Venture capital financing is normally provided to early-stage start up companies that have high growth potential in  various industries such as biotechnology, information technology and manufacturing. Venture capital investments are  generally made as cash investments in exchange for shares in the company seeking the venture capital.

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Search for Equity Financing & Loans for your small business. Various initiatives have been sponsored by the Federal  government to create financing opportunities and to help small businesses raise capital. Many private equity firms also exist to provide funding. These firms generally tend to invest in businesses within a specific geographic area. You may  use Business.Gov’s Loans and Grants Search Tool to find grants, loans and venture capital programs in your area.

Small Business Investment Companies (SBIC)

In 1958, Congress created the Small Business Investment Companies (SBIC) program to help small U.S. companies   raise capital. SBIC’s are privately owned and managed investment firms that provide venture capital and start-up  financing to small businesses. To be eligible for SBIC financing, your business must meet certain SBA size requirements  for a small business. Generally, the SBIC Program defines a company as “small” when its net worth is $18.0 million or  less and its average after tax net income for the prior two years does not exceed $6.0 million.

When you contact an  SBIC, you’ll need to present a professional business plan that addresses your company’s operations, management,  financial condition and funding requirements. The following resources will help you locate SBIC financing:

• SBA’s Guide for Entrepreneurs Seeking Financing provides in-depth information about the SBIC financing and eligibility requirements.
• SBA’s SBIC Directory provides a listing of licensed SBIC investment firms in your state.
• The National Association of Small Business Investment Companies (NASBIC) provides a Step-by-Step Guide  to SBIC Financing. NASBIC is the trade organization for the SBIC industry, and also provides a  directory of  SBIC firms.

Active Capital

Active Capital is a nationwide listing service that connects entrepreneurs with angel investors. Potential investors can  obtain information on start-ups and expanding small businesses seeking $250,000 to $5,000,000 in venture capital. Active Capital’s main benefit is that it allows entrepreneurs to directly access a nationwide network of investors while   complying with federal and state securities regulations.

Small Businesses in Economically Distressed Communities

If your business is located in a low-income geographic area, there are a couple of venture financing options available  to you. First, there is a special type of SBIC called Specialized Small Business Investment Companies (SSBIC). SSBIC’s  provide assistance solely to small businesses owned by socially or economically disadvantaged persons. Secondly,  you may be eligible for New Markets Venture Capital (NMVC) financing. Modeled after the SBIC program, the NMVC program makes equity investments in small businesses located in economically distressed communities in urban and  rural areas. NMVC financing is available in limited areas, and available from  these venture capital firms.