RIZWAN AZMAT You’ve got an awesome idea, a slick name in mind and the garage space to start your dream business -- but not the cash. I'm not surprised. Financing a small business -- especially a startup -- is an uphill battle in a crowded field. In the U.S. alone, there are an estimated 27.5 million small businesses. And nearly 80 percent of them get their money through bank loans, credit cards and lines of credit. It’s no secret that it is harder getting money through those avenues in the current financial climate. But just because it’s a bit of a fight, doesn’t mean your great idea isn’t worth fighting for. Here are some of the ways you can finance your startup, from standing in bank lines to going online: Bank loans Once thought of as a go-to option, national banks are still pinching pennies -- even after the Great Recession ceased. |