Tip of the Day: Business Financing: Money to Grow

From government-backed loans to crowd-funding, today’s small businesses have more financing options than ever before. An enterprising owner can find capital infusions from reliable standbys or innovative new funding sources.

As a small-business owner, you should always stay aware of potential outlets in an uncertain lending climate. If you’re interested in your options "beyond the bank," consider these alternative financing platforms:

• Web-based crowdfunding campaigns
• Microloans through government or nonprofit microfinance organizations
• Credit lines from web-based startup lenders
• Equipment-financing incentives from larger companies

Some large companies offer incentives to businesses in the form of commercial funding programs. Even the country’s top public companies—like Fortune 5-ranked Ford Motor Company—offer business-financing incentives. For businesses that purchase dedicated vehicles, Ford is one example of a company offering such programs as flexible commercial retail financing, "red carpet" commercial leases, business lines of credit and leasing options. You can learn more about those options at credit.ford.com.