Most new businesses are funded by the founders, from their personal funds or by using personal assets as collateral for a loan. A well-written business plan is essential to raising the capital you will need from traditional lenders, venture capitalists or angel investors. You want to show potential lenders or investors how their money will be used and for what purpose.
Investors look at the people before they look at the idea.
The entrepreneur will make or break the business and investors want to insure that their money will be returned to them at a profit. You will need to talk intelligently about your industry, answer every question posed to you about your business idea, and offer an insider's insight to bolster the confidence of an investor. Arm yourself with more information than you will need to be completely prepared. The resources listed here are full of contacts to help you find money for your business, but you will be dealing with strangers. Before you do that, start talking about your business and your need for financing to everyone that you meet.