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Having a great business idea does not automatically mean you are ready to raise capital. Before approaching lenders, investors, or other funding sources, entrepreneurs need to understand how much capital they need, which type of funding is appropriate, what potential funders expect to see, and how to communicate their opportunity clearly and convincingly.
Build Your Startup Pitch & Raise Capital is an interactive, three-hour workshop designed to help aspiring and current business owners better understand the capital-raising process and begin developing a compelling, credible pitch.
What You’ll Learn
During this hands-on workshop, participants will explore:
- The differences between debt, equity, crowdfunding, grants, and other sources of business capital
- How to determine which types and sources of capital may be appropriate for their business and stage of growth
- What investors and other capital providers look for when evaluating an opportunity
- The essential elements of an effective startup pitch, including the problem, solution, market opportunity, business model, competitive advantage, team, traction, financial needs, use of funds, and the ask
- How to turn business information into a clear, persuasive story
- How elevator pitches, one-page summaries, and pitch decks work together
- How to present with confidence, communicate effectively within a limited amount of time, and make a specific ask
Participants will receive a workbook to guide them through the workshop as they apply the concepts to their own businesses, identify gaps in their current fundraising materials, and begin strengthening the story they will use to attract capital, strategic relationships, customers, and community support.
By the End of the Workshop, You’ll Have:
- A clearer understanding of the capital-raising process
- Greater awareness of the funding options available to your business
- A framework for organizing your business story and pitch deck
- A stronger understanding of what makes a pitch credible and investor-ready
- Practical next steps for preparing to pursue capital
Who Should Attend?
This workshop is ideal for:
- Individuals considering starting a business
- Existing business owners exploring capital for growth
- Entrepreneurs preparing to raise capital
- Business owners currently seeking funding
- Entrepreneurs considering applying to the Launch Fayette Business Plan Competition
- Entrepreneurs seeking to prepare for future consideration by the Fayette Investor Network
Whether you are still shaping your idea or already approaching potential funders, this workshop will help you better understand how to prepare, position, and pitch your business for capital.
Why Attend This Workshop?
The workshop is led by Karen Rands, an entrepreneur, investor educator, bestselling author, and former managing director of one of the Southeast’s most active angel investor networks.
Karen has worked with entrepreneurs at every stage of the capital-raising process, screened companies seeking opportunities to pitch to investors, and observed and evaluated more than 1,000 startup pitches.
She brings practical, real-world insight into what captures investor interest, what creates confusion or concern, and what entrepreneurs can do to present their businesses more effectively.
If you are serious about turning your business opportunity into a story that investors and other funding sources can understand, evaluate, and act upon, Build Your Startup Pitch & Raise Capital will give you the knowledge, framework, and practical tools to take your next step with greater confidence.
