Technology Business Plans
"Greenery" may be IN, but "funding" is OUT. There are slews of ideas out there for creating new, eco-friendly cars. But there is very little funding to do it. Even the US Government fund is being tapped by the Big Three in their bailout, leaving less for newer innovation.
For a tale of the green challenge, click on the title above.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
A Unique Angel Investment Fund
Business Plans for Angel Investors
Business Plans for Venture Capital
If your New Year’s resolution includes starting your own business, then you might want to consider a call to Nittany Lion Venture Capital.
The organization is a group of MBA students from the Smeal College of Business, who each semester offer assistance to business startups.
As part of the course, the students look at entrepreneurs and their business model and consider whether or not to invest in the startup.
The group is looking for five or six startup companies that
are seeking seed capital financing. Financing for the companies would come from the $5 million Garber Venture Capital Fund, established in 1999 and used within the Smeal MBA courses for students to experience venture capital investment.
The fund is invested in several local firms, including Diamondback Truck Covers, Go2Athlete, and Indigo Biosciences.
Interested entrepreneurs should contact Anthony Warren, director of Smeal’s Farrell Center at twarren@psu.edu or 865-4593.
Business Plans for Venture Capital
If your New Year’s resolution includes starting your own business, then you might want to consider a call to Nittany Lion Venture Capital.
The organization is a group of MBA students from the Smeal College of Business, who each semester offer assistance to business startups.
As part of the course, the students look at entrepreneurs and their business model and consider whether or not to invest in the startup.
The group is looking for five or six startup companies that
are seeking seed capital financing. Financing for the companies would come from the $5 million Garber Venture Capital Fund, established in 1999 and used within the Smeal MBA courses for students to experience venture capital investment.
The fund is invested in several local firms, including Diamondback Truck Covers, Go2Athlete, and Indigo Biosciences.
Interested entrepreneurs should contact Anthony Warren, director of Smeal’s Farrell Center at twarren@psu.edu or 865-4593.
Can Boston Re-define Itself as a Venture Capital Center?
Business plans for venture capital
Angel investors - New England
The Boston Globe has put forth a challenge for Boston: re-define itself as the venture capital center of New England. That is no small accomplishment. Right now "Boston" is associated with baked beans, clam chowder and "Cheers", the sit com that has been off the air for 15 years. Folks just don't think of Boston when they think of venture capital.
The Boston Globe thinks they should. What about you?
Angel investors - New England
The Boston Globe has put forth a challenge for Boston: re-define itself as the venture capital center of New England. That is no small accomplishment. Right now "Boston" is associated with baked beans, clam chowder and "Cheers", the sit com that has been off the air for 15 years. Folks just don't think of Boston when they think of venture capital.
The Boston Globe thinks they should. What about you?
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
11 Green Companies To Be Selected In Singapore
Keywords:
Technology business plans
The west may find it relatively easy to finance green companies. Not so in Asian countries. Most enterprises are finding it difficult to secure financing these days, but one investment banking boutique is seeking business plans from companies that need help turning green ideas into reality.
The Clean Energy business plan competition aims to help new companies in Asean that need at least US$1 million ($1.47 million) in seed capital.
Eleven business plans will be selected to receive free coaching from industry experts in clean energy development to refine their proposals. The companies will then present their proposals to potential investors at the Asia Forum for Clean Energy Financing next March, where the top three winners will be selected.
Technology business plans
The west may find it relatively easy to finance green companies. Not so in Asian countries. Most enterprises are finding it difficult to secure financing these days, but one investment banking boutique is seeking business plans from companies that need help turning green ideas into reality.
The Clean Energy business plan competition aims to help new companies in Asean that need at least US$1 million ($1.47 million) in seed capital.
Eleven business plans will be selected to receive free coaching from industry experts in clean energy development to refine their proposals. The companies will then present their proposals to potential investors at the Asia Forum for Clean Energy Financing next March, where the top three winners will be selected.
$150K in Rhode Island Business Plan Competition
Keywords:
Strategic business plan
The Rhode Island Business Plan Competition said that applications to the 2009 competition may now be submitted via a new online application tool.
The deadline to apply to the Rhode Island Business Plan Competition, which will award up to $150,000 in prizes, is April 6.
From all applications received, competition judges will invite six semifinalists in each of two competition tracks to submit full business plans. Three finalists in each track will then be selected and asked to make a presentation to the judges.
Anyone may apply to the Rhode Island Business Plan Competition, but to be named a finalist, applicants must agree to use winnings, as the winner or runner-up, to establish or continue operations in Rhode Island.
Strategic business plan
The Rhode Island Business Plan Competition said that applications to the 2009 competition may now be submitted via a new online application tool.
