5 questions venture capitalists ask small businesses

small-business-investor-pitchIf you’ve never developed or given a pitch to a venture capitalist before, you might not be sure what sorts of questions you should prepare for. When getting ready for your small business pitch, try to have answers ready for these five common questions:

  1. Explain to me what your business is all about (your company, what you do, why you’re so special – in the shortest possible amount of time).
  2. What will prevent others from doing what you’re doing – what’s your competitive advantage?
  3. What are you going to do with the money you raise– or how will the money you raise help you achieve your goals?
  4. What’s your marketing strategy– who’s your target market and why will they buy from you?
  5. What does your venture/management team look like?

Though these are five of the most likely questions, every investor will have his or her own set of questions for you. You can’t prepare for every question, but you’ll get so used to pitching your idea that you’ll be ready for anything.

Check out our tips for pitching to investors – and good luck!

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What marketing materials should you have for an investor pitch?

small-business-investor-meetingThe chance to pitch your small business to a potential investor is exciting and nerve-wracking. It’s a big step towards your small business’ success, and you may be wondering what you need to bring along. Do you bring a laptop to show off your website? Three dozen business cards? No business cards?

Our GoForth Expert Rob Campbell has some advice on what marketing materials you should have on hand when pitching to an investor.

Before you head into the meeting room, take a look at what Rob advises you should bring along. Then, check out our seven tips for a great investor presentation.

Breathe, relax, and good luck!

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7 tips for making a small business pitch

how-to-make-a-small-business-pitchPitching your small business to potential investors or customers can seem daunting – where do you start? What do you say?

Or, it might even seem too easy – just give them all your marketing talking points from your website, right?

The truth is, making a good pitch is all about research, information, and openness. Here are our seven tips for making a great small business pitch:

  1. Know your numbers
  2. Know your business.
  3. Research your potential investor or customer.
  4. Act natural!
  5. Practice your pitch.
  6. Be concise.
  7. Put yourself on the other side.

Want more advice and detail about each of these points? Check out our blog post: How to make a great small business pitch!

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Dragons’ Den 2016 auditions are here

Do you have a great small business idea you want to pitch on Dragons’ Den? Now’s your chance! Auditions for the show’s 11th season are starting this month, and will be in the following cities:

  • Feb. 6 – Toronto, Ontario
  • Feb.10 – Guelph, Ontario
  • Feb. 10 – Regina, Saskatchewan
  • Feb. 11 – Windsor, Ontario
  • Feb. 12 – Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
  • Feb. 13 – London, Ontario
  • Feb. 13 – Vancouver, B.C.
  • Feb. 13 – Winnipeg, Manitoba
  • Feb. 17 – Richmond, B.C.
  • Feb. 17 – Cranbrook, B.C.
  • Feb. 18 – Calgary, Alberta
  • Feb. 19 – Nanaimo, B.C.
  • Feb. 20 – Edmonton, Alberta
  • Feb. 20 – Sudbury, Ontario
  • Feb. 20 – Victoria, B.C.
  • Feb. 24 – Burlington, Ontario
  • Feb. 24 – Collingwood, Ontario
  • Feb. 25 – Prince Edward County, Ontario
  • Feb. 26 – Kingston, Ontario
  • Feb. 27 – Barrie, Ontario
  • Feb. 27 – Montreal, Quebec
  • Feb. 27 – Ottawa, Ontario
  • March 2 – Grand Prairie, Alberta
  • March 2 – Oshawa, Ontario
  • March 3 – Moncton, New Brunswick
  • March 4 – Abbotsford, B.C.
  • March 4 – Charlottetown, P.E.I.
  • March 5 – Halifax, Nova Scotia
  • March 5 – Hamilton, Ontario
  • March 5 – Vancouver, B.C.
  • March 9 – Waterloo, Ontario
  • March 10 – Kelowna, B.C.
  • March 12 – Calgary, Alberta
  • March 12 – Niagara, Ontario
  • March 18 – Quebec City, Quebec
  • March 19 – Montreal, Quebec
  • April 2 – Toronto, Ontario

For more information and to apply for an audition, visit the Dragons’ Den auditions page.

Good luck, and happy pitching!

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