Where do I find an investor for the business I am starting?

I am in the first stages of starting my business. I already have my tax ID number, am in the process of receiving my DBA, but really could use some initial start up funds. I am confident in my business and have no problem signing a promissary note with interest added.

If you live in the US, look in the phone book under Small Business Administration. It will be in the government pages.

Then find SCORE (service corps of retired executives).

They won't help you with investors, but they will help you with the right tools to get there.

I started my first business with their help. Twice my mentor shook his head and basically said "I made that mistake once, why don't you cosider... xyz" Both times he was correct.

LOL no need for the phone book go here:

http://www.score.org/index.html

You should begin with friends and family as well as a local bank (small business loan) to raise capital. Make sure you create a thorough business plan, and begin maintaining your accounting statements. In a few months/years after you've established some sort of foundation and track record, then you can start to approach angel investors and depending on size and scope possibly look at Venture Capital opportunities. Most investors want to see a solid business plan and that you've exhausted all the resources you had access to on a personal level. Hope that helps.

Don't expect someone to "loan" you money for a start up operation without any kind of collateral. Any potential "investor" will want more than just interest from their loan to a start-up. They'll also want some upside potential if things do work out as a reward for their risk. Be prepared to give up some equity (ownership in the business).