Im 21 and not a college grad-what venture cap. firms will have the most interest in myself and my biz plan?
116023
I would recommend you first hire a pentent lawyer and patent the product or idea.  I think that your lack of a college degree is an advantage.  I don't have one either and am very glad I don't.
1138502
If it's a novel idea, you could just sell the idea.  That could be quick and easy.  But then, you won't benefit from the recurring revenue or growth of the business.  You might consider ridding your mind of the words "quick" and "easy" and being sure you are determined to follow through and make it happen.  \n\nThat said, here are some steps:\n1) Get (virtually) free advice from retired business owners through the Small Business Administration-sponsored program called SCORE.  You may have to pay around $50 for membership but it's well worth it.  SBA helps to arrange loans to new businesses, but you'll have to put in some effort (see below).\n\n2) To get funded, ideally you'll have a business plan.  There are a lot of helpful tools available ranging from Word templates to complete programs.  I'd just google "free business plan template" etc.  Even if you don't turn it into an epic piece of literature, a template will help structure your thoughts so you're speaking the same language as potential sources of loans and investment capitol.  You might also get help on this from MBA students at your local university - if all else fails, try pinning a note up at the business school.  Back to your plan, a couple of sentences for each section will at least give you a starting point.  Bring the items you don't know how to answer to your business advisor.\n\nConsider these goals to prepare yourself, each of which you can get help with:\n- be able to sum up the business/product/service concisely\n- be able to explain it in greater detail and to anticipate questions a potential funder or investor would ask you.  Write down the questions your advisor asks you - these are the same ones you'll be asked by investors.\n- what are the development and production costs?\n- how is the product sold and who/what are the customers?\n- what will customers be charged for the end product or service? \n- comparing start-up costs to income projections, when will the business "break even"?\n- consider your role in the business going forward.  What strengths do you bring to it, and what are your weak points?  This isn't a question to get you to sell your abilities so much as to help you identify the kinds of people you'll need to help you run the business.
77422
First, write a business plan. Second, have someone with some common business sense review your business plan. Third, re-write your business plan.\n\nThen go to local small business / entrepreneurial clubs. Most universities have small business development centers.\n\nConsider SBA loans. If you have a business that requires 200,000 in capital, the SBA will underwrite 2/3rds of that - so you might only actually need 70,000.\n\nFriends and family are often good sources for seed capital. If your plan is good enough you might be surprised how many people offer you $.\n\nAnd finally, fail fast. If your idea is a stinker move on to the next one or do something drastic to get it on the right path.
242852
Knowledge ventures are the usually individuals trying to tell you to go out and get hip to what you're wanting to do or others claming to know how and wanting you to invest. All they have to do convince you. \n\nI've got a good tip and possibly better, and it's free.\n\n\nJust go to : VECTOR333VICTOR.ORG \n\nRead and absorb what it says and let it work for you. \n\nGet out a calculator and you'll be suprised. Try and future of twenty or thirty years.
104503
Private investors would be your best bet, as bank would not entertain you if you don't have any previous business history in business.
615782
You can try Venture capitalists! Search for the resolved question on Venture capitalists and you'll find many to invest for your ideas. In fact make a business plan and go ahead!
886233
Venture capitalists and Angel Investors really truly exist. What you need to to is go down to your local SBA office and they should be able to give you a list of them. However, to get them to invest in your company you need to have an outstanding business plan and show that you have money to front as well. They don't come easily but when they do they are "angels"!\n\nGood luck!
628649
I see nothing wrong with owning your own business at your age. And I think it's a very good thing that you are realistic about your lack of management knowledge and skills. That realism will suit you very well in the future. But there is a lot to running a business - tracking revenue and expenses, filing tax returns, hiring and managing employees according to the law, license issues, inventory, etc.\n\nOne way to get skills and experience at a relatively low cost might be to find a pub you would like to own, or at least of the proper size and location, that is owned by a person who is considering retiring or selling the business. Work out an agreement in which you would work for the person, learn that particular business from him/her, and over time assume management responsibility and stock ownership.\n\nThat way you'd lower your investment and your risk. And if you decided you didn't like it, you could walk away from it with no further obligation. If it works out well and you do come into full ownership, then you will be free to try out the unusual pub idea, perhaps on a small scale at first.\n\nThe agreement should be in writing, and reviewed by legal counsel.\n\nBest of success.
