THIS MONTH'S THEME: BOOTSTRAPPING & FUNDRAISING
Startup founders and small business owners are constantly bombarded with stories about companies raising record-breaking amounts. But what those articles fail to point out is that these are the exceptions and not the rule.
Businesses need capital to grow, but the amount, the means, and the investors vary greatly from startup to startup and small business to small business. One size doesn’t fit all. Only some companies need to (or should) go after venture capital money, and not every small business needs to take out a bank loan. Be intentional about how and from whom you accept capital. If you can bootstrap, great! If you want to pursue venture capital, that’s great too! Research, do your due diligence, and pick the best plan for you and your business.
Sometimes the hardest step is the first step—both in terms of fundraising and networking. The good news is that we’re a community eager to help you get started.
So in November, we’ll help you find the “best fit” so you can take the first steps to increase your network and raise capital for your business.
Our free events and curated resources will help you:
- Develop an actionable plan to raise capital for your startup or small business
- Understand the due diligence process and best practices when accepting capital from external sources
- Expand your network of entrepreneurs, startup founders, and industry experts
- Hear from Pittsburgh startup founders about innovative ways to fund your business
NOVEMBER EVENTS
Salsa for Entrepreneurs
We spiced up the traditional networking event with Salsa. Entrepreneurs got moving during this FREE Salsa class co-instructed by our Executive Director and the co-owner of CrossBody Dance + Movement. Click SIGN UP below to be notified of
future events.
Network + Grow: Health Tech
Connect with other entrepreneurs interested in what you care about, hear a lightning talk, and grab some food during our monthly Network + Grow events. November’s theme’s was health & medical technology. Click NETWORK below for
upcoming events.
Actionable Steps for Fundraising
Whether going after money from venture capital, grants, or loans, you need to develop an intentional and actionable plan for raising money. On November 16, we’ll have a VC expert and a small business expert join us to help you prepare to raise funds. Click REGISTER below to save your spot.
NOVEMBER RESOURCES
> Revisit our 2021 workshop to help determine if you’re ready to raise.
Video | Presentation | Checklist
> Check out our Real Talk with startup investors about venture capital, angel investing, and fundraising.
Video
> Read our blog post recapping our chat with Pittsburgh-based startup investor Will Allen.
Article
> Spend time with this guide to help launch your company’s first-time fundraising series.
Guide
> Work through this masterclass from Backstage Capital founder, Arlan Hamilton, to learn how to raise startup capital from scratch.
Course
> Find your next small business loan through the Pittsburgh Business Lending Network, a group of nonprofit/for-profit lenders working together to improve access to capital for Western PA small businesses.
Webpage
> If you’re serious about raising capital, follow Lolita Taub, General Partner at Ganas Ventures, and spend time with community-curated tools she’s put together.
Tools
> Make sure you have this page about funding and loans from SCORE bookmarked, starred, or favorited on your laptop.
Webpage
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