Small Business: Expansion
Before courting investors, make sure you prepare your pitch
Dan Henderson, Houston, Texas
Our company is growing very rapidly – sales should exceed $40 million in 2008, up from $11 million in 2005. Though we’ve had the funds to acquire smaller companies, our latest acquisition required some creative financing, and it’s becoming clear that the next phase of growth will require additional capital. What is the best way to draw interest from private-equity firms?
Michael Stewart, Clinton, Mo.
I am creating an Internet cafe/ISP/IT consulting company called CyberNation USA. I have been trying to find a business partner that I can really trust to help me expand my business. I can't seem to find people with as much drive and determination as I have. I want to start offering stock as capital, but I'm afraid it will grow faster than I can handle. I really do need some advice. Am I way too pushy, or not aggressive enough? What am I doing wrong?
Ricky, Orlando, Fla.
I am looking to buy an out-of-state business. The company currently handles hotels and transportation bookings for airline crews and a few corporations. I would like to open an office in my hometown and focus on the film industry and engineering companies who have extended stays in many cities. How can I expand the category of business? What should I expect with this challenge?
A step-by-step guide to finding government contracts and going for them.
Brian Hall, Westerville, Ohio
I’m a veteran and a minority small-business owner. How do I get more information on bidding for government contracts?
A staffing agency turns to Ask FSB for growth resources.
Scott Zimmer, AAA Labor, Minneapolis, Minn.
I purchased a 52-year-old industrial staffing agency. Where can I find affordable assistance to help structure the company for growth? There is very little help available for staffing agencies. Read more…
Should this owner seek out international investors to grow his business?
Jean Luc Gaudry, Los Angeles
I have a unique music Web site on which one can find listings of shows, bands on tour, clubs and venues. I have two questions. I am looking for some investors – what are the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make when they decide to add an investor to their company? Also, I want to set up a company in Europe and eventually have my Web site branch out all over the world. Is it better to have different investors on each continent? Read more…
Get the right marketing tools to send your business through the roof.
Rosie, Saint Cloud, Fla.
I need a professional presentation booklet for my roofing company for sales expansion. How can I go about getting this done? Read more…
William, Denver, Colo.
This question is a follow-up to "Who gets the name in a business custody battle?"
What happens when the majority shareholder wants to franchise the business, but the minority partner is against it? The minority partner is not willing to expand with her current partner. Instead, she'd like to go it alone. Does this trigger a buyout? Is that the best and only solution? Read more…
Tips for switching from contract workers to full time help
Rebecca Fountain, Las Vegas
I have a small business I’m starting in Nevada called Slurry Recycle Solutions that specializes in the development of cost-effective and safe solutions for the construction industry. I’ve been using independent contractors and would like to hire a full-time staff because our business is growing. How should I approach the hiring process? Read more…
A pressure-washing business owner checks with Ask FSB for advice on setting prices for a new line of services.
Sylvia Suter, Brookfield, Wis.
I own a pressure-washing company in the Milwaukee area. I'm interested in expanding my business to pressure wash outdoor business signs. I think signs would be a great niche for my business. The problem is: I have no idea what to charge per sign. Would the charge per sign be according to size? Thank you for any information.
