Minority Angel Investor Network

Minority Angel Investor Network (MAIN) was created specifically to assist minority entrepreneurs obtain funding.

It is hugely successful. That doesn't mean that funding with MAIN is a shoo-in. On the contrary, the process is not easy, and the competition is very stiff. The best of the best of minority-owned businesses make a presentation at MAIN.

The Minority Angel Investor Network is a network of accredited investors with an interest and commitment to invest in high growth, minority owned or minority led companies. MAIN is not a fund. It is a group of individual investors each of whom makes his or her own decision regarding investment in a specific opportunity.

To be considered, a company must:

Must be minority owned (ethnic minority only). If you are a woman, you must be an ethnic minority to qualify
Must have the potential for high growth; need NOT be technology
Should be located within 4 to 5 hours commuting time from Philadelphia ( Pittsburgh, Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, New York, New Jersey, Delaware etc)
If seeking additional funding from Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania (BFTP/SEP), must be located in the 5 counties in Southeastern Pennsylvania

To apply to present at the Minority Angel Investor Network:

All companies must apply electronically using the link provided on their website.
You must initially submit your executive summary using the application form
MAIN's members/selection committee will review your application
Once selected, you will be called to present at one of the monthly MAIN meetings
You are requested to present for 10 minutes and engage in Q&A for 15 minutes.
Presentation guidelines are provided.
You are required to submit your presentation and a detailed business plan, along with detailed financials before your presentation
You will be provided detailed feedback on your presentation as well as the group's level of interest.
Should there be interest you will be contacted for additional information, and a detailed due diligence review will follow
Should any member(s) decide to invest, a term sheet will be provided

So there you've got it. Your work is cut out for you.

The Minority Angel Investor Network is a tough group to break into because the competition consists of all those other minority companies that can't get funding via more traditional sources. You know the owners of those companies. In fact, you are one of them. Smart. Experienced. Great idea. Top business plan. But no one will talk to you. You are competing against 1,000 other entrepreneurs like yourself. Truly, I wish you all success.