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What Are Your Options To Fund a Business?

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StrategyDriven Managing Your Finances Article | What Are Your Options To Fund a Business?If you are thinking about starting a new business, there are a lot of factors that you need to consider. One of the most important factors of how you are going to fund your business. Without capital for your business, it doesn’t matter what else you have for your products and services. You will not be able to pay for inventory, purchase supplies, or pay for marketing. Therefore, you need to take a closer look at the options you have available for raising capital. What are a few of the top options you have at your disposal?

You Can Start by Bootstrapping Your Company

A lot of people get their businesses off the ground through something called bootstrapping. This is the process of taking your savings and using it to get your business through the early stages. The biggest benefit of dipping into your own personal savings is that you will not have to worry about paying anyone back. On the other hand, you probably only have so much money in your savings account. What are you going to do when this money runs out? That is why you need to learn more about some of the other options that are available.

You Can Ask for Help from Family and Friends

If you are looking for a way to raise money for your business, you may also want to consider asking your family members and friends for help. In a lot of cases, they could be willing to offer you a loan without interest. Before you think about taking out loans that have interest attached to them, you should reach out to family members and friends to see if they have any options available. In order for you to run a successful business, you have to learn how to take vantage of your connections. The first connections you need to lean on are your family members and friends. They might even be willing to simply give you money in exchange for a souvenir or prop from your company, such as a coffee cup or a T-shirt.

You Can Look at Venture Capital Options

Another option you might want to consider if you are thinking about ways to raise capital for your company is through something called venture capital, such as Patrick Chung of Xfund. The idea behind venture capital is that you pitch your business and how it works to a board that has a lot of money to spend. Then, if they believe in the premise of your company, they will give you the money they are looking for in exchange for a small percentage of equity in your company. You ought also to have access to experienced business owners and leaders who can provide you with the guidance you need to take your business to meet heights. If you are looking for funding for your business in addition to experts who can help you, this could be an option that you would like to consider for your company as well.

You Can Give Crowdfunding a Try 

You may also want to try something cold Crowdfunding. Crowdfunding is the process of raising small amounts of money from a lot of people. For example, you may want to use a website that can help spread the word about your business. Then, by explaining what your company does, you may have people who are willing to offer you small donations. If you are willing to offer a small souvenir, such as a keychain, you may be able to collect donations for more people while still turning a profit on that small keychain. Consider using crowdfunding to help you raise money.

You Can Apply for a Business Loan

Finally, you can also go to the convention in route, which is applying for a loan from a small business company. Keep in mind that you are going to have to pay this loan back with interest. You also need to convince the lender that your business is going to be a success. If you do not have any other options, you may want to consider applying for a small business loan from a bank or credit union.

Raise Money for Your Business

These are a few of the many options you have available if you are trying to raise money for a business. You need to think carefully about where the money for your business is going to come from. If you do not have enough capital to market and develop your products and services, you will not be able to meet the needs of your customers. Fortunately, there are professionals who can help your business raise the money it needs. If you work with the pros, you can focus on the more exciting parts of your company.

How to Start Your Own Small Business

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StrategyDriven Starting Your Business Article |Small Business|How to Start Your Own Small BusinessIf you have dreamed about being an entrepreneur and starting your own small business, the process may be easier than you imagined. Since you are not opening a large or medium business, the steps to create your business are much more manageable. You do not have to deal with stock, public trading, large demands for capital, or complex tax or legal issues. Here is what you need to know about taking on this endeavor.

Steps to Starting Your Own Small Business

You can quickly launch your business after completing these steps:

Business Planning

Every business should have a business plan. This is the foundation of your request for outside funding. However, even if you do not require funding from a bank or other financial institution, a business plan can be helpful in creating a roadmap on how to operate and grow your business.

Funding Your Business

You may need some initial capital to start your small business, such as to pay for inventory, equipment, staff, and other needs. You may have several options to fund your business, such as:

  • Using personal funds
  • Asking friends and family to invest
  • Using crowdfunding
  • Borrowing from a bank or other financial institution
  • Seeking out investors

You will want to consider the funds you need to initially start your business, as well as your capital needs for the future. You don’t want to make an initial ask for funds and then have to return to ask for more shortly later.

Pick a Business Location

The location you choose for your business can have a dramatic impact on the potential success – or lack thereof – of your business. The business location you choose can affect your revenue, legal requirements, and taxes. Additionally, if you choose a bad location that is associated with past problems or legal issues, this can negatively impact the community’s perception of your business.

Use appropriate tools to get an address report about locations that you are considering. This can help you to be informed about the location and any potential issues with it.

Select Your Business Structure

The legal structure you select for your business will impact important aspects of your business, including requirements on how to register your business, your potential personal liability, and the amount you pay in taxes. Common types of legal structures for small businesses include:

  • Sole proprietorship – This is the simplest structure to have and if you do not choose any other structure, this will be the default classification for your business. With a sole proprietorship, you do not have any protection from personal liability and your business income is taxed at your individual rate.
  • Partnership – A partnership involves two or more people who are in business together. It is possible to limit personal liability with certain types of partnerships.
  • Limited liability company – A limited liability company has the same types of legal protections as a corporation but provides tax benefits of a partnership.
  • Corporation – A corporation is a separate legal entity from the individual owners. It can own property, pay taxes, enter into contracts, assume liability, and make and defend against legal claims in its own name. Corporations provide protection against personal liability.

You will want to choose the business structure that best suits the needs of your business, now and in the future.

Register Your Business

You will want to register your business to make it legal and to establish a brand for it. You will likely need to register with the government, potentially with the federal, state, and local government. Corporations must file articles of incorporation that identify the business name, its purpose, the legal structure, and other pertinent information.

If you hire employees, you will need an Employer Identification Number.

Acquire Legal Permits and Licenses

You may also be required to obtain various legal permits and licenses to legally operate your business. These vary by your state, location, industry, and other factors. Some trades require you to maintain a professional license. You may also need a permit before you collect sales tax from customers.

Purchase Insurance

Keep yourself protected by purchasing a general business insurance policy. You may also inquire about other types of insurance that may be able to protect you, such as errors and omissions insurance. A competent insurance broker should be able to inform you of your options.

Seek Out Additional Resources

Fortunately, there are many places that you can turn to for assistance and information. The Small Business Administration offers a wealth of information, including many free resources. Many states also have other organizations that provide assistance to small businesses and can help with everything from market research to financial planning. You can also check with the agency where you must register your business for additional assistance.

Conclusion

By following the steps above, you can soon be on your way to starting your own small business and becoming your own boss. Good luck!

About the Author

StrategyDriven Expert Contributor | Ben HartwigBen is a Web Operations Executive at InfoTracer who takes a wide view from the whole system. He authors guides by sharing the best practices and does it the right way!