By and large, venture capital investors are looking to earn back 10 times their investment in less than five years. Three, look for items or assets that you own that can be liquidated and used to finance your idea. You may be sitting on an untapped cash source. Four, incur any debt in moderation. The pressure of mounting bills can be very distracting and dull your business senses.
Truth be told, free money is a myth.
There are few government agencies, private foundations and organizations who give individuals money to finance a startup. My book research included interviewing Norton Kiritz, president of The Grantsmanship Center in Los Angeles. He explained that the majority of available grant money is really targeted at nonprofit organizations and government agencies. These groups use the money to fund a variety of special projects such as community revitalization, job training or research, with a limited amount of money awarded to individuals for scholarships and financial aid or to fund artistic activities or fellowships. All you'll receive for your money is recycled list information from directories of foundations and grant sources who do not give money for starting businesses.