Capital Circles Short - Entrepreneur Form

Entrepreneur Application
Welcome!

Capital Circles is an initiative of the Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership (IFEL) designed to bridge the gap between high-potential entrepreneurs and the capital they need to scale.

We are moving beyond traditional networking to create intentional, relationship-based pathways to funding. By joining a Capital Circle, you aren’t just applying for a loan or investment—you are entering a localized ecosystem of "changemakers"—investors, champions, and industry leaders—dedicated to mobilizing resources and securing capital for your business.

How It Works

This pilot program operates in five key geographies: NY/NJ, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., New Orleans, and Houston. In each city, we convene dedicated working groups of existing and new angel investors. These groups work collaboratively to:

Strengthen the relationship connectivity between founders and funders.
Implement coordinated strategies to secure capital for selected businesses.
Build influential networks modeled after high-value informal circles to create scalable capital pathways.

Who Should Apply?

We are looking for entrepreneurs who are ready to leverage community-based collaboration to grow their ventures. If you are seeking more than just a check—and are looking for a dedicated circle of advocates committed to your success—we invite you to apply.
Non-Discrimination Policy

We are committed to providing equal opportunities and resources to all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We believe in fostering an inclusive environment where entrepreneurs from all backgrounds can access the support they need to succeed.
About You
1. Primary First Name*
2. Primary Last Name*
3. Email Address*
example@example.com
4. Mobile Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
5. Mailing Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState, Ex. California = CA

Postal / Zip CodeCountry
6. Social Media (only provide what you use for business)
7. Please provide your LinkedIn profile. (https://www.linkedin.com/)*
7.a. Who referred you?
7.b. Other
About Your Business
8. Legal Company Name*
9. If your legal company name is different than the name you're doing business as, please share your DBA.*
10. Legal Company Structure ?*

LLCS-CorpC-Corp
11.a. I acknowledge that the company is duly organized and validly existing as a company in a U.S. state.*

Yes
12. U.S. State of Incorporation/Formation*
13. What year did you incorporate your business?*

MonthDayYear
Date
14. Company Website*
www.example.com
15. Are you full-time or part-time in your business?*

Full-timePart-timeNone of the above
16. How many employees do you have, including yourself?*
17. Please check the box next to the description that best describes your industry.*

Agriculture/FarmingBeauty and Personal CareConstructionEducationEntertainmentFinancial ServicesFitnessFood Service/ CateringHealth and WellnessHotel and HospitalityPet servicesProfessional Services (Accounting, Legal, Consulting, etc.)Professional Services (B-to-B)Real EstateRestaurantRetail/E-commerceSales/MarketingServices for Hire (Landscaping, Plumbing, Repairs, Automotive, etc.)TechnologyTransportation and LogisticsManufacturingB2B/SaaSCleanTechConsumer Packaged Goods (CPG)EdTechFashion/RetailFinTechHealthcareMedia/AdTechMedical DevicesSocial ImpactOther
18. What is the operational stage of your business?*

Conceptual: I haven't yet startedLegal: I have incorporated the business and/or have a tax identification numberOperational: I am operating the business as a going concernSelling: I am actively selling my product or service and have revenue, but I am not yet profitableProfitable: My business is making money and I am profitable
18.a. What is your company one-liner (i.e., how would you describe your company in a single sentence. What do you do, for whom and for what purpose.)?*
18.b. Give us a fuller description of your business. *
18.c. What are your 3 pain points?*
19. Are you currently using a Financial Management System?[ i.e. Quickbooks, Xero, or Wave]*

YesNo
19.a. If yes, which one?*
Put N/A if your answer to the previous question is No
20. Are you able to produce Income Statements and/or Cash Flow Statements and Reports*

YesNo
21. Do you have up-to-date Financial Projections?*

YesNo
22. Do you have a Pitch Presentation?*

YesNo
23. Are you looking for funding?*

YesNo
23.a. What type of capital are you looking for?*

DebtEquityI don't know
23.b. Will you need the capital in the next 6-12 months?*

YesNoI am not sure
23.c. Amount of funding sought in USD?*
23.c2. What will be the use of funds?*
23.d. Do you currently have business debt?*

YesNo
23.d1. If yes, please explain.*
23.d2. Are you seeking to refinance any existing debt?*

YesNoI don't know
23.d3. What types of debt are you looking for?*

Term LoanLines of CreditEquipment LoanReal EstateOther
24. What was your company's revenue in the most recently completed fiscal year in $?*
Please enter numbers ONLY.
25. What is your operating income in the most recently completed fiscal year in $? Operating Income is your Revenue - Expenses.*
Please enter numbers ONLY.
26. Estimated current credit score?
Demographic Information

This information is deemed confidential. As a nonprofit, we are often asked to profile our client base in aggregate to communicate the general attributes of our audience. No information will be shared with individually identifying information.
27. Enter your date of birth:*

MonthDayYear
28. Gender*

MaleFemaleTransgenderNon-binary/Non-conformingPrefer not to answerOther
29. Pronouns
30. Ethnic Identity*

HispanicNon-HispanicPrefer not to answer
31. Racial Identity:*

Asian/Asian-IndianBlack/African-American/African/CaribbeanCaucasian/WhiteMiddle EasternIndigenous Native American/Native Alaskan/Pacific IslanderPrefer not to answer
32. Are you a U.S. Citizen?(Answer will not affect application)*

YesNoPrefer not to answer
33. Is English your primary language?*

YesNoPrefer not to answer
34. Educational background*

Less than High SchoolHigh School/GEDSome CollegeBachelors DegreeSome Graduate StudiesGraduate Level DegreeDoctorate DegreeSpecialized technical training(e.g. HVAC repair, Dental,Technician)Prefer not to answer
35. What is your household income from all sources?*

Disability or Unemployed$30,000 or less$30,001 to $50,000$50,001 to $100,000$100,001 to $249,999$250,000+Prefer not to answer
36. What is your household size?*
37. Do you identify as any of the following?

Veteran or Military SpouseJustice ImpactedLGBTQ+Persons with DisabilitiesNeurodivergent
39. Please upload a photo that represents your business*

Cancelof
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Entrepreneur Application