Free Resources for Funding Your Business

How to Fund Your Business — Even Without Upfront Capital

Worried about not having $25K in cash right now? 

You’re not alone. Many of the most successful small business owners used creative and strategic funding options to launch. 

Here’s a list of real, proven, and accessible ways to fund your business today — even if you don’t have savings on hand.

SBA 7(a) loans are one of the most popular options for funding a startup or acquiring an existing business.

• Borrow up to $5 million
   
• Terms up to 10–25 years
   
• Typically requires 10–25% down payment
   
• Favorable interest rates for qualified applicants
   

If you’re acquiring an existing business, ask the seller to finance part of the deal. You’ll make payments over time — often with low interest and no bank involved.

✅ No upfront bank approval
✅ Flexible repayment terms
✅ Often combined with SBA loans
 

Many founders fund their first few months using available credit:

• 0% APR intro offers (12–18 months) available
   
• Quick access without underwriting delays
   
• Works well when paired with a clear repayment plan
   

✅ Use responsibly and with guidance from a financial advisor.

Use your 401(k) or IRA to fund your business — without paying penalties.

• No early withdrawal fees
   
• No loan or repayment required
   
• IRS-approved strategy for many founders
   

Keep your job while you build your business on the side. This is a low-risk funding strategy that gives you:

• Steady income
   
• Insurance and benefits
   
• Time to validate and grow your business before going full-time
   

Banks and credit unions offer small business loans — if you have strong credit and collateral.

Grants are free money for qualified applicants — but often competitive. Try:

• Grants.gov – Federal small business grants
   
• Hello Alice Grants – Diverse and minority business owners
   
• U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Biz Grants
   

Raise money from your network or audience online:

• Kickstarter – Creative and product-focused
   
• Indiegogo – Flexible campaigns
   
• Wefunder – Equity crowdfunding
   

Want to fund your business without taking a loan?

• MicroVentures – Equity crowdfunding
   
• Pipe.com – Revenue-based financing
   
• SBA Capital Investment Programs
   

CDFIs offer loans to underserved communities and new founders.

• Accion Opportunity Fund – Minority and women entrepreneurs
   
• LiftFund – Texas-based startup funding
   
• Community Reinvestment Fund – National microloans
   

Get advice, business planning, and startup coaching — for free.

• SCORE.org – 10,000+ business mentors
   
• SBA Local Assistance – Free business planning help
   
• USA.gov’s Startup Guide
   

There is no one-size-fits-all funding strategy. That’s why I help my clients choose the smartest path based on their financial history, credit score, income, and business model.

✅ Already have a job? Great — build while working.
✅ Have good credit? We can leverage that.
✅ Have savings? We’ll stretch it wisely.