10 Unique Sources of Finance for a New Entrepreneur

Introduction

The process of developing a new business can be daunting, one that can seem even more so when you are just starting. When planning your business, there are many things to consider including how to find the money needed to get it off the ground. 

Here is a rundown of some sources of funding that might help you launch and start generating profits right away.

1. Personal Savings

For most people starting a business, their savings are likely to be the first source of funding. If you have money saved up that you can put towards your new business, this is a fantastic way to fund it. It is important, however, that you don’t put all of your eggs in one basket and rely solely on your savings. For example, if you have the money to invest, but might not be able to save any more or re-access your funds for some time, you may want to consider other options.

2. Loans from Friends & Family

Even though borrowing from family and friends can be a great source of funding for a new business, you need to proceed with caution and make sure that you repay borrowed money as soon as possible. Borrowing money from friends and family is a great way to generate funds in the short term. As with any kind of funding, however, it should not be used for long-term funding so that you don’t get in too deep.

3. Loans from Suppliers

Businesses often have suppliers that provide them with materials or equipment such as office furniture, computers, or even advertising services. Usually, suppliers are willing to loan money to the businesses they work with without interest. This is a great way to get funds without needing to look for other commercial lenders or investors.

4. Bank Loans

One of the best ways of funding a new business is having funds from traditional banks. A bank loan can be a great way to get the money you need to get your business up and running. It can also be used if your business requires a lot of money upfront, especially to purchase commercial property or equipment that won’t generate any income for some time. 

5. Business Plan Funding

Business plan competitions are another option for funding new businesses with grants being offered for the completion of business plans. These businesses provide funding for those looking to develop a plan focusing on the viability of their new business idea.

6. Government Funding

Government funding grants can be a great way of securing funding for a new business for anyone who doesn’t want or need to pay the money back. The funding comes from the government and usually requires some kind of commitment from the recipient such as an investment in that region shortly after obtaining the funds. This can be a great way to get started with your business if you are looking at starting a new venture but don’t have enough capital to do so.

7. Equity Funding From Other People’s Businesses or Investors

This kind of funding is often called angel or venture capital funding which means it has come from people within your industry who want to help you by funding your new idea. The money doesn’t usually come from businesses seeking to expand but instead is coming from people wanting to see that a new business idea can be turned into a successful one.

8. Private Funding (or Private Placements)

This is when a business decides to raise funds for their new venture through the use of special purpose vehicles (SPVs). This means that instead of relying on traditional sources of funding such as banks, they can go to investors and gain through private placements. It is an alternative way that investors look at funding a business but it would be preferable to securing banks or other kinds of conventional funding for your business.

9. CrowdFunding

In the world of crowdfunding, there are many ways that people can secure funding for their new business idea. This kind of funding is becoming increasingly popular for a range of different reasons and is especially useful for individuals who need to raise funds quickly to get their new venture off the ground. 

This kind of funding is also becoming increasingly popular with smaller businesses as it allows them to raise funds for specific projects and ideas.

10. Employee-Based Funding

For employees, it is a great way for them to earn more money by offering their own money to contribute towards a new project. This kind of paying into a business that you work for is also known as equity funding and can be a great source of funding for your business idea. It is usually best to do this with people who are already working with your company or are bound to be working with you once the project has been successfully funded.

FAQS

1. Who can I approach for funding?

Anybody who might be able to contribute to your business idea. This could include family, friends, relatives, or even other businessmen within the same industry as you. 

2. What type of funding is available?

There are different types of funding that you can consider when accessing this kind of money. It can be short-term funding such as a loan, or it could be long-term funds that come from investors and that you will need to pay back in series over time. 

3. What is the difference between equity funding and private placement?

Equity funding is usually from business people who have prior experience with successful businesses, often bringing in their own money or connections to give the new company access. It can also be from people who want to see a business succeed so that they can make money off of the venture.

Conclusion

The process of finding the right kind of funding for your new business idea can be difficult. Start by doing some research on the kinds of funding that are available to you and find out which one is most suited to your needs. The more you know about the various sources available, the easier it will be for you to get started with your new venture.