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After planning your business, you will need to find a way to fund your business expenses. There are a variety of sources for raising money, including grants, loans, family and friends, venture capital, crowdfunding, and military retirement benefits.
Capital sources include:
- Commercial Banks
- Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI)
- Credit Unions
- Public Agencