There’s a lot of talk these days about alternative business funding for small businesses. But what does that really mean? And how can you access it?
Alternative business funding is a term used to describe a wide variety of funding options that are available to small businesses outside of the traditional bank loan.
This can include options like crowd-funding, angel investing, and venture capital. The best way to find out if alternative business funding is right for your small business is to explore all of your options.
There are a lot of great resources available online and through your local Small Business Development Center.
16 alternative business funding for small business
Small businesses have a number of options when it comes to funding. Here are 16 alternative business funding sources to consider:
1) Venture capital firms: Venture capitalists are interested in investing in high-growth companies. They tend to invest in companies that are in industries with high potential for growth, such as technology and healthcare.
2) Angel investors: Angel investors are individuals who invest in small businesses. They tend to be more risk-tolerant than traditional investors, and they often provide mentorship and advice to the businesses they invest in.
3) Private equity firms: Private equity firms invest in companies that are typically larger and more established than those that receive venture capital. Private equity firms typically seek to buy a controlling interest in the companies they invest in and then work to improve the company’s operations and grow its value.
4) Strategic investors: Strategic investors are companies that invest in other companies in order to gain a strategic advantage. For example, a company in the same industry as the company being acquired might invest in order to gain access to that company’s technology or customer base.
5) Family and friends: Many small businesses are funded by the owner’s family and friends. This can be a good source of funding, but it can also put a strain on personal relationships if the business is not successful.
6) Personal savings: Many small business owners fund their businesses with their own savings. This can be a good option, but it can also be a risky one, as the owner is putting his or her personal finances at risk.
7) Bank loans: Banks are a traditional source of funding for small businesses. Bank loans can be a good option, but they typically require collateral, such as the business owner’s home.
8) Government loans: The Small Business Administration (SBA) is a government agency that provides loans to small businesses. SBA loans typically have low interest rates and long repayment terms.
9) Business credit cards: Business credit cards can be a good source of short-term funding for small businesses. However, they typically have high interest rates, so they should be used carefully.
10) Accounts receivable financing: Accounts receivable financing is a type of funding where businesses sell their receivables (invoices) to investors in exchange for cash. This can be a good option for businesses that have a lot of receivables but need cash immediately.
11) Inventory financing: Inventory financing is a type of funding where businesses use their inventory as collateral for a loan. This can be a good option for businesses that need cash to buy inventory but don’t have the collateral for a traditional loan.
12) Equipment financing: Equipment financing is a type of funding where businesses use their equipment as collateral for a loan. This can be a good option for businesses that need cash to buy equipment but don’t have the collateral for a traditional loan.
13) lines of credit: A line of credit is a type of loan that allows businesses to borrow up to a certain amount of money and then repay it over time. This can be a good option for businesses that need flexibility in their funding.
14) merchant cash advances: A merchant cash advance is a type of funding where businesses sell a portion of their future credit and debit card sales in exchange for cash. This can be a good option for businesses that need cash immediately and expect to have a lot of credit and debit card sales in the future.
15) crowdfunding: Crowdfunding is a type of funding where businesses raise money from a large number of people, typically through an online platform. This can be a good option for businesses that are able to generate a lot of interest and support from the public.
16) grants: Grants are a type of funding that is typically given by foundations or government agencies. Grants can be a good option for businesses that are working on a project with social or public benefits.
No matter which route you decide to take, alternative business funding can be a great way to get the financing you need to start or grow your small business. With a little research, you can find the right option for your business.