Where Do You Find Money For Your Ideas?

Last year I interviewed Leslie Wolfson, mentor, and investor, about raising money.

There are a plethora of grants and sponsorships from companies like FedEx and Cartier that focus heavily on investing in companies founded by women. If you're a young business owner, PINK by Victoria's Secret has a major grant program they run yearly. If you're not comfortable asking for money from friends and family, you may be more comfortable getting experience raising grants before personal outreach.

Here are some Alexa Curtis- approved ways to introduce your friends and family to your ideas via email/phone call: replace the X with the name or company idea.

Hi (X), I wanted to ping you and let you know about the company I'm pursuing! In case it's a fit for your existing portfolio or not, I wanted to send this deck along. If you're not interested, let me know if you know of anyone who may be!

Hi (X), love keeping up with you on social media! I've been working on a new company in (X) industry and think you may be interested in teaming up. Do you have any time for a call in the next week or two?

These methods can be used to approach mentors, too.

Hi (X), I've been following you on social media / LinkedIn for quite some time and am deeply impressed. I've been building a company in (X) industry and think it may interest you. Do you have any availability to jump on a 15-20 minute call over the next few weeks?

You'll notice I specifically say 15-20 minutes and not only time for a call because everyone has 15-20 minutes, whereas asking for a call can make someone think you're expecting them to have a schedule where a block of 40-60 minutes is available on their calendar.

Remember you're always one step away from a yes, $1, or $1 million as long as you're confident enough to ask for what you want.

Stay fearless or die trying,

Alexa