Michigan Investment Network

Entrepreneur FAQ

How do I submit a pitch?

The first step is to register as an entrepreneur. Then you'll be able to submit a pitch using our simple online form.

Why do I keep getting an error message when I try to login?

You must enter your email address and password with the same mix of upper and lower case letters you used when you registered. Often the problem is that a registered email address has an initial capital letter in it that is not being entered when you try to login. If you continue to have login problems use the Contact Us form to let us know.

Why is nothing happening when I try to login?

If you are submitting your login info and nothing appears to happen (i.e., you are not getting an error message) then the most likely reason is you are still logged in. If you leave the site without logging out, your login is remembered for 2 to 3 hours before it expires. When you return you can access your login area by clicking the "Entrepreneurs" link (or sublinks) in the top navigation bar (between the "Home" and "Investors" link). Where the "Entrepreneurs" link goes depends on whether you are logged in or not. TIP: You can mouse over the "Entrepreneurs" link to see what links are available and this will tell you whether you are still logged in or not.

What information should I include in my pitch?

There are tips in the pitch form about what to include in each section. Basic items that investors expect to see in a pitch are: a brief history of your business, what you need the funding for, why your company will succeeed, what relevent experience or expertise you or your team might have, what you are prepared to offer investors in return for funding.

I would like to contact a specific investor listed on your site?

It is up to the investor to decide if they want to connect with entrepreneurs based upon their pitch. It is part of our privacy policy with investors that we only provide their contact info to entrepreneurs when they express interest in the entrepreneur's proposal. We do not provide investor contact info otherwise.

Can I upload my business plan?

Yes, the Premium Service package allows you to upload additional documents for investors to view, including your business plan and/or whatever other documents you wish to share (e.g., pitchdeck, financials, executive summary, etc..)

How can I protect the confidentiality of my idea?

If you are worried about confidentiality we'd advise you to write enough to get investors interested in your project without revealing any sensitive information. Once you start discussions with an investor, you may want to ask them to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) before you release more information.

Can pitches be edited after launch?

Yes, pitches can be edited at any time. Free Basic Service pitches will be reviewed after each edit to make sure no contact details have been included. You should try to refrain from making edits to a free proposal in the first few hours of it being released as there could be delays in reapproving and investors will not be able to find your proposal when they look for it. Edits to Referral and Premium Service pitches do not need to be re-approved.

What are the costs?

See the "Our Rates" page in the Entrepreneurs section of the site to find out more about what is included in our three packages. The Free Basic Service is $0, but has limitations in what you can include in your pitch and in your ability to follow up with investors who express interest. The Referral Service is $149 has no limitations on what you can include in your pitch and allows you to follow up with interested investors. The Premium Service fee is $249 and offers all the features of the Referral Service plus the ability to create an enhanced pitch and to have enhanced advertising on the site.

Do I have to pay for every contact?

No, your payment gives you access to the contact details of ALL the investors who show an interest in your pitch.

How can I pay?

We primarily use PayPal to process payments. You do not need an account with PayPal to make a payment as they offer the option to pay by credit card. Most people pay by credit card. If you have issues using PayPal contact us and we can make arrangements to use the Stripe payment service. NOTE: We do not off Paypal's eCheck option as the significant delays in clearing causes too much frustration for entrepreneurs.

Can I choose Referral Service first and then upgrade to the Premium Service later?

Yes, you can upgrade from the Referral Service to the Premium Service at any time and only have to pay the price difference.

Does my payment apply to all the proposals I submit?

No, your payment applies to the specific proposal that you pay the fee for. It is a per-proposal fee.

What happens at the end of the 180-day listing?

Before the end of your 180-day listing period you can opt to pay to resend or renew your pitch. Your pitch will then be renewed for another 180 days and will be resent to the investors. If no payment is made, you proposal will simply expire and be move to an "Archived Proposals" area of your login area.

Am I ever automatically billed to keep my proposal active on the site?

