More resources for entrepreneurs

October 31, 11:52 PMBoston Small Business ExaminerPatricia Abbate

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Boston area entrepreneurs are increasingly finding ways to network in a down-turning economy. If you are serious about starting a business, you should check out these resources. Entrepreneurs who choose to start a  new business despite of today's weak economy can find themselves on the edge huge opportunity.

For many of these budding industry moguls, taking advantage of resources for those with entrepreneurial spirit is a sound way to jump-start an enterprise.

For example, www.innercityentrepreneurs.org , (I.C.E.), is an organization who's mission is to promote job creation, wealth generation, and community development by helping a diverse group of urban entrepreneurs strengthen and grow their existing small businesses.

I.C.E.'s vision is to generate enduring solutions to social problems. Like its incubator Root Cause, I.C.E. envisions a world in which the public, private, and nonprofit sectors work together to invest and re-invest in the most efficient, effective, and sustainable solutions to social problems, regardless of organizational structure, ego, or political agenda.

Another organization for entrepreneurs is www.boston-enet.org . The next meeting of this organization is Tuesday, November 3, 2009. Here are the details:

Subject: Raising Angel Investment

Please note that online registration for this meeting will close at 1:00 p.m. on November 3, 2009, however, registration at the door will be available.

Note: Meeting at Foley Hoag Emerging Enterprise Center, 1000 Winter Street, North Entrance, Suite 4000, Waltham, MA. Click here for directions.

Meeting Overview

We’re in the middle of a severe economic downturn, there are few IPOs, and venture funding is getting thin, but what about angel investment? Maybe you’re not even sure what angel investment is? This panel will focus on getting initial or seed-stage investment in your company from angel investors or groups. The panelists will have a candid discussion on how to prepare a company for raising angel capital, the raise itself, and how to work with angel groups after getting the investment.

This panel will discuss angel capital in depth including the following:

• How to find and approach angel investors and angel groups
• Why you might want to raise angel investment
• How to work with your angel investors and what to expect after they invest

In this economy, angel investors have raised the bar for what they’ll consider for investment and are now well positioned against even some of the best VC funds. Find out how you can tap into this source of funding for your company.

Yet another great resource s the Boston Young Entrepreneurs, a group that meets the second Thursday of every month. Check out their web site for timely meetings and information.Starting a new business is always a daunting proposition. But, even in a challenging economic environment, a new business with a solid business plan, and a product or service that fills a need has a great chance for surviving--and even thriving--when launched in what is conventionally thought of as a 'challenging' time in the business cycle.            

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            If If you have have a business idea that you'd like to advance, there is no time like the present. Make sure that you explore all helpful options. And it's especially advantageous to explore those organizations that offer help to  entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Got a question or comment? Email me at patti@patricia-abbate.com