Sticky Money The Web catches customers. Why not use it to catch investors?

The Internet is called everything from an information resourceto a great equalizer. For those seeking business financing, anotherdescription comes to mind: facilitator.

A growing number of Web sites connect business owners withfinancing resources ranging from banks and venture capitalists toprivate investors looking to purchase stock in direct publicofferings. Some charge hundreds of dollars for their assistance,while others offer services for free to entrepreneurs. Most areprivately owned, but one-ACE-Net-is SBA-backed. Andthey each offer their own range of assistance. For example:

Direct Stock Marketis an industry pioneer that began as an online market for directpublic offerings in 1993 and has evolved into a site that helpsconnect investment bankers with entrepreneurs seeking $20 millionor less (and refers those looking for more than $20 million to itsbanking partners). There's no charge to investors, butentrepreneurs whose applications are accepted pay a fee starting at$10,000.