Jason Bousquet ⋅ Papillion, NE U.S. Air Force Reserve, Major ⋅ 14 years served

For a true sponsorship (entities looking for exposure, interested in pursuing a cause), take a look at SponsorPark.com (does have a nominal monthly fee)

I suspect you are really looking at investors. Have you looked into crowdfunding? It has no guarantees but if you actively market a crowdfunding campaign, it could get you to the next step to where not only you have investment, but you will have a successful raise to show interest in your project (no matter how small) to interest seed / angel investors / possibly banks (you will likely need cash flow before traditional lending will become an option).

Doug Lange ⋅ Lewisburg, TN Olive Software, McGraw-Hill (Platts), Auto-trol Technology ⋅ 30 years experience

Travis,

I am familiar with the market. Here is a link that you might be interested in (it may require joining a LinkedIn group--but it is bang on to what you're doing): http://elearningindustry.com/the-top-elearning-companies-based-on-linkedin-followers

Having been involved in the global eLearning segment since its inception, I can tell you that it is uber competitive and a space overflowing with solutions.

Suggest you compare your solution against those in the space. To attract any investor interest, you'll need to fill a well-defined and substantial need. However, many of the larger companies are on the lookout for acquiring technology. Before approaching anyone make sure that you're protected with a strong NDA. A prospective buyer or licensee of your technology will undoubtedly do a "buy v. build" analysis. That, and your "rolodex" of accounts will need to be packaged for a tough audience.

Best regards,
Doug

Graham Odenyo ⋅ Lithonia, GA Strategic Alliances / Affordable Mobile ⋅ 7 years experience

Hi Travis,

Rather than look for sponsors for the project, why not create your own from scratch and have complete control. Sometimes working with sponsors can be a bottle neck. We can build you your own social network from scratch, build an Android Mobile App for it and list it on the android market place so that people can access your website directly via their cell phones. We can also distribute your content for you via social networks an and do it all for you at reasonable prices. Contact me at odenyolistbuilder@gmail.com

Thanks

Graham Odenyo

John Harwell ⋅ Norwalk, CA Cal State University Dominguez Hills ⋅ 5 years experience

Hello Travis, As other social sites do start with a few sponsors, then use advertising. Google, Facebook, and many other successful sites have let advertisers pay for their sites being there. It is something to consider that you can probably be funded fairly quickly.

Rashid Hill, MPM ⋅ San Diego, CA United States Navy ⋅ 33 years experience

Hello Travis. As always super suggestions from the advisors here. I can only add that you have the right idea to go after sponsorship and I have some detailed information that might help you with how to attract and secure the right connections to further your mission. If you are still searching please feel free to contact me at l3.thebrand@gmail.com

Rashid Hill
L3 Coaching Solutions
Author of "8 Ways to be 10x Better"

Alan J. Zell ⋅ Portland, OR Attitudes for Selling ⋅ 29 years experience

Travis, I have to ask what prompted you to want to start this education related social marketing web site?

Unfortunately, you may be going after a type of business that a lot of people have been looking into or wanting to go into. My guess is that the news of the success of Linkedin, Google, Facebook etc. has drawn into thinking this is the next Big Thing. This may not be your reason, but it surely is out there.

If I'm not mistaken, there are, already, networking sites that college students use among themselves. I say this because I've had messages via one of the Linkedin groups I participate in from college students have alluded to it. The reason they went to Linkedin was looking for people with experience in the field they were studying vs getting info from other students.

The question that comes to mind is how you are going to first fund it and then what it will cost to get the word out that there is a program for student social networking that is different from the one(s) that already exist.

For anyone or any business to sponsor it, they would have to see some return on their investment. . . one that is better than what they would get putting the money in the bank or using it for other formats of marketing what they sell or do.

So, my suggestion is to go to SCORE for review and help with your business plan. Go to www.score.org to "find a local chapter' and enter your zip code. You'll get info on the closest chapter(s). Their services are confidential and free.

Alan
Consultant, speaker, author of "Elements of Selling.'

Travis Bristol ⋅ Fort Mitchell, AL U.S. Army, Staff Sergeant ⋅ 17 years served

Thank you for kind reply. I understand the need for a business plan and have writen one (not the best one). However, even with a business plan still on luck with lenders, that is why I am seeking sponsorships. Just to be clear, I am seeking advice about approaching large corps. for sponsorships.
Thank you again for your reply.

ken wayte ⋅ Costa Mesa, CA General Electric ⋅ 30 years experience

I cannot give you a sponsorship but a suggestion that you need to have in place if you are looking for funding from either a bank, company or venture capital firm. Develop a business plan. Most anyone who might loan or give you money will want to see one. A business plan is simple in idea, but much harder to execute. A plan simply says what you are going to do and how will you do it. In the plan you will need to have details such as what market are you going after, how big is it, how are you unique, who will be your competitors, what will be your costs, at what price do you sell the service at, where will the income come from. Be specific, why would schools use your service, what schools would use this service, have you had any discussions with schools and have they shown interest. The more specific and planned out your plan is, the better your chance of getting funding. Use the internet and google for ideas and info on developing a business plan. Good luck