GREAT 26 IDEA: More Insider Tips to Woo Investors

Carol Nichols invests in fast companies and fast horses. As managing director of Circle C Ventures LLC, Dallas, she is always looking for attractive investment opportunities. But before she invests, she needs to hear “the story.”

“Often, a small business owner doesn't have the financial staff, a CFO, or controller to tell the company story in a way that is persuasive to a sophisticated lender or investor,” said Nichols, who worked as a banker for 26 years prior to cofounding the Texas Women's Venture Fund.

Nichols said step one on the road to securing financing is to determine how much and what kind of capital you need to grow your business.

“If you don't have personal assets, then you need other ...

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