For many people, the nation’s economy is still greatly
affecting them. And for those who have a deep desire to start a business but
don’t have the funds, where can they look for that? Credit interest rates are
high, loan rates are high, investors want a lot of equity, and there is so much
risk out there. Luckily, there are some alternative ways to receive funding. Alternative
funding can be compared to a cash advance essentially. The Corporation for
Enterprise Development (cfed.org) helps low and middle-income households get to
programs that will help them get to a path of financial security. The opportunities
made available through CFED are access to the resources that will help you
build your assets. It’s policy agenda focuses on financial assets and income,
businesses and jobs, housing and homeownership, education, and health care.
Another company that helps create opportunities for
entrepreneurs is the Association for Enterprise Opportunity
(microenteroriseworks.org or aeoworks.org). Through them you are able to find a
mentor and network with other small business owners. There’s been a trend
recently that you may have heard of, Small Business Saturday, which is
essentially about shopping at your local small business to contribute to the economic
growth of the nation. AEO basically functions as such by promoting this
interaction between owners. It has a green initiative to help the environment
as well as save on costs for small businesses.
Both websites of these Alternative Funding Organizations
have links to all the initiatives, policies, and programs that they are
offering or making users aware of as a resource. Most requirements are that you
must be within an income range to obtain help from these organizations. These
sites have the links to the sites where you would apply so the requirements of
those specifically may vary. However, I recommend both as a good central point
to help you financially.
