1. Bootstrapping your Business March 23 rd, 2011

2. What we do Support the growth of new and existing businesses with innovative opportunities Facilitate connections Innovator Member Program 2

3. How do I finance growth? Equity – your own investment –Leverage it Love money – friends and family –Leverage it Angel Investors –Leverage them Loans Government support programs 3

4. Programs frequently accessed by business Northern Ontario Heritage Fund (NOHFC) Employer supports –Youth Interns (FedNor and NOHFC) –IRAP and OCE –Wage Subsidies IRAP Canadian Youth Business Foundation 4

5. Government Sources http://www.gfundsonline.com/index.php http://www.ontario.ca/en/business_program/cate gories/ONT04_036384.html?category=&itemCo unt=200&sOrder=Deschttp://www.ontario.ca/en/business_program/cate gories/ONT04_036384.html?category=&itemCo unt=200&sOrder=Desc http://www.sse.gov.on.ca/medt/investinontario/e n/Pages/Government_Programs.aspxhttp://www.sse.gov.on.ca/medt/investinontario/e n/Pages/Government_Programs.aspx 5

6. Bank Financing Know what you need –Short term vs. long term financing –Set objectives Shop around –Not all banks are the same Prepare –Fact vs. Fiction –Performance History 6

7. Types of Bank Financing 7

8. Show Me The Money Bankers are methodical not intuitive –Use logic not emotion Prepare a proposal –Company description, management team, performance history, marketing and production plan, human resources Remember the 5 C’s of lending!!!! 8

9. Strategies to use Illustrate “skin in the game” Be proactive – plan Manage your cashflow (Toys or Tools?) Do your homework - research Show market traction Communicate Utilize your resources, build the team Stage your growth – milestones, credibility 9

10. Thank-you! Let us know if we can help Judy Sander NWO Innovation Centre 1294 Balmoral Street, Suite 150 Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5Z5 807-768-6682 judy@nwoinnovation.ca 10