Tag: investors

Jun
30

Start Ups Across America

by , under Freebies, Starting It

startup map

More than one new business is born every minute. In 2009 business startups reached their highest level in 14 years – even exceeding the number of startups created during the peak of the dot-com heyday. However, finding the funding needed to properly get that business off the ground is not as easy as starting the business.
StartupsAcrossAmerica.com is the first entrepreneurial map of the United States, offering a way of connecting investors and entrepreneurs.

Ruth Hedges, CEO of Unismart Capital Software Inc. started this concept with the hopes of inspiring wealthy businessmen to invest in America. Our economic times are at a tipping point according to many experts, and entrepreneurs can make the difference. When new business is encouraged and gains ground, new jobs are created and the snowballing starts. Ruth Hedges thought this map could give the snowball a giant push. She may be right. It also levels the playing field for smaller endeavors.

Check out the map at  http://startupsacrossamerica.com/SAA/ and then go to the list of those seeking funding at http://www.fundingroadmap.com/marketplace.php. There you can see many of the ideas that are taking off and you may even find inspiration yourself! The listing to request funding for you business is free, so get that business plan finished! It’s your patriotic duty :)

Oct
12

Shark Tank – Real Entrepreneurs, Real Investors

by , under Home business ideas, Uncategorized

biz race

ABC has a reality show called Shark Tank that can give a small business owner the money they need to get it off the ground or even take it to the next level. If you make it onto the show, you present your idea to a panel of venture capitalists that will bid, and often compete, to invest in your business in exchange for a variety of  interests. One investor may simply offer to lend you money, while another may offer to invest money AND help develop your business for a percentage of ownership. Usually, there is a tough variety of offers which makes the show interesting.

Watching the show for a season might give you ideas for a business of your own, but also give you an idea of what catches an investor’s interest. Learn what it takes to be on Shark Tank at ABC.com. Remember, if you have a hot idea, you are putting it out there for anyone to pick up and go with it, so be sure to have your copyright or patent paperwork in order.

This is a great show to watch as a family, and discuss the options between yourselves. Ask your children what they think the entrepreneurs would do before you give your personal opinion. You might be surprised at what they say! Kids have a different perspective, and while their idea may still need developing, their ideas are coming from a much purer outlook and sometimes offer a fresh take on old ideas.

It seems like a no-brainer to remember to always encourage them in their ideas. It’s hard to resist the impulse to tell them the logical reasons their idea won’t work but if you shoot their ideas down, it could be the last one they share with you. Think of the positive points to their idea and run with that, and they will begin to exercise that entrepreneurial part of their young brain. It’s been painful for me when I’ve realized later after thinking through an idea one of my children had after impulsively shooting it down that it might actually have potential.  Remember, it’s a new generation that is creating a market that may not be developed yet. After all, who would’ve thought Facebook or Twitter would be the success they have become?

>>Check out ABC’s Shark Tank, and even watch episodes online.

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