Business Capital Guide

Access to capital is vital for businesses in Nebraska to start, expand operations, and remain competitive. Overall, utilizing local financial institutions, state and federal resources, and private capital sources can help Nebraska business owners get the funding they require. Nebraska’s economic development organizations work to connect local businesses with various capital resources to facilitate growth and innovation.

Calculate

Determine how much money you will need, and for what. Ideally, you should have already outlined your funding requirements in your business plan.

Request assistance.

• Search the SourceLink Nebraska Resource Navigator for funding resources.
• Nebraska Small Business Development Center (SBDC) consultants can help you determine your startup or expansion financing needs.
• Financial Forecasting & Loan Packaging (Nebraska SBDC)

Calculate to start.

• Calculate your startup costs. – (SBA)

Calculate to grow.

• Omni Calculator – What is a good current ratio (working capital ratio)?
• Business Calculators – Business valuation, cash flow, inventory, working capital, and more.

Learn

Now that you have properly assessed your financial needs, take the time to find out all of your financing options (i.e. self-financing/bootstrapping, crowdfunding, grants, debt or equity).

Research financing options.

• How to Fund Your Business Startup: 5 Fast and Popular Options (SBA)
• Understanding the Differences Between Angel Investors and Venture Capitalists (SCORE)
• What Is Private Equity? What Is Venture Capital? What Is Startup Capital? (Investopedia)
• E-Commerce Financing: Funding Your Online Business (NBDC)
• Funding Programs (SBA)
• From Banks to Blocks: How Access to Capital Shapes the Child Care Sector in Nebraska (Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborative)

Take no-cost business classes or enroll in entrepreneurial programs on funding a business.

• Upcoming Business Events

Meet with professional business advisors for no-cost advice and guidance.

• Search the SourceLink Nebraska Resource Navigator to find business counseling.

Prepare

After deciding on the appropriate financing option for your business, prepare a business case, as well as any required documentation, including your business financials, for potential crowd funders, lenders, or investors.

Get no-cost assistance from local non-profit business support organizations.

• Search the SourceLink Nebraska Resource Navigator for business support organizations.
• Nebraska Small Business Development Center (SBDC) consultants can help you determine your startup or expansion financing needs.

Get assistance from a CPA or Attorney registered in Nebraska.

• Consult with a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
• Consult with a registered corporate/business law attorney.

More tips for preparing.

• Starting Out Right: Building Business Credit (SCORE)
• 10 Tips for Better Small Business Bookkeeping (SCORE)

Apply

Select the appropriate business financing provider, submit an application and all required documents.

• Search the SourceLink Nebraska Resource Navigator for equity providers, loan providers, and other funding resources
• U.S. Small Business Administration – Fund your business
• How to Get a Business Loan (SCORE)

After a successful funding effort, make sure to comply with any requirements of your funding agreement including repayment schedules.