The deadline to apply to the Rhode Island Business Plan Competition, which will award up to $150,000 in prizes, is April 6.
From all applications received, competition judges will invite six semifinalists in each of two competition tracks to submit full business plans. Three finalists in each track will then be selected and asked to make a presentation to the judges.
Anyone may apply to the Rhode Island Business Plan Competition, but to be named a finalist, applicants must agree to use winnings, as the winner or runner-up, to establish or continue operations in Rhode Island.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Angel Invemestment Is Going Strong
Keywords:
Technology Business Plan
Angels are still flying about! The stock market is in the pits. Real estate keeps tumbling. There just aren't many places left where investors can put money. So many are turning to angel investment.
The big issue in today’s market is valuation. The main barrier to investment is unrealistic valuations. What could have been acceptable last year is not acceptable today. As an example, one investor responded to a business plan with: £5million valuation for a business with zero revenue and under £100,000 invested to date, "...you having a laugh?"
Pie in the sky never did well, and in this environment it is landing flat on your face. Your business plan, whether it is a technology business plan or any other, must reflect the fact that you have invested time, money and effort in this project AND that you have generated success.
Go after those angels. But do it realistically.
Technology Business Plan
Angels are still flying about! The stock market is in the pits. Real estate keeps tumbling. There just aren't many places left where investors can put money. So many are turning to angel investment.
The big issue in today’s market is valuation. The main barrier to investment is unrealistic valuations. What could have been acceptable last year is not acceptable today. As an example, one investor responded to a business plan with: £5million valuation for a business with zero revenue and under £100,000 invested to date, "...you having a laugh?"
Pie in the sky never did well, and in this environment it is landing flat on your face. Your business plan, whether it is a technology business plan or any other, must reflect the fact that you have invested time, money and effort in this project AND that you have generated success.
Go after those angels. But do it realistically.
Here's to Your Success!
Keywords:
SBA
Minority business loans
Business Plans for Small Start Up
I have long questioned the statistics that came out of the SBA on the survival rate for new businesses. I have found that entrepreneurs as a whole are a pretty hardy lot, able to adjust, revamp and design themselves for success. After all, their very livlihood depends on it.
The SBA used to say that about half of all businesses fail in the first year.
Latest statistics from the Small Business Administration (SBA) reveal that “two-thirds of new employer establishments survive at least two years, and 44 percent survive at least four years.”
This is better than what they used to say, but I think they are still off base. I think the stats include all businesses that are "no longer there". But not being there certainly doesn't mean there was a failure. On the contrary, it could well mean that the business was bought out by a larger company, was re-fashioned into a corporation, took on some new partners. Any number of things can happen to a business that makes it a different company, but a venture that is still successful.
No, if you have gone to the hassle of researching your company, financing it, and taking it through the beginning months, you are in it to stay. Congratulations!
SBA
Minority business loans
Business Plans for Small Start Up
I have long questioned the statistics that came out of the SBA on the survival rate for new businesses. I have found that entrepreneurs as a whole are a pretty hardy lot, able to adjust, revamp and design themselves for success. After all, their very livlihood depends on it.
The SBA used to say that about half of all businesses fail in the first year.
Latest statistics from the Small Business Administration (SBA) reveal that “two-thirds of new employer establishments survive at least two years, and 44 percent survive at least four years.”
This is better than what they used to say, but I think they are still off base. I think the stats include all businesses that are "no longer there". But not being there certainly doesn't mean there was a failure. On the contrary, it could well mean that the business was bought out by a larger company, was re-fashioned into a corporation, took on some new partners. Any number of things can happen to a business that makes it a different company, but a venture that is still successful.
No, if you have gone to the hassle of researching your company, financing it, and taking it through the beginning months, you are in it to stay. Congratulations!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Your Business? The Time May Be Now
Keywords:
Internet business plans
Strategic business plans
Guy Kawasaki is one the most recognized experts in business. He has created a number of very successful companies himself, and through his venture capital, angel investment and personal advice has helped thousands of others. He is the author of "Rich Dad, Poor Dad".
SCORE recently interviewed Mr. Kawasaki, and one of the questions that caught my attention was:
What one thing would you tell someone who feels that this is the wrong time to be thinking about starting a small business?
Mr. Kawasaki is so right. There could not be a better time to start some businesses. And if you want to see that level playing field first hand, do take a look at the internet. A massive majority of sites on the internet are small companies, just one or two people. But many, many of them do very well.
Get your internet business plans and strategic business plans in order. Your time may just be now.
