How to raise money to start a business
When you’re getting started, it’s important to choose methods that match your idea, timeline and risk tolerance. Below are practical mini-playbooks for the common routes in Australia.
1. Crowdfunding
If you have strong convictions about an idea, use the power of the internet to raise the funds you need for your business. Crowdfunding sites like GoFundMe have become increasingly popular with inventors, entrepreneurs, and the general public in recent years. They’re easy to set up, and if you can communicate your passion in your fundraiser description, you may be able to generate support from people all over the world.
Moreover, you can ask friends and family to contribute to your crowdfunding efforts or borrow from them directly. People you know are often the best and safest way to raise money. Not only will they be more open to your proposal, but they have also likely seen your effort and dedication.
- What it is: Crowdfunding asks many people to give small amounts online to support your cause or business idea.
- Who it suits: Anyone that wants needs funding to start a business, creative projects, community enterprises and people needing help for a struggling business.
- How to do it: Make a clear page, add photos or a prototype, and prepare short videos and social posts.
2. Angel investors
Angel investors provide capital for a business start-up in exchange for convertible debt or ownership equity. Many of the biggest tech companies today, like Google and Yahoo!, were funded by “angels.” Looking for a way to raise money for a business that already shows signs of growth? Angel investors are a favourable option.
- What it is: Individuals who invest personal funds in exchange for equity and advice.
- Who it suits: Early-stage firms with high growth potential and a credible founding team.
- How to do it: Prepare a concise pitch deck, show traction or a working prototype, present clear use of funds and expect detailed due diligence.
3. Bootstrapping
If you don’t want to give up any form of ownership or independence, bootstrapping is likely the best option to raise money for a business. It involves using your own resources. This may mean pulling from your savings if you have the funds that are sufficient.
- What it is: Using personal funds, savings or revenue to grow the business.
- Who it suits: Founders who want control and can scale slowly by reinvesting profits.
- How to do it: Focus on fast experiments, keep costs tight and prioritise revenue-generating activities. Track the cashflow weekly and set monthly revenue milestones.
4. Venture capitalists
Like angel investors, venture capitalists provide capital to start-ups, early-stage, and emerging companies that show high growth potential. The difference is that they generally provide financing that often has higher rates of return instead of taking a share of the company. However, some may take an ownership share of the company.
- What it is: Professional funds that invest larger amounts for equity and rapid scale.
- Who it suits: Companies with strong traction, large addressable markets and clear exit paths.
- How to do it: Prepare strong and verifiable financial projections, legal documents and a strong growth plan. You can expect term sheets and board involvement.
5. Microloans and alternative lenders
There are numerous microloan options for those looking for ways to raise money for business growth or expansion. Loans remain a core option for businesses because they usually come with fewer strings attached, shorter payment periods, and in some cases, medium to low-interest rates.
- What it is: Smaller unsecured loans or short-term finance from non-bank providers and fintech lenders.
- Who it suits: Sole traders and micro businesses needing quick cash for stock or equipment.
- How to do it: Compare fees, read terms and use loans for specific short-term needs that produce revenue.
6. Government-backed loan schemes and supports
Government programs are a channel worth investigating if you’re asking yourself how to raise funds for business growth.
- What it is: Government programs, loan guarantees and grant-matched funding aimed at startups and SMEs.
- Who it suits: Businesses working on innovation, export or job creation.
- How to do it: Use the federal grants finder, check eligibility and prepare the required project plan and budget. Business.gov.au lists current grants, and the Industry Growth Program supports early-stage commercialisation.
How to raise funds for a business that is growing
Before you start looking at growth finance, put together a short documentation pack that will help speed up decisions and build trust.
Documentation checklist:
- Recent profits, potential losses, balance sheet and cashflow statements.
- Forecasts for 12 to 36 months showing assumptions, if you have them.
- Customer contracts, purchase orders or letters of intent, if available.
- Short pitch deck and a one-page use-of-funds plan.
7. Purchase order finance
Purchase order financing is perfect for businesses that have large product orders coming in regularly but not enough cash to cover the production of products until the payment from the customer comes through.
- What to prepare: A confirmed purchase order or contract from a creditworthy buyer.
- How it works: A purchase order financing company will pay your supplier the cost to produce the product. When the product is made and shipped to your customer, your business then invoices the customer and receives payment. That payment is then used to pay back the purchase order financing company.
