The majority of small businesses fail due to cash flow problems. 82%, to be exact, per the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. This pushes business owners and entrepreneurs alike to find different solutions to raise capital. The challenge is that many people don’t know where to start. And there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for any business. However, there are several capital raising options businesses don’t think to utilize. In this article, we’ll be covering the top 10 methods of raising capital for your small business so you can thrive in this competitive market.
What Does Raising Capital Mean?
Raising capital means securing the necessary financing to fuel your business venture.
This can be in the form of equity, debt, or other methods. More than raising finances for business growth—raising capital means you’re taking the bull by the horns, taking a leap of faith, and giving yourself the opportunity to see what you’re made of. That in itself is priceless. However, we all know funds are necessary to accelerate our goals.
Why is Raising Capital Important?
A lack of funding for any small business can lead to scores of difficulties. Whether it’s covering payroll, paying off debts, or scaling operations, capital is the wind in your sails. What many business owners don’t realize is that there are numerous ways to harness the wind. And by proactively taking the actions necessary to swiftly move forward, the benefits start to roll in. Such as:
- Attracting and retaining top talent
- Reducing the need for high-interest debt
- Investments in technology and equipment
- Enhancing the ability to meet customer demand
- Increasing one’s competitive advantage in the market
- Strengthening the business amidst market fluctuations
- Enabling business expansion and scaling opportunities
- Supporting marketing and business development initiatives
- Creating opportunities for strategic acquisitions or partnerships
Capital Raising vs Fundraising
While these two may seem one and the same, it’s essential to know how to distinguish them.
Capital Raising is specific to securing funds for investing in business growth. Commonly in the form of equity or debt. The goal of capital raising is to endure and flourish in one’s respective industry. Fundraising, on the other hand, is gaining financial support through donations or contributions. Many nonprofits are closely associated with this approach.
Methods of Raising Capital for Small Businesses
As mentioned earlier, there’s no fixed way to approach one’s efforts to raise capital.
Below, we cover the top ten methods of raising capital for small businesses, highlighting the pros and cons to help you add concrete elements to your business plan.
1. Crowdfunding Platforms
Using a crowdfunding platform entails gaining support from a large number of contributors. It’s similar to fundraising; however, the intent is to use raised funds for business venture purposes. Some popular platforms include Kickstarter, GoFundMe, and Patreon.
Pros:
- Access to a broad audience and potential customer base
- Low upfront costs compared to traditional financing methods
- Opportunity to validate and generate interest in your business idea
Cons:
- Success depends heavily on marketing and outreach efforts
- Platforms may take a percentage of the funds raised as fees
- Risk of not reaching the funding goal, which can result in no funds being collected
2. Grants
Grants are different from equity capital raising or debt financing because you don’t have to pay them back. These non-repayable funds are provided by the government, non-profits, or private organizations to support specific business initiatives.
Pros:
- Provides additional capital without the need for repayment
- Can improve cash flow and reduce the need for debt financing
- Often available for specific industries or initiatives, such as real estate or research and development (R&D)
Cons:
- Highly competitive with a lengthy application process
- May come with strict guidelines on how the funds can be used
- Requires significant time and effort to prepare a compelling application
3. Bootstrapping
Bootstrapping is when the business owner only uses one’s personal savings, generated revenue, and other self-supported resources to fuel growth. While expansion is typically slower, you have full control over your business and don’t have to rely on outside financing.
Pros:
- Full ownership and control of the business
- No need to repay debt or give up equity to outside investors
- Encourages disciplined financial management and resourcefulness
Cons:
- Limited access to additional capital, which can restrict growth opportunities
- Higher personal financial risk, as the entrepreneur’s own funds are at stake
- Slower growth potential compared to businesses that secure external funding
4. Bank Loans
Bank loans are a traditional approach to debt financing. You ask the bank for a business loan, and a monthly repayment plan is chosen (with interest) over a specified period of time. Banks often evaluate business viability by reviewing business plans and credit history.
Pros:
- Access to significant amounts of debt capital for business growth
- Fixed interest rates provide predictable repayment schedules
- Allows you to maintain full ownership of your business without diluting equity
Cons:
- Stringent eligibility criteria, including strong credit and a detailed business plan
- Requires regular repayments, which can strain cash flow, especially for startups
- Failure to repay can lead to loss of collateral and damage to credit score
5. Angel Investors
Wealthy individuals who have the capital to invest in businesses are called angel investors. This type of partnership is structured so that investors have ownership stakes in your business. An angel investor can be a golden opportunity for small businesses because a potential investor can offer experience, mentorship, and priceless connections in addition to their financial support.
