Starting your own business can be expensive! More than likely, you don't have the necessary cash to start your business. For example, starting your own restarutant could set you back $50,000.00 in cooking equipment alone! Then you have to pay insurance, rent, utilities, etc. Most people don't have every single penny that their business needs, so they must find money from another source. Let's take a look at the many different ways you can get startup capital for your business:

• Friends and Relatives - Ask your friends and relatives if they'll give you a small, interest free loan. Explain to them what you need the money for, and put the loan agreement in writing. Writing down an agreement and then signing it tells your friend or relative that you mean business. Make sure to payback personal loans such as these, if not friendships could be ruined.
• Your Credit Cards - Put your plastic to good use by using it to help finance your business. Your credit card can be used to buy inventory, pay expenses, pay off accounts payable, buy office equipment, etc. Your credit card provides a guranteed microloan whenever you need it. The interest rates may be high, but that's just the price of convience.
• The Small Business Administation - The small business administration doesn't give out loans. What the SBA does is provide lending institutions with a gurantee that will eliminate some of the risks of lending money to a small business. The SBA backs loans ranging in amounts of $500.00 to $2,000,000.00. The SBA is very helpful in helping small businesses find funding. The SBA's financing website is located at http://www.sba.gov/financing/.
• Your Job - If your starting a part-time business, your full time job can be a great source of start-up capital. Saving 20% of your paycheck every week can really add up over time.
• Angel Investors - Angel Investors are individuals who have money, and are looking for businesses to invest in during start-up or during their early stages of operations. Angel investors want to make sure that their money is going to a good business, so having strong business skills, and a good business plan are key. Most angel investors would like for you to give them a prestation about your business. They want to see financials, ideas for the business, how the business plans to grow, etc.
• The Bank - The bank is a great place for start up loans if your credit is in good shape, and you have a solid business plan. Banks will read every word in your business plan, and then they'll read them again. They want to know that their money is going towards a sound business idea.