“Entrepreneurship is all about courage, sacrifice and risk taking,” said Mark Haney, founding partner of Growth Factory and the CEO of HaneyBiz.
Haney knows what it takes to succeed as a business owner and is committed to backing hometown entrepreneurs, here in the Capital region. With an angel investment portfolio comprised of over 50 companies, Haney has supported, connected and invested in 100 entrepreneurs. He’s has also partnered with Five Star Bank, a local community business bank dedicated to emerging business, to support the next generation of entrepreneurs.
“Every entrepreneurial story starts with this huge excitement and this big dream,” Haney said. “Along the way, there’s a bumpy road and that’s when Five Star Bank and investors come in and provide guidance, and hopefully, bring dreams to reality.”
Five Star Bank created Five Star Bank Tank, an event that creates fundraising traction for entrepreneurs while providing opportunities for investors to see intriguing new deals. The invitation-only event hosts approximately 20 entrepreneurs who make eight-minute pitches to investors. During the most recent Five Star Bank Tank event, Haney urged investors to “put your money where your town is.”
Are you ready to pitch your business to investors? Below are some helpful tips.
- Pique interest with a strong “hook.”
- Answer the question: “Why is your product or service important? How is it different or better than the competition and what difference can you make?
- Listen to input from others. You may be able to improve upon your product or service.
- Believe in yourself and project authority and confidence.
Perhaps the best advice is to recognize the world is always changing and that necessity is still the mother of invention. Watch for new opportunities to promote yourself and get noticed in a sea of emerging start-ups. When you share your passion and beliefs, the right people will invest at the right time.
Learn more at www.fivestarbank.com.