461762
I would try to find a local investor. I've started 3 companies and you do not want capital venture firms giving you money. Find a local businessman or company to invest. 200-500k is a very small investment. Just make sure you have an attorney look over the documents before signing anything if you find an investor. If I didn't have a law degree, I wouldn't have noticed many of the stipulations. You can get screwed pretty easily and end up only owning 30-40% of the company you worked so hard to start.
28602
try with Venture Capital
253084
Ask yourself the question: do you like to be a big fish in a small pond, or be a small fish in a big pond? It all depends on your vision for your business and your personal goals. \n\nSome wants to see their "baby" grow into a big business, and they know that they can only achieve growth in the record speed they want with the infusion of cash and assets from other investors. They're willing to share the pie, because they know that it is an increasing pie. Plus, they recognize that adding more people to the team allows them to focus on what they know best, and let others contribute their talents to the team effort.  \n\nOthers, on the other hand, just want to keep things on a smaller or even personal scale. They have no big ambitions for their business, only that it provides them with their needs plus some extras. They are more willing to take things slower, bidding their time until it grows. Others also would rather have total control of the business, instead of sharing the decision making process. Or they may be more of a lifestyle entrepreneur, where the business is simply a means for them to achieve the lifestyle they want.\n\nThere is no right or wrong approach - it simply is a matter of making a personal choice as to how to approach the business. \n\nWhich approach will the gains be more beneficial? Still, it depends on how you define "gains." If you want bigger profit, then a business that grows into a $50 million business in 5 years where you own 10% may give you higher financial returns than a business that you were only able to grow into a business with $100,000 profit. In a big corporation with investors, even founders can be booted out if they think you are a liability to the business; in a small business, you can fail because you may not have the right skills to grow the business. Either way, there are risks and gains; what you take will depend on your tolerance for risk and your personal objectives.\n\nHope this helps\nIsabel Isidro
1153917
The best advice I've received about management is to find first what I'm interested in managing.  The principles of economics and management you've learned are great, if you're interested in the domain of the work itself.  This came from an exec-vp while I was starting my undergraduate work.\n\nFurther, your MBA won't have much use for you until you choose such a domain.  An MBA is best put to use once you hit a glass ceiling of some sort (usually five to ten years into a management track).  That is, if you're interested in working in the corporate world.\n\nI earned my MBA from my love of entrepreneurial ideas.  So, I didn't need someone's approval of my education to do my own thing, but I wanted a broader background than the one I had.  I had 5 years of work experience before I started my MBA, and 7 after I finished it (I went the executive route).  I would say that this is the bare-minimum for actually putting the MBA to use.  I was the youngest of my MBA class, most were execs of mid-sized companies or running their own companies.  We'd discuss a concept in class on a Tuesday, and then review how it worked the following Thursday.  That was incredibly powerful, and a better experience than most MBAs get.  \n\nThat said, depending on your grades and background, you may get some good traction in some of the consulting firms.  Their undergraduate positions are pretty humble, but they'll get you in contact with some great people, and they'll encourage your MBA when its time for that.  \n\nBottom line: I'd start with a business domain that interests you and develop some traction there.\n\nGood luck!
340247
Try business link they awere really helpful when i started up mine. also business angels and venture capitalists are groovy.
298625
There are national, state and local venture capital associations. Search on Yahoo! Every venture capital deal is different.
665203
I need more information about you to help with this. What are your personal interest? Do you live in a highly populated area? What kind of work experience do you have. I will be glad to help if you really want success.\n\nI recently retired from the real estate business in Central Florida after 27 years. For the past two years I have been offering free business mentoring services to young entrepreneurs. I can offer a variety of small business ideas depending on your personal interest and abilities. I will also make myself available for consultations by email or phone. I do not charge for these services.\n\nI must tell you that it is very difficult to get any (legal) business into a positive cash flow position that would be equivalent to a full time job. Most businesses take at least a few months to a year or more to start generating that kind of income. Are you a patient and dedicated person? Can you afford to wait?\n\nIf you want to know more, please feel free to write to Bruce at boatclub@go.com .
274454
If you have a sold business plan you might consider venture capital associations. Search Yahoo! for industry and geographic groupings. They will have lists of companies involved in venture capital.
827605
Make sure that the one you get does not have an annual fee, or a start up fee. Also a lot of them have introductory rates that get raised ALOT after the 1st 6 mos or so. So, read the fine print. PErsonally, I like Capital One. You can earn rewards, there is no annual fees/start up fees & my interest rate is low.\nGood Luck !