Florida

If the city life isn't for you, this capital network is.

Finding investment capital is always a challenge for entrepreneurs, but the task is even more burdensome for small, rural businesses. California's newly created Golden State Capital Network (GSCN), a joint venture of ACCESS Capital and Rural Capital Network, offers three helpful resources:

1. a computerized matching service that links entrepreneurs with investors;

2. monthly regional educational seminars that enable three or four of the best new businesses in the community to present themselves to potential investors and lenders; and

3. the annual Golden State Venture Capital conference, at which as many as 25 companies make presentations to investors. Applications for the 2000 conference will be accepted in December.

GSCN is primarily looking for sophisticated companies with solid business plans and growth potential that are seeking $250,000 to $5 million. Although all California businesses are eligible, GSCN targets firms located in areas underserved by traditional investors, particularly rural communities. There are small fees for each program.

For more information about GSCN, call (530) 893-8732.

This article was originally published in the October 1999 print edition of Entrepreneur with the headline: Florida.