Posts Tagged ‘Funding’
Fundraising 101: 3 Typical Startup Funding Paths
In my previous post, “Should Your Startup Actually Be a Small Business?” I addressed what may be the most important differentiator between a startup and a small business: growth. While I hope it was useful, especially from a theoretical standpoint, I want this one to go directly where the rubber meets the road: How does a startup…
Read More8 Small Business Funding Options That Solve a Cash Flow Crisis
If small business owners had it their way, they’d never have to worry about money. Their bank accounts would always give them the financial flexibility necessary to pursue any and all opportunities for growth. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. According to a recent study, more than 60% of small business owners worry about their cash flow…
Read More8 Steps in Securing a Bank Loan to Fund Your Startup
A common question I get is “How do I get a bank loan to fund my startup?” The default answer is that it probably won’t happen, because most banks just don’t make bank loans to startups. The failure rate is just too high, and startups typically don’t have the assets or revenue stream to back…
Read More7 Startup Scenarios That May Be Judged Non-Fundable
If you aren’t willing to take some risk as an entrepreneur, then don’t expect any gain. Yet everyone has limits, and every investor implicitly has similar limits on what makes a startup investable, or one to avoid at all costs. If you need investors, it’s important that you understand their filters, and even if you…
Read More10 Tried-and-True Strategies for Funding New Ventures
One of the most frequent questions I get as a mentor to entrepreneurs is “How do I find the money to start my business?” I always answer that there isn’t any magic, and contrary to the popular myth, nobody is waiting in the wings to throw money at you, just because you have a new…
Read MoreThe Right Way to Get Funding from Family and Friends
Most entrepreneurs I know are so passionate about their new idea that they are surprised when family and friends don’t line up to invest in their new venture. Yet they tend to ignore this problem, and move on quickly to professional investors. They don’t realize that most Angel investors and venture capitalists will also decline…
Read MoreAngel Investment vs. Bootstrap: Startup Sweet Spot
Successful angel investment is a win-win for both sides, the startup founders and the investors. And I mean win-win right at the beginning, at the time of the investment, not the obvious win-win later when years have gone by and the business succeeds and investors exit. The win-win sweet spot exists from the beginning, when…
Read MoreHow to Finance Your Franchise
Congratulations! You’ve given it tremendous thought and made the life-changing decision to buy a franchise. You’re excited, but now you need to figure out how you’re going to pay the franchise fees and initial start-up costs. Although you might have some idea in mind for how you’ll cover the expenses, you might still be wondering…
Read More4 Major Benefits (and 3 Drawbacks) to Crowdfunding
Crowdfunding is here to stay. Absolutely every regulator in the world is now trying to get in on the crowdfunding game, especially since the JOBS Act recently went into effect. It’s made it easier for businesses of all sizes to reach out to the world and collect the funds needed to get a venture up…
Read MoreHow to Get a Small Business Startup Loan the Easy Way
There’s an old Chinese proverb that goes like this: The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now. The same reasoning applies to new business startup loans, but with one big exception: “Now” is often not the “second best time.” Now may be too late. I say this because I’ve…
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