There are several ways to get enough capital to start and maintain a business but you first must decide just how much money you need. Do you need the money to expand or are you just beginning the business? Capital is especially critical in the beginning stages of a new business. Assess your risks, as that will affect your financing options and cost. Whether your industry is stable, growing or depressed it all affects how much money you can borrow and what interest rates you can get.

After assessing how much capital your business needs, you will decide whether you want equity or debt financing. Debt financing takes into account the company's debt to equity ratio, the relation of the funds you have borrowed and those you have invested in the business. If you have invested a considerable amount into your business and have decent equity, it will be easier to attract financing. When a company has a less equity than debt, you'll want to increase your equity investment for more funds so that you aren't over-leveraged.

Banks, commercial finance companies, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and savings and loan companies offer debt financing. Historically, businesses have patronized banks for financing, especially for short-term loans. Banks will often turn down small businesses requesting long-term loans because of the risks involved. When a business applies for a loan, the lenders usually ask for the borrower's personal guarantee as well as considering the business's equity. This could require merely a signature or posting of collateral.

Most small businesses make use of equity financing. Commonly, the source of equity funding is from venture capitalists. These are institutions that risk money on small businesses, hoping for a good return for their investment. These venture capitalists may be individuals, government sources or financial concerns. One well-known example of capitalist investing is Silicon Valley.

Whether you decide on equity or debt financing, you will need to present a financial picture of your business. Any financial institution or investor will require documentation of your real or projected annual sales, how many people you employ, how long you have been in business, which type of business you have and who owns it.

You will need to put together financial statements for the past few years as well as current statements and submit personal financial statements of any partners, officers or stockholders that own twenty percent or more of the business. Any person or institution lending your business money will want to know exactly how the business will use the funds.

Lenders will scrutinize your financial statements carefully so the statements should be accurate and up-to-date. You will need balance sheets from the last three fiscal years, cash flow projections, personal tax returns for the past three years, income statements on the business' profits or losses as well as accounts receivables and payables.

As you can see, it takes much careful preparation should you decide to apply for a loan. Your local SBA can be a tremendous resource in preparing for and applying for a small business loan.