Sources of Start-Up Capital

All businesses need capital to open their doors for the first time and Incubator businesses are no different. There are several avenues to consider when determining where to get the monies needed to start your business.

Traditional Financing
Your local lender should be considered as a source of start-up capital. Traditional financiers will of course seek traditional means of collateralizing the monies requested. Stop by your local bank and ask about the programs that are available for small businesses.

Angel Networks
There are many Angle Networks located in eastern Pennsylvania. An Angel is defined as a high net worth individual seeking to invest in smaller companies in which venture capital groups would not normally be interested. The network is a loosely affiliated group of investors who regularly listen to presentations from companies in need of outside equity investment. These networks offer the opportunity for investors and businesses to meet, but it is the decision of each individual inventor to invest or not to invest in the company as presented. For a listing of Angel Networks in eastern PA please contact the Pottsville/Schuylkill Technology Incubator.

Venture Capital
Venture Capital is equity investment for companies with significant investment needs and for companies with significant growth patters. There are many venture capital groups throughout Pennsylvania.

Grants (SBIR - Ben Franklin)
Grants for private businesses are very rare, though there are a few organizations that concentrate on technology development grants. For information on the different types of grant funding available please contact PSTI.