Review the steps below to find and apply for the right kind of capital for your business startup or growth needs.
Please note that these are basic steps you should consider and be aware of, but it is always best to consult a professional to help walk you through the steps and make sure you don’t miss anything. Search the SourceLink Nebraska Resource Navigator to find business consultants near you.
Step 1 - Calculate
Step 1 - Calculate
Determine how much money you will need, and for what. Ideally, you should have already outlined your funding requirements in your business plan.
Get Free Assistance
- Search the SourceLink Nebraska Resource Navigator for funding resources
- Nebraska Small Business Development Center (SBDC) counselors can help you determine your startup or expansion financing needs
- Financial Forecasting & Loan Packaging
Calculate To Start
- U.S. Small Business Administration – Calculate your startup costs
- Business Calculators Center (Entrepreneur)
Calculate To Grow
Step 2 - Learn
Step 2 - Learn
Now that you have properly assessed your business 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)
- E-Commerce Financing: Funding Your Online Business (NBDC)
- USA.gov – Finance Your Business
- U.S. Small Business Administration – Funding Programs
- 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
- Enlighten no-cost online business videos
Meet with professional business advisors for no-cost advice and guidance
Step 3 - Prepare
Step 3 - 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 crowdfunders, 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) counselors 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 an registered Corporate/Business Law Attorney
More tips for preparing
Step 4 - Apply
Step 4 - 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
- USA.gov – Finance 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.
Contrary to popular belief there are very few grants available to start and grow businesses.