Services
Business Plans
ATW can assist with the preparation of a business plan and/or financial model for a range of uses: to validate a business idea, to assist with securing bank or private financing, and to serve as a roadmap and benchmark for actual operations. ATW has experience with a wide range of industries, including but not limited to computer hardware and software, communications, medical, manufacturing, services and foodservice.
Funding Consulting
ATW is not a registered Investment Advisor or Broker/Dealer, nor are ATW’s principals attorneys. However ATW can provide general fundraising consulting and assistance, helping to formulate a strategy, identifying the necessary legal steps to be taken, and in general being a source of answers and input.
Operational Consulting
ATW can provide a range of assistance to an ongoing operation. This can include assistance with financial management, cost analysis, some bookkeeping and accounting assistance, employment issues assistance, and general marketing and sales.
Strategic Consulting
Strategic consulting can cover a range of different activities. This can include how to position a company to better secure funding, how to target a specific industry, how to respond to competitive challenges, and eventually how to target and complete a sale of the company. Often entrepreneurs lack a person that knows their business and goals that they can turn to for ongoing advice. ATW can fill that role, serving as a touchstone for the entrepreneur while the entrepreneur navigates the twists and turns of starting a business.
Payment and Pricing
ATW can work under a range of compensation structures.
Project Basis: A set fee for a given project, with half due at signing and half due at completion. Typically business or financing plans, or some other easily-defined project. A business plan can range from $1,500 for a small SBA financing plan up to $10,000 for a complex venture-focused plan.
Hourly Basis: A set fee per hour, with a retainer at signing and then weekly invoicing for time spent. Typically operational consulting or other open-ended projects.
Equity Participation and Monthly Retainer: ATW’s preferred method of operation. ATW’s goal is to identify principals with good ideas that might eventually be worth some money, and try to get an ownership percentage and then work to help the company succeed. Typically, ATW receives ownership in the company, either in the form of an equity grant or warrants. Retainers are paid monthly, and may be ended when the company reaches a sufficient point of development. ATW recognizes that entrepreneurs are hesitant to give up equity, and so will sometimes work for a retainer-only for a short period of time, while the entrepreneur is evaluating the advantages of working with ATW.