You need access to cash (hey, don’t we all?) but aren’t sure where to begin. Are you ready to seek angel funding, or should you be reaching out to friends and family first? Even the best pitch deck could use some polish. That’s why we created the tab called “Increase Your Chances of Funding.” Be sure to work through all of the steps then proceed further down the list.
Increase Your Chances of Funding
Whether you’re just testing out an idea, launching your first business, or you know the ropes but need some guidance in reaching a new market......
Whether you’re just testing out an idea, launching your first business, or you know the ropes but need some guidance in reaching a new market or improving an aspect of your business, there are tons of great resources and educational opportunities that can help you take the next step.
Check out the resources, tutorials, and personal guidance programs that are offered by these organizations:
Small Business Development Center
SCORE Counselors to America’s Small Business
Download the NH Small Business Development Center’s finance guide: Putting Together the Financial Puzzle
Learn from the trailblazers who have made their way to success, and connect with the advisors and mentors who can help you reach new heights.
...Learn from the trailblazers who have made their way to success, and connect with the advisors and mentors who can help you reach new heights.
New Hampshire offers a wide array of incubators, startup networks, and advisors who can help you get connected and launch your business.
Are you at the early stages of funding, and not sure which direction to go in? Are you familiar with the options available to you,......
Are you at the early stages of funding, and not sure which direction to go in? Are you familiar with the options available to you, or the benefits and tradeoffs of those options?
Capital Compass® was designed by the NH Community Loan Fund and its Vested for Growth program to help business owners understand the factors that affect the type of business loan or investment that may be the best fit for their needs.
Learn more about the Capital Compass® and try it out for yourself here.
[Blog] Capital Compass Can Point You to the Right Kind of Business Finance
Funding Opportunities
If you aren’t experienced in funding a startup company, click the ‘Increase Your Chances of Funding” tab and work your way through the important steps. They are designed to put you on the correct path to funding your business.
Already completed this section? Rock on. You’re ready to explore the following funding options.
For most startups, this is often the best place to start when seeking to raise cash. (In fact, many investors will want to see that......
For most startups, this is often the best place to start when seeking to raise cash. (In fact, many investors will want to see that you have already been able to raise money from those who know you best).
Learn more about the processes to follow, and pitfalls to avoid, when reaching out to friends and family.
Check out –
Funding from Friends and Family – What to Consider.
Do you have an idea that would appeal to others, but hasn’t been fleshed out for investors yet? Crowdfunding is a great way for you......
Do you have an idea that would appeal to others, but hasn’t been fleshed out for investors yet? Crowdfunding is a great way for you to raise money from large groups of people so that you can test and launch your idea.
Community Sourced Capital helps small businesses raise capital by engaging the collective spirit of their community. Businesses run campaigns on the CSC platform and invite supporters to purchase $50 increments of the overall loan, which we call “Squares”. “Squareholders” are then paid back as the loan is repaid. CSC provides technology, marketing assistance and administrative know-how to coordinate loan fundraising and financing.
CSC works best for businesses looking for $5,000 – $50,000. CSC charges a $250 campaign launch fee and a flat monthly fee of $50 to $100 until the principal amount of the loan is repaid.
Indiegogo is the largest global fundraising site, helping individuals, businesses, and non-profits raise money online. Indiegogo supports more fundraising categories than other platforms, making it a great option for unique startups and new ideas.
KICKSTARTER
Kickstarter is a new way to fund creative projects, from films, games, and music to art, design, and technology. Kickstarter is full of projects, big and small, that are brought to life through the direct support of people like you. Since its launch in 2009, 7.1 million people have pledged $1.3 billion, funding over 71,000 creative projects. If a project is successfully funded, Kickstarter applies a 5% fee to the funds collected.
Check out these great resources on equity crowdfunding:
[eBook] Getting Ready for Crowdfunding: A Legal Guide to Understanding Federal Equity Crowdfunding Regulations
Ready to take your idea to the next level? Startup competitions throughout the state offer a unique opportunity to get in front of investors and......
Ready to take your idea to the next level? Startup competitions throughout the state offer a unique opportunity to get in front of investors and prospective customers, partners, and supporters while competing for a chance to win cash and prizes to grow your business.
Dartmouth Ventures is an annual conference on entrepreneurship for students, faculty, staff, researchers, alumni, and the greater Upper Valley community. Aimed at encouraging entrepreneurial thinking and activity among members of the Dartmouth community, this day-long conference and competition brings nationally-recognized entrepreneurial leaders together to discuss pertinent entrepreneurship topics with $70k in total prize money available.
