Lauren McKinley

Raising venture capital (VC) requires the consideration of the value of your business, amount of funding, business goals, and relationships with investors. It can be challenging to find venture capitalists who will invest in your business, so be sure to determine if it’s a suitable option before proceeding with seeking investors and the following steps….

Angel funding is a way to raise money for your business with the help of angel investors, who offer seed money to promising startups or small businesses in exchange for an equity stake in your company. To receive angel funding, you’ll need to do your due diligence in vetting an angel investor best suited to…

An unsecured business line of credit is a revolving loan that allows you to withdraw funds up to a certain credit limit. You can get quick access to funds by drawing upon the line in any amount you may need, receiving the funds in your account, and paying back the drawn funds over time. What…

Equipment loans provide financing for the acquisition of a piece of equipment to be used for your business. Whether it be machinery, industrial equipment, vehicles, computers, furniture, or other specialized equipment, they can help facilitate the purchase and allow you to sustainably pay it off over time. They commonly have a fixed interest rate and…

A business line of credit is a revolving loan that allows you to draw funds against a credit limit, which are then disbursed and accessible via a deposit account. As a revolving credit facility, you can request a draw at any time and for any amount, repay the balance over time, and continue to make…

Angel investors are qualified individuals or entities who provide seed money to invest in promising small and startup businesses. They are typically offered a stake in the business in exchange for their financial assistance and are a source of alternative financing for new businesses with limited resources. If you think that angel funding might be a…

Commercial real estate (CRE) loans are offered as a lending product from banks or other financial institutions to assist in the acquisition, renovation, or construction of commercial properties. CRE is defined as a property that will be utilized for business purposes, such as office spaces, restaurants, retail stores, investment properties, industrial facilities, and more. Who…

If you’re trying to raise money for your business, turning to your friends and family may be a good place to start. Instead of looking to a bank or other lending institution, sourcing funds from friends and family can be more accessible and often allow for better rates and repayment terms. However, lending always comes…

An operating lease is an agreement to utilize an asset without ownership rights. This agreement is similar to a rental agreement, in that the lessor allows the lessee to use the asset for a set period and under conditions permitted by the lessor. Assets commonly associated with an operating lease include equipment, automobiles, and real…

The Small Business Administration (SBA) Community Advantage loan program offers funding to businesses in underserved markets, such as startups, veterans, and minority entrepreneurs. You can get up to $350,000 in funding and, like other loans backed by the SBA, this loan can offer some of the most competitive rates available. SBA Community Advantage loan requirements…