If there were one financial grant that is hard to get, that would be the start up venture capital. This is because this type of private equity is rarely given to groups and even companies because the “venture capitalists” adhere to high standards of work and income probabilities.
These days, there are those venture capitalists who consider a number of grants since the nature of the equity itself is closely linked with creation of jobs, greater economy and industry knowledge, as well as a great alternative for innovation in a specific geography or an economy.
Starter tips on venturing into a business
Today, startup venture capital is one of the most common options of companies and business that are just starting. It is also an option to those with restricted operating history-either too small business nature to raise a capital or too “immature” to even qualify for a bank loan.
If you would want to opt for a startup venture capital, you should think carefully what are the risks of the business that you are about to start. Indeed, running your own business is a rewarding but demanding career and life choice. There are many different opinions about how to start business-from writing and researching a detailed business plan to jumping into a passion and trying to make money out of it-but it still boils down to one thing: a collaboration of all talents and efforts are needed for a business to work.
If you are planning to come up with a business and later on apply for a startup venture capital, here are some tips on how you can start:
1. Always start with an idea. This doesn’t have to be a brand new invention or new product. In fact, many successful small businesses have found a way to deliver an existing service more efficiently or economically or have customized an existing product or service.
2. Put together a business plan. This doesn’t require hundreds of pages with thousands of charts. Use the plan to research things like how much you can charge for your product/service, how much it will cost to produce or deliver (include variable & fixed costs), and the size of your potential market-like number of customers. The plan should evaluate your competitors – how many competitors, how strong are they, where are they, how will you compete. The plan should state what is required to enter this market, barriers to entry such as high fixed costs-factories, restaurants-and government regulations that must be met.
3. Determine if you need financing. Your business plan will include a section on financing. How will you pay the costs to start and run your business? Do you need a bank loan? Use credit cards? Self finance? Also, you’ll need to consider how much salary you need to support yourself while starting your business.
4. Put together your initial marketing plan. Even before you think of getting a startup venture capital, you should be contemplating on this. Marketing need not cost a fortune. Some businesses require very little. For example, many service businesses such as accounting firms build their practices through word-of-mouth referrals. You can also join free or low-cost associations to build awareness of your small business. Again, your business plan (product, customer, competitor) will help you determine the marketing efforts you need to undertake.