Startup Professionals Musings

DECEMBER 9, 2019

In my role as a small business consultant and mentor to many entrepreneurs, I recommend the following key considerations for the best strategy to pursue for outside funding, if you choose not to fund the business yourself: Consumer products and trends need market validation.

Non-disclosure Agreement 299

Non-disclosure Agreement Angel Investor Bootstrapping SEC 299

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 21, 2023

In the US, you may find that the Small Business Administration (SBA) can get you infusions of cash without normal backup requirements. Request a small business grant. These days, the costs to start a business are at an all-time low, and over 80% of startups are self-funded (also called bootstrapping).

Equity 266

Equity Startup Small Business Administration SBA 266

Startup Professionals Musings

OCTOBER 16, 2020

In time, many businesses outgrow their meager beginnings, to become major enterprises, comparable to the current giants Amazon and Apple. Yet my years of advising entrepreneurs and small businesses has taught me that you do have to follow some basic principles and operational strategies, even to get a micro business off the ground.

Intellectual Property 313

Intellectual Property Small Business Administration Bootstrapping Differentiation 313

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 29, 2020

In the US, you may find that the Small Business Administration (SBA) can get you infusions of cash without normal backup requirements. Request a small business grant. These days, the costs to start a business are at an all-time low, and over 80% of startups are self-funded (also called bootstrapping).

Equity 436

Equity Small Business Administration SBA Syndicate 436

Startup Professionals Musings

MARCH 1, 2010

For example, with any outside investment, you give up some ownership and control, and with bootstrapping you growth curve will likely be longer and more organic. Yet, I find that startup founders often fixate on one or two sources, often to the detriment of their business. Small business grants. Friends and family.

Technical Review 149

Technical Review Bootstrapping Startup Venture Capital 149

Startup Professionals Musings

OCTOBER 10, 2018

In the US, you may find that the Small Business Administration (SBA) can get you infusions of cash without normal backup requirements. Request a small business grant. These days, the costs to start a business are at an all-time low, and over 80% of startups are self-funded (also called bootstrapping).

Entrepreneur 240

Entrepreneur Equity Small Business Administration SBA 240

Startup Professionals Musings

OCTOBER 12, 2014

In the US, you may find that the Small Business Administration (SBA) can get you infusions of cash without normal backup requirements. Request a small business grant. These days, the costs to start a business are at an all-time low, and over 90% of startups are self-funded (also called bootstrapping).

Entrepreneur 283

Entrepreneur Startup Equity Small Business Administration 283

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 23, 2014

If you as the entrepreneur are willing to embrace accountability, here is how these same statements should come out: “My idea is so big, I will bootstrap the business myself if I have to.” “My biggest challenge is make sure everyone is carrying their weight.” Even in a down economy, there are some things that everyone needs.” “I

Entrepreneur 248

Entrepreneur Bootstrapping Employee Restful 248

Startup Professionals Musings

MARCH 29, 2013

If you as the entrepreneur are willing to embrace accountability, here is how these same statements should come out: “My idea is so big, I will bootstrap the business myself if I have to.” “My biggest challenge is make sure everyone is carrying their weight.” Even in a down economy, there are some things that everyone needs.” “I

Startup 251

Startup Bootstrapping Employee Restful 251

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 18, 2012

I recognize that different small businesses will have different types of startup costs. For example, a furniture retailer might need a storefront and staff, while you might run an online retail business, at home in your shorts, with no facility or staff at all. Of course, a word of caution is also in order here.

Cost 255

Cost Burn Rate SEM Startup 255

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 25, 2016

In the US, you may find that the Small Business Administration (SBA) can get you infusions of cash without normal backup requirements. Request a small business grant. These days, the costs to start a business are at an all-time low, and over 90% of startups are self-funded (also called bootstrapping).

Equity 120

Equity Small Business Administration SBA Syndicate 120

Startup Professionals Musings

FEBRUARY 15, 2011

I recognize that different small businesses will have different types of startup costs. For example, a furniture retailer might need a storefront and staff, while you might run an online retail business, at home in your shorts, with no facility or staff at all. Of course, a word of caution is also in order here.

Entrepreneur 235

Entrepreneur Burn Rate SEM Social Network 235

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 8, 2011

If you as the entrepreneur are willing to embrace accountability, here is how these same statements should come out: “My idea is so big, I will bootstrap the business myself if I have to.” “My biggest challenge is make sure everyone is carrying their weight.” Even in a down economy, there are some things that everyone needs.” “I

Entrepreneur 222

Entrepreneur Bootstrapping Employee Restful 222

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 14, 2010

If you as the entrepreneur are willing to embrace accountability, here is how these same statements should come out: “My idea is so big, I will bootstrap the business myself if I have to.” “My biggest challenge is make sure everyone is carrying their weight.” Even in a down economy, there are some things that everyone needs.” “I

Startup 125

Startup Bootstrapping Restful Partner 125

Startup Professionals Musings

FEBRUARY 13, 2010

I recognize that different small businesses will have different types of startup costs. For example, a furniture retailer might need a storefront and staff, while you might run an online retail business, at home in your shorts, with no facility or staff at all. Of course, a word of caution is also in order here.

Burn Rate 125

Burn Rate SEM Social Network Angel Investor 125