How to get funding from vendors!

Besides asking for an investment in your firm from your local venture capitalist (and selling your soul), you can request funds for your sales and marketing activities from your vendor partners.  Think abou the next sales conference you want to run, or the next sales incentive program you need to fund, in either case these activities should be focused around a vendor's products.  Direct mail campaigns are acceptable.  Each vendor has a published list of programs that they will co-sponsor and fund if the right plan is put in place.  Ask them for the list.  Let your account manager know you are planning such an event and since you're promoting their brand and their product line you'd like some funds in the spirit of the partnership.  Be prepared to document your approach and your expectations, keep all of your receipts and even invite your vendor account manager to the event or better yet keep them in the loop of all the successes.  Successes can be defined as new leads, sales, whatever. 
 
These vendors have millions and millions of dollars waiting to spend on brand specific and market specific campaigns.  This is a win win.