Private Capital

If you are unable to secure a loan through traditional financial institution, accessing private capital may be an option.

Lakeshore Angel Investment Network
Several Sheboygan County individuals have formed an Angel Investment Network within Sheboygan County. Entrepreneurs and second-state companies are welcome to contact the SCEDC to learn more about this financing opportunity.  

Venture Capital
Venture capital firms are firms that provide funds to start-up ventures, often well before anyone else would be willing to invest. In exchange for these funds, the firms often take an active role in running, or at least overseeing, the venture. They can provide a wealth of information to a beginning entrepreneur and may make the difference between a good idea and a flourishing business. But venture capitalists tend to be very protective of their investments.

Angel Financing
An angel investor or “angel” is an affluent individual who provides capital for a business start-up, usually in exchange for convertible debt or ownership equity. An increasing number of angel investors organize themselves into angel groups or angel networks to share research and pool their investment capital.

The SCEDC is exploring options to work with partners, and create a local angel investment network to support entrepreneurial activity and new business development in Sheboygan County.

EB-5 Visa Program
The EB-5 program is administered by the United States Citizen & Immigration Service (USCIS).  In return for a $500,000 investment in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA), or areas in which unemployment is greater than 150% the national average, an investor can gain a work visa for themselves and immediate family. Fully $1,000,000 must be invested in non-TEA areas.  All investments must result in creation of 10 or more jobs.  Up to 10,000 EB-5 visas can be issued annually and most are issued through a “Regional Center.”