Financing a Business Options Include Using Debt or Equity. A debt will provide you with a set amount of money that has to be repaid, equity does not.

How to Obtain Financing a Business

Finding the right investor to finance a business plan…

This can be a daunting task. Then, once you locate potential investors, convincing them to finance a business is a whole new challenge.

Business owners looking for investors interested in financing a business, read on to learn places to find investors and presenting a winning business case.

Where Do I Find Potential Investors?

The probability of finding the right investors interested in financing a business depends on the size of your network. While you network, keep in mind that your average investor is a (retired) entrepreneur who will offer.

His or her business expertise as you grow and expand your business. Start looking locally and gradually network your way out to maximize time and efficiency.

Community. Your local community is one of the best places to start your search options for financing a business. Try to meet other business owners in your area who know investors. A referral from a trustworthy local

Business owner increases the chance an investor will invest in you and the chance that you will find the investor a good match.

Business and Trade Organizations.

Business and trade organizations are optimal places for networking. With many business owners concentrated in one place, you can meet potential investors and learn about opportunities more easily. You can also investigate national and local investing and venture capital groups like the National Venture Capital Association and the Angel Capital Association. Chamber of Commerce. Your local Chamber of Commerce is another resource you can tap into. Ask your representative if they have a database of local investor associations or business incubators. You can use this list as a starting point for meeting investors. Small Business Development Centers. Call the small business development center in your area for information about local investors.

Visit SBA to find your local SBDC. State Economic Development Agencies. Regional and State Economic Development Agencies help new and established businesses start, grow, and succeed.

Check if they can refer investors in your state or local area. Contact your State Economic Development Agency here.

How Do I Win Investors interested in financing a business?

If you found a potential investor, interested in financing a business, how do you convince them to invest in your business? The main strategy is to sell, sell, and sell. Instead of asking for money, explain how.

Investing in your business is to their benefit. Thoroughly research your business and potential investors and be prepared to answer questions about your long-term growth plans. Lastly, take these sales pitch tips with you to win investors over. Give a Good Reason to finance a business. Why does the investor invest? Is it mostly for monetary gain? Do they enjoy investing in new and exciting businesses? Do they sympathize with businesses with certain causes like those that are environmentally- or community-friendly? Do they want to be actively involved in the business?

Fine-tune your pitch according to what the potential investor wants to hear.

Sell Your Business Plan

After you convince your potential investors on financing a business to hear you out, you must prove that your business plan is strong and convincing. Make sure you have a detailed and well-written business plan to show you have done your homework. Include financials and market research. Learn how to write a business plan at Business.gov. Show Them the Money. Detail how your business will generate profit and how it ends up in their pockets. Ultimately, all investors want a solid return on their investment, so make sure your sale makes good business sense.