Accessing Capital
Accessing the capital necessary to launch and grow your business is one of the most difficult tasks facing entrepreneurs. There are many different types of financing for entrepreneurs to consider, from Angel financing, to venture capital, and debt capital. Fortunately, there are a number of different organizations whose web sites contain useful information to help you learn more about financing options, and develop a strategy for accessing the capital you need.
The Vancouver Enterprise Forum (VEF) is a highly respected lower Mainland based organization, providing networking opportunities and services to the technology community. In addition to other useful information, their website contains information on VANTEC, their Angel Financing Network:
http://www.vef.org/angels/index.html
BC Angel Forum has been introducing companies to private equity investors since 1997. Technology and non technology pre-screened companies seeking equity financing of $100,000 to $1 million, deliver "live" presentations to pre-screened private & corporate investors. Companies showcase their products & services during networking breaks and closing wine reception.
The Canada Business Network website contains a large amount of information for entrepreneurs, including sources of financing, and information on small business loans administration. In particular, the Steps to Growth Capital program provides detailed information on becoming investor ready:
http://www.canadabusiness.ca/eng/page/2743//
The Canadian Bankers Association have a portion of their web site devoted to information on financing, and the different types of financing available: http://www.cba.ca/en/component/content/category/45-small-business-services
The Business Development Bank of Canada'™s site contains information on financing and their available spectrum of financial products:
http://www.bdc.ca/EN/solutions/venture_capital/Pages/venture_capital.aspx?ref=hp-rt