Access to funding when you need it is essential to both emerging and established businesses. So where can you find it? There are far more sources, which are far more accessible, than you may have imagined. Your capital acquisition strategy may include a combination of funding sources. It's smart to diversify, and a blend of debt, equity, and possibly grants is a great idea. Here are some options:



* If your company needs cash to cover expenses, can't wait for the typical accounts receivable cycle, and has invoices and purchase orders, then consider asset-based lending.

Potential sources include your neighborhood bank or factoring finance companies, which you can locate online by searching for "factoring" and the name of your city.

* If your company needs cash to cover expenses, can't wait for the typical accounts receivable cycle, and has a solid history of credit-card sales, then consider merchant cash advances.

Potential sources include http://Advanceme.com and other such services, which you can locate online by searching for the keywords "merchant cash advances."

* If your company needs seed or expansion capital and is willing to take on debt, then consider business loans, loans from friends and family, and microloans.

Potential sources include your neighborhood bank, the Small Business Administration, http://Prosper.com, http://TheSnapLoan.com, and http://Count-Me-In.org.

* If your company needs seed or expansion capital and has time to apply and wait for processing, then consider government or other types of grants.

Potential sources include http://Grants.gov and online searches for the keywords "small business grants."

* If your company needs seed or expansion capital and is willing to sell equity in the company, then consider angel investors, venture capitalists, and friends and family.

You can locate potential sources using online searches for the keywords "angel investors" or "venture capital" plus the name of your city.

* If your company needs to buy equipment or incur other capital expenses (such as pricey software), then consider an equipment lease line of credit.

One potential source is your neighborhood bank.