You’ve got your business idea, your business plan in tow, your ducks in a row, and you’re ready to get your business off the ground, except for one problem: you have no start-up capital. Unless you were born into wealth and have it available to you, then you are like most small businesses and need help.

How can you get start-up capital? There are a few ways to do it:

Bank loans for small businesses

Many financial institutions offer some type of small business loan program. To obtain financing from a bank for your small business, you will need a solid business plan. You will need to show that your business will generate enough cash to make the loan payments. Every bank’s requirements are different, but if you can articulate how you’ll be successful, have decent credit, and possibly a cosigner, you may be able to get a small business bank loan.

SBA (Small Business Administration)

The SBA is a great resource for information on requirements, credit factors, how to apply for loans, etc. The website is a good starting point before trying to apply to a bank. The better prepared you are, the easier it will be when you begin the application process.

Family friends

Many small businesses raise start-up capital this way. Family and friends usually want you to succeed and believe in your business. It is prudent to treat these relationships as actual business relationships. Plan how you will repay your loans, the term, and the interest rate.

Angel investors and venture capital firms

Private angel investors and venture capital firms mostly work in the same way. They invest in the capital of your business and expect a return in the form of an acquisition, initial public offering, or share repurchase in the future.

The key to any of the above methods is to have a well written business plan. A good business plan will show that you are serious about your business and that you can demonstrate how you plan to make it successful.