The Bi-State Investment Group I, LLC (BIG) is a member-managed Limited Liability Company organized in 2000 to provide equity capital to early stage entrepreneurial companies within 2 hours of the Greater Kansas City Area. BIG has over 70 members, all of whom are accredited investors. BIG is structured after a similar organization in North Carolina, the Tri-State Investment Group (TIG).

Objective: The primary focus of BIG is to identify well-managed, well-positioned companies operating in industries with considerable growth potential that can generate a significant return on investment. BIG and its members want to contribute to the success of start-up companies by investing money and expertise.

Criteria: The average size of an investment from the BIG fund is $250,000 - $350,000, although the members are available to make "add-on" investments in conjunction with the fund. This could increase the funding to as much as $1 million. BIG will also co-invest with other investors. Funding requests have been as little as $100,000 and as high as $3 million.

The investment criteria are:

  • High-growth potential
  • A defined exit strategy
  • A strong management team
  • Proprietary technology and / or a competitive advantage
  • A well thought business plan

BIG will not invest in:
  • Real estate or real estate related investments
  • Other venture funds
  • Oil & Gas, cattle feed or other syndications
  • International investments
  • Opportunities outside 200 miles from Kansas City
  • Non-venture capital types of companies-in other words those companies whose growth and profitability cannot support venture capital types of return on investment (e.g., greater than 40% compounded annual rate of return)


BIG investments are generally made with equity securities (common stock, preferred stock, convertible preferred, convertible debentures, debentures with warrants).

Process: The process for applying to BIG for financing is to go to the Apply for Funding page on this website. If you are ready for financing, complete the online application and submit it to BIG. Please note that this application may be forwarded to all BIG members. BIG will not sign Non-Disclosure Agreements, so do not include any information which you consider proprietary. It is not in BIG's interest, nor is it BIG's intent, to use such information to the detriment of the entrepreneur. The BIG Executive Committee reviews the applications and 8-10 companies are selected a month to present to the Screening Committee, a sub group of BIG comprising up to 12 members. The Screening Committee meets twice a month (generally the 2nd and 4th Monday at 3 pm.). Applications must be received at least five days prior to a screening meeting. If selected, you will be notified by the preceding Friday, and will be requested to present your plan at the next meeting. Presentations are limited to 15 minutes with an additional 10-15 minutes for questions and answers. Due to time constraints, Powerpoint presentations are discouraged, however overheads or handouts are allowed. From these two monthly screening meetings, two companies are selected to present to the following month's membership meeting (generally the first Thursday of the month). A complete business plan will also be requested.

If an entrepreneur is not selected, do not despair. Failing to be selected will not prohibit BIG members from voluntarily contacting an entrepreneur. However, no one will be given access to any database or other information concerning BIG members. Please recognize that BIG is a volunteer, membership group with limited capacity to review opportunities. Many plans have been assisted by BIG members outside of this process and/or have been successful on second or third attempts. If you are interested in reapplying, it is recommended that you update your application. All presenting entrepreneurs will be given constructive feedback. One major strength of BIG is the diversity of its membership to give feedback as well as to assist companies financially.

The Bi-State Investment Group I, LLC is a private, independent organization and is not affiliated with the Enterprise Center of Johnson County or Kessinger Consulting Associates, LLC (KCA). KCA does not make any investment recommendations to BIG Members, does not conduct any due diligence on behalf of the BIG, and does not screen investments. Any and all information sent to BIG will be distributed to the BIG members and is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be and is not a solicitation of investment or legal advise with respect to securities and/or investments. All BIG members are solely responsible for their own investment decisions.