Finance my business

The Small Business Administration (SBA) acts as a bridge between small business owners and lenders. While the SBA doesn’t offer loans directly, it does guarantee loans made by its lending partners.  One thing that makes SBA loans so appealing to business owners is their loan rate. SBA loan rates are typically lower than the average […]

When comparing small business loans, it’s important to understand which options require business or personal assets to be used as collateral.  With a collateralized loan, also called a secured loan, a borrower gives the lender the right to claim the assets they pledge. The collateral limits the lender’s risk because it can take the assets if […]

Many business owners are excited about fundraising opportunities that involve capital from outside investors — and with good reason. The right type of financing can help a business scale and achieve major growth.  Yet there are also good reasons to be cautious about investment partners. Saying yes to a capital investment without digging deeply into […]

Small business owners should be aware of all the financing options that they can use to run and grow their business. Business owners might turn to U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan programs for this funding. But the SBA also oversees the Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) program that can help small businesses get financing […]

Tracking the movement of money in and out of a business is a necessity and there are a number of tools that can make the process easier. Balance sheets and income statements are both used to capture a financial snapshot of a business at a given point in time. While these financial statements can provide […]

Commercial and investment banks are two different types of financial institutions that provide essential services for businesses. They offer products and services, including checking accounts, loans, and a line of credit, as well as large-scale investments. There are advantages and disadvantages to each, depending on the needs of a business.  What is a commercial bank?  […]

Venture capital (VC) is a type of financing in which private investors or investment firms provide funds for small or startup businesses they believe have potential to grow into much bigger businesses. The funds may come from pension plans, private foundations, wealthy individuals, or other sources.  In exchange for those funds, the investor, or “venture […]

Starting a new company — or growing an existing one — is an exciting prospect, but there’s one important detail business owners need to work out: how to fund it. They could explore small business loans and credit lines, or seek out the help of angel investors instead.  Angel investing can offer a shorter path […]

Private equity and venture capital are often mentioned together but they are different types of business funding. This page will help explain the similarities and key differences between the two.  Understanding private equity vs. venture capital can help business owners determine which, if either, is the best course of action to take for their business.  […]

Many small businesses get financing from a variety of sources, including loans, grants, and self-funding. Business investors can also offer a potential source of small business funding. For entrepreneurs looking to start a business with no money or expand an existing business, investors can be particularly helpful.  The first step to securing investment capital to […]