Angel Capital Electronic Network
(ACE-Net) is a fee-based investment database sponsored by the SBA's
Office of Advocacy. It links firms seeking capitalization of up to $5
million with accredited investors. The advantage of this network is that
both the funding seekers and the investors have been screened for SEC
compliance and general verity.
There are plenty of opportunities for inventors to get
their projects funded and distributed, but there are a lot of scams out
there as well. About.com's portal of invention information is a decent
launching point for your search into legitimate opportunities.
If you export your products or services oversees, then
the U.S. Ex-Im Bank may be able to guarantee a working capital loan for
you. Check out the "New and Small Business Center" for information on
guarantees, export credit insurance, and Ex-Im Bank activity by state.
An act of God need not be the final blow to your company.
The U.S. Small Business Administration provides businesses with up to
$1.5 million to repair or replace property such as ruined equipment,
inventory, furniture, and fixtures, in the event of a disaster. Loans
are generally low-interest (about 4%) and last as long as 30 years.
If your startup aims to break new ground in technology,
it may qualify for an SBIR grant. Offered by federal agencies such as
NASA and the National Institutes of Health, SBIR grants provide seed
money for small companies that want to develop prototypes of novel
technological products.
The SBA financing site may seem daunting at first, but
don't let that deter you from exploring this priceless lending reference
guide—complete with research on funding patterns and online loan
applications to expedite the approval process. The SBA sponsors diverse
capitalization offerings, including microloans, bonds, and venture
capital funding.
This national trade/lobbyist group for
venture capitalists has a large membership list available online, with
contact information in many cases, for free!
Vfinance.com makes it easy to research the venture
capital market for your enterprise for free. Here you can download a
sample business plan, contact an attorney, look up SEC rules and then
search an extensive, detailed venture capital directory for an investor
whose needs match yours.