While it’s not the most affordable way for a business to borrow money, it is a viable option for those who aren’t able to qualify for cheaper financing to fulfil an order.
8. Contests and pitch competitions
Business contests are a great way to get funding because the prize money comes with very few conditions, if any at all. Contests usually encourage creative businesses or social enterprises to take part.
- What to prepare: A short, tailored pitch, a one-page summary and supporting evidence of impact.
- How it works: Research competitions for your sector, meet entry deadlines and rehearse a strong pitch. Use wins as credibility signals when you approach investors or partners. Contests can bring cash, mentoring or in-kind support.
9. Product pre-sales
Borrow a page from big names in tech and offer customers the option to pre-order products before they launch or hit the shelves. Not only does this raise the money needed to fulfil these orders, but it also offers companies a way to gauge the demand for their product.
- What to prepare: Prototypes, clear pricing, shipping and warranty plans and realistic lead times.
- How it works: Create a landing page with pre-order options or use a crowdfunding rewards model. Collect deposits or full payment to fund initial production runs. Communicate frequently with early backers to manage expectations.
10. Strategic partners
Strategic partners come in many forms, from suppliers to distributors, and even customers. While it may not be direct funding, getting credit from your supply chain can help supplement your budget until your business is in a good place financially.
- What to propose: Clear win-win arrangements that may include upfront purchase commitments, distribution, co-development or joint marketing.
- How it works: Identify firms with aligned channels, and prepare a one-page proposal showing benefits and a simple term sheet with commercial points like margins, exclusivity or equity. Start small with a pilot and scale if the partner sees results.
11. Incubators and accelerators
Business incubators are programs created to provide new businesses access to the resources they require to grow. Incubators benefit businesses more than just financially. They also offer mentorship, network establishment, and relevant entrepreneurship training.
- What to prepare: Product market fit, a strong team and traction.
- How it works: Submit a concise application, include a demo or prototype and prepare for interviews. These programs usually offer mentorship, workspace, networking and sometimes seed funding. Use acceptance as proof of external validation.
Best practices for raising money for a business
Raising money involves preparation and professionalism. Build credibility by showing traction. . Here are some best-practice tips:
Always practise due diligence
No matter what form of fundraising you do, always make sure you practise due diligence. This is especially true with financing, venture capitalists, or angel investors.
- Key actions: Research and verify any investor or lender before you sign. Check their track record and the company’s terms.
- Success metric: Clear contracts with no hidden terms.
Ensure that bookkeeping is organised
Make sure to do proper bookkeeping, whether you’re a small business or bootstrapping. The first thing financial lenders or investors look at is whether a company’s books are in order.
- Key actions: Keep all your financial records organised and up to date.
- Success metric: Having current accounts and no missing reports when requested.
Fine-tune your business pitch
Refine your value proposition in your business pitch. Donors and investors want to know your impact, and how their money will help you achieve it.
- Key actions: Make sure to showcase the things that make your business unique when raising money for a business.
- Success metric: Delivering a clear, confident presentation with logical financials.
Use creativity for fundraising
Get creative with your fundraising efforts. Like in a business deal negotiation, it’s about much more than simply asking for a check.
- Key actions: Think outside traditional loans. Perhaps combine options, like a small loan plus a crowdfunding fundraiser. Use promotions, events or partnerships to spark interest.
- Success metric: Number of funding channels explored and funds raised beyond base targets.
Share enthusiasm
Enthusiasm engages people’s support, expresses your passion and gets your audience excited, especially when crowdfunding.
- Key actions: Be honest about challenges but optimistic about the vision.
- Success metric: Positive feedback from potential investors or supporters, like invitations to invest or share.
Government business funding in Australia
Government funding can help with R&D, export or scaling, but programs differ by purpose and place. Eligibility varies, documents are usually required, and decisions can take weeks or months, so prepare your project plans, budgets and recent financials before you apply.
Federal programs and grants
Key federal supports include the R&D Tax Incentive, which reduces the net cost of eligible research, the Export Market Development Grant, which reimburses export promotion costs, and commercialisation grants that match project spend. Each program has specific eligibility rules, requires evidence and financial records and follows set application windows.
State and territory grants
States and territories offer local grants for commercialisation, innovation, training, energy upgrades and small business growth. Eligibility rules, opening dates and amounts vary by state. Use the table below as a quick guide and always confirm current details on each state website.