking for?

    It’s the age old question - "What are investors looking for?" Unfortunately there is no universal answer here. The obvious response is " … more

  • The Elevator Pitch

    Tags: Elevator Pitch

    The Elevator Pitch

    Entrepreneurs live and die by the quality of their Elevator Pitch. You’ve probably already experienced this fact personally as you’ve watched the reaction from … more