FINANCINGThe QUEST CENTER management recognizes that early stage businesses must employ a variety of financing strategies to fund the enterprise. Financial strategies, tools and resources will vary widely for every business. In recognition of this fact for fledging business, the management will work closely with each and every QUEST CENTER company to craft an appropriate strategy for the specific circumstances each company faces. Some companies might be eligible for debt financing. Some of the programs/entities we can recommend include:
In many, if not most circumstances, early stage companies are without the cash flows that allow for debt financing. There are some government programs intended for product development and commercialization. The best known of these programs is the Federal Government’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. The QUEST CENTER has an in-house expert (from the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center) on SBIRs and other federal procurement programs. We will work with our QUEST CENTER companies to access other (State and Federal) programs focused on technology commercialization. QUEST CENTER management has ties to various equity investment resources. Some of the resources we can work with include several that have specific strategic interest in making investments in companies located in Southeastern Massachusetts. Included are:
Finally, the QUEST CENTER is working with a group of local individuals that have expressed an interest in working with QUEST CENTER companies and help the fledgling businesses understand how to finance their enterprise. This same group has stated interest in making equity investments in QUEST CENTER companies they feel provide a good opportunity for the returns expected for early stage equity investment. The QUEST CENTER feels this local “Angel” investor group will provide QUEST CENTER companies with a unique opportunity to finance their new business. |