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9 Funding Options for a Startup Business
by Brandon Gaille
Thanks in large part to the power of modern technology (and the reach of the Internet), it’s now possible for almost anyone with nothing more than an Internet connection, a laptop, and an idea to create a global business that can transform their financial future almost immediately. At the same time, you would have to be at least a little bit crazy to even think that you’d be to compete in the ultra competitive business environment that exists today without capital to back your business plan. You’re definitely going to need at least a little bit of money to make money today – that doesn’t mean that it has to be your money.
1) Build your business with OPM.
The power of OPM (other people’s money) may be the most significant power that entrepreneurs and business people have to take advantage of today. Whether you decide to take advantage of other people’s money through individual investors, traditional lending institutions like banks and credit unions, or the new crowdfunding solutions available today simply saying you don’t have enough money to start a business isn’t a viable excuse any longer.
2) Get your credit squared away ASAP.
To make the most of OPM you really have to clean up your credit sheet as much as you are able to. The good news today is that banks all over the United States (and the rest of the world, for that matter) are getting more and more excited about offering business loans to individuals and small organizations in an effort to revitalize local economies. Patch of your credit in a hurry by paying your bills, paying down your balances, and offering to pay smaller amounts to cancel out any negative notifications on your credit score and you’ll be able to secure more OPM faster than you ever would have thought possible.
3) Bootstrap your business.
Obviously, securing OPM isn’t always going to be the path that everyone should take – and even if you do decide to go in this direction, you may not be able to secure all of the financing you need to get your business up off the ground. This is where bootstrapping comes into play. Create a leaner version of your ideal business, one that can operate on the budget that you have available – or no budget at all. Take advantage of free and open source software, tools, and technology available, and look for ways to bootstrap your way to success so that you can reinvest your business’s early profits until you can get more capital to really rock and roll.
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