The 5 Most Reliable Ways to Fund Your Start-Up Business Idea

If you want to start your own small business, funding is the place where you always get stuck. You know that it’s a great idea, but how can you raise the money to get it started? With this guide, you will be able to get financing for your business idea.

1. Take a bank loan

Some banks offer small loans to start-ups, but banks remain careful about giving credit to small companies. It can be challenging to qualify and get approval. There are other finance companies, however, which may be better equipped to help you get your business off the ground.

If approaching other companies is an option, be careful as some may have a downside, there are many predatory lending companies out there. Ensure you know from whom you’re borrowing, what the terms and repayment options are, before you sign on the dotted line.

2. Friends and family

Another way to start your small business is by borrowing money from your friends or family. While it may seem difficult to convince them to be investors for your idea, your family and friends surely will believe in you and your idea. There might be many who are ready to help you fund your project. It’s a good idea to ensure that each of you gets some sound legal advice, especially if you’re taking that money as a loan.

While taking money from friends or family, there is a drawback of losing your friends and straining relationships. Be careful before you proceed this way.

3. Crowdfunding

If you’ve got a mind-blowing idea and you’re great at social media, you can opt for a crowdfunding option. When websites like Indiegogo and Kickstarter started, several start up businesses had great success in putting funds together through those websites' reach.

Like others, crowdfunding also has drawbacks, depending on what the startup must give in return for the capital. Be careful and exhaust all other avenues first. 

4. Grants for small business

The Small Business Administration (SBA) and other organizations sometime offer grants and loans to small business which are owned by women, veterans, and minorities. If your business falls into any of these categories, it’s worth speaking to your local SBA representative and Chamber of Commerce or other local organizations, that help small businesses get off the ground. The SBA also offers business loans if you don't qualify for a grant.

Thinking about the downside? Check the documents carefully before you sign them and ensure that you won’t need to pay the money back in the case of a grant or that you can meet the repayment conditions on a loan. Though not all grants have stipulations, some may and loans always need to be repaid. 

5. Keep your job

Generally, this suggestion is not liked by everyone, but keeping your current situation and salary will be a help until your start-up becomes profitable. Instead of leaving your job, spend some time getting your business off the ground and building it through the early, difficult phases with the security of your 9-5 job to pay your bills.

It lets you build your business with fewer compromises, and enables you to stay your vision without so much financial pressure.

Oh yeah, how do you forget about the downside? It might be possible that you miss opportunities, lose focus, or stunt creativity by taking on too much at one time. You might not be giving your best to both, your job and your business at the same time, hence one or both will suffer.

Conclusion

Don’t let money stop your dream of starting a small business. If you want to start a business and don’t have money, you can still start it if you successfully put the above ideas into action. The best of luck in obtaining the funding for your dream start-up.