Funding & Finance

Bootstrapping

This is a great choice for business owners who want complete control over their company. It involves using your personal savings or reinvesting profits back into the business. 

By doing this, you won’t have to give up equity or pay interest on loans. However, bootstrapping often requires extensive savings and can limit the amount of capital available, which can mean less opportunity for business growth.

Friends & family

If you’re starting a small creative business – a small agency perhaps? – that requires less financing, then borrowing from friends or family is an option you may want to consider. But remember, it’s essential to have proper agreements in place and a clear repayment plan. By using this method of funding, you run the risk of damaging relations and leaving things a little awkward.

Bank loans

Perhaps the most obvious choice of funding your business is a bank loan. The main benefit of a business loan is that they’re often cheaper than other types of financing, but that doesn’t mean they’re the easiest option. You may find it difficult to get approved for the bank loan to begin with, and you may need to provide collateral to make it happen.

Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding involves raising money from a large number of people. This can be done using online platforms such as Kickstarter or Indiegogo. This option is great for creating a buzz around your new business, but also requires a lot of time and effort to get your campaign going – and not all campaigns are successful.

Venture Capital

Venture capitalists invest in high-growth companies in exchange for equity. This method of financing your business provides a significant amount of funding, which is hugely beneficial for any start up. However, you’ll likely find that they expect a high return on their investment and may want to be involved in management decisions.

Angel Investors

Slightly different from venture capitalists, angel investors are wealthy individuals who invest in early-stage companies, also in exchange for equity. You’ll also receive significant funding with this method, and they can even provide mentorship to the business. But again, they will expect a high return on investment.

Grants

It’s always worth checking if your business is eligible for a government grant or subsidies. They typically have specific requirements and may only be available to certain industries, but if you meet these requirements, you’ll notice the benefits instantly.