Do you have a business idea and dream about becoming financially independent? That’s great but starting up a business requires more than an idea and a business plan. You need financial backing and a start-up comes with a significant expense that few people can afford out of their pockets. However, there are many ways of financing your small business dream. Finding funding isn’t the problem. The options are limitless. However, you need to determine which choice is the best for you. Here’s a quick list of some of the most popular ways to finance your small business.

1. Traditional Bank Loan

This how the vast majority of business owners started, with a bank loan. If you are in good financial standing, which mostly means that you have all your taxes paid, then you can apply for a bank loan. You can go to any bank, preferably one that you are familiar with and talk to a representative about their small business loan programs. What benefits they offer, how much you can get, what the conditions you need to follow and what the interest rate is. Once you are satisfied with the information, you can start filing for a small business loan. The application itself isn’t difficult to fil, but keep in mind it can take a couple of weeks or even a couple of months to get your funding. Make sure to be as thorough as possible, and give them all the information you can about your business type, services, and products you plan to offer. Offering details can often speed the process.

2. Alternative Small Business Loans

Sometimes the bank might not offer you the amount you need to get started, or they offer unfavorable terms and conditions. In this case, you can opt for alternatives that are back by private companies and corporations. They make their own decisions and don’t depend on a bank when it comes to offering you a loan. The main benefit of taking out an alternative loan is that you will not be restricted. Financial flexibility is good for business. A company can offer you a loan by giving you a sum of money upfront and then you manage it the way you see fit. Managing your spending and your repayments as you see fit is vital and most banks don’t offer you so much room to maneuver. Company-backed loans are more personal.

3. Crowdfunding

This funding method is probably as popular as traditional bank loans these days. As long as you have a great product or service planned out, crowdfunding can really pick up. People love supporting something that solves their problems or needs and they are willing to invest. Crowdfunding campaigns often take some time to start up, so this might not be the best option if you need the money right away or in the next few months. The good news is you can still get a loan from somewhere else while running a crowdfunding campaign. And the best part of this is that you don’t have to pay your contributors anything back. You aren’t receiving a loan from people. In reality, you are receiving a donation that you can choose to reward with your products and services once you get started.