Funding Tips & Advice
| Funding Type | Best For: | Pros | Cons | Read More |
| Business Loans | Established Businesses | Low interest rates | Strict requirements | |
| Credit cards | Businesses seeking to cover small gaps in cash flow | Helps establish credit | No federal protections | |
| Lines of credit | Established businesses seeking to cover gaps in cash flow | Borrow multiple times on one line | Typically higher interest rates | |
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Getting funding for your business and learning about small business finance can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be! With our Funding Sources, Finance Tips, and Finance HQ pages, we’ll help you find what funding is right for you and the steps to take to acquire it.
Categories of Business Financing
Equity Financing
Equity financing is any form of funding given in exchange for partial ownership and future profits.
Examples include: Venture Capital, Private Equity, and Angel Investors.
Debt Financing
Debt financing is money that must be repaid, usually with interest.
Examples include: Loans, Lines of credit, and Business credit cards.
Non-Traditional Financing
Non-traditional financing options include crowdfunding, bootstrapping, and fundraising.
Read more on these financing options below
Preparing for funding
Needs Assessment
Learn how to evaluate your business to see how much funding is needed and for what purposes
Business Plan Development
A strong business plan, including market analysis, business model, financial projections, and the team are very important when seeking funding for your business.
Understanding Investors
Learn about what investors look for in a potential investment, and how to position your business in a way that is attractive to potential investors.
Finding The Right Funding
Research
Strategies for finding the right type of funding and specific investors or funding programs that align with the business stage and values
Networking
Advice on leveraging professional networks, attending industry events, and using online platforms to connect with potential funders
The Application Process
Pitching
Learn how to create an effective pitch to attract potential investors
Documentation
View the common documentation required for funding applications, with examples and templates of each
Due Dilligence
Learn about what this process involves and how to navigate it successfully