Sources of Personal Financing for a Business
/Personal financing for business is a form of financial planning and self-funding through established personal and familial connections in addition to individual contributions. According to research conducted by fundable, the majority of startups are self-funded, either through family, friends, personal savings, and lines of credit.
Self-funding, also known as bootstrapping, is synonymous with maximizing human capital first before utilizing the self-generated funds. This is meant to reduce dependency on external financing and improving the efficiency and resourcefulness of the business. Besides promoting self-reliance, self-funding is also strategic for maintaining ownership and control in a business. Below are sources of personal financing.
Personal Savings
Using personal savings to finance a business venture is a cost-effective method that comes with no interest or other added costs. In most cases, personal savings only cover part of the funding required, but there is reduced risk.
Funding a business with personal savings eliminates any form of repayment schedules associated with other methods, allowing you to develop your business without financial strain. Personal savings are available in different forms, such as; cash, checks, bonds, and liquid assets. This financing method is suitable for funding small businesses with manageable costs and risk factors.
Personal Credits
This source of self-funding refers to taking a personal line of credit to finance a business. There are several different avenues of acquiring credit, ranging from family and friends to various financial institutions. Some of the available credit options include; borrowing from peers, personal loans, a home equity line of credit, mortgage and borrowing against life insurance, and investments.
Credit funds issued to entrepreneurs are limited based on their creditworthiness and security or collateral. Weighing the risk factors, some financial institutions offer home equity loans and second mortgages to add to cash flow. Another credit option that’s also available to some entrepreneurs is special business loans offered to specific target groups.
Self-funding through credit does carry risk, especially with collateral requirements and periodic repayments. To qualify for a line of credit, you are required to have a decent credit score and a clear business plan outlining the payment plan.
One of the critical factors in choosing personal financing is the vastness of untapped resources that won't burden the business. These funds are essential for acquiring new investments, purchasing inventory, and consolidating debt. One of the main advantages of self-funding is the self-awareness imposed on you towards managing finances and putting in place contingencies. Bootstrapping is an effective way of funding your business venture if you're not prepared to take on unnecessary business liabilities.