ThINk: Businesses

About ThINk

For businesses seeking capital, the Thurston Investment Network (ThINk) is an alternative to banks, other commercial lenders, and credit cards at a time when business credit is often hard to come by. Instead, businesses seek investment from fellow community members who are their neighbors, customers, or others interested in their success. ThINk helps to connect our community and advance its prosperity by engaging those most concerned about its future: people who live, work and play here.

How it Works

An interested business should contact Aslan Meade at [email protected] to decide if the Thurston Investment Network (ThINk) is a good potential match for their business needs.

If so, the business should fill out the necessary forms on this page– referred to as the “opportunity.”  Once filled out, the opportunity will be sent to the Members of ThINk (individuals who live in Thurston County and have expressed interest in investing in locally owned small businesses).  Under special circumstances, a business may be invited to directly pitch its capital request to a meeting of the investor network at an event.

Once the members receive the business opportunity — either through email or at a pitch event — the EDC staff’s role is done.  Members who are interested in learning more reach out directly to the business. If the two parties decide to move forward, loan amounts, interest rates and payback time periods are negotiated directly between the individual member and the business owner. Both parties must exercise due diligence and recognize the inherent risks, seeking advice from financial advisers and attorneys if needed. Pitching businesses, take note: when multiple ThINk investors invest in the same opportunity, we recommend all involved practice open and regular communication.

Unless an exemption applies, state and federal security regulations normally require businesses seeking capital to produce costly disclosures and extensive fillings. These requirements make it difficult, or even prohibitive, for small entrepreneurs to raise affordable capital. The good news is that ThINk Members and businesses can take advantage of specific exemptions to securities laws, which avoid these expensive disclosures.

All businesses seeking capital through the Network and all Members lending to businesses through the Network agree to limit transactions within the parameters of these exemptions.

ThINk is committed to helping local businesses connect with its Members to engage in local borrowing to create a win-win for both parties.

Questions? Email [email protected]

Watch Our Seeking Capital Videos Before You Apply

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Forms Referenced in Module 3

ThINk Business Checklist

ThINk Request Summary