Starting a company is an exciting adventure and a lesson in pragmatism and economic realism. These lessons are often learned when investments or fundraisers are required to develop or launch a business. Fortunately, there are different types of business financing, whether your goal is to establish, design, or acquire a business. Below are six different ways to finance your business.
Business Angel
A business angel is a person who invests a portion of his wealth in a company with potential. Additionally, the business angel will make his skills, his experience, his network, and a part of his time available to the entrepreneur. Indeed, they can accompany and advise entrepreneurs, primarily through their network, and the entrepreneur does not have to reimburse the business angel if the project fails. However, in this financing option, a Business angel is a shareholder so he will be highly involved in the project and interested in the capital and success of the business.
Professional Credit
Professional credit is a type of loan intended to finance the foundation of a business, the acquisition of a business, or any other need related to a business. This loan, especially from banks, can be used to make investments such as purchasing a vehicle, technology, equipment, etc., but it cannot be used for personal purposes. Professional credit is also used to finance a business’s purchase or improve your cash flow. Whether you are employed or self-employed, you are entitled to this type of financing.
The advantages of this type of financing are that it is a loan with flexibility for repayment while you keep your shares and decision-making power. The disadvantages of this type of financing are that there needs to be personalized support from the lender, and there will be financing interest to repay.
Personal Funds
The best way to finance your business is to use your own money. Those who have been able to save can invest in their start-up without relying on someone else. The main advantages of this type of financing are that the entrepreneur does not have to borrow money, forfeit shares or equity, or involve others in decision-making. However, this solution presents certain risks, especially in case of emergency, that can significantly impact the entrepreneur’s livelihood or financial security.
Crowd-funding
A crowd-funding site can be an innovative and effective way to raise money for a low-cost creative project. Crowd-funding campaigns are based on creativity and knowing how to read the current market. The crowd-funding helps finance its business through the internet by linking investors, individuals, and entrepreneurs. Unknown people who believe in your project agree to make a small contribution toward a financial goal you have set over a contribution period. The amount raised can be essential but know that crowd-funding platforms often take around 8% of the goal as commission.
Bank Loans
The bank is an obvious financing solution for young entrepreneurs, but it may not be a simple approval process. A well-developed business plan is essential for individuals to convince a bank to invest. Entrepreneurs may face many rejections since their business is not presently generating revenue. Likewise, it is impossible to offer banking institutions shares in the company as security for the loan. However, by opting for an online banking loan, individuals may enjoy benefits in companion banking products such as a credit card, relatively low bank fees, etc.
Personal loans
Resorting to the support of friends and family is a widespread way for entrepreneurs to secure their first financing round. Entrepreneurs already have a close relationship with their network, and there is an element of confidence in the business that other financing methods do not inherently have. Personal investors will not be as demanding as capital companies or private investors, but disadvantages exist. Often, personal investors cannot offer the range of money individuals could receive from private investors or banks. Also, be cautious to identify when personal life and business should not mix; establish clear rules and not break them.
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