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Few things are more exciting than coming up with a business idea you believe in. But bringing that idea to life typically requires an investment — and funding a business can be tricky for entrepreneurs without a financial history or fully developed product.
A traditional small-business loan often won’t be possible until your business has been up and running for a few months, at least. Still, you can turn to other sources to invest in your idea while you get your business off the ground, including friends, family, professional investors, startup grants and your own bank account.
Here’s how to decide which funding options make sense for you.
How much do you need?
We’ll start with a brief questionnaire to better understand the unique needs of your business.
Once we uncover your personalized matches, our team will consult you on the process moving forward.
Types of business funding
In general, there are two types of business funding:
Zero-debt financing: You use savings or give someone something nonmonetary in exchange for an investment, like equity in your company or a custom piece of merchandise.
Debt financing: You borrow money and promise to pay it back with interest, regardless of how successful your business becomes.
At the idea stage, zero-debt options are typically the better choice, especially if you have limited business experience, and you want to avoid taking on debt that you may not be able to handle.
Debt financing may make sense once you have a detailed business plan that includes market research, a competitor analysis, financial projections and an explanation of how you’ll earn enough revenue to pay back the amount borrowed.
» MORE: Debt vs. equity financing: Which is right for you?
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Ways to fund your business without taking on debt
When starting a business, your idea may be your most important asset. If you can convince others of the value of your business idea, they might be willing to invest in it without requiring you to pay them back.
Grants
Startup grants can be a source of free money for getting your business off the ground, but securing the award is not easy. Applying for funding often requires time and effort, but it can be worth it with grant amounts ranging from $1,000 to $25,000 or more.
You’ll want to check the eligibility requirement before applying, start preparing your grant application early and follow the instructions provided. You may be asked about your plan for your business, details about your market and competitors and how you would use the funds.
There are federal, state and private grants for small businesses as well as those designed for underserved groups and communities such as business grants for women, grants for minority entrepreneurs and grants for veterans.
Equity financing, including angel investment and venture capital
Equity financing gives individuals or firms a share of ownership in your business in exchange for the capital they provide to you.
Angel investing and venture capital are probably the two best-known methods of equity financing for startups. Angel investing is generally easier for aspiring entrepreneurs to secure — angel investors tend to be wealthy individuals, not investment firms, who focus on smaller investments. Venture capital firms, on the other hand, seek to invest in fast-growing startups that have the potential to be lucrative businesses.
With any type of investor, make sure to spell out the terms of the investment agreement in writing so all parties know what to expect and when.
Every investor will look for slightly different qualifications from the businesses they invest in. But like any other form of financing, you’ll probably need to demonstrate that your business plan is viable, your product or service fulfills a need in the market and your team can deliver on the idea.
You may be able to connect with angel investors and venture capitalists through your local business incubator or startup accelerator. An online search for your city or region and "business incubator" should lead you to any such organizations in your region.
Self-funding
Entrepreneurs often have to dip into their own pockets to get started. Doing so can help you avoid giving up control of your business to investors or paying interest on debts. On the other hand, if your business fails, you’ll lose your investment.
There are a variety of ways to self-fund your business, including tapping your retirement savings with a Rollover as Business Start-up or ROBS. Or, if you’re working a traditional full- or part-time job and starting a side hustle, consider remaining in your job as long as you can to maintain your personal financial security. Also, writing a business plan can help you come up with a strategy for growing your business to the point that it can support you.
Friends and family
Asking friends and family for a loan to start your business is a tried-and-true strategy for securing business funding. But mixing money and family matters can be complicated.
To preserve your relationships, treat your loved ones like any other investor. Share your business plan, answer their questions and be transparent about the risks. If they choose to invest in your idea, put your agreement in writing so everyone is on the same page. And if they choose not to, don’t take it personally — they need to look out for their own finances, too.
» MORE: Should you invest in a friend’s business?
Crowdfunding
If your business idea is developed enough to have garnered a dedicated audience — for instance, if you’re a home baker seeking to expand into a storefront or an artist who wants to make a certain piece of work — crowdfunding might be an option for you.
In general, there are three types of crowdfunding:
Rewards-based crowdfunding: Supporters donate to your business and receive a non-financial reward — like a piece of merchandise or exclusive access to an event — in return. Kickstarter and Indiegogo are platforms that support rewards-based crowdfunding.
Equity crowdfunding: Supporters receive equity in your company in anticipation of future returns. Wefunder is a platform that supports these kinds of campaigns, though investors may look for more established businesses.
Debt-based crowdfunding: Supporters essentially give you a loan, which you pay back on a prescribed schedule with interest or another kind of fee. Mainvest is one platform that offers these kinds of deals; although again, investors might lean toward more established businesses.
Debt-based financing options for your business idea
If you have a clear vision for your product or service, your business model and your market, taking on some debt can help accelerate your growth. You can generally spend debt-based financing as you see fit. However, make sure you’re prepared to pay it back on your lender’s schedule — because you may face late fees, liens or a lower credit score if you don’t.
Business credit cards
Depending on how much startup funding you need, a business credit card may provide enough financing to get your business up and running. Your credit limit will depend on the card issuer’s assessment of your creditworthiness. A card with a limit of several thousand dollars might be enough to create a product prototype or cover your business expenses while you secure your first few clients.
You can typically qualify for a business credit card if you have good or excellent credit (a FICO score of at least 690) and know your business structure; choosing a sole proprietorship works if you don’t have a formal structure yet.
Some business credit cards offer an introductory period with 0% APR, which allows you to carry a balance on the card for several months without accruing interest. Once the introductory period is over, the APR can be very high — above 20% in some cases. Make sure you have a plan to generate enough revenue to make those payments when the bill comes due.
» MORE: Business credit cards vs. business loans
Microloans
The U.S. Small Business Administration offers SBA microloans of up to $50,000 to all kinds of businesses, including startups. The program is designed for businesses traditionally underserved by lenders, which can make microloans easier to qualify for than other types of business loans.
Lots of nonprofit microlenders also make small loans to startup businesses. Like SBA microlenders, these mission-driven organizations often have less stringent application requirements than banks or online lenders.
Personal loans
You can use a personal loan for pretty much anything you need capital for, including your business. Since you are personally responsible for the debt, lenders only consider your personal financials and credit history on your application.
That personal responsibility can be a double-edged sword, though. If you default on a personal loan, your own assets could be seized. It can also be risky to commingle your personal and business finances.
In general, personal loans for businesses are similar in size to microloans: You may be able to borrow up to $50,000. However, APRs can vary widely — from as low as 5% to as much as 35%.
Funding your business’s growth
After a year or two in business, you’ll have access to some larger financing options that can help your business expand.
Business loans
Small-business term loans aren’t usually a good fit for startups, but they can help your business expand once it’s established. In general, you’ll need at least two years in business to qualify for the lowest interest rates and most favorable terms from banks, along with good personal credit and collateral.
Some online business loans have less stringent requirements, but typically still require at least a year in business.
Business lines of credit
Business lines of credit are similar to business credit cards. A line of credit gives you access to a set amount of funding, and you can spend as needed up to the limit. Once you repay what you withdraw, you can borrow funds up to your credit limit again.
If you work with an online lender, you may be able to qualify for a business line of credit with as little as six months in business.
