In spite to the ongoing financial meltdown, the little-known 'search funds' have been increasingly drawing attention as a practical means for helping small businesses thump the normal odds of success.

The 'search funds' idea was initiated way back in 1984 by H. Irving Grousbeck, a Standford professor, then teaching at Harvard. It has trickled to Europe, Latin America, Asia and even South Africa.

The 'search funds' business model works in a typical way: a couple of go-getting graduates of a top-notch business school - who desire establishing their own business, but lack practical experience - present themselves as fledgling entrepreneurs capable of making tough-minded investors loads of money.

The investors raise nearly half a million dollars, facilitating a market search by the two would-be entrepreneurs, to hit upon a promising business with revenue between $10 million and $30.

In case the choice of the business is mutually acceptable to both parties, the investors provide finance for the acquisition of the business, become its board members and give their young partners the required training in hands-on management. If everything works out well, as the enterprise grows, there is money for the taking for everyone involved!

One of the countless 'search funds' success stories is the takeover of Houston's Road Rescue Inc. by Jim Ellis and Kevin Taweel, who built into the insurance biggie Asurion Inc!