HOW TO RAISE CAPITAL The issue of capital raising can be solved by believing in oneself, believing that it's possible to it make happen and achieve your desired set goals. One may consider the following in a bid to raise the much needed capital ; 1. First and foremost change your mindset, be positive that it's possible to raise the required capital. 2. A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step - start to work towards the raising of the said capital positively. 3. Start to save towards the accumulation of the said capital, bit by bit. 4. Market your business idea to close associates, friends and relatives and whoever cares to listen. 5. If one happens to get a windfall, a lump sum from employment or a donation, channel it towards your capital accumulation fund. 6. Look around your personal assets, perhaps you have two or more mobile phones, dispose one and channel the sale proceeds towards your capital accumulation fund. 7. Perhaps, you have a very expensive handset, dispose it and get a cheaper one - the surplus save towards your capital accumulation fund. 8. Perhaps, you have other assets like more than one car, deep freeze, refrigerator, motor vehicle - dispose one and channel towards your capital accumulation fund. 9. If you are driving an expensive motor vehicle, consider to dispose it and buy a cheaper model - the difference channel it towards your capital accumulation fund. 10. Approach some religious organisations, with your business idea, they may assist. 11. Approach some appropriate non gorvenmental organisations with your business idea, perhaps they may assist your business idea. 12. Get into farming - like growing short season varieties like : sugar beans, sweet potatoes, king onions, plough back the surplus after meeting your expenses to your capital accumulation. They need very little capital or one may take advantage of the gorvenment free agricultural inputs schemes, year in year out. 13. Your business idea, start small and plough back the profits. 14. Their are some gorvenment grants and programmes, get involved. 15. In this country visit the following gorvenment ministries : - the ministry of youths and empowerment - the ministry of women, small and medium enterprises 16. Get involved with like business minded people. 17. Get close and associate with fellow enterpreneurs and learn and get some assistance from them. 18. The banks are a mammoth task for those starting, especially without collateral security. 19. Generally, it's not advisable to borrow from the banks when starting, one is most likely to make some mistakes. There is always a learning curve in business. 20. For those with a variety of collateral security, perhaps, they may consider borrowing from financial institutions - banks and micro finances. 21. For bigger projects one may consider Venture Capital. 22. One may join forces with others with similar ambitions and start a business. # Author : N.C. Chisikarambwe CTFAicb (SA)