Internet business plans
Strategic business plans
Guy Kawasaki is one the most recognized experts in business. He has created a number of very successful companies himself, and through his venture capital, angel investment and personal advice has helped thousands of others. He is the author of "Rich Dad, Poor Dad".
SCORE recently interviewed Mr. Kawasaki, and one of the questions that caught my attention was:
What one thing would you tell someone who feels that this is the wrong time to be thinking about starting a small business?
A: I'd tell people to invest in themselves and teach their minds to see opportunities that their eyes don't. This comes with financial education and personal development. This may be the very best of times for entrepreneurs with business ideas. Technology has leveled the playing field in terms of ease of entrance. In addition, there are more outlets than ever before to communicate your messages and tell your unique story.
Mr. Kawasaki is so right. There could not be a better time to start some businesses. And if you want to see that level playing field first hand, do take a look at the internet. A massive majority of sites on the internet are small companies, just one or two people. But many, many of them do very well.
Get your internet business plans and strategic business plans in order. Your time may just be now.
Microloan Program In Alabama
Keywords:
Minority Business Loans
SBA
The SBA is investing $750,000 in Seedco Financial Services Inc. to help launch a micro-loan program in Alabama to foster small business development.
Regions Bank also recently invested $2 million in the nonprofit program.
The micro-loans will provide financing up to $35,000 when conventional financing
is not available to help with working capital, inventory, supplies, furniture, fixtures, machinery and equipment, according to the release.
"This is an excellent opportunity for not only a number of small business owners, but
for the state's economy," said Ivan Holloway, Seedco Financial vice president of
Alabama operations.
Seedco Financial Services Inc. is a fast-growing nonprofit lender with a capital pool
that has expanded from $6.5 million to $180 million within the last nine years.
Minority Business Loans
SBA
The SBA is investing $750,000 in Seedco Financial Services Inc. to help launch a micro-loan program in Alabama to foster small business development.
Regions Bank also recently invested $2 million in the nonprofit program.
The micro-loans will provide financing up to $35,000 when conventional financing
is not available to help with working capital, inventory, supplies, furniture, fixtures, machinery and equipment, according to the release.
"This is an excellent opportunity for not only a number of small business owners, but
for the state's economy," said Ivan Holloway, Seedco Financial vice president of
Alabama operations.
Seedco Financial Services Inc. is a fast-growing nonprofit lender with a capital pool
that has expanded from $6.5 million to $180 million within the last nine years.
Sunday, December 07, 2008
Looking To The New SBA
Keywords:
Minority Business Loans
SBA Loans
Newsweek's Jeremy Quittner outlined how the new SBA will need to operate to be effective in the new economy. He is absolutely right. An agility in action, flexibility in decision making, concise paperwork -- these are all mandatory for the rapid deployment of the small business entrepreneur. There just isn't time to wade through paperwork. The time is now. Let's get to it!
Minority Business Loans
SBA Loans
Newsweek's Jeremy Quittner outlined how the new SBA will need to operate to be effective in the new economy. He is absolutely right. An agility in action, flexibility in decision making, concise paperwork -- these are all mandatory for the rapid deployment of the small business entrepreneur. There just isn't time to wade through paperwork. The time is now. Let's get to it!
Tanzanian Entrepreneurs to Benefit From New Program
Keywords:
Basic Business Plan
The Tanzania Private Sector Foundation (TPSF) yesterday launched a Sh10 billion business development gateway (BDG) project that will empower local entrepreneurs.
The project manager, Mr Willen van der Veer, told reporters that two components of the project -- national business plan competition and national business diagnostic programme, would benefit small scale enterprises (SMEs) with innovative business ideas by providing them with training and mentoring.
"In business plan competition, more than 600 winners will be granted cash grants ranging from $2,500 to $15,000," he said.
The funds would enable them invest in their businesses, such as seed capital, he explained.
Basic Business Plan
The Tanzania Private Sector Foundation (TPSF) yesterday launched a Sh10 billion business development gateway (BDG) project that will empower local entrepreneurs.
The project manager, Mr Willen van der Veer, told reporters that two components of the project -- national business plan competition and national business diagnostic programme, would benefit small scale enterprises (SMEs) with innovative business ideas by providing them with training and mentoring.
"In business plan competition, more than 600 winners will be granted cash grants ranging from $2,500 to $15,000," he said.
The funds would enable them invest in their businesses, such as seed capital, he explained.
SBA Coffers Still Have Money To Loan!
Keywords:
SBA loans
It is no secret that the SBA fund is now about HALF what it was when President Clinton left office. The good news is that business people as a whole seem to assume that NO business loans are being made, and have mostly stopped asking.
BUT THAT JUST ISN'T TRUE!
