For "RESPECT WRITER" ONLY!!!!

4. Interview SBA:

Identify a local SBA representative.

· Describe the overall process of obtaining a small business loan

· What amount of funding are available through the SBA

· What criteria does the SBA use to qualify applicants for loans

· What reporting is required of the borrower

· Are there special programs for minority ownership, how does one qualify for such programs.

· How long does this process take?

· What is the success rate of such loans?

· What are the characteristics of successful loan applicants

or

5. Interview a venture capitalist:

Identify and contact a venture capitalist firm.

· What types of companies does the firm invest in

· What criteria does the firm use to decide who to fund

· What criteria does the firm use to decide on how much to fund

· What is the typical background of the venture founders and management team

· What is the success rate of the firms invested in

· What is the process of securing funding like

· What are the controls used by the venture firm to assure the firm’s success: i.e., do they require membership on the board of directors?  Restraints on use of cash and receivables?

· How long does this process take?

· What are the characteristics of successful funded companies