Chapter 5 - Financing Your Business
Business Start Up Funding - Get The Money You Need
Business Start Up Funds Are Available In A Variety of Choices, Read on To Get Ideas For The Capital You Need
 If you are starting a business, you will most certainly need money. Believe it or not, most new businesses do not start with a bank loan.
Start-ups often find it easier to get money from individuals. However, there are many different ways to fund you small business.
Look to Yourself
One way to finance your company is through personal funds.
This can be through a savings account, borrowing against your 401(k) or IRA, or using the equity in your home. Even if you plan to seek additional financing, most lenders and investors do not want to finance 100% of your business.
They Will Want To See Some of Your Own Capital In The Mix
Using your own money means that you have complete ownership and control of your business. It also means that you are putting all your assets on the line. That is why it is essential that you consider the risks involved before investing your money.
Bankers For Business Startup Funds Are A Popular Choice?
Many business owners will seek financing through their bank in the name of their business. Even so, banks are likely to ask for a personal guarantee such as your home or other capital.
When seeking a bank loan, you will want to have a detailed business plan.
If possible, attempt to get a bank loan after you have a track record with your business. This will make you more likely to get the loan you seek.
Government May Be Able To Help With Business Startup Funds
Government guaranteed loans are backed by the Small Business Administration. You can find lenders in your area that partner with the SBA.
Unlike when you use your own funds or a traditional loan, SBA funds can only be used to start or build up your business. You cannot use an SBA loan to:
- Pay off debt
- Pay off other investors
- Purchase real estate
You will also have to qualify for an SBA loan. To qualify, your business:
- Must meet the size limits
- Be for profit
- Must be independently owned and operated
Other guidelines can be found by going to the SBA website at http://www.sba.gov/.
You Could Be the Next Big Investment
 A venture capitalist (VC) is a single individual or group of individuals that invests in young companies in hopes of getting a good return on their investment.
Typically, they invest in companies that have the capacity to make them income in a 5 to 10 year span.
Venture capitalists are typically interested in businesses that:
- Have a solid track record
- Grow 20% or more per year
- Have management experience
As a venture capitalist, they will have some percentage of ownership and often require some management input.
What About a Grant?
For some small businesses, a grant, either from the government or a private source, can be a source of startup income.
Grants, unlike loans, are not paid back to the organization that gave the money.
Most grants are made available for the development of a product or service that will benefit the public or will generate a product or service the government needs.
It is unlikely that all the money will come from one source. That is why it is important to continually look for different funding sources as your business grows.
Resources:
Business Start up Funding - Search Over 4,000 Sources
More On Business start up Funding
What's Next
Next In This Guide
 Six Tips for Determining a Good Business Name - Choosing the name of your business wisely will help you succeed since potential customers will often base their decisions to buy simply on your business name within the first seven seconds.
Previous In This guide
 Figuring Out Your Business Start up Costs - Estimating business startup cost for your business is important estimate to high and you might not get the money estimate to low and you'll run dry soon.
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