The National Association of Development Companies has announced that SBA 504 loans are still being issued to small business owners in spite of the economic situation.
The actual purpose of these SBA loans is to provide start-up capital for small businesses, including real estate purchases by business. Small business owners who need more space can therefore easily exploit any vacant commercial property in their neighborhoods, making this an ideal time to expand at a very competitive price. Brand-new businesses can also use this loan program to get started in operation.
Go talk with your local SBA lender to get specifics for your area. There may be more money than you expect.
SBA loans
It is no secret that the SBA fund is now about HALF what it was when President Clinton left office. The good news is that business people as a whole seem to assume that NO business loans are being made, and have mostly stopped asking.
BUT THAT JUST ISN'T TRUE!
The National Association of Development Companies has announced that SBA 504 loans are still being issued to small business owners in spite of the economic situation.
The actual purpose of these SBA loans is to provide start-up capital for small businesses, including real estate purchases by business. Small business owners who need more space can therefore easily exploit any vacant commercial property in their neighborhoods, making this an ideal time to expand at a very competitive price. Brand-new businesses can also use this loan program to get started in operation.
Go talk with your local SBA lender to get specifics for your area. There may be more money than you expect.
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Wells Fargo Invests $250,000 in Santa Barbara Womens' Fund
Keywords:
Women's Economic Ventures of Santa Barbara, California, established its Small Business Loan Fund in 1995.
To date, WEV has made approximately $2.1 million in loans, helping small business owners succeed with ventures such as construction, photography, fine art galleries, graphic design, transaction services, custom tailoring, publishing, oriental medicine and senior assisted living services.
Women's Economic Ventures of Santa Barbara recently received a $250,000 equity equivalent investment loan from Wells Fargo to fund its Small Business Loan Fund, which provides startup and expansion capital to small businesses that do not qualify for conventional bank financing.
"Wells Fargo is the single largest investor in WEV's Small Business Loan Fund," said Judy Hawkins, executive director of Women's Economic Ventures and the Small Business Loan Fund. "With this investment, Wells Fargo will help WEV extend funding in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties to create jobs for low and moderateincome people, including women and minorities, and support business expansion of womanowned and minority-owned businesses."
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Scads of Funding For Technology Companies
Keywords:
Technology businesses in Great Britain have hit the jackpot!
As part of its Enterprise Capital Funds programme, the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (Berr) will make the funds available to information technology, electronics and instrumentation companies seeking investment capital. The fund will be managed by TTP Ventures.
Individual companies will be able to raise equity finance of up to £2m. Two-thirds of the fund will be supplied by the government, while the remaining £10m will be supplied by private equity.
$100,000 Big Idea Business Plan Competition
Keywords:
Ben Franklin Technology Partners will award one winning company with $100,000 to start or develop a technology-oriented business.
The $100,000 Big Idea Business Plan Contest supports manufacturing and technology-based companies. Even if you haven’t started your business yet, you are eligible to apply.
But the deadline is December 17, 2008. So rush!
Inner City Capital Connection = Success for Retail
Keywords:
Minority Business Loans
SBA Business Plans
If your company is involved in inner city retail, you need to know about Inner City Capital Connection. ICCC members get:
Access to Capital – Inner city companies have raised more than $140 million in growth capital. This is an impressive 75% percent more than the initial funding sought by companies prior to attending ICCC.
Network Creation – After attending ICCC, a majority of the participants received between 4 and 10 contacts through the ICCC process.
Business of Size and Scale – A majority of ICCC participants experienced incremental and transformational strategy change for their business and a significant increase in employment.
This is a cooperative effort between the SBA and Bank of America. It was designed solely to help inner city businesses access capital.
Minority Business Loans
SBA Business Plans
If your company is involved in inner city retail, you need to know about Inner City Capital Connection. ICCC members get:
Access to Capital – Inner city companies have raised more than $140 million in growth capital. This is an impressive 75% percent more than the initial funding sought by companies prior to attending ICCC.
Network Creation – After attending ICCC, a majority of the participants received between 4 and 10 contacts through the ICCC process.
Business of Size and Scale – A majority of ICCC participants experienced incremental and transformational strategy change for their business and a significant increase in employment.
This is a cooperative effort between the SBA and Bank of America. It was designed solely to help inner city businesses access capital.
$45,000 Prize in London
Keywords:
The London Small Business Centre will accept submissions until Dec. 12 for the competition that offers cash and prizes to fledgling businesses with the best business plan.
"We're really excited by the applications we've received so far," said Nancy Kopriva, who chairs the VenturePrize London steering committee.
"With the final deadline around the corner, we're expecting to see one final rush of business plans."
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