Milestone's approach is one of thoroughness. We look for businesses that have a clear opportunity to succeed. Because every Milestone investment is a long-term partnership, we take a thoughtful approach and the time necessary to truly understand your business and the opportunity it presents, as well as the management team's strengths and weaknesses.

Does your business meet Milestone's funding criteria?

The following criteria must be met to be considered for Milestone financing:

1. Your company must be an established (for at least one year) ethnic minority-owned business and located in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area. (Companies located outside of the metro area must be referred to Milestone by a lead investor.) We occasionally consider start-up companies with strong management and/or strong capital.
   
   
2. You must have a sound business plan that demonstrates a defined market and distinct opportunity. Typically, the most thorough and successful plan has been developed with the help of a financial advisor, accountant, or attorney.
   
   
3. You must be willing to consider business suggestions as well as candid assessment of management's strengths and weaknesses.
   
   
4. Your five year financial projections must demonstrate how your business will pay back the investment Milestone makes.
   
   
5. You must be willing to provide warrants or stock options in your business and be prepared to personally guaranty the financing.
   
   
6. You will need to provide the following information yearly (by 09/30 of every year): total number of employees as well the percentage of minorities the company employs, number of new jobs created, total taxes paid, and community involvement of owner(s) and key employees.

Back to top