I need a bridge loan to meet huge and steady demand, but my credit is a train wreck.

I started the business six years ago from the back of my van with $500. Over the past two years, demand is growing faster than my ability to purchase inventory. I now reinvest 95 percent of everything into growing inventory ($450,000 last year) that sells out months before it is made.

I deal in handmade, blank-page leather journals so there is no way to push a button and have a assembly line make more. Even though the business grew 300 percent during its SLOWEST YEAR, I am unable to attract an angel investor to shore up my inventory needs or to obtain loans. The company products can be found in more than 300 stores.

I have tried loans against credit card receipts, banks and small ads in financial journals. I don't have any rich friends or family who can help, either. My personal credit is awful. How can I get my wholesale/import/design business a six-month bridge loan or a minority angel investor ?

Positioned correctly, this opportunity sounds like a winner. How are you currently positioning this to a potential investor? Or have you?

One key is to put your numbers together, make a list of potential investors and start working the list. If your numbers are on the mark, you will find the funding you need.

In the meantime, you can probably raise your prices and increase your margins, making your numbers even better. It may even help your credit situation. Increased profits always do.

All the best.
Brad Sugars