In less than 20 minutes a week, we'll introduce you to an expert or business owner with deep experience in what they do. Grow you, grow your team, grow a small business. Welcome to the "Grow a Small Business" podcast with your host, Troy Trewin. In this episode, Troy interviews Liz Raad from Brisbane Angels based in Australia. In this podcast episode, Liz Raad, an angel investor associated with Brisbane Angels, engages in a detailed discussion about the nuances of angel investing with host Troy Trewin. Together, they delve into the crucial factors that draw angel investors to startups, placing particular emphasis on qualities such as uniqueness, market potential, and the calibre of the founding team. Liz underscores the indispensable role of persistence for founders, stresses the importance of thorough preparation, and outlines how forging connections with angel groups and incubators can greatly benefit aspiring entrepreneurs seeking angel investments.   In another Episode 453, Troy interviews Matt Raad, who is a husband and also a partner of Liz Raad. Matt highlights the significance of possessing sales expertise, a commitment to continuous learning, and a forward-thinking approach for fostering business growth and achieving success. The conversation sheds light on the pivotal roles played by mentors and strategic planning in attaining successful business exits. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners:   Understanding Angel Investing: Liz Raad shares insights into angel investing, emphasising that it involves early-stage businesses beyond friends and family funding, requiring financial injections for growth.   Angel Investors and Business Growth: Angel investors bring more than money; they offer expertise, connections, and experience to help businesses scale from small to significant levels.   What Angel Investors Seek: Raad highlights six key elements that attract angel investors: uniqueness, a substantial market, protection or speed to market, a solid marketing strategy, a competent team, and a persistent, enthusiastic founder. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Success and Failure in Angel Investing: While success stories can be highly rewarding, failures often stem from founder-related issues, market changes, or regulatory hurdles. Persistence and commitment are crucial for founders.   Team Dynamics and Angel Investment: The importance of selecting the right co-founders/partners is underscored, as well as the role of angel investors in assisting founders to build effective teams.   Resources and Preparation: Small business owners aspiring for angel investment should connect with local angel groups, seek incubators or accelerators for guidance, and understand the language and requirements of angel investors. One action small business owners can take:   Liz Raad advises small business owners to connect with local angel investor groups and explore incubators or accelerators for business preparation, pitch structuring, and understanding angel investing language, enhancing their chances of securing angel investments.   Do you have 2 minutes every Friday? Sign up to the Weekly Leadership Email. It's free and we can help you to maximise your time.   Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. ?     Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Persistence is key in navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship – Liz Raad   Incubators and accelerators prepare entrepreneurs to speak the language of angel investing – Liz Raad Connecting with local angel investor groups can significantly boost funding prospects– Liz Raad