Just over a year ago, jewelry design business D'Annunzio Group International was chugging along at a steady and predictable pace. But things took a dramatic turn in 2006 when DGI, in partnership with Warner Bros., launched a jewelry collection inspired by Tweety.

Sales went through the roof. As the orders poured in, the company found itself facing a shortage of capital and a backlog of unfilled orders. "We were in jeopardy of losing major business," recalls Arthur D'Annunzio, 41, CEO of the $10 million Totowa, New Jersey, company. His banker suggested venture merchant bank financing.

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