Do you have an amazing new business idea that you would like to pursue?
Awesome. But unfortunately, you’re not going to get very far if you can’t find funding for it.
You’re likely going to need at least a few thousand dollars to get things going. And it could be way more than that if you’re planning on manufacturing a product or offering a service to customers.
Funding a startup isn’t impossible, though. There are actually quite a few different options that you’ll have as far as raising capital for a startup. You just need to know where to look.
If you’re in the process of funding a startup, try one of these simple options on for size. They can provide you with the cash you need now so you can move forward.
1. Borrow Money From a Close Friend or Family Member
Do you have a close friend or family member who might be in a position to help with funding a startup? As long as you don’t need to ask for too much money, that might be a good place to start.
It’s usually not a great idea to ask family members or friends for money. It can lead to all kinds of complications down the line.
But in this particular instance, your friend or family member might actually appreciate you getting them involved. They might get excited over the opportunity to invest in your business and help you make something out of it.
The worst thing they can do is shoot you down and say no. But in the grand scheme of things, borrowing money from family members or friends and making it a point to pay them back might be the best option of all for both you and your startup.
2. Consider Launching a Crowdfunding Campaign
If you get shot down by a family member or friend or just don’t feel comfortable asking them for money, your next best bet might be going the crowdfunding route. It’s an excellent way to get the money you need and build some buzz about whatever product or service you’re going to be offering.
The concept behind crowdfunding is fairly simple. You set up an account on a crowdfunding platform, tell people how much money you would like to raise, explain what your business is, and, most importantly, offer to give people something in exchange for their money.
Most times, startups will offer to provide those who donate money to their crowdfunding campaigns with products or services before they’re available to the general public.
Crowdfunding is especially effective for funding a startup when you have an incredible product that people will want. They’ll feel passionate enough to donate money to get involved in the hopes of seeing your product succeed.
3. Approach an Angel Investor About Getting Involved
There have been more and more angel investors popping up all across the country in recent years.
Angel investors are very successful people who use their own money to help with funding a startup. In most cases, they’re billionaires who don’t mind taking chances on startups in the hopes of them blowing up and becoming million- and billion-dollar companies.
If you have a strong enough idea, attempt to set up meetings with angel investors and pitch them on your idea. They’ll usually want to take a large stake in your company in order to invest in it. But the great part about that is that, once they’re invested, they can provide you with the mentorship you’ll need to take your business to the top.
4. See If a Venture Capitalist Would Be Interested in Investing
Venture capitalists are similar to angel investors in that they’ll help with funding a startup and take a percentage of the startup for their troubles.
However, while angel investors usually only consist of one person or a very small group of people, venture capitalists are often collections of professional people willing to invest in startups.
One thing you’ll want to keep in mind when it comes to venture capitalists is that they’re typically only willing to invest in startups that are established with working capital. They’re not always interested in investing in smaller operations.
It’s obviously something you would want to think about before even spending time approaching venture capitalists.
5. Apply for a Loan
Not everyone feels comfortable selling off shares in their startup before it really gets off the ground. And that’s OK! You still have a couple other options if angel investors and venture capitalists aren’t right for you.
If you have good credit, you might be able to take out a personal or business loan for your startup.
The loan application process can be long and arduous in many cases as most lenders want to know exactly how startups plan to spend the money they borrow. But as long as your business plan is airtight, you stand a good chance of being approved for a loan.
The Credit Review can provide you with further information on applying for loans through reputable loan matching services.
6. Turn to Credit Cards as a Last Resort
Funding a startup with credit cards is not ideal. It could actually turn out to be a big mistake. You’re going to end up paying an arm and a leg in interest fees when you opt to use credit cards.
But if you have no other options and you really believe in the business you’re starting up, credit cards can get you the money you need. They’ll also allow you to retain complete ownership of your business, which could really benefit you in a big way down the line.
Put some real thought into using credit cards for funding a startup before doing it. It’s a risky proposition, but it could be your only choice.
Spend Time Weighing All Your Options Before Funding a Startup
There are pros and cons that come with all the options for funding a startup listed here. Weigh them out and consider every option carefully before choosing the right one for you.
By going with the right option, you’ll set your startup up for both short-term and long-term success. You’ll also put yourself in a better position if you need to seek additional funding in the future.
For more useful tips like these, be sure to read more articles on how to successfully start a business, while exploring different options for funding your next big idea.