Starting a business can be a great idea. It provides you with the opportunity to be your own boss and to contribute to your community via the creation of jobs and providing services/products which meet the needs of others. However, getting that business of the ground requires money. Below are some common and not so common fund raising ideas that could help you acquire the capital you need.

• Bank Loans - One of the first options most entrepreneurs consider is a bank loan. And this is a doable option in some cases. Unfortunately, the current economic downturn has made it a challenge to get credit under most circumstances. To qualify for a business loan, you usually need to demonstrate experience in business management and provide a professional business plan for review by the loan officer. Other bank loan choices would include using your home as collateral or using a home equity line of credit to finance your business. Of course, these options are very risky.

• Family & Friends - Another source of capital is borrowing the money from the people you know. Depending on whom you know and their financial picture, this could be an effective approach. On the downside, borrowing from family and friends can be a dangerous road, especially if things go sour with the business. Make sure to get everything in writing in order to prevent problems and misunderstandings down the road.

• Use an Angel - Angels are investors who are willing to give money to entrepreneurs. A number of web sites provide resources to help connect people like yourself to potential angels. Just remember that the competition for these investment dollars is fierce so you need a great idea and you need to be able to sell that deal to others. Make sure you clearly understand the terms of their investment, including how much say they have in how the business is run, before you close the deal.

• Use Credit Cards - One of the most innovative fund raising ideas is to charge most of your start-up expenses on your personal credit cards. While this can work well for some businesses, the funding is usually too limited for larger operations. Plus, maxing out your cards can lower your credit rating and can make obtaining alternative financing more difficult down the road. Try to use credit cards only for minor purchases, such as stationery or fax machines.

• Use Fundraiser 1.0 - Another approach that has worked for many entrepreneurs is a program called Fundraiser 1.0. Basically, the program works by bringing together other people who are trying to raise capital online so they essentially help each other raise the money needed. Four fund raising levels are available with the program, including the highest level which tops out at over $11 million USD.

• Try Government Programs - If you're located in the United States, try contacting the Small Business Association (SBA) for information about grant and loan programs designed to help entrepreneurs get started.

Whether you're just toying with the idea of becoming your own boss or already have a business plan prepared, the fund raising ideas above can help you get started on the right path. Once you have the money to get started, the sky's the limited for your business.