What are the best methods to finance a business startup without incurring a lot of debt?
I have plans to start an internet cafe business in the downstairs front unit of my apartment building on a Main street surrounded by other businesses. I need to raise capital but I am working on a shoestring budget. I need to make sure I launch from a good financial foundation so I don’t go in the hole. I can provide more info if you need. Thanks, Mary
Funds for financing a business usually come from one of four places:
- Your own savings/funds (this includes selling assets to raise cash)
- Loans (family, friends, or banks or other lending institutions)
- Investments (you give part of the business in return for an investment of cash)
- The business itself (you start smaller and finance expansion from profits)
Plan your business out completely, including full financial projections. Determine how much you have on hand and the difference is the amount you need to raise. If you don’t want to incur debt (loans) and you don’t have it all on hand, then you are most likely going to be looking for an investor.
November 28th, 2009 at 1:55 am
Funds for financing a business usually come from one of four places:
- Your own savings/funds (this includes selling assets to raise cash)
- Loans (family, friends, or banks or other lending institutions)
- Investments (you give part of the business in return for an investment of cash)
- The business itself (you start smaller and finance expansion from profits)
Plan your business out completely, including full financial projections. Determine how much you have on hand and the difference is the amount you need to raise. If you don’t want to incur debt (loans) and you don’t have it all on hand, then you are most likely going to be looking for an investor.
References :
November 28th, 2009 at 2:31 am
Without debt, and assuming you don’t have the ready cash to invest, the only way to raise the money would be some form of venture capital. Essentially you’d be selling part of the business to investors, who would then take a share of the future returns of the business (i.e. they would own shares in the company).
You would probably need to register a company first, ensure the paperwork is done properly and make sure the legal and financial sides were both properly prepared. I suggest you speak to your bank manager about all of this. Alternatively you could Google "Venture Capital" plus the area you live in and see if you can find advice from the venture capitalists themselves.
References :