Resources for Writing an Executive Summary and Business Plan:

These documents are copies of presentations given during previous year's Y50K educational sessions.

General Resources for Entrepreneurs:

• Stern Fisher - Stern Fisher assists high-quality entrepreneurs in securing venture capital funding, and angel funding -- arranging introductions with leading venture capitalists and angel investors. Business plan funding is perhaps one of the hardest aspects of starting a business. The inherent risk of a startup is great, but what makes getting startup capital, seed capital or angel capital harder is the lack of contacts, and the lack of know-how on positioning yourself. Our business analysts ensure that entrepreneurs position themselves in the best manner possible and get the seed capital they need.
• Venture Voice - Podcasts on entrepreneurship, venture capital, and business.
• Bizplanit.com - Offers a basic tutorial on writing each part of a business plan.
• WhyNot.net - "Open source" initiative for solving everyday problems by sharing solutions with the public. Test out business ideas here.
• entreworld.org - Wealth of information on tons of entrepreneurial startup issues - provides advice and guidelines from starting a business to helping it grow. Calendar of events, glossary, bookstore.
• Wayne Brown Institute/VentureCapital.org - Provides venturing network, entrepreneurial assessment. Help with business planning, tools to raise capital, advice, startup prototypes. Allows new company submission for review.
• WSJ Startup Journal - Offshoot of Wall Street Journal - focuses on small business entrepreneurship. Updated daily with business news. Database of business opportunities. Allows one to build first draft of business plan and get startup advice.
• AngelDeals.com - Connects entrepreneurs with potential investors. Tips on pitching ideas.
• WetFeet - The Wet Feet Press Guide to Social Entrepreneurship.
• The Foundation Center - Locations in WAshington, DC and New York. (800) 424-9836. A great resource for the non-profit sector.
• The Capital Connection - Links entrepreneurs to venture capital sources. Provides directories of professional services for small businesses.
• smallbiztechnology.com - News and information on small businesses. Provides discussion group, product info, and list of consultants specializing in small businesses.
• Making IT! TV - Discusses achievements of minority entrepreneurs; success stories, discussion forum, and other resources for small businesses.
• Futuredex - Matches entrepreneurs with investors and other services. Link to competition where winner can win $1 Million in equity investment.
• BizMiner - Provides industry data profiles on over 19,000 types of businesses - breaks down financial data, industry trends and survival rates.
• Entrepreneur Source.com - Services, coaching, support and feedback for small business entrepreneurs.
• Business EKG - Kauffman Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership website provides free comprehensive assessment of a company's financial vital signs.
• CapitalVenue - Matches business ventures with potential investors. Lists programs for entrepreneurs, plus events and a newsletter.
• biopartnering.com - E-network for bio-investing. Members have access to bioscience business intelligence.
• Ernst & Young - Website helps companies identify and capitalize on business opportunities.

Publications:

• Red Herring - Covers technology related businesses.
• Forbes - Business and financial news.
• Entrepreneur.com - Magazine devoted to entrepreneurship.
• Business 2.0 - General business periodical.
• Inc.com - General business periodical.
• FastCompany - Covers general business issues.
• The Industry Standard - News and analysis.
• WSJ Startup Journal - Wall Street Journal's entrepreneurial arm.