Raising money for starting or growing a business is one of the most challenging parts of being an entrepreneur or a business owner. You might have that revolutionary idea for a product or a service, but your resources aren’t just enough. So, where do you turn to get the financing for your business idea?
Thankfully, there are many loan options for you and professionals to help you get the best terms. Various options are available, including state grants, crowdfunding, regional loans, and state-based loans.
In this post, you’ll learn how to get the funds to start your business or keep it running. Here are ten ways to fund your start-up business or get resources to realize your business goals.
#1. Bank loans
Many small and medium businesses are eligible for a bank loan if they have a good credit rating. Banks will need to look at your business’ financial health and your income to determine your eligibility. In North Carolina, many banks have programs designed specifically for small businesses to get off the ground.
#2. SBA loans
If you don’t qualify for a regular bank loan, you may still be able to obtain a Small Business Administration (SBA) loan. The SBA Guarantee Program helps small and medium-sized businesses that may not be able to get funding elsewhere. Working capital loans can last up to 10 years and up to $ 5 million.
The SBA reduces the risk to lenders by guaranteeing repayment of loans. Businesses have a wide range of SBA loans to choose from. Each type has its own parameters and stipulations on using the money and when to repay it.
#3. Private equity
Private equity is a large industry that invests in businesses that are not publically listed. Private equity firms participate in your business and generate operating profit that you can use to build your business.
They usually stay in your company for around four years before leaving. Private equity entities typically make money by selling their position to another investor or back to you.
Some individual investors are focused on many types of businesses. For example, venture capitalists tend to focus on early tech companies, while some focus on late consumer companies.
#4. Strategic partnership
Suppose other companies or organizations are ready to contribute to your success. In that case, they are probably prepared to invest in helping you support yourself. If you can create opportunities for them, they may be interested in supporting your growth by building strategic partnerships.
This mostly happens if your business is up and running and can offer opportunities to potential strategic partners. Strategic partners can be vendors, suppliers, and other people you have a common interest and benefit from the partnership.
#5. Crowdfunding
Crowdfunding is a novel way for small and medium businesses to fund their activities. These platforms use technology to connect the right entrepreneurs and investors.
Crowdfunding can save time and effort by successfully creating a single business environment for all potential investors using profiles. The most popular funding platforms in the United States are Indiegogo and Kickstarter.
Remember that crowdfunding forums differ significantly in terms of performance, features, and requirements. Therefore, it is best to determine which one best suits your goals.
#6. Angel investors
Angel investors invest in promising business ventures that need quick funding for a piece of the business.
Angel investment is quite similar to private equity though it functions differently. It typically focuses on the earliest stage of technology start-ups. If you’re an innovative start-up with a bias to technology, this is one of the best options for funding your business.
One of the issues with this is that you will need to provide the angel investor with equity in your company and, most likely, some power in decision-making. Therefore, the angel investor approach must align with your vision and the company’s purpose.
#7. Grants
Government agencies and charities provide grants to businesses in various areas. A business grant is money given to companies in need when repayment is not expected. The money you’re given is not a loan, and therefore no interest is attached.
Generally, businesses that qualify for grants will have to offer some form of ‘public good.’ There are research and development grants programs, environmental companies, social services, child care, etc.
#8. Business credit card
If you’re short on cash, a business or personal credit card can be good to use to help your new venture get off the ground. Be careful with these, though, as interest rates can be high and terms can be onerous.
#9. Short-term loan
Not all companies (or business owners) have good credit scores, but funding options are still available. You can get the funding or capital you need with a short-term loan. Generally, the repayment period is only a few months, and interest rates can be higher than other options.
#10. Invoice financing
If you charge a customer, you may have to wait weeks or months for payment to be made. However, you can get your money earlier with one of the many programs which offer invoice financing, which borrows money based on the value of unpaid invoices.
Our Raleigh Business Lawyers Can Help With Your Startup
Starting a business is hard – the team at Wilson Ratledge can help your firm with legal and startup advice to put you in the best situation as you launch your new venture. Call them today at 919-787-7711 or fill out the online form to schedule a consultation today!