Starting a small business has become more accessible to everybody these days. Sometimes, you might not even need a lot of money to get started, depending on your business idea. You can provide online services from home, and there's no need to rent an office or employ staff, or you can make handmade products and sell them on your Etsy shop with minimal startup costs. 

But if your small business idea is going to need some investment to help it grow, you're probably weighing up your options for small business funding. The good news is that today, there are a lot more options available for small companies compared to just a few years ago. The bank is no longer your only option. 

So, where do you go for small business funding? Consider these ideas.

Small Business Lenders

With banks saying no to small businesses more and more often, there's been a gap in the market for lenders who specifically service the small companies that are being turned down. If you're starting a small business, you've probably got a better chance of being accepted to borrow from one of these companies; after all, you're their perfect target customer. 

Applying for business funding is easy; most of the time it's all done online. Cubefunder, for example, makes getting loans for your small business easy. Just fill in the online application, follow the steps, and wait for a decision. 

Angel Investors

If you've come up with a unique and interesting business idea that you're sure is going to make megabucks in the future, you might be able to find an angel investor who agrees with you. Typically, these are individuals who've built a business empire of their own, and now want to use some of their money to help entrepreneurs who're in the same boat as they once were. 

Search for angel investor networks in your area – chances are you'll need to pitch to a few before you get the funding you need, but if you succeed, it's worth it. Although you'll need to be prepared to part with shares in your company in return, the money isn't all you'll get. Many angel investors bring valuable guidance and support to help your business thrive and grow. 

Crowdfunding

The public loves new ideas – and if you've got a business idea that you think everybody is going to be amazed by, you might want to consider gaining some funds through crowdfunding. Popular for raising money for good causes on sites like JustGiving, crowdfunding is now beginning to make a name for itself as a viable way to raise funds for small businesses, particularly due to the rise in micro-investing. 

How it works: You post your business idea on a suitable crowdfunding website or app and members of the public invest a small amount of money if they are interested in the idea. They're like angel investors but on a much smaller level. Thanks to their contribution, each person who donates will own a small part of your business – and if you manage to hit your goals and get massive, the pay-off will be brilliant for them. 

Friends & Family

This one is often seen as a safe bet by many small business owners. Borrowing money from your family and friends is certainly less stressful than getting it from a bank or lender, but bear in mind that if things go awry, your relationship with them could be strained. If you're going to borrow from friends or relatives, make sure that you're prepared to repay them, even if your business doesn't take off as hoped. 

With so many funding options to consider, there's never been a better time than the present to go for it with your small business idea. 

business money concept -DepositPhotos