by: Larry Westfall

State laws have been relaxed to make it easier for small business to
raise start-up and growth financing from the public. Many investors
view this as an opportunity to “get in on the ground floor� of
an emerging business and to “hit it big� as the small businesses
grow into large ones.

Statistically, most small businesses fail within the first few
years. Small business investments are among the most risky that
investors can make. This guide suggests factors to consider for
determining whether you should make a small business investment.

Risks and investment strategy
A basic principle of investing in a small business is: Never make
small business investments that you cannot afford to lose! Never use
funds that may be needed for other purposes, such as college
education, retirement, loan repayment, or medical expenses.
Instead, use funds that would otherwise be used for a consumer
purchase, such as a vacation or a down payment on a boat or a new
car.

Above all, never let a commissioned securities salesperson or office
or directors of a company convince you that the investment is not
risky. Small business investments are generally hard to convert to
cash (illiquid), even though the securities may technically be
freely transferable. Thus, you will usually be unable to sell your
securities if the company takes a turn for the worse.

In addition, just because the state has registered the offering does
not mean that the particular investment will be successful. The
state does not evaluate or endorse any investments. If anyone
suggests otherwise, they are breaking the law.

If you plan to invest a large amount of money in a small business,
you should consider investing smaller amounts in several small
businesses. A few highly successful investments can offset the
unsuccessful ones. However, even when using this strategy, only
invest money you can afford to lose.

Analyzing the investment
Although there is no magic formula for making successful investment
decisions, certain factors are considered important by professional
venture investors. Some questions to consider are:

Ø How long has the company been in business? If it is a start-up or
has only a brief operating history, are you being asked to pay more
than the shares are worth?
Ø Consider whether management is dealing unfairly with investors by
taking salaries or other benefits that are too large in view of the
company’s stage of development, or by retaining an inordinate
amount of equity stock of the company compared with the amount
investors will receive. For example, is the public putting up 80
percent of the money but only receiving 10 percent of the company
shares?
Ø How much experience does management have in the industry and in a
small business? How successful were the managers in previous
businesses?
Ø Do you know enough about the industry to be able to evaluate the
company and to make a wise investment?
Ø Does the company have a realistic marketing plan and do they have
the resources to market the product or service successfully?
Ø How or when will you get a return on your investment?

Making money on your investment
The two classic methods of making money on an investment in a small
business are resale of stock in the public securities markets
following a public offering, and receiving cash or marketable
securities in a merger or other acquisition of the company.

If the company is not likely to go public or be sold out within a
reasonable time (i.e., a family-owned or closely held corporation),
it may not be a good investment for you – despite its prospects
for success – because of the lack of opportunity to cash in on the
investment. Management of a successful private company may receive a
good return indefinitely through salaries and bonuses, but it is
unlikely that there will be profits sufficient to pay dividends in
proportion with the risk of the investment.

Other suggestions
Investors must be provided with a disclosure document – a
prospectus – before making a final decision to invest. You need to
read this material before investing.
Even the best small business venture offerings are highly risky. If
you have a nagging sense of doubt, there is probably a good reason
for it. Good investments are based on sound business criteria and
not emotions. If you are not entirely comfortable, the best approach
is usually not to invest. There will be many other opportunities. Do
not let a securities salesperson pressure you into making a
decision.

It is generally a good idea to see management of the company
face-to-face to size them up. Focus on experience and record of
accomplishment rather than a smooth sales presentation. If possible,
take a sophisticated businessperson with you to help in your
analysis. Beware of any information that differs from, or is not
included in the disclosure document. All significant information is
required by law to be in the disclosure document. Immediately report
any problems to your state Office of the Commissioner of Securities.


Conclusion
Greater numbers of public investors are “getting on the ground
floor� by investing in small businesses. When successful, these
enterprises enhance the economy and provide jobs. They can also
provide new investment opportunities, but the advantages must be
balanced against the risky nature of small business investments.


About the author:
Larry Westfall is the owner of DIY Investing -
http://www.pennystockebook.com