Small business funding sources are limited - partly because capital markets shut out the small biz, and partly because commercial loans require a stronger asset base than most small businesses can offer.

Venture merchant financing (VMF) has become appealing for the small biz owner whose business is growing fast – so fast, usually, that it’s hit the wall in terms of growth, and needs a cash boost to help it to the next level. Although venture merchant financing is over 400 years old, few small businesses have even heard of this type of financing.

There are three top things to know about venture merchant financing:

1. How much will it cost you?
2. What are the terms of the agreement?
3. What are the qualification standards your company must meet?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Activities funded

Venture merchant lenders might finance clients' trade activities, including distribution and imports, or any number of factors to help the business leap to the next level.

I recommend: For a great source of all things VMF, go to vFinance. They offer information, an investor directory, and other great tools. Check out Business Finance: Funding Resources for free business loan courses/guides, checklists, and more!

Designing your pitch

If you've determined that venture merchant financing is the way to go, then there are many online resources to help you choose the right firms to approach and plan your pitch.

I recommend: Check out the VC Quiz to evaluate your biz for VMF. Then visit VC Pitch for step-by-step helpers through the process.

What they offer

Venture merchant capitalists offer funding backed by assets (for example, accounts receivable), inventory, or purchase orders. Many also offer advisory management services, as well.

I recommend: Saints offers investment capital and advisory services for emerging companies. Merchant banking organization Capstone Group offers several financing options.

The cost of cash

While venture merchant financing has its benefits, in terms of fairly immediate cash, its drawbacks are significant. The main downside? The cost, which ranges from about one-third to one-half of your company's profits during the relationship. Because the financing is so high, most VMF agreements last three years or less.

I recommend: Check out ABFJournal for listings of many types of investors that serve the asset-based lending industry. Business Finance, 'America's Business Funding Directory,' allows you to search more than 4,000 business loans and capital sources.

Go to the government

Or, more specifically, to a government-sponsored venture capital program involving Small Business Investment Companies (SBICs), which provide long-term loans, equity capital, and management help.

I recommend: See an SBIC program summary which also provides links to individual SBICs.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Building Capital: Once your business builds its asset base, it's time to look for less expensive financing.
• •  Think you're qualified? Businesses most likely to qualify for funding have strong managers, good business plans, and strong growth potential.
• •  Look out for Fees: Most venture merchant banks charge interest (and late fees for delinquent payers).
• •  Read the fine print: Make sure you know what you're agreeing to before you sign the deal. Don't let the need for money blind you to a deal that will break you in the end.