Startups ask me “How much money should I ask for?” The simple answer is the absolute minimum amount you need to make your plan work.
Finding Capital
Gaining Financing for a Franchise is Getting Easier
It is easy to see why getting franchise loans may be somewhat easier than gaining financing for other types of small businesses. Franchises, to some degree, come with their own set of marketing research and sort of a ready-made business plan that takes a lot of work out of the business owner’s hand. It also mitigates a lot of risk for the lenders.
Why Kickstarter Campaigns Fail
Plenty of entrepreneurs have found success with their crowdfunding campaigns. Failure though, is always a possibility—even when the end is in sight and it seems to be a sure thing. Crooked Bottle, an aspiring local brewbub, learned that lesson the hard way.
How to Inject Cash into Your Business
When you need a cash injection to grow your business, your two main options are equity financing and debt financing. In this two-part series, I’ll cover the pros and cons of each.
Crowdfunding is Being Oversold
I think so-called “crowdfunding” is being oversold. Many people seem to think it’s going to mean a lot new investment money for U.S. startups. I don’t think so. Not yet. Maybe never.
Why a Business Line of Credit May Be Right for You
It is not unusual for start-up companies to encounter difficulties in managing cash flow. If you are worried about being caught short of funds, a business line of credit may be the perfect option for you. Here’s why.
How Can an Entrepreneur Qualify for a Bank Loan?
Many entrepreneurs are convinced that banks are not worth the effort for startups, especially early-stage ones that still don’t have a revenue stream, or collateral to back up their financing needs. A question I get all the time is, “Can I ever expect any backing from my bank for a great opportunity?”
Essential Steps to Launch a Startup, Part 2
Once you’ve identified your product and your market, you can begin building your official business plan. Your business plan is where you outline all of the specific steps you will take as you launch a startup business.
What You Need to Know About Merchant Cash Advances
Depending on what kind of business you have, you might not be able to turn to a bank for money. For those for whom a traditional bank is not a viable source of capital, a merchant cash advance can be the answer.
Shortcuts to Entrepreneur Funding Are Usually Scams
Some aspiring entrepreneurs are so desperate for funding, or naïve, that they ignore the obvious signs of scams and rip-offs on the Internet, praying for a windfall. One would think that with all the sad stories and tools published over the past twenty years, this problem would be behind us.
