The Big Picture – Eastern Plains RC&D

Business start-up and expansion is one of the primary keys to economic development at the local level. So, why aren’t more businesses starting and expanding? Most entrepreneurs (75%) say that raising capital is their primary obstacle.

Ray Trumpower, Chair

Eastern Plains RC&D

As you can appreciate, helping small businesses access capital can be quite challenging. Even though many businesses do obtain financing from commercial banks, not every business is bankable. And while venture capital firms receive a great deal of attention, the fact is that less than 1% of start-up companies actually receive VC funding.

One of the most critical needs in this area is to raise capital for business start-up or expanding business. Few businesses are ready for venture capital. Most aren’t quite bankable. Private or "angel" investors typically fill this funding gap. There are over 400,000 private investors in the U.S. This year, they’ll invest about $60 billion in over 100,000 small businesses. We want our area to have access to that $60 billion!

A private capital network or "Angel Investor Network" is simply a tool used to match entrepreneurs with private investors. It is an internet-based network that streamlines the matching process and provides the security and privacy that entrepreneurs and investors demand. With the help of several area sponsors, EPRCD launched the "Angel Investment Network of Eastern Montana" the first part of this year.

The network may be right for you if…

· you are seeking between $10,000 and $5 million in private capital,

· your company has significant potential for high growth and an attractive return on investment,

· you are interested in selling equity in your company to private investors,

· you are potentially interested in partnering with other companies through a joint venture, partnership, or LLC.

Since our focus is to help this network develop into a strong economic tool for our local economy, we have decided to provide our investors a network membership at no charge. There is no cost or commitment on their part.

And the new change, one time life time memberships! The rate for entrepreneurs is only $150.00 for a life-time membership. This is a one-time fee and you will never be billed again. There are also no additional or hidden fees based on successful matches or funding.

If you are interested in this service, call Mike Carlson at 433-5024 or check with one of our executive committee members. They are, for this year, Ginny Archdale from Wibaux, Roger Schmidt from Baker, Carol Markuson from Circle, and Ray Trumpower from Fairview. To get to the entry port for our "Angel Network", check our website at http://www.eprcd.org.