By Eva Rosenberg
Published September 29, 1997





Painful Lessons

I've watched people struggle through the quicksand of trying to raise funds via promises from venture capitalists, run the hurdles of SBA loan applications, produce mounds of paperwork for bankers — all of whom ultimately turn them down.

These processes teach some people an enormous amount about their own business and industries by forcing them to create detailed business plans. Others gain nothing but bitterness and foul tempers. However, many of the those who develop thorough plans go on to great success, despite the financial obstacles placed in their paths.