Are you a business owner looking to get your company to the next level? Or are you just starting out and desperately trying to find a way to get your business funded? While so many businesses have no idea of how to get the right funding, or even the avenues to go down, here are some ideas that may be on your list or might have escaped you.
Startup Loans
Also known as small business loans, there are generally two types of loan, secured and unsecured. Secured means using something as collateral, such as equipment or something integral to the business; and unsecured is, well, the opposite. The benefit of getting this type of loan is self-evident; you can front-load the business with the adequate funding and get everything you need in place. Depending on where you get the loan from, it usually requires you to provide a detailed business plan, or if you're already trading, a certain amount of revenue over a specific time period.
Crowdfunding
No doubt you're aware of the power to fund your business by depending on the kindness of strangers, but crowdfunding isn’t just asking for money and giving little in return. If you are relying on people to give a little bit of their cash to help finance your company, then you had better find a way to be thankful that’s cheap for you but also special for them. Merchandise is usually a nice little way to say thanks, and if people are donating a large sum of money, they can get a nicer gift. If a large amount of people give a small amount of money each, you can easily reach your target.
Cash Advances
A very handy one when you're constantly chasing your (financial) tail. If a customer or client hasn’t paid their invoice, it can leave you struggling. Also known as debtor finance, the lender buys a percentage of future transactions and pays the sum you require into your business account. They then get a percentage of each transaction, which is normally around 10 to 20%. If you need some breathing space, this is a good option.
An Angel Investor
Also known as a business angel, these are people who have been where you are right now, struggling financially, which really helps when it comes to personally appealing to these types of people for money. So, by pitching to these people, who are primarily entrepreneurs, it makes the process a lot less stressful. The downside, depending on your perspective, is that you have to give up a share of the company to the angel investor. It’s an issue that only you can decide whether it’s worth it for the longevity of your business. If you are desperate, it can be the lifeline you were hoping for, but it will depend on how much of the business they want, and if it’s financially viable.
There are plenty of other types, but the key is to make sure you know what you are entering into. It’s very tempting to say “yes” to any money when you're desperate, so do your research.
