Beginner’s advice: Getting up and running with your business

If you have decided that you are going to establish a business, whether it is your first or not, you are going to need to accumulate the funds to do so. This is often the most difficult part of getting any business up and running. However, there are lots of different avenues for you to explore, which is good news! In this blog post, we are going to explore a number of them in further detail.

Alternative finance 

Alternative finance is a term that is used to describe any financial services that are provided outside of the traditional banking institutions. Examples include the likes of donation-based crowdfunding, P2P consumer lending, and debt-based securities. This is a relatively new, diverse, and fast-growing market, and it is providing a vital source of income for individuals, organizations, and businesses. We are going to provide you with some crucial information on the alternative finance industry.

The flexibility of alternative finance is something worth elaborating on, as there are many different uses for alternative finance models, various types of investors, and these solutions apply to all genders and age groups. For example, invoice trading is a model that is largely funded by high-net-worth individuals and institutional investors. However, reward-based crowding funding comes predominantly from the social and creative sectors. When it comes to the users of alternative finance, all age groups are well represented. Moreover, you will find that alternative finance models are available all over the world, with both fundraisers and funders coming from all corners of the globe.

One area of alternative finance that has experienced significant growth is debt-based securities. This is when a lender gets a non-collateralised debt obligation, which they usually repay over a set time period. The reason this industry is growing so rapidly is that the majority of investors are drawn to the fact that they will be able to make a positive social impact.

Comparing financial options

The increased number of options in terms of finance solutions nowadays means that you need to do your homework when finding the best funding option. Of course, research is always important, but this is even more so the case nowadays. Through carrying out a significant amount of research, you will be more likely to get the exact finance solution you require. You also need to understand the different category alternatives, for example, invoice financing could be ideal for those who need working capital as soon as possible while asset finance is ideal for those that need finance so they can purchase equipment for the purpose of growing their business.

One of the biggest mistakes a lot of business owners make is looking for a finance solution that is structured via a one-size-fits-all approach. Your company is going to have unique challenges that are bespoke to the size of your business and the industry you are operating in, and it is important to bear this in mind when you are looking for alternative business finance. Looking for top franchise opportunities is a good way to make the financial path easier for you. New forms of finance have emerged in regards to specialist services and this is something you should certainly take advantage of. Is your business already established? Are you a newly traded firm? You should look for specialist finance products that have been designed for your type of business specifically. You can even find financial solutions that have been designed for companies that are in a degree of trouble.

Aside from this, you should consider hiring the services of a chartered accountant because expert advice is always beneficial, especially when it comes to something that is as important to your business as finance is. There are often many complexities involved when it comes to acquiring finance, and a professional accountant can give you all the assistance you need to ensure that everything runs smoothly. They can also give you unbiased advice on the best route to go down.

Photo by Josh Appel