We never do automatic billing. Your proposal will simply expire after 180 days if you do not pay to have your proposal Resent or Renewed to keep it alive for another 180 days from the date of these payments.

Do I need to do my own due diligence?

We carry out a number of checks on each investor when they register, but you also need to do your own due diligence on any investor you deal with. Please check out the Security Notices page in your login area for things to look out for. Consult with legal council before paying any fee in advance of receiving funding (i.e., upfront fees). Contact us if you have any suspicions. To maintain accountability, you should only deal with registered investors or investors who have been specifically referred by a registered investor. Ask questions, get references.

How do I delete my account or proposal?

You can contact the site administrator using the Contact Us form to request deletion. You may also request that your proposal be set back to draft mode so that it can no longer be viewed by anyone but you can still view it and any interested investors who may have expressed interest in your proposal.

I have other questions. Who do I contact?

You can connect with us via our Contact Us form.

Michigan Investors

United States > Michigan

I am a 49-year-old husband of 23 years and father of a college and high school student. We live in Oakland County, Michigan. I work full-time as a manager in the marketing industry and have my own side consulting business providing marketing, communications, copywriting and PR support. I have been investing in the market since I was 20 and am looking to diversify my profile with aspiring or existing entrepreneurs. I would not only be willing to provide money but can serve as a consultant and advisor as needed. I've thought about starting my own business but at this point in my career prefer to participate in this way. Would love to learn more about business ideas from professionals and entrepreneurs with a drive and passion! Let's chat and see if there's a fit.

$1 to $50,000

United States > Michigan

Recently retired police officer, currently working as management in the private sector security. Interested in any possible investment but have my eye on anything in the cannabis industry.

$1 to $100,000

United States > Michigan

I am working with partners providing funding, debt and equity, for businesses in need of capital. ($0-2.5 Mil) Specifically, I am looking for growth and transition opportunities. I am a Michigan native and have spent the last seven years doing numerous deals (20+ deals, over $50 Million invested or lent) working with companies to create the optimal capital structures. These deals have been across multiple industries and geographies, mostly in Michigan and the Midwest. Repeatedly, deals struggle to get done due to lack of collateral or equity. I am looking for opportunities to help managers have the ability to acquire their businesses and sellers be able to keep their companies local, after the sale. I have an extensive network of lenders, operators, and advisors to help in various situations.

$0 to $2,500,000

United States > Michigan

I am 51 years old and have invested in small companies starting at $600,000 in valuation and turning them into companies worth $17 million. I have owned insurance companies which also have grown from small entities to groups just under $20 million. I've sat on board of directors to small businesses helping them with behind the scenes help on the business side and the insurance side along with marketing. I am willing not only to help with dollars, but a willingness to help your business on the front lines!

$10,000 to $100,000

United States > Michigan

Private equity consultant passionate about entrepreneurship. Would love to invest in the right company/entrepreneur.

$10,000 to $50,000

United States > Michigan

Entrepreneur and business owner. Licensed real estate broker. Licensed building contractor in Michigan and Florida. Bachelor's degree from Michigan State University in construction management. Paralegal experience. Access to wholesale building finishes (flooring, cabinets, countertops, furniture). BBG supplier. Seeking investment opportunities for portfolio diversification. Silent or advisory involvement.

$10,000 to $1,000,000

United States > Michigan

I am a 31-year-old professional with 8 years of operations support as a Health & Safety Manager. I am currently studying Finance as part of the Full-Time MBA Program at Michigan State University. I am a Michigan-native seeking to invest in a Michigan company. I am interested in limited partnerships as well as full partnerships which require strategy and operations support from me. I am looking to invest between $5k-$50,000 in a high-growth industry with realistic exit opportunities. Additionally, I have access to 60 acres of agricultural land which is available as part of my offering.

$5,000 to $50,000

United States > Michigan

Former community bank president, 10 yrs experience as private investor/consultant. Now leads group of investors.

$10,000 to $200,000