Finding startup capital for your business can be one of the greatest hurdles faced by any enthusiastic prospective business owner. There are several options available, such as:
Approaching A Bank Or Any Other Debt-Financing Institution
In order to obtain a loan, you might need a well-drafted business plan, accurate cash flow projections, a description of the collateral for security, the debt-to-equity ratio, your financial history and your personal and business credit profiles. You might also need to submit the last tax returns and bank statements from the past three years.
Applying For A State Or Federal Grant
You can approach the Small Business Administration (SBA) to get a list of grants available. These grants are, however, highly competitive and have strict rules about the usage of the money granted. There is no guarantee that you will get a grant, so do not rely on them totally; keep other options open, too.
Opt For Equity Financing
This means that your business gets funding in exchange for equity ownership stake. Institutional investors, angel investors, and venture capitalists are all involved in such funding for business startups.
Go For A Home Equity Loan
You could use your home and get a loan on its equity to finance your business. Caution is necessary because if the business fails, you could end up losing both the business and your home. Use this option only if you are sure that your business will succeed.
Go For An Insurance Policy Loan
You could get up to 90% of the cash value and the policy stays in place as long as you pay your premiums on time.
Borrowing against your 401(K) plan may be another option.
You could try using your IRA funds.
Getting a loan from family and friends. It is better to get everything in writing.
Using credit cards is another option.
These are just a few options to help in finding startup capital for your business.
It is necessary to have a good business plan, confidence in the plan and the ability to convince the lender that you are a low-risk investment. This can be accomplished if you have accurate cash flow projections of your business, have a very clear idea of how you will utilize the loan amount, and have maintained a good personal and business credit profile.
It may help if you established a relationship with credit rating firms and get your traders and suppliers to participate, too. It will help if you seek a loan from a bank with which you already have established a working relationship. Have firm commitment to repay the debt and be debt-free as soon as possible. If you are confident and have good business acumen, finding startup capital for your business will not be a problem.
There are firms that offer services as well as products to help run a successful business.