We'll put your plan in front of thousands of investors!" "We'll write you an award-winning online business plan!" "Only $3,000 for thousands of investors to learn about your company!"

Vultures are preying on honest business people who want to fund their businesses, says the author, who provides some useful tips on scams and how to spot them. “Don’t walk – run from these guys.”

There is one huge exception to this: ACE-Net, run by venture capitalists, institutional investors and individual accredited investors, and developed by the U.S. Small Business Administration to spur the creation of a marketplace for investors to find/invest in equity offers by small companies.

ACE-Net isn't for all companies. Those seeking under $1 million will probably find the paperwork daunting. Those seeking over $5 million won't qualify. But for those who do qualify, it's an amazing tool in raising financing.

As with any investor tool, don’t rely on ACE-Net alone. Use it in conjunction with your personally developed targeted funding search and an exceptional business plan.