Money should never be an obstacle in the way of pursuing your dreams. If you want to initiate your venture but don't have funding, you can still get it off the ground in various ways.
Crowdfunding is a new concept and has become a premier way for entrepreneurs to get their startups funded. It incorporates taking a large group of people to uphold your business with comparatively small amounts of money each.
These sponsors willnot ever get a say in how your company is managed, depending on the platform,and they collectively share a small risk each.
Angel investors are somebody, who has surplus money and a keen interest to invest inraising startups. They also operate in groups of networks to collectively screen the proposals before financing.
Apart from capital, they also provide mentoring and advice. This method is mainly for companies that are in the initial phase of growth and want to take more risks in investment for bigger returns.
Venture capitalists manage funds professionally and invest in companies that have huge potential. They normally invest in a company against equity and exit when thereis an IPO or an acquisition.
VCs offer expertise, and mentorship and perform as a litmus test of where the company is moving. A venture capital investment is fitting for small businesses that are ahead of the startup phase and already generating revenues.
Bank loans are also a great option. If you approach them with a solid business plan, you can avail good funding for your startup. But in the absence of collateral, it is tough to secure a loan. Here, find a co-signer, someone with good credit who agrees to be responsible for the debt if you default.
Accelerators and incubators are also effective ways to take funding support.
Accelerators
Accelerator programs have a fixed frame of time, under which individual companies spend anywhere from a few weeks to a few months working with a group of mentors to establish their business and avoid difficulties. The accelerator aims to support the starting of the business in a few months.
Incubators
Startup incubators work with corporations that are at an initial stage, and they do not operate on the set schedule.
Accelerators are like a greenhouse for young plants where they are getting perfect environments to grow, while an incubator selects the best seeds and gives them better soil for germination and growth.
Although there are numerous methods of fundraising, keep in mind that it isn't any magic, and contrary to the famous tale, nobody is waiting in the wings to throw money at you just because you have a unique and exciting business concept.
Prepare a proper business plan before approaching funds. Your business plan must be well structured to carry the modus operandi, profit forecast, and estimated time of maturity.