Nashua Technology Park @ Gateway Hills
The Flatley Challenge is an annual startup competition designed to assist tech entrepreneurs and develop the growth of early-stage companies by providing free space and the opportunity to interact with world class companies already resident at Gateway Hills, such as Dell, Skillsoft, Benchmark Electronics, and more. Kicking off each fall, the winner of the innovative competition also receives a cash prize of $10,000 to help with fit-up, connectivity and related costs.
Applicants can submit their business plans online or send them to Kathleen McLaughlin.
MANCHESTER YOUNG PROFESSIONAL NETWORK/ALPHA LOFT NH STARTUP CHALLENGE
The MYPN New Hampshire Startup Challenge is a statewide business plan competition created to connect entrepreneurs and social innovators with seed capital and key services to help them on their path toward success.
Ultimately, one winner will be chosen to receive a prize package valued at over $55,000 in cash and in-kind services from Manchester-area businesses. The second place winner will now receive an award up to $5,000 and in addition, final event attendees will get a chance to vote on The People’s Choice Award and award an additional $5,000 in cash to their favorite business plan.
NEW HAMPSHIRE INNOVATION RESEARCH CENTER
The NHIRC was created in 1991 by the New Hampshire Legislature to support innovations through industry and university collaborations. The goal is to foster innovation within New Hampshire by helping small businesses develop new products and processes, increasing their competitiveness and ultimately the number of quality jobs in the state. Grants up to $75,000 per company are awarded. Applications are particularly encouraged from companies in the following areas: Biomedical/Biotechnology, Engineering, Information Technology, Life Science, Materials Science, and Manufacturing, excluding clinical studies.
CLICK HERE for more information or to apply for a grant.
SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program is a highly competitive program that encourages domestic small businesses to engage in Federal Research/Research and Development that has the potential for commercialization. Through a competitive awards-based program, SBIR enables small businesses to explore their technological potential and provides the incentive to profit from its commercialization.
TECH OUT – NH HIGH TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL
TechOut is a startup competition that identifies talented, motivated tech entrepreneurs and funds them through investment capital awards of $100,000 a year. TechOut is a fast-paced event that features live pitches by finalists, displays of their innovations, and networking opportunities with like-minded innovators, entrepreneurs and investors.
The competition awards $100,000 in prize money: first place receives $50,000, second place $30,000 and third place $20,000.
UNH HOLLOWAY PRIZE INNOVATION-TO-MARKET COMPETITION
The Holloway Prize Innovation-to-Market Competition is designed to stimulate entrepreneurship throughout the University System and is open to all USNH undergraduate and graduate students interested in starting or expanding a business. The competition helps students develop proposals for bringing innovative products or services to market, gain first-hand experience in commercializing new products and services, and provides access to faculty advisors and industry experts.
Cash Prizes – First place $10,000, Second place $5,000, Third place $2,000, Runners-up $1,000
UNH SOCIAL VENTURE INNOVATION CHALLENGE
The SVIC is an idea-stage competition with the goal of inspiring innovative, solution-orientated thinking and providing a forum to shine a light on these ideas. Challenge winners receive awards that help bring needed resources to advance these promising models. To apply: identify a social or environmental problem, and produce a two-page proposal and three-minute video on how to fix it
To win cash and the opportunity to work with UNH faculty and external partners to develop the ideas further.
Student Track Prizes Funded by Timberland
- 1st Prize – $5,000 cash
- 2nd Prize – $3,000 cash
- 3rd Prize – $1,500 cash
Community Track Prizes Funded in Part by The New Hampshire Charitable Foundation and Alpha Loft
- 1st Prize – $10,000 cash
- 2nd Prize – $5,000 cash
- 3rd Prize – $2,500 cash
Did you know there are many loan opportunities beyond the traditional bank financing and credit card funding options that many businesses turn to first? Check......
Did you know there are many loan opportunities beyond the traditional bank financing and credit card funding options that many businesses turn to first? Check out these loan and hybrid funding options that may be available to you throughout the state.
BELKNAP ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
Belknap EDC is one of ten non-profit regional development corporations in New Hampshire. Its primary mission is to promote economic vitality in Belknap County and the Greater Lakes Region. Founded in 1992, Belknap EDC has brought $3 million in new capital to Belknap County in the form of federal grants and loans that comprised the seed capital for its revolving loan fund. Belknap EDC has used this capital to make loans to 75 Belknap County businesses, which leveraged $75 million in capital from other sources and created or retained more than 1,700 jobs. Our loan fund continues to assist new and growing businesses who cannot access 100% of the financing they need from conventional sources.
CAPITAL REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
Capital Regional Development Council is the regional development corporation that provides a variety of economic development services to businesses and local governments throughout New Hampshire. CRDC is certified to provide SBA 504 loans statewide. We also manage several small business gap financing funds in Merrimack, Sullivan and Hillsborough Counties. CRDC is a mission driven non-profit focused on providing tools that result in private sector job creation and local property tax base enhancement. In addition to small business lending CRDC also offers real estate development, economic development consulting programs, and new market tax credits.
COASTAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORP.
Coastal Economic Development Corporation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit regional economic development corporation servicing 11 communities along New Hampshire’s beautiful and economically-active Seacoast. Founded in 1998 by a group of business and civic leaders, CEDC has grown into one of the most active and respected economic development corporations in the state.
Created to promote economic opportunity and business development, CEDC provides continuing support for existing and new businesses within Coös County. It facilitates Community Development Block Grants, maintains a revolving loan fund, administers the Coös County Economic Development Funds and provides grants for business technical assistance.
GRAFTON REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
Grafton RDC partners with municipalities and businesses throughout Grafton County to promote and support economic development projects that create growth opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesses. Grafton RDC has several loan programs available for businesses of all sizes and provides technical assistance through the Dartmouth Regional Technology Center and the Enterprise Center at Plymouth. To help attract and retain skilled and qualified workers throughout the region, Grafton RDC also partners with businesses and educational institutions to create innovative workforce development programs that address the needs of NH’s business community.
MONADNOCK ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORP.
Serving as a liaison between private and public bodies in coordinating and negotiating development activity.
Assuming a positive role in seeking out and discussing with present and potential property owners, developers and tenants those opportunities and plans for bringing together available programs, investment opportunities, financial assistance programs as well as the necessary government cooperation with the objective of maintaining and furthering a strong and positive industrial base.
Assisting the City Council and select boards throughout the region in meeting their responsibilities for maintaining a strong industrial base.
Maintaining a cooperative working relationship with the planning department, planning boards and other community organizations in its development planning role.
MT. WASHINGTON VALLEY ECONOMIC COUNCIL
Mt. Washington Valley Economic Council provides important resources for local businesses – including a new Technology Village in an attractive, accessible setting on the Saco River. It already houses a Business Resource Center (including our successful Technology Business Incubator) and the Learning Center – home to Granite State College.
NEW HAMPSHIRE COMMUNITY LOAN FUND
The New Hampshire Community Loan Fund’s Business Builder loans connect business owners with the risk-tolerant financing and expertise they need to compete in a changing marketplace. Loans range from $1,000 to $1 million and are structured to fit the borrower’s needs. For larger loan needs, the Community Loan Fund be able to draw upon up to $2 million from lending partners. Training or technical support may be provided by some combination of a business performance coach, consultant, an advisory board or a business peer group.
The BFA provides loan guarantees to help small companies grow. Credit enhancement initiatives, such as the Capital Access Program, (CAP), the Guarantee Asset Program (GAP) and the Working Capital Line of Credit (WAG) are designed to enable small businesses that do not qualify for conventional bank financing to access credit.
REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CENTER
Regional Economic Development Center serves new, growing and challenged businesses. Whether you need to find a lending partner, need to finance an expansion, or need assistance with restructuring, REDC can help. REDC assists municipalities with strategic planning, economic development training, and assistance with infrastructure projects through the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS).
STRAFFORD ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORP.
Strafford Economic Development Corporation of New Hampshire (SEDC) is an independent non-profit corporation specializing in providing and locating financial assistance for businesses in areas of southeastern New Hampshire. Our mission is to support projects that create new jobs or secure existing jobs.
WENTWORTH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CO.
Wentworth Economic Development Co. is a private non-profit 501 (c)(3) regional economic development corporation serving businesses of all sizes in the New Hampshire towns of Brookfield, Effingham, Farmington, Milton, Middleton, Moultonborough, New Durham, Sandwich, Tuftonboro, Wakefield, Wolfeboro, etc.
Before you start reaching out to prospective angel investors and venture capital firms, have you completed each of the steps above? Once you have raised......
Before you start reaching out to prospective angel investors and venture capital firms, have you completed each of the steps above? Once you have raised funds on your own, and have fleshed out your business model, pitch deck, and related requirements, the best way to connect with angels and VC’s is through a direct referral. Don’t have someone to refer you to the appropriate firm? That’s what we’re here for. Contact the Startup Concierge to learn how to make a great connection.
