Today, the press and investment community regularly announce that “no capital is available.” But there is hope. Entrepreneurs who focus on the basics and go beyond the traditional steps of a capital raise: research, rigorous diligence, modeling, business plan and the “pitch” can be successful. Today's capital-raising process requires entrepreneurs to focus on these important points:

* Develop Good Habits When You Form Your Business

Investors are looking for businesses that control their cash expenditures, often called the “cash burn rate.” They are looking for lean businesses (i.e., able to moderate expenses) that will survive over time. Business owners seeking capital create credibility by stretching every dollar, and frugal behavior is often rewarded by investors. A long-term, detailed business plan that demonstrates a clear path to profitability with worst-case, best-case scenarios and highlights upside potential, is a necessity.

* “No Prisoners” Mindset With Realistic Timeframe

Most entrepreneurs underestimate the amount of time needed to raise capital. In today's environment, that timeframe is stretched and it is feasible that it could take anywhere from six months to a year of “hitting the pavement” to ensure a successful outcome. An absolute commitment to succeed is essential and refusal to fail is imperative — particularly with respect to identifying potential investors. Keep in mind that in today's market, the rejections will increase, but it usually only requires a few acceptances to be successful. Think of the process like a funnel — 100 investor contacts, 25 request additional information, 10 meetings, three discussions about term sheets and one investor.

* Focus On Integrity And Analysis Of Your Value Proposition

The marketing process remains essentially unchanged. Investors continue to look for companies that are realistic about their value, as well as companies that lower costs, create efficiencies, create savings or exploit a niche or a combination of each of these items. More than ever, investors are looking for companies with solid fundamentals. Entrepreneurs who highlight the unique attributes of their business and the innovative aspects that set their business apart from other investing opportunities are at an advantage. Avoid disingenuous proposals as those claims will kill a presentation almost as fast as a spendthrift or non-truthful founder. Articulate the assumptions driving your future financial statements, which gives an additional level of credibility and comfort level to investors. Lastly, what investors are really looking for in entrepreneurs is the ability to “under promise” results and “over deliver” on those results.

* Ask For Assistance

Business advisors and luminaries often can assist in opening doors and pointing out potential pitfalls of your business plan as well as lend credibility to your capital raising efforts. Legal, accounting and investment banking professionals have extensive capital raising experience, which will create a good sounding board as well as prove crucial in providing unbiased advice and alternatives.

* Keep An Open Mind

Right now it is an “investors market” and businesses may need to accept unconventional alternatives to successfully raise capital. Whether it is an equity line-of-credit, multiple liquidation preferences, participating rights or convertible bridge financing priced on future financing rounds, alternatives have to be considered and businesses should focus on attracting the right investor. Many entrepreneurs have become enamored with valuations from a year or two ago. However, don't get locked into transaction-specific structures or valuations as it will likely be a “turn off” to potential investors. Investors now have the leverage, and with a little bit of creative negotiation and drafting, transactions can be completed. Keep in mind that often the structure agreed to can be revised at a later date or adjusted once the environment changes and the business is performing as promised.

* Be Enthusiastic And Persistent

Enthusiasm and persistence are infectious. These traits appeal not just emotionally, but also intellectually, to prospective investors. Most astute investors know that these traits, when combined with focus, can often save a business in difficult situations. Highlight your traits and don't back down until it is clear that your efforts are best utilized elsewhere. Many great businesses have been and will continue to be built during challenging times. There's still money out there, it will just be hard won.

Philip T. Colton is a shareholder and chair of the Securities and Finance Practice Group at Winthrop & Weinstine, P.A. He can be reached by calling 612-604-6729 or e-mailing pcolton@winthrop.com.

Robert B. Castle, managing director, leads the technology and financial services investment banking practices, and is head of public equity origination for Northland Securities.