Ready for funding

[wingman]

Afternoon All,
After considerable preparation I believe I'm now ready to pitch my business to investors / crowd funding. I've received a number of compliments on the business plan, my knowledge & enthusiasm for my business, but have yet to get my plan in front of the right people... the people with money! 

Does anyone have experience & / or advice on where to best locate business angels? Or with Crowdfunding? I'm hesitant of the latter given their % commission and fees that some charge. Worried that I'll suddenly have to stump up fees, which I simply can't afford at the moment before I've got my hands on any funding.

I'm caught in an awkward position, as I keep being told, I'm far ahead of many of those 'drawing board' start-ups that a lot of mentor organisations & the likes of the Job Centre's New Enterprise Allowance seems to help, so lack support & direction from these people, but not yet in front of the right people to direct me towards funding.

Please help!

Thanks,
Dave.

[EmmaDingle]

Hi @wingman, welcome to the community!

Can you tell us a little about your business, for example which industry sector is it in?

This will help the community offer some ideas.

[wingman]

Hi @EmmaDingle,

Thanks for the reply.

My start-up is a marketing agency, which specialises in outsourced services to the IT service industry. Mainly lead-gen telemarketing activity.

I know my industry very well and I’m very confident with my plan, financials and goals. It’s a fairly quick turnaround to start getting prospects converted to clients & high-margin. Just need someone to help me see me on my way. 

Many thanks,

Dave

[PlanningHouse]

HI @wingman I would recommend you go to an investors day - these are usually free events ran regionally by Entrepreneaurail Spark - sponsored by NatWest.  They have representatives in from Crowd Funding platforms, Angel Investors, Banks, and local financial advisors etc which then put into context what the different options are and how to approach them.  

These events are usually on Eventbrite and whilst I'm not looking for funding they assisted me in being more informed of when and where to look for potential investors.

[wingman]

Hi @PlanningHouse, 

Thanks for that recommendation! I have not heard of those before, so will certainly look them up!

Many thanks,

Dave.

[PlanningHouse]

I joined the programme in August and have access to lots of free sessions, an office on the quayside in Newcastle, printers, phones, meeting space, support and mentoring as well as having other entrepreneurs sharing the space and learning from their journeys - ALL FOR FREE - no catches - it really has been invaluable as starting a business can be isolating. However you don't need to join the programme to access some of the sessions which I think is amazing.

[wingman]

Sounds perfect! I've tried to apply, but looks like all of the locations are full. I've emailed them to ask about events as they've not got any listed for this year yet. So will keep my eyes pealed for them!

[tjlyons]

Hi Wingman, 

Glad to hear you are ready to get into business! 

If you would like to send over your  business plan, i'd be happy to have a look at it for you and give some suggestions on how to get started. 

All the best, 

TJ 

[wingman]

Hi @tjlyons,

Thanks for the reply and offer to check out the business plan.

May I take an email address for you please?

Best regards,

Dave.

[tjlyons]

Sure Dave, TJWLinvestments@gmail.com. Look forward to receiving it !