Small Business Investment Corporations [1] (SBICs) are privately-owned and managed investment firms that provide venture capital and start-up financing to small businesses. To be eligible for SBIC financing, your business must meet certain SBA size requirements for a small business.
Generally, the SBIC Program defines a company as "small" when its net worth is $18.0 million or less and its average after tax net income for the prior two years does not exceed $6.0 million. When you contact an SBIC, you'll need to present a professional business plan that addresses your company's operations, management, financial condition and funding requirements.
The following resources will help you locate SBIC financing:
- SBA's Guide for Entrepreneurs Seeking Financing [2] provides in-depth information about the SBIC financing and eligibility requirements.
- SBA's SBIC Directory [3] provides a listing of licensed SBIC investment firms in your state.
The National Association of Small Business Investment Companies [4] (NASBIC) provides a Step-by-Step Guide to SBIC Financing [5]. NASBIC is the trade organization for the SBIC industry, and also provides a directory [6] of SBIC firms.