OVERVIEW:
Banyan Mezzanine Fund, L.P. was founded in 2002 to provide mezzanine capital to smaller middle-market companies headquartered primarily in the Southeast. Mezzanine capital is used to supplement a company's debt capacity beyond banks' credit limitations and is a substantially cheaper and less dilutive alternative to equity financing.

FUND SIZE:
Financing of $1 million to $5 million to companies which meet the investment criteria, generally structured in the form of subordinated debt with attached warrants (for the future purchase of common equity). Banyan can also arrange larger financings through its partners or affiliations with other firms. Such financings are typically used for growth expansion, acquisitions, recapitalizations and management buyouts.

TYPE:
Mezzanine capital

OVERVIEW:
The BCD Council of Governments' Revolving Loan Fund's primary goal is job creation and protection. It is a federally initiated, state-backed program designed to assist businesses whose projects should improve the tri-county economy. Eligible uses for loans include the purchase of equipment and land and the improvement of real estate and building facilities. BCD Council of The BCD Council of Governments' Revolving Loan Fund's primary goal is job creation and protection. It is a federally initiated, state-backed program designed to assist businesses whose projects should improve the tri-county economy. Eligible uses for loans include the purchase of equipment and land and the improvement of real estate and building facilities. BCD Council of Governments also offers financing for working capital.

INVESTMENT SIZE:
The Revolving Loan Fund specializes in gap financing for an average of 3-5 years. The overall job creation to loan ratio must be one job per $10,000 in funds borrowed.

TYPE:
Revolving Loan Fund

OVERVIEW:
CHAP invests in early stage, growth-oriented companies in the Southeast US that have the potential to become $50 Million companies in 5 years, with a plan to get there.

CHAP seeks companies with sound management teams and solid business plans. The group tends to favor businesses with innovative technology or other proprietary IP and an independent board of advisors with relevant industry knowledge.

INVESTMENT SIZE:
CHAP investments range in size from $100 – 400k. Regional syndication with other angel groups can increase the investment amount to approx $1M.

TYPE:
Private Equity

OVERVIEW:
The Charleston Local Development Corporation (LDC) offers financial assistance to new or existing businesses through a variety of loan programs.

Established in 1979 as a tax-exempt, non-profit organization, the LDC fosters economic development in Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton and Dorchester Counties by promoting and assisting the growth and development of business concerns. In addition to its financial assistance offerings, the LDC provides extensive and specialized technical assistance for business development and retention.

The LDC offers and manages loan programs including the following:

SBA MICROLOAN ~ Up to $35,000 to a small business owner or prospective owner for the operation of a for-profit business;

FACADE LOAN ~ A maximum loan of $20,000 for the rehabilitation of the historic façade of a commercial or mixed-use building located on King Street (between Broad and Line), Spring Street, or Cannon Street;

CORNER STORE PROGRAM ~ Up to $30,000 for the purpose of restoring the façades of mixed-use corner stores that are located on the list of eligible properties in the Department of Economic Development;

SMALL BUSINESS INCENTIVE LOAN ~ Up to $50,000 for qualifying businesses for start up or expansion;

REVOLVING LOAN FUND (RLF) ~ Up to $75,000 for fixed assets and working capital for qualifying businesses in the City of Charleston;

SBA SECTION 504 ~ Referral source for fixed asset financing for a "user" business requiring substantial funding for expansion or relocation;

RURAL REVOLVING LOAN FUND (Rural RLF) ~ Up to $50,000 for small businesses outside of cities with a population of 50,000 or more and their adjacent boundaries in Charleston, Berkeley, Dorchester and Colleton Counties; and

SMALL BUSINESS DISASTER RELIEF PROGRAM ~ Up to $10,000 in a short-term note which will be repaid when funds are received from insurance or other sources. Proceeds can be used for securing damaged buildings, purchasing generators, replacing perishable inventory, paying salaries, etc.

LDC program directors are available to talk with you about your needs and help you assess which program is the most appropriate for you. A series of workshops is also offered during the year on a variety of topics relating to business planning and financial management.

OVERVIEW:
Frontier Capital is a private equity firm that provides expansion capital to established, high-growth business service companies. These companies range from traditional to tech-enabled and deliver a differentiated service to their customers.

Frontier seeks companies that have a proven solution in the marketplace and need capital to accelerate growth, make acquisitions, or generate shareholder liquidity. The firm is based in Charlotte, NC and invests throughout the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.

INVESTMENT SIZE:
Frontier makes $5 - $10 million equity investments for growth and partial liquidity.

Investment prospects typically have $5 -$30 million in revenue, strong growth, high gross margins and exceptional management.

TYPE:
Private Eqiuity

OVERVIEW:
Nexus Medical Partners, with offices in Boston, Charleston, and Munich, is a private equity firm focused on investments in medical technology, life science and other selected investment areas such as advanced materials where the partners have experience. Nexus invests throughout Europe and North America.

Nexus is managed by a seasoned team of investment professionals (averaging 20 years of investment and relevant operating experience). Nexus seeks well-managed companies addressing attractive markets, ranging from start-ups to early revenue companies.

INVESTMENT SIZE:
Nexus has a fund dedicated to SC from which it invests $1-3 million per portfolio company. Nexus has other affiliated funds that are capable of coinvesting additional capital as appropriate.

TYPE:
Private equity

OVERVIEW:
Founded in 1983, Atlanta-based Noro-Moseley Partners ("NMP") is one of the largest and most experienced venture capital firms in the southeastern United States. Since its inception, NMP has created five limited partnership funds totaling approximately $580 million in capital and has invested in approximately 160 companies.

NMP invests primarily in Southeastern-based, early and established growth stage companies. This includes companies in various stages of maturity from first round financings to established companies looking for growth capital for acquisitions, recaps or shareholder liquidity. Our industries of interest include technology, healthcare and business services.

INVESTMENT SIZE:
Noro Moseley Partners investments range from $1 - 10 million depending on stage of growth of a company, the revenues, management team and positon of product or service within the marketplace.

TYPE:
Private Equity