Start Up Loan

Finding start up loans for small business owners

By Shannon Tani
Start up business loans aren't hard to find - it's finding the right loan, under the right terms that tends to be the most difficult. Investors, venture capitalists and banks are willing to lend you their money to fund start up business loans. Look into the terms of the different type of start up loan products available, or you may lose your business. 

When looking into business start up loans, the first place you need to go is your bank or credit union. Loans offered by traditional lending institutions tend to have the most straightforward lending terms. Follow these steps toward getting a small business start up loan without a bank or credit union: 

1. Look into an unsecured start up loan from The Small Business Administration (SBA). They offer a number of loan programs including, bad credit start up loans and no credit start up loans. 

2. Find investors to fund business start up loans. They will want to see a business plan, so have one in place before approaching investors. 

3. Learn about financing options through angel investors.

 

Look into both secured and unsecured start up business loans

Unsecured start up business loans have much more stringent credit requirements. Review a copy of your personal credit report and take care of all negative items like collections or past due balances on credit cards or utilities. Paying off these items increases your creditworthiness, thereby, increasing your chances of obtaining a start up loan.
Try: Contact The Small Business Administration (SBA) for services and tools to help you get start up loans for small business. America One Unsecured offers unsecured start up loans, but like with all lines of credit, you should very carefully review the terms and finance terms before signing on the bottom line.

Seek venture capitalist companies to fund business start up loans

If you have the right type of business, a venture capital firm can be a great help to you. They'll give you the money you need in exchange for partial ownership of the company. This is a good option for start up companies that need millions of dollars in start up capital.
Try: Draper Fisher Jurvetson and Mohr Davidow Ventures are two venture capital firms that specialize in early stage funding. This is a great first stop when you need a small business start up loan.

Contact angel investors for business start up loans

Angel investors are individuals who help new business owners with the startup capital they need, in exchange for partial ownership or debt repayment with interest. Unlike venture capital firms, who must often answer to other investors, angel investors may be interested in things other than the financial outlook of your company plan.
Try: The Angels Forum specializes in funding technology-based companies. Click on "Submit a Plan" in order to contact them with your business idea. Maine Angels also provides loans to start your business, without industry restrictions.

 

  • Prepare a presentation when appearing in front of investors. Investors want to hear how your business is going to succeed and why they should give you start up loans for small business. Know what you're going to say to them by preparing and practicing what you plan on saying to your potential investors.
  • Angel investors often specialize in business start up loans. These are private parties that offer loans of various sizes looking to invest in businesses in which they believe are going to offer them a higher return than other more traditional investments.
  • Venture capitalists offer large business start up loans. They offer loans from the venture capitalist businesses by soliciting private lenders on your behalf as opposed to offering up private money.

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