1. Online lenders: Online lenders offer loans to small businesses, often with faster approval times than many traditional banks. These loans can be either secured or unsecured, and often have higher interest rates than bank loans.
2. Peer-to-peer lending: These lending platforms allow individuals to lend money to small businesses in exchange for interest payments. While not for everyone, this can sometimes be a good option for businesses with lower credit scores.
3. Microloans: Microloans are exactly that — small loans that are typically under $50,000 and are often offered by community development organizations or nonprofits. These loans can be used for a variety of purposes, such as purchasing equipment or inventory.
4. Invoice financing: Invoice financing allows small businesses to borrow against outstanding invoices, providing them with cash flow while they wait for payment from customers.
5. Merchant cash advances: Merchant cash advances provide small businesses with a lump sum payment in exchange for a percentage of future credit card sales. These loans can be expensive, with high interest rates and fees.
6. Crowdfunding: Crowdfunding platforms allow small businesses to raise money from a large number of individuals in exchange for rewards or equity. This can be a good option for businesses with unique products or services.
7. Grants: Grants are free money that small businesses can use for a specific purpose, such as research and development or hiring employees. Grants are often offered by government agencies or private organizations.
8. Equipment financing: Equipment financing allows small businesses to purchase or lease equipment, such as machinery or vehicles, with financing provided by the equipment manufacturer or a third-party lender.
9. Angel investors: Angel investors are individuals who invest in small businesses in exchange for equity. These investors can provide valuable mentorship and connections in addition to funding.
10. Venture capital: Venture capital firms invest in high-growth businesses with the potential for significant returns. These investments typically require a large equity stake and can be difficult to secure.

It’s a Whole New World

Small businesses have many financing options beyond traditional bank loans. Online lenders, peer-to-peer lending, microloans, invoice financing, merchant cash advances, crowdfunding, grants, equipment financing, angel investors, and venture capital are all viable options. By exploring these alternative financing options, small businesses can find the funding they need to grow and succeed.