As a small business owner, there may come a time when you feel like you’ve exhausted your funding options. This funding could mean the difference between growth and stagnation.
It could mean the difference between operation and failure.
When it comes to funding your small business, there may be more funding options than you might be aware of. You’re not alone. The majority of small business owners don’t know what types of funding are available.
If your business needs a cash injection, continue reading below to find out how you can get the money to make your business grow and thrive.
Small Business Loans
This type of funding may seem obvious, but it shouldn’t be overlooked. Many lenders want to lend money to small businesses.
You may need to do a bit of research. Many bigger banks place heavy requirements on securing a small business loan. If the business is relatively new, it will have a short or nonexistent credit history.
This could damage your chances of getting a loan.
If you or a business partner has good credit, you can apply for the loan using your credit report. Often, you will need to secure the loan with a personal asset, such as a car or your home.
The bonus to getting a small business loan is that you do not owe anyone a share of your company. You do need to be aware of the rates and terms of the loan.
You can find a variety of loans with different terms with companies like Dealstruck. Getting a loan doesn’t have to be as difficult as many would make it seem.
Angel Investors and Venture Capitalists
Going this route can be a bit tricky. There are people out there who are willing to give money to startups.
You must be wary of the conditions, though. Most angel investors and venture capitalists will expect a share of the company in return.
This means that your business operations need to be in the best interest of your shareholders. You now owe them a fiduciary duty.
When you approach these types of investors, be transparent. Be honest about your business plan and projections.
These relationships should be built on trust. They are trusting you to grow their money over time.
Crowdfunding
Crowdfunding is a new phenomenon. You can use a crowdfunding platform to request small investments or donations from friends, relatives, and even strangers.
Crowdfunding has become a popular method of getting funds for a small business. This may be due to the fact that people are more willing to give money to people they know.
Much like peer-to-peer lending, the people closest to you are more likely to understand your vision. They are also more likely to know whether or not you will be able to succeed in seeing your vision through.
Bootstrapping
You may come to the realization that you need to self-fund your business. You may only need to do this until you have achieved a place where you can expand to more formal lending options.
You may need to dip into any savings accounts you may have. You may need to use personal credit cards or leverage other personal assets.
Some business owners will sell personal assets, such as a second home or car, in order to get funding. Some will pull out a second mortgage on their home.
Whatever you choose, you will demonstrate that you are thoroughly invested in your business. This will make your business more appealing to other investors down the road.
You may also find that you can reinvest your business’s profit into growing your business. This is a good thing.
If investors see that you can do this, they may turn you down. Take the opportunity to invest your own money into expanding your marketing campaign and other important facets.
Credit Cards
Personal and business credit cards can be a great way to keep your finances on track. You will be able to obtain the purchasing power your business needs to operate. All your expenses will be easily located on a single monthly statement.
Business credit cards often offer rewards, such as miles or cash back, on purchases. When you get used to using a business credit card for transactions, you will find that you can collect awesome rewards.
These rewards may help you save on travel and more.
As with any credit card, you should be careful. Remember to stay on top of your payments and use no more than 30% of your total line of credit.
Normal best rules of practice apply here.
You do not want to get caught collecting a mountain of debt in order to operate your business.
Grants
Federal, state, and local governments offer a variety of grants for small businesses. Often, these grants are for businesses that have the potential to help society in some way.
These grants could be for creating jobs, creating renewable sources of energy, and more.
You will never have to pay back this money, even if your business fails. You don’t need to worry about any terms or interest.
These grants can be pretty difficult to find, though. When you do find them, they may be even harder to get.
You may need to invest some time into researching different government grants. If you can find one that you may qualify for, then apply.
If you are approved, then you get free money to help you start your business.
Types of Funding for Small Businesses
Starting a business can be a stressful time in your life. You may pour your heart into it and realize you’ve run out of funding ideas.
Before you stress too much, remember that your options are many. You may not realize it, but there are always options for your business.
Whether you seek help from friends or sell your car, your strength and determination will pay off.
If you found this list of some of the types of funding you can use, then check out some other ways you can build your brand and make more money.