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KEY POINTS

  • Access start-up capital with less stringent requirements by tapping into SBA loans.
  • Partners with capital can help with funding and expertise, but tread carefully with shared decision-making.
  • Crowdfunding can allow you to raise money while building early momentum and market interest.

The thought of starting a business is usually really quite exciting. How will you do it, what will your name and logo be, where will you find customers? For the would-be entrepreneur, this is all usually a very fun and interesting thought exercise.

But one issue that is typically more challenging than fun is how and where to find the money to fuel the dream. Will you need a business loan? What other options are there? The good news is that there are several realistic options that can take you from cash-strapped to cash-flush.

Here are four ways to fuel your business fire and set yourself up for success.