Business Funding: How to Secure Capital for Your Startup

Funding is one of the biggest hurdles for new businesses. Whether you need capital for launching or scaling, understanding your funding options is key to success.

1. Business Loans

Traditional banks, credit unions, and online lenders offer various business loans. Options include term loans, lines of credit, and SBA loans, each with unique eligibility requirements and interest rates. Some reliable sources for business loans include:

• SBA Loans (Small Business Administration) – www.sba.gov

• Lendio – www.lendio.com

• Kabbage – www.kabbage.com

• Fundera – www.fundera.com

2. Grants and Government Assistance

Many federal and state programs provide grants for small businesses, especially for minority-owned, women-owned, and innovative startups. Some notable grant sources include:

• Grants.gov – www.grants.gov

• Amber Grant for Women – www.ambergrantsforwomen.com

• National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) Grants – www.nase.org

3. Crowdfunding

Platforms like Kickstarter and GoFundMe allow businesses to raise money from supporters in exchange for early access or rewards. Popular crowdfunding platforms include:

• Kickstarter – www.kickstarter.com

• Indiegogo – www.indiegogo.com

• GoFundMe – www.gofundme.com

4. Investors and Venture Capital

Angel investors and venture capital firms provide funding in exchange for equity. This can be a great option for businesses with high growth potential. Consider these sources:

• AngelList – www.angel.co

• Crunchbase – www.crunchbase.com

• Y Combinator – www.ycombinator.com

The Startup Loft helps entrepreneurs navigate the funding process, connecting them with the best options for their unique needs.