Resources
BAN is currently fully invested, and is not actively considering new opportunities at this time.
One of the greatest improvements in entrepreneurial development has been the tremendous growth of online resources for people trying to start or grow their businesses. From our years of experience teaching entrepreneurship, these are some of the top sites for current and potential entrepreneurs.
One of the greatest improvements in entrepreneurial development has been the tremendous growth of online resources for people trying to start or grow their businesses. From our years of experience teaching entrepreneurship, these are some of the top sites for current and potential entrepreneurs.
Saint Louis University Resources
- eWeb: Resources for Entrepreneurship Education (check out the section “Connect > For Entrepreneurs”)
- Entrepreneurship Center (ask about getting advice from the Mentor-In-Residence under "Programs and Resources)
- Habitat for Neighborhood Business
- SLU's Technology Transfer Office
Funding and BAN
BAN's preferred method for investing (esp. in start-ups with no other major investment structure in place) is called convertible debt. The method is a little more complex than a straight equity (stock) investment, but offers several advantages for the entrepreneur and the angel. The articles below can help you get an idea about this investment approach.
Raising Money Using Convertible Debt from Entrepreneur.com
Financing Your Biz: Convertible Debt from IdeaCafe
Note that anytime you plan to obtain outside financing, you really should get an attorney involved, especially one with some experience and expertise in advising on angel investments. The file below also offers an overview of the full range of investment resources available in the Greater St. Louis area.
Raising Money Using Convertible Debt from Entrepreneur.com
Financing Your Biz: Convertible Debt from IdeaCafe
Note that anytime you plan to obtain outside financing, you really should get an attorney involved, especially one with some experience and expertise in advising on angel investments. The file below also offers an overview of the full range of investment resources available in the Greater St. Louis area.
| October_2016_-_funding_your_stl_start-up_2_.pdf |
Missouri Resources
RCGA (Regional Commerce & Growth Association) Resources
SCORE St. Louis (Service Corps of Retired Executives)
Missouri Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)
- Missouri & Illinois Economic Incentive Programs for businesses
- Regional and County Profiles (useful for describing local markets)
- St. Louis VC funds list
- St. Louis incubator list
SCORE St. Louis (Service Corps of Retired Executives)
- Local number for help: 314-539-6600, xt. 242
Missouri Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)
- Starting a New Business in Missouri (the definitive start-up guide)
- Evaluating Your Business Idea (what an SBDC will want you to work through first)
- Complying with Missouri Securities Laws: A Guide for Small Businesses (discusses SCOR and other forms of equity)
Federal Government
Business.usa.gov
United States Small Business Administration
United States Patent and Trademark Office
United States Small Business Administration
- Loans and grants
- SBA’s toll-free number: 1-800-U-ASK-SBA (1-800-827-5722)
- SBA St. Louis Office
United States Patent and Trademark Office
The “Big 3″ Local Media Resources
The “Big 3″ of Entrepreneurship Magazines (search for “angel” to find articles):
The Entrepreneurship / Small Business Versions of the Major Business Magazines (search for “angel” to find articles)
Professional Organizations Concerned With
Angel Investing and Venture Capital
Major Reports on Angel and VC investing
- Angel Resource Institute's Halo Report
- Center for Venture Research, University of New Hampshire
- PriceWaterhouseCoopers MoneyTree Report on VC investing
Local Accelerators
- Arch Grants (industry agnostic)
- BioGenerator (biotech)
- Capital Innovators (tech & biotech)
- ITEN (IT)
- Pet Care Innovation Prize
- Prosper (women owned firms)
- SixThirty (financial services)
- SixThirty CYBER (cyber security)
- Stadia (sports)
- The Yield Lab
Other Regional Angel Investment Organizations
- Arch Angels
- Centennial Investors - Columbia, MO
- Cultivation Capital
- iSelect