10X Ventures invests predominantly in mobile, internet, wireless, security, med tech and green tech. A typical investment ranges from $50-$500k but we are capable of larger investments and follow on. They invest from the idea stage through $5-10 million in revenue, for profitable companies. 10X prefers companies in the New England market.
Borealis Ventures looks to work with entrepreneurs who aim to create new markets or redefine existing ones, especially in areas where they can leverage their experience and relationships. Borealis seeks an initial institutional round of financing, including seed funding, and will invest anywhere from $100K to $2.5 million initially with the potential for more over time.
eCoast Angel’s focus is on early-stage companies involved with advanced technology, e-commerce, healthcare, and industrial products and services, principally located in the New Hampshire coastal region. The group is most interested in companies requiring $250K-$2 Million at pre-money valuations of less than $5 Million, who have a credible multi-option exit strategy and are led by an experienced core management team.
First Run Angels acts a conduit to find and screen business proposals for the investors who specialize in early stage equity funding. Once the angel investors take an interest in a company, they work out the terms and conditions of the investment with the business owner. Investments can include seed money for business startup or for internal growth and expansion.
Green D Ventures offers Dartmouth alumni a smart, simple way to back the ventures of fellow alums. Every annual fund offers investors a portfolio of 15-35 promising ventures diversified across sector, stage, and geography. Green D typically invests from $100K-$500K per deal, with the opportunity for up to $2M+ when several of our sibling Alumni Ventures Group funds participate. Key investment considerations for us: a Dartmouth alumni connection (on the executive team, Board, or investing group) and a strong co-investor in place. We do not lead rounds, set valuations, or take Board seats. We aim to be a transparent, low-friction, value-add partner to our portfolio companies. Green D Ventures is private, for-profit fund, not affiliated with or sanctioned by Dartmouth College.
Harbor Light Capital Partners focuses on investments in the $1-$5 million range. They target the “funding gap” for early and growth stage companies. Unlike institutional investment funds, they are not limited to traditional holding periods of 3 to 5 years.
Growth Stage Criteria:
– Lower middle market: $5M to $20M in revenues
– Strong historical / projected revenue growth
– Companies with passionate, loyal customers
– Exceptional management teams with proven entrepreneurial leadership and vision.
North Country Angels (NCA) brings together over 40 successful and experienced entrepreneurs who are active in making early-stage and seed investments in companies located in the northeastern United States. Every month we gather informally to discuss recent news from the investment community, share due diligence activities, build strategic relationships, and review business plans from prospective companies. We are keen to see strong business plans with qualified management teams to back them up.
Northeast Angels is an early-stage investment group which works with entrepreneurs and businesses located in the Northeast. Specifically NeA focuses on opportunities located around the business corridor between Manchester and Nashua, New Hampshire including surrounding communities. While we prefer deal opportunities located within driving distance of Nashua, NH, we will consider investments in the greater New England area. We also welcome deals referred by other angel groups or venture capital groups participating in greater New England investments. NeA invests in opportunities regardless of technology or service class.
Vested for Growth, a program of the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund, provides risk-tolerant capital up to $1 million, business education, and peer-learning opportunities to help owners of established small businesses increase profits and create higher-quality jobs. For investment needs greater than $1 million, VFG may be able to draw upon up to $2 million from other lending partners. The only business financing program of its kind, VFG creates sub-debt and royalty financing packages when banks and equity sources can’t provide enough capital to meet their needs. Training or technical support may be provided by some combination of: a business performance coach, consultant, an advisory board or a business peer group.
Wasabi Ventures is a venture capital, incubator, and consulting firm that specializes in building and advising early stage technology companies. In the last 10 years, Wasabi Ventures has built, financed, and advised over 200 start-ups including some wildly successful ventures like Right Now Technologies, PBworks, Ustream, and Etherpad.
Alumni Ventures Group builds and manages venture capital funds for alumni of top schools and other investors. We pride ourselves on making a key asset class accessible to investors who were previously shut out of venture. Unlike most VC funds that raise money from a handful of institutions, our funds raise money in smaller amounts from a large group of investors, then build diverse venture portfolios for our investors. We don’t lead deals, but rather co-invest alongside top firms such as KP, Bessemer, Menlo Ventures, Mark Cuban, Andreessen, Khosla, NEA, and others. We are private, for profit, and not part of any University.
