6 Steps to Fund Your Startup or Business in Kansas City
You’ve got the business idea. Now you just need the capital. What’s a Kansas City entrepreneur to do?
In our robust entrepreneurial ecosystem, small business owners have many resources, people and programs to help get their ventures off the ground. You’ll find expertise, and you’ll find financial assistance, too. You just need to know how to prepare and where to access it.
KCSourceLink is your one-stop shop for all things entrepreneurship, and finding funding is no exception. We’ve curated our favorite funding-related resources right here. Learn your financial options and make your business goals happen with this powerful info:
- Funding in Kansas City: the basics
- Sources of funding for your small business
- Types of investors
- Getting ready to find capital for your startup
- How to pitch to investors
- How to get help growing your business
1. Funding in Kansas City: the basics
Understanding the vocabulary and structures around commercial financing will give you a solid foundation as you start your funding journey. That’s a fancy way of saying, “You’re not alone — this stuff is new to most of us. But if you know what the words mean, you’ll feel better.” Trust us.
- Funding Stage Definitions
- Startup Terms Every Entrepreneur Needs to Know, from Accelerator to VC
- Financial Jargon Every Entrepreneur and Small Business Needs to Know
- Credit and Credit Repair
2. Sources of funding for your small business
One business loan does not fit all! Depending on your situation and your venture, there’s a variety of funding options. Some are specific to Kansas City, too. Equity from your home or specialized grants can also be great sources of the capital you need.
- Types of Loans Available
- SBA and Bank Loans
- The Truth about Free Government Grants
- Kansas City Area Loan Funds
- Grants for Startups and Small Businesses
- 2 KC Entrepreneurs Show You How to Run a Successful Crowdfunding Campaign
- Innovation-Led Funding Sources
- AltCap Offers Loans with More Flexible Eligibility Requirements to Help More Underserved Businesses in MO, KS
3. Types of investors
Your ideal investor could be a private equity firm. Or it could be your cousin Larry. Understand the differences and what each type of investor wants to get out of a relationship with you and your business.
4. Getting ready to find capital for your startup
Before you ask for money, you need to know what you’re asking for — and you need to show that you have your act together. A little homework before the pitch can help you get your affairs in order and make the best possible first steps toward funding.
- How to Get Investors, Part I: 4 Ways to Prepare Your Business for Startup Funding
- Plan Your Business
- Build a Lean Canvas
- How to Get Investors, Part II: 3 Things Prospective Funders Want to Know
- How to Get Investors, Part III: 4 Ways to Find Funding
- 10 Free Business-Boosting Resources You Can Access at the Library
5. How to pitch to investors
Telling the story of your business takes practice and finesse. Telling that story to prospective investors is even more complex. Learn what’s worked for other KC entrepreneurs and what resources can help you polish your pitch to a high shine.
- 15 Top Business Pitch Tips from KC Entrepreneurs Who Got Funded
- 9 Key Questions to Ask Any Investor Before You Seek Funding for Your Business
- Business Competitions and Awards
- How Storytelling, Press Kits Can Showcase Your Business to Future Customers
6. How to get help growing your business
No matter what guidance you need, KCSourceLink has your back.
Our Resource Navigator highlights 230+ nonprofit Resource Partners that provide free or low-cost help to business owners at all stages of their entrepreneurial journeys. Our comprehensive calendar of classes and events for entrepreneurs can help you learn and network your way to success. And if you don’t even know where to start? Start with a free Personal Action Plan from our friendly Network Navigators. This individualized to-do list will get you moving — and did we mention it’s free?
In the meantime, here are a few more of our favorite funding-related links:
- Funding Your Business: A 10-Part Guide
- Having Small Business Finance Trouble? These 5 Tips Will Keep You on Track
- Kansas City Entrepreneurs’ Best Advice to Start Your Business
How Crowdfunding Bolstered This KC Entrepreneur’s New Restaurant amid Unexpected Challenges
