Starting a business requires a lot of foresight and planning, and at the top of your list of concerns should be startup funding or capital. The amount of money you’ll need largely depends on the type of company you start and whether you need a lot of inventory or materials. Some businesses, such as those that provide digital goods or services, cost far less than opening a physical office or boutique. Nevertheless, there are plenty of options to come up with the money you need.

Save Up The Traditional Way

Many people work while saving up to make their dreams a reality. Putting away money the traditional way requires a lot of dedication, but it’s not impossible. When you’re determined to save, it’s important to establish a budget and figure out how much you can comfortably stock away each pay period. To avoid spending this money, whether intentionally or inadvertently, open up a special account that’s just for that purpose. It’s even better if you open up an account at a bank or credit union that you don’t use for your personal expenses, because it’ll be far less tempting if you don’t have easy access to the money.

Finance the Costs

For those who can’t save up the traditional way, or who fear it will take too long to do so, there are a variety of funding options. If you have a low-interest credit card, this can prove helpful, but it’s important to avoid getting in too deep because you do have to pay it back. If you have excellent credit, you can take out a personal loan through your financial institution.

Loans are another option. If you live in the Beehive State, for example, you might consider a lender that offers installment loans Utah residents can use for funding a new business venture. Or, you can look into business loans, but they’re typically hard to qualify for, even if you have a foolproof business plan.

Seek Investors

If your business requires a lot of capital, but it’s an idea that stands to benefit a large group of people, you might want to seek investors. For some, starting up a simple GoFundMe page with your business details is all it takes, particularly if you have an innovative idea that commands attention. People typically invest in these campaigns at different tiers, in which the campaign director offers different gifts for each tier.

You might even find angel investors, those that provide the money but typically remain undisclosed. They do expect to retain a portion of the ownership equity, however, so be careful when you go this route and read all of the fine print when it comes to signing a contract. Not everyone will qualify to be an angel investor, either, but it’s not uncommon to have a few different investor types for large-scale operations.

Starting your business is a very exciting time, but you want to make sure you have the money you need to do it right before you take the plunge. Being prepared and having the necessary capital in hand will make your startup go that much smoother and you’re far less likely to stress over money when you open your proverbial doors.