Starting a Small Business: Your Financing Options

Many consider starting their own small business to be the all-American dream. After all, who wouldn't want to be their own boss and be in control of how much they earn. Although many people want to start their own business, very few get the opportunity to do so. One of the many holdups involves financing. If you want to start a small business, but do not have the needed financial resources on hand, you may wonder what your options are. So, what are they?

Before highlighting a few of your small business financing options, it is important to focus on grants. Due to many late night infomercials and other highly advertised products, many Americans mistakenly believe it is easy to get free money to start a business. This free money supposedly comes from government grants. Grants are available to small business owners, but they are typically handled in the private sector. Government grants for small businesses are rare. They are typically reserved for state, county and local governments, schools, non-profit organizations, colleges and universities. You can and should still look, but don't be surprised if you don't see any grants available to help you start your small business.

Although it is rare to find grants to help individuals start small businesses, there are grants available for those who wish to improve or expand. However, these grants are not like loans, where you can use the money as you see fit. For example, as of February 2009, small business could apply for grants on Grants.gov that focus on youth violence, improving health in the workplace or community, monitoring the health and behavior change in individuals with disabilities and so forth. If you are an established small business owner, you may qualify for some of these grants; however, the money must be used as agreed upon.

Another method of seeking financing for a small business is to find investors. This can be tricky for those just getting started. Unless you have experience starting or managing a business, you are seen as a risk. Most investors are unwilling to take the chance. If your business is profitable, they recoup their money and then some in a few years. Should your business plan fail and you see losses or close down, the investors lose money.

Since relying on investors is hit or miss, the best option is to acquire a small business loan. These loans are easy to obtain for those with good personal credit and those with a clear, solid business plan. Before approaching any financial institution for a small business loan, have a business plan proposal. You need to show financial lenders that you not only have a good idea, but the knowledge, experience, and determination to run a profitable business.

When looking to acquire a small business loan, start locally. If you do business with a local bank, speak to a local loan officer. These banks want to give other businesses in the community a chance to grown and shine. It looks good for their image. It is an added bonus if you have been a long-term customer as you are more likely to get an approval. With that said, if you are denied, ask for reasons. If your bank thinks your business plan is good, but does not see this as the best time to provide a small business loan, head to SBA.gov. This is the Small Business Association. They have an extensive loan program and experienced officers that can help you find and apply for the correct loan.

As you likely already know, starting a small business is not an easy process. It requires money, hard work, trial and error, drive and determination. For most, the hardest part is obtaining the needed financing. Those wishing to start a business should avoid wasting time with government grants. Remember, they are rarely available for startup businesses and usually reserved only for business expansions, women, or minorities.