Founders of entrepreneurial companies are experienced experts in their fields. Entrepreneurs with little expertise in their fields have started many of the most successful companies. What enables most entrepreneurs to be successful in their new ventures is their flexibility to change. Starting a new business is like jumping from rock to rock up a stream rather than building a bridge from a blueprint. Companies develop tightly constructed business plans when they are ready to seek outside investments.
All entrepreneurs rely on venture capital to fund their businesses.
Most entrepreneurs start with their own money and money from friends and family, and only look to venture capital when they need to capitalize on their successes, usually in the later stages of growth. While presenting the report at a Senate Small Business Committee forum last week, NCOE Executive Director, Patrick Von Bargen, noted there is a degree of confusion in the policy realm about the true characteristics of entrepreneurial growth companies, especially those in their early stages when they most resemble traditional small firms. This confusion, he said, tends to misdirect policy initiatives intended to aid entrepreneurs. The Alliance teams NREL with the seven business incubators and a network of venture capitalists and energy industry leaders to provide business and financial services to clean energy entrepreneurs. Totals may not reflect new awards or cancellations made by an agency after the initial selection announcements.