Find funding for your Internet service provider startup

Startup businesses often need capital to get off the ground, including ISP startups. Various networks allow hopeful startups to connect with generous investors for financial assistance and business plans.

I recommend: Go BIG Network connects startups with potential investors through email matches, a network board where hopeful entrepreneurs can post their requests, and sitewide promotions. It also offers business plan preparation. Go4Funding matches startups with investment angels, providing a forum and message board for posting requests. Its resources also include proposals and business plans.

Explore all-in-one solutions to make your ISP startup easier

You will need a good host provider, a nationwide network, dialup numbers, billing services and reliable customer support to get your ISP startup off the ground.

I recommend: Start an ISP provides a comprehensive package including hosting, network servers, access numbers, billing services and customer support. Dialup USA offers full turnkey services to medium and large corporations that manage all of the ISP tasks or allows clients a pick and choose option.

Consider a facilities-based ISP startup

A facilities-based ISP startup means you own the equipment, such as dialup servers and switches, for your Internet Service Provider. This gives you 100% control, but you will need a staff of technicians on-hand to manage any server issues.

I recommend: Cisco has the type of access servers you'll need to run a facilities-based ISP. Microsoft offers a connection manager kit to help you set up access for customers dialing into your ISP startup.