Earthenterprise Tool Kit - International Institute for Sustainable ...

EarthEnterprise Tool Kit
access new technology or research and development projects. Others do so to
integrate their companies horizontally or vertically.
TOOL
Engage a Financial Advisor
As noted earlier, the SME should integrate the investment offering directly into
overall strategic efforts and business planning. Most entrepreneurs do not do
this, however, because their area of expertise is generally in research and
development, marketing, or production, rather than in finance. Because the inhouse
(or board member) financial advisor is rare, the SME is wise to seek the
assistance of an outside expert.
Financial advisors can lead the company’s financial strategy and integrate the
structuring of investment offerings into business planning. Financial advisors
are both strategists and doers. They are part of the senior management and
strategy team, and can present the business plan and offering to potential
investors. The best place to find a financial advisor is through investment
bankers and venture capitalists, who often provide advisory services.
See “Directories”, pages 150-170, for Sources of Capital.
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INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT