Investment for you and the community

When looking for funding one should be aware of he amount as well as the purpose for the financing.  It is also useful to be aware of the different types of funding that may be available and in what form you are seeking the funding.  It is not required to seek funding just from a bank or form individuals who are looking to invest.  Depending on ones needs one may also look to community financial institutions.

Coalition of Community Development Financial Institutions is one of many examples.  This institution not only offers funding towards small business owners, they seek to do so in lower income communities. Financial opportunities vary from financing a small business to providing capitol to rebuild communities.  There financing is focused towards fair financial options for underserved people and communities.  This would be useful for those who are currently considered to be in the lower income status and are seeking to start or continue a small business.  Microenterprise Development Loan Fund is one form of funding in which they seek to encourage social and business development.  After 11 years of service, they have continued to grow not only in the funding but in memberships as well.  This allows the company to continue to be a positive resource for those who are seeking funding for a small business.

If one is looking for something that may be more a specific support, there are also options of financing.   Oweesta is another financing opportunity that looks to provide financing and assistance to Native communities. Like Microenterprise, Oweesta has a variety of funding for the Native community, fostering their growth and the rebuilding.   Their Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Development is created to assist with the change in the economic movement allowing private businesses, and homeownership to prosper.   This allows entrepreneurs to receive funding it also creates more opportunities of employment for the community. 

Both financial institutions are geared towards the betterment of the community. They offer opportunity for the small business entrepreneurs, support for education and support for creating new or more employment opportunities.  If one is seeking a financial supporter that is looking to invest in your community as well as your business the two mention companies would be good options to look at if you qualify for them. 

The Inspiration

When creating a business plan there are many specifics that need to be address. Specifics such as Management plan, financial control, Technology plan or principal location.  These are just a few of the many components that are required to created a thorough and well thought out business plan.  There are classes and seminars on the best ways to do this, but how many of this resources give you the simply advice to be professional and your-self.  

I understand this to mean, to make your plans according to what fits to you, yet make them factual.  So many of us get caught up in the process that we loose ourselves or forget the main reason we started.  This in the end causes many of us to create something that, when it is all said and done, are not happy with.  For those who are successful in receive necessary funding and follow through with the plan anyway end up failing a few miles down the road.  Do you think there is a large chance this is due to the fact they followed through with someone else dreams, hopes and idea.

 After researching Jay-Z and Russell Simmons, I was able to see the entire process in a new light.  Through there techniques and styles I realized that knowing the business, and having the education is not enough to run or create your own business.   It is important that you keep your main goals in mind during the entire process and while the business continues to grow.  To many times companies, after reaching a numerous amount of goals or after being in business for so long, tend to get, well, comfortable where they are and feel no need to continue to grow.

Jay-Z and Russell have yet to settle in their seats.  Once their companies have reach a certain plateau they are able to move on to bigger and better things.  They were able to start something new or partner with someone that would make a change or difference.  Mr. Summons now has a corporation with many establishments under its name.  These companies are set up not only to make money but also to help make a change.  Looking at the purpose of most of his business it is obvious he works to create a pathway for those who are having harder times than the average moneymaker.

While being honest with myself I have made changes to my plan that reflect more of what I find realistic to what I am capable of when starting my business.  Some changes include the property where the company will be established, the numbers of employees that will work for me to the type of music I plan to focus on.  Of course changes to any business plan can be made in the future, however these changes better focus on the start of the company, as well as the immediate future.

These two experts were an inspiration to me, in that they prove creativity is something that is not lost, but instead redirected as you grow in your abilities to keep the business wheel moving.  I have learned that having knowledge of the business is not enough.  Running a business requires me to know the business, as well as myself.  Being aware of my week points, strong points and my limits is very important in that it can help or hurt my success.  These factors combined with the personality can make a long lasting impression on an investor.  Therefore it is important that in the process of creating my business plan, to remember to stay true to what my goals are, research the market well, establish the uniqueness of my plan in a way that portrays who I am, and the excitement of the possibilities of the future.