Launching a new business is exciting, but one major challenge most entrepreneurs face is securing adequate funding. At Prioritize Financial, we understand how important it is to find the right financial resources to bring your vision to life. Whether you're bootstrapping or looking for serious capital, these 10 expert-backed strategies will give you a solid roadmap to secure startup funding for your small business.

1. Bootstrap Your Way to Launch

Bootstrapping means funding your business using your own savings or early profits. While it might require some financial discipline and delayed gratification, it offers you full control without giving up equity or taking on debt.

Pro tip: Cut down personal expenses, reinvest early profits, and scale slowly. Bootstrapping proves your commitment to investors if you seek external funding later.

2. Tap into Friends and Family

Many successful entrepreneurs have started with a helping hand from their inner circle. Asking friends or family for a loan or investment can provide a quick cash injection.

Best practices: Be professional. Use formal agreements and be transparent about the risks. Treat their investment like any other business deal to maintain relationships.

3. Apply for a Business Grant

Grants are essentially free money—and you don’t have to pay them back! Government agencies, nonprofits, and private foundations offer grants tailored for small businesses, especially those owned by women, minorities, or veterans.

Where to look:

• Grants.gov

• Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)

• Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)

Tip: Ensure you meet eligibility criteria and tailor your application to the grant’s mission.

4. Secure a Microloan

Microloans are small, short-term loans offered by nonprofit lenders and community-based organizations. These are great for startups that don’t qualify for traditional bank loans.

Top microlenders:

• Kiva

• Accion Opportunity Fund

• LiftFund

Microloans typically offer flexible repayment terms and lower interest rates, making them ideal for early-stage businesses.

5. Launch a Crowdfunding Campaign

Crowdfunding allows you to raise small amounts of money from a large number of people, usually via platforms like Kickstarter, Indiegogo, or GoFundMe.

There are two main types:

• Reward-based crowdfunding (offer a product or perk in exchange)

• Equity crowdfunding (give up a portion of ownership)

Success tip: Create a compelling pitch, use visuals and videos, and promote through social media to build momentum.

6. Consider Business Credit Cards

Business credit cards can help cover short-term expenses, manage cash flow, and build your business credit history. Some offer 0% APR for the first 12–18 months, allowing you to borrow interest-free.

Warning: Be cautious with spending and make timely payments to avoid high interest and fees after the introductory period ends.

7. Apply for SBA Loans

The Small Business Administration (SBA) doesn’t lend directly, but it backs loans made through partner banks and lenders. The most common options include:

• SBA 7(a) Loan – Great for general business purposes

• SBA Microloan – For startups and smaller financing needs

• SBA CDC/504 Loan – For equipment and real estate

Why it works: SBA loans offer low interest rates, long repayment terms, and high approval odds if you meet their criteria.

8. Partner with Angel Investors

Angel investors are individuals who invest their personal funds into startups in exchange for equity. They're often experienced entrepreneurs themselves and may offer mentorship along with funding.

How to find them:

• AngelList

• Local startup networks and pitch events

• Online communities and accelerators

Pitch tip: Highlight your unique value proposition, growth potential, and scalability.

9. Explore Venture Capital (VC) for Rapid Growth

If your business has high growth potential and you’re ready to scale fast, venture capital might be the right fit. VC firms invest large sums in exchange for equity, often in tech, SaaS, healthcare, and innovative sectors.

Reality check: Venture capitalists are highly selective. Be prepared with a solid business plan, market research, and financial projections.

Prioritize Financial helps clients prepare professional pitch decks and business plans to impress VCs.

10. Use Invoice Financing or Merchant Cash Advances

If you’re already generating some revenue but need faster cash flow, invoice financing and merchant cash advances (MCA) can be short-term solutions.

• Invoice financing: Borrow against unpaid invoices.

• MCA: Receive a lump sum and repay it via a percentage of daily credit card sales.

These aren’t ideal for everyone due to higher fees, but they can be useful in cash crunch situations.

How Prioritize Financial Can Help You

Navigating startup funding isn’t easy, and every business journey is unique. At Prioritize Financial, we specialize in helping small business owners find the right financing option tailored to their goals.

We offer:

• Business Credit Development

• Startup Funding Consulting

• Grant and Loan Application Support

• SBA Loan Assistance

• Pitch Deck and Business Plan Creation

Whether you’re at the idea stage or ready to expand, our expert team is here to guide you from start to funding success.

Final Thoughts

Starting your business is a bold move—and securing the right funding is a huge step toward making it sustainable. From bootstrapping and grants to SBA loans and angel investors, there are multiple paths you can take. The key is to understand your financial needs, research your options, and choose the best strategy for your business model.

Don’t go it alone. Let Prioritize Financial help you unlock the funding you need to fuel your small business dreams.