Pros:
- Access to equity capital without the need for immediate repayment
- Potential to gain a mentor with valuable industry experience and connections
- Flexible investment terms compared to traditional funding sources
Cons:
- Requires giving up a portion of ownership and control of the business
- Potential for disagreements or conflicts with the investor over business decisions
- Finding the right angel investor who aligns with your vision can be challenging
6. Joint Ventures
Joint ventures are a collaborative effort. Two or more businesses team up to pool their resources and expertise to achieve a mutual goal. This can be a strategic move for a small business owner because you’re getting support from different angles and presents the opportunity to gain invaluable insights.
Pros:
- Access to additional capital and resources without solely relying on your own business
- Opportunity to enter new markets and expand your business footprint
- Shared risks, which can reduce the financial burden on each partner
Cons:
- Potential for conflicts and misalignment between partners
- Shared control may lead to decision-making challenges
- Profits are divided among the parties, potentially reducing individual returns
7. Microloans
The average microloan is approximately $13,000, according to SBA (Small Business Administration). Similar to a traditional loan, there is a repayment plan with added interest over a set timeline. Microloans are advantageous to cover day-to-day expenses, payroll, or invest in equipment and supplies.
Pros:
- Easier to obtain for small businesses and startups with limited credit history
- Provides quick access to capital for essential business needs
- Flexible repayment terms tailored to the borrower’s situation
Cons:
- Limited loan amounts may not be sufficient for bigger needs
- Higher interest rates compared to traditional loans
- Short repayment periods can put pressure on cash flow
8. Peer 2 Peer Lending
Peer 2 Peer (P2P) lending is a method where business owners borrow money from individual investors through platforms found online. This method allows you to quickly access capital and is a non-conventional way to connect with potential investors.
Pros:
- Easier access to capital with less strict eligibility criteria
- Competitive interest rates, often lower than those offered by traditional lenders
- Faster application and approval process, providing quick access to funds
Cons:
- Loan amounts may be limited compared to traditional financing options
- Higher risk for the borrower if the loan is funded by multiple individual investors
- Potential for higher interest rates if the borrower’s creditworthiness is deemed lower
9. Equipment Financing
There are two methods of equipment financing: loans and leases. When you opt for a loan, you own the equipment from the outset, securing the loan with the equipment itself. Leasing is more like a rental agreement where businesses use the equipment until the end of the lease.
Pros:
- Access to capital specifically for purchasing essential equipment
- The equipment serves as collateral, often resulting in easier approval and lower interest rates
- Preserves cash flow by spreading out the cost of expensive equipment over time
Cons:
- The loan is tied to the equipment, so it can’t be used for other business needs
- Risk of losing the equipment if the loan is not repaid
- Depreciation of the equipment over time may outpace the loan payments, reducing the asset’s value
10. Friends and Family Loans or Investments
Asking friends and family for financial support is a common practice for raising capital, especially for a new business that needs startup capital. Because this is a less formal method of securing funds, there’s no stringent timeline for repayment or high interest.
Pros:
- Access to capital with potentially lower interest rates and more flexible repayment terms
- Quicker and less formal process compared to traditional financing
- Ability to secure funding when other sources are unavailable due to lack of credit history or collateral
Cons:
- Risk of damaging personal relationships if the loan or investment is not repaid
- Potential for unclear expectations or misunderstandings due to the informal nature of the agreement
- Limited access to additional capital, as friends and family may not have substantial resources to invest
Make the Right Connections to Raise the Capital You Need
We all have goals that we want to achieve for our business. But when it comes to cash flow, it’s a tough nut to crack. High interest rates are daunting, losing control of operations is frustrating, and slow growth can ultimately be detrimental. However, with the right method (or a combination of methods) mentioned above, you can ensure your business thrives in this hyper-competitive market.
So, if you’re a small business owner and you’re looking to raise the capital you need, consider joining us at our next event. At the Small Business Expo, we present America’s largest small business conferences, trade shows, networking, and educational events. Hosted by industry leaders, you’ll gain expert insights on how to run a successful business, all while connecting with like-minded entrepreneurs who can potentially be your next partner!