Seeking Angel Investors?Written by Craig Rosenbaum
What preparations need to be made when seeking angel investors?In order to increase probability of obtaining capital from an angel investor, a company needs to take meticulous care in creating its investor marketing materials. Even though angels do not typically abide by same formal processes as venture capitalists, it is still important to prepare your materials in a format that can endure same scrutiny as their corporate counterparts. How can you ensure you get funds you need to thrust your business to next level? There is no simple, cookie-cutter formula. There are a lot of variables, many of which we will cover in greater detail in future articles. In meantime, let’s focus on essential elements of your marketing materials that must be well presented and thoroughly organized when attempting to raise capital. A solid management team is critically important to success of any business. Demonstrate why yours is exceptional. Angel investors want to know qualifications of management personnel. They want to see that your team can work together effectively to make your business successful. Your team should include people with expertise in marketing and selling, accounting, managing people, and product development. Angels want to see prior track records of success. Keep this in mind when assembling your management team. Perhaps you will need to solicit help from solid business community members.
| | Parent Loans or Student Loans – what is going to be best for my child?Written by Vanessa McHooley
Parent Loans or Student Loans – what is going to be best for my child?At least 20% of college students need some type of loan to help pay for their college education. Such a statistic can lead to students graduating with an unmanageable debt load. An alternative is for parents to help out by taking out loans themselves. But which is better option – student loans or parent loans? Each has distinct advantages and uses. Federal student loans Federal student loans have lowest interest rates and best repayment options. If you need to take out loans and you qualify for federal loans, this is your best choice. Just be sure to accept only funds you need, even if you are offered much more. Parents can always help their children pay off these loans once repayment begins after graduation. Federal parent loans PLUS Loans (Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students) are another loan option that comes with low interest rates. If you are a parent with dependent students attending college at least part-time and you have a good credit history, you are eligible to receive a PLUS Loan. These loans are not needs-based. You can borrow up to total cost of undergraduate education expenses, minus other financial aid already received. Unlike federal student loans, payment is not deferred until after graduation; instead, your first loan payment will be due about 60 days after loan is disbursed. Also unlike federal student loans, PLUS Loans require an application fee.
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