Recommended Books
Adventure Finance: How to Create a Funding Journey That Blends Profit and Purpose by ISBN: 9783030724283Publication Date: 2021
Startup Valuation: From Strategic Planning to Digital Networking by ISBN: 9783030716080Publication Date: 2021
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Business Finance & Funding
A business's financial backing usually includes debt (typically in the form of loans), grants, or (equity investor funding), or a mix of the three. The way a business is funded is called its capital structure, and is important for entrepreneurs to pursue capital that is appropriate for their business model, risk tolerance, and business structure.
Business Structures
When beginning a business, you must decide what form of business entity to establish. Your form of business determines which income tax return form you have to file and can inform your capital structure. Learn more about business structures here.
Get Started: Learn About Small Business Funding & Finance
- A Complete Guide to Managing Small Business FinancesA guide to small business finance, including types of funding and investment, written by the National Business Association
- Finance FundamentalsA comprehensive eBook from SCORE that guides small business owners through the process of determining financial needs and selecting sources of funding.
- US SBA Guide to Business FundingThe Small Business Administration's guide to determining funding needs and sources of investment, grants, and financing.
- YCombinator's Guide to Seed FundraisingAn article describing the various types of startup financing and their benefits.
Loan & Financing Resources
Guides & Templates
- 10 Types of Small Business Financing and How to QualifyA downloadable guide from SCORE for understanding, comparing, and considering popular types of financing often available to small businesses
- Resources to Improve Credit and Obtain LoansSCORE articles and templates for learning about credit and applying for loans and other kinds of small business funding
- SBA Course: Finding and Attracting InvestorsA free online training course for understanding outside financing, identifying types of investors, and learning how to find investors and secure capital
Small Business Loans
- Small Business Administration Lender MatchLender Match is a free online tool developed by the SBA. It helps connect small businesses with SBA-approved Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and small lenders
- Business Loan Estimator ToolEstimate loan repayment timeline and cost based on loan amount, interest rate, period, and fees.
Investment Capital
- Angel Capital AssociationACA is a professional society of accredited angel investors who provide capital to early-stage businesses. They provide a directory of investors.
- The Capital NetworkNon-profit organization providing fundraising education and databases of investors and accelerators for first-time and female founders.
- Small Business Investment CompaniesSBICs are private companies, licensed and regulated by the SBA, who invest in small businesses.
Government Funding
- SBIR/STTR FundingThe Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs award Federal research funds to small businesses.
- US SBA Contracting Assistance ProgramsSBA programs to help small businesses win federal contracts.
