By smart money we mean financing that helps your business in the way that you want it to, where the financier provides not only capital, but support and expertise to your business. Smart money could be an SBA guaranteed loan that allows you to keep your ownership interests intact until your business reaches the stage at which you want to sell shares of the business. The discussion in this module is designed to help you identify relevant traits about your business's financing profile and understand the various financing sources that may be available to you, with an emphasis on practical information on selecting the most suitable sources of funding for your business. Your business's financing profile explains how your position in the business life cycle influences your financing options, how you can estimate the amount of money you need, and how you can find money in your own back yard by tapping friends, family, and personal assets. Debt vs. equity shows how the two basic forms of equity differ, and how you can combine them to your best advantage.
Debt financing discusses where and how to get a business loan, and the types of loans available.
Government programs shows how the federal Small Business Association can help to finance your small business, and describes other government financing assistance.