Can't Get a Small Business Loan? Consider a Joint Venture Partner

Can't Get a Small Business Loan? Consider a Joint Venture Partner

What is a strategic or joint venture partnership? It's when two companies combine efforts to obtain a goal that would be difficult for either one of them to achieve individually.

For example: You may have the product and the other company the distribution system in place to reach potential customers. If you jointly market the product, both of you win. You don't have to fund the costs of reaching the potential customers; the other company can broaden its product offering, and therefore value, to its customers by offering your product. That company doesn't have to fund the research and development costs of a new product.

Another example: You have a product that requires injection molded plastic components that are produced by expensive specialized custom equipment. Normally a company that provides the injection molded plastic components would charge a hefty fee to build the custom equipment, and also charge you for every part produced. A strategic partnership might mean that in exchange for not paying for the custom equipment up front, you will pay the plastics company a small fee, similar to a royalty on your sales for a limited time period. You win, because you don't have to invest cash in equipment and the plastics company wins by having a revenue stream greater than the custom equipment would generate.

One more example: Your product has customers in several different markets and can be used for several different purposes. Let's say it's a new kind of applicator for creams, lotions, soap, and medications. Another company has a lotion for the treatment of skin irritations available by prescription only. You sell the exclusive rights to use your product to apply prescription lotions to that company. Since you have several other major markets for your product, giving up one, the application of prescription lotions, won't have a material effect on your future, and you get much needed cash now. The other company now has a product that helps in its brand identification and sales.

One last example: You have a customer database that has been successful in selling your products. You offer a company that has similar, but not competitive, products the usage of your database in exchange for a percentage of the sales generated.

To find a potential joint venture partner look in your industry trade journals for announcements. Search business newspapers like the Business Journal. Look for companies that provide complementary products or services to your own company, or those in a market that would be appropriate for your products. Attend trade shows. And of course search the web.

If you don't want to take out a loan or sell part of your company to outside investors, a joint venture partner can be exactly what you need. You can grow your company, find new companies, or target a new market without expending additional money. It's a win win situation for both you and your joint venture partner.

Do you need a small business loan, credit card, or grant? Want to know about other ways to finance your business? Find out more at 58 Ways to Find Money for Your Business or go to Credit Cards and You

Dee Power has co-authored several nonfiction books including Business Plan Basics, Inside Secrets to Venture Capital and Attracting Capital From Angels. Read her blog

POST COMMENT

The Instant Income Cash Machine Review Why You're Not Making any Money With Your MLM Business Your Small Business Location: How To Choose The Best One Valuable Tips For Starting A Small Catering Business Same day cash: Try out the online system for ease in applying Why Work From Home? Here Are 4 Great Benefits of Running a Home Based Business Alternative Funding for Your Business 10 Savvy Tips To Help Boost Your Business and Increase Profits Solid Marketing Can Turn Any Business Opportunity into a Goldmine What Are Productive Circumstance Law Citations in Essay Producing? Jobs For Business Studies Graduates Sell Your Gold For Extra Cash Globalization of E-commerce in Business