When the entrepreneur begins the search for funding, he or she will approach a number of sources looking for funds. In most cases, the plan will be scrutinized by knowledgeable individuals from the financial institution or it may be passed on to an outside consultant. In earlier times, these institution would treat the expense of investigating a new venture as part of the cost of doing business. However, many are asking the entrepreneur to pay an upfront fee, which may or may not be refunded if the company goes ahead with the financing.