How to Find Funding for Your Small Business* (links to funding resources that aren’t just loans)
We work with many small business owners, and as small business owners ourselves, we know it can be a challenge to manage resources to invest in various aspects of your business. Whether it’s funding for branding, copywriting support, or other crucial business needs, it’s sometimes essential to secure external funding to ensure your business continues to succeed.
Fortunately, there are resources available for small businesses of all sizes. Here are some of our suggested places to secure funding to invest in your branding project. One of our clients successfully raised $8,500 to fund their rebrand. Another client secured a small business loan to fund $10,000 of their branding and website project.
There are many highs and lows of entrepreneurship, but let's face it – securing funding for your small business can be a challenging endeavor. Whatever stage your business may be in, the following information will help you learn more about how to find funding for your small business, providing you with informative insights, engaging strategies, and easy-to-implement tips to pave the way for your financial success.
1. Know Your Business Inside Out
First, take a close look at your business. Understand your financial needs—what are your current expenses, project future expenses, and have a clear vision of how the funds will contribute to your business growth. This introspection will guide your funding search more effectively.
2. Explore Traditional Loans and Alternative Lenders
Traditional banks: the conventional place to start your funding journey is by exploring traditional bank loans. Local banks and credit unions often offer competitive rates for small business loans.
Online Lenders Platforms like Kabbage offer flexible lines of credit tailored to small businesses and streamlined application processes.
SBA Microloan Program: The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) microloan program is an excellent resource. Explore the list of lenders at the SBA Microloan Program. Note: usually, SMBs are required to have at least 1 full-time employee on staff to be eligible.
3. Tap into Government Resources:
SBA Loans: The SBA offers various other loan programs to support small businesses. Explore their funding options at SBA Funding Programs.
Local Grants and Programs: Many local town and city governments have grant programs or low-interest loans to stimulate entrepreneurial economic growth. Check with your local Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for information specific to your area. Find your local SBDC here in this directory.
4. Leverage Online Platforms and Fintech Solutions:
PayPal Business Loan: Explore the financing options provided by PayPal for small businesses with the PayPal Business Loan.
Online Marketplaces: Platforms like Stripe Capital and Kapitus offer funding solutions designed for small businesses. Capital loans can be a great way to secure a loan without any established business credit. By leveraging platforms like Stripe, you can effectively utilize a percentage of your payments to repay the loan. This strategy not only facilitates access to funding but also helps build credit history over time. It's a practical approach for startups and businesses seeking financial support while concurrently establishing a credit profile.
5. Crowdfunding:
Kickstart Your Dreams: Platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo provide a unique opportunity to showcase your business and raise funds from a broad audience. It can be difficult to gain traction, but if you craft a compelling campaign with a clear plan for the funding, you can secure support without any strings attached.
GoFundMe for Business: Explore GoFundMe as an option to raise funds for specific business projects or needs.
6. Connect with Angel Investors:
Angel Investment Networks: Websites like Angel Investment Network and AngelList connect entrepreneurs with angel investors looking for promising ventures.
Gust for Startup Resources: Gust is a platform that not only connects you with angel investors but also provides valuable startup resources.
7. Small Business Grants:
Small business grants offer a unique avenue for entrepreneurs to secure funding without taking on debt. By exploring available grant opportunities, businesses can access resources to fuel growth and innovation.
NASE Growth Grants: The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) offers growth grants for eligible members.
More Links to Click On for Business Funding
Business Loans and Micro-Lenders
https://www.sba.gov/partners/lenders/microloan-program/list-lenders
https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans
https://www.bluevine.com/business-loans
https://www.paypal.com/us/webapps/mpp/paypal-business-loan
https://www.lendingclub.com/business-loan/aof-loans
https://www.shopify.com/lending/capital
https://stripe.com/capital/platforms
https://kapitus.com/products-we-offer/
Funding for Women-Owned Businesses
https://www.nerdwallet.com/best/small-business/small-business-loans-for-women
https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/grow-your-business/women-owned-businesses
https://boundlessfutures.org/our-impact/
https://theboundlessfuturesfoundation.submittable.com/submit - a grant for women-owned businesses and women supporting other women entrepreneurs
https://foundersfirstcdc.org/kitty-fund- for mother-owned businesses
https://www.enthusefoundation.org/grants- grants for women who have critical business needs
https://www.womenfoundersnetwork.org/about-fast-pitch
https://www.ifundwomen.com/grants/apply-for-grants
Crowdfunding
Rewards-Based Crowdfunding:
https://www.kickstarter.com/ - one of our clients successfully raised $8,500 to fund her rebrand!
Business and Equity Crowdfunding:
https://www.fundable.com/ - great for small businesses
https://www.startengine.com/ - for high-growth start-ups
https://gogetfunding.com/- business and start-ups, as well as individual
https://www.equitynet.com/raise-capital.aspx
Donations and Fundraising:
https://www.mightycause.com/ - for non-profit organizations
https://chuffed.org/us - for non-profits, charities, and social activism
https://fundly.com/ - for individuals and charity/ nonprofits
https://startsomegood.com/crowdfunding - nonprofit organizations and “for good” causes
https://fundrazr.com/ - schools, nonprofits, individuals, and social activism
https://www.classy.org/- nonprofit organizations
For Content Creators and Creatives:
For Growth, Support, and Acceleration
https://www.icafundgoodjobs.org/accelerator/-
https://support.mightycause.com/hc/en-us - Nonprofit and fundraising support
Veteran Owned Businesses
Chamber of Commerce:
Consider reaching out to your local chamber of commerce to ask about opportunities for entrepreneurs local to your area. Oftentimes, there are local funders looking for entrepreneurs and other organizations to provide start-up funding, loans, or grants to offset project costs.
Grants
https://www.fedex.com/en-us/small-business/grants.html
https://www.nase.org/become-a-member/member-benefits/business-resources/growth-grants
https://galaxyofstars.org/galaxy-grants/
Angel Investors & Incubators
https://www.angelinvestmentnetwork.us/entrepreneurs-home
https://inbia.org/
Need help coming up with the perfect pitch for your funding application? Reach out to us, we can help you develop a pitch.
