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Private Investors for Startup Small Business

April 3rd 2009 06:56

Private investors for startup small businesses may not be a dime in a dozen these days, but if you’ve truly a worthwhile idea for business to propose then there’s nothing to worry about. Speak the right words at the right time and place to the right person and you can get yourself some takers!

How to Find Potential Private Investors for Small Businesses
When looking for potential investors, it’s important to remember how critical each and every opportunity is that comes your way. Also, don’t underestimate but don’t take unreasonable risks either. If you know you’ve got a genuine money-making opportunity in your hands, there’s no need to be desperate.

Personal Network
Your personal network is made up of family, friends, and close colleagues. All these may be able to refer a name or two so take the time to explain your situation and ask for their help. This isn’t the time for stubborn pride or inhibitions.

News
Scour the business news for mentions of well-known entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, angel investors, and the likes. The type of business you’d propose may not be in league with the kind of projects they commonly involve their selves in, but there’s no harm in trying, is there?

Advertise
If there’s no way for you to reach potential private investors then try doing it the other way around. Make them come to you instead by advertising. Of course, you’ll need to pick the right vehicles for approaching them. Mere classifieds won’t be enough. Give a hint or two to your bank manager, offer compensation in exchange for a little help, and there’s sure to be a little bird able to whisper to the right ears about your business proposal.

What to Say to Potential Private Investors for Startup Small Businesses

Getting an appointment with a potential private investor is just the beginning. The next step is harder…and more important. You need to convince them to risk their money by investing in your proposed business. To do that, you need to focus on the factors listed below.

Products or Services
To know thy product (service) is to know thy business. Ultimately, everything will come down to what you’re selling. You need to know every feature of your product or service, how it fares against the competition, what its main attraction is to your market, and what could enable your products or services to triumph.

Give them proof. Let them know why you’re convinced people will buy them and you’re sure to win them over!

Target Market
Of course, having excellent products or services to sell won’t be enough to make your business survive, much less profit. You’re sure to impress potential private investors more if you come prepared with a list of well-thought-of strategies and tactics for marketing your products and services. They want to see how well you comprehend your target market and how effective and efficient you are at applying your knowledge to generate profit for your business.

ROI
Think rate and term. Firstly, they want to know exactly how long it would take them to recoup their investment. Secondly, they want to know how much more they can earn from their investment. Approximate figures won’t do. You need to calculate the odds, provide projected figures, and tell them simply if they can become richer – or poorer – because of your startup business.
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How to Launch a Successful Catering Business Startup

March 12th 2009 14:58

Many business owners say that if you want a business that will always have customers, then go for a food-based business. This is probably the reason why the catering industry has remained strong throughout the years. It is still one of the most profitable businesses today, offering a huge potential in terms of financial and professional growth. Here are some tips on what you should do to successful launch a catering business startup:

Get information about the industry.
It would help a lot if you can cook or have a good knowledge about food and wine. Being an excellent cook and having the ability to prepare great dishes will help you sell your catering business. This is true particularly if you have several specialties and at least one signature dish.

If not, then at least have a partner you can trust who can help handle the business. Next, consider your market and the industry as a whole. Do you have a ready niche you can tap? What kind of business can you expect from them? Will the business be brisk or seasonal? How much will this market spend for catering on the average? How healthy is the catering industry in the area where you want to run your business?

Check what you have.
Consider what is given in your situation. Your location, for example, is a factor you have to consider carefully because it will affect the profitability of your business. Consider your skills, the kind of contacts you have and whether or not you could find suppliers for your business.

Next, consider your skills not just as a business owner and manager but also as a planner as well. In order for a catering business startup to succeed, it's important that you have extraordinary organizing skills and know how to plan the series of steps that lead up to an event.

Consider your startup funds.
A catering business startup will cost you – literally. However, you could choose to start small with the equipment you already have. Start the business only with what you can afford to cut down on initial costs. But you must understand that in the long run, you will begin to need more equipment and supplies.

As to how much you might have to spend initially, that would depend on what you already have. If you choose to start as a home-based catering business, for example, you could spend upwards from $1,000. If you choose to build a professional working kitchen, be prepared to shell out from $40,000 to $80,000, depending on the type of equipment you put in.

Spread your market.
For a catering business startup, you have two choices: you could either market exclusively for a niche or target a more generic market. If you prefer a niche market, for example, you could opt to cater only for weddings, anniversaries and birthdays and then target a specific income level. Or, you could choose a more open market, wherein you could offer different packages depending on what your clients prefer and can afford.

Be prepared physically and emotionally.
The catering business is rather labor-intensive. Whether you're in it part-time or full-time, it still requires a lot of your time and effort. A catering business startup is demanding work and it will not stop there. As you continue with the business, it will remain as demanding as it was at the beginning.

Learn to perform under pressure and work hard. As long as you manage and market your business the right way, you should be able to expect growth and expansion.
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Sources of Business Startup Grants

February 23rd 2009 10:38

Probably the greatest concern any would-be entrepreneur has initially is funding. When starting a business, the old saying that you need to spend money to make money holds true. However, if you know where to look, there are quite a few resources you can tap to help you find the money you need. One of the best sources for business startup funding is a grant. Provided you have a feasible business, you could apply for one of these so you could get your business running in no time.

If there's one thing true about business startup grants, it's that applying for them is very challenging. Although there are many agencies and private companies that can potentially provide you with financial assistance, you will find that for every available grant there is, dozens of hopeful would-be entrepreneurs are just waiting to be the next recipient.

When looking for business startup grants, be ready to compete. In fact, if you need help writing a grant proposal for your business, you might even want to consider asking for assistance from someone more knowledgeable about the application process or a professional grant writer.

You should also know the eligibility requirements associated with certain grants. Some grants, for example, restrict the applicant's age, geographical location, sex and race. The purpose for which the funding will be used will also be carefully scrutinized. Qualifications can be highly detailed and in some cases, rather difficult to comply with.

Agencies who offer grants are very picky. If you can't show that your business has a strong potential for succeeding, you'll find it difficult to win a grant.

Where to find a business startup grant
There are several sources of business startup grants that you can tap. These include:

State
Asking for a state-provided business startup grant is an excellent first option because it is relatively easy to apply for. Competing applicants are also lesser in number compared to those you will meet at the national level. Applying is also convenient and you're likely to receive a positive response since these state agencies have a good understanding of the market and the business industry in general.

A caveat, though: applying for a business startup grant from this source is easy but it does have a few challenges. Most grants are designed to address a specific need in the business, such as purchase of supplies or inventory, construction, etc. You'll have to be very creative in making sure that your business plan is a match to the available funding.

Federal
The national government offers several opportunities for you to apply for and receive a business startup grant. However, there are some specific requirements you'll have to meet to qualify. Most of the grants available through federal funding are designed to assist non-profits. If you want to win a grant from this source, make sure you look carefully for opportunities that for-profit businesses like yours can qualify for.

Local government departments
There are business startup grants that are available for entrepreneurs with special needs. Women, minority groups and people with physical disabilities are often recipients of these grants. These sectors usually have special needs that may not always be given priority by more traditional grant providers.

Advantages and disadvantages of business grants
Unlike loans, business startup grants are free money – that means if you do become a recipient, there's no need to pay it back. You only have to qualify for it and present a clear purpose as to how the money will be spent in the business. This is also the very reason why competition for business grants can be rather tough.

However, if you're prepared for it and have a clear and feasible purpose for your business, there's a good likelihood that you could get approved.

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Startup Tips for an Airline Charter Business

February 23rd 2009 10:36

Airline travel can be big business and as long as you're creative and have access to a good market, starting one could even prove to be the best decision in your life. However, the key to succeeding in this type of venture is really careful planning and design, particularly during the initial stages. If starting an airline charter business is your dream, here are some things you need to know:

Get a solid background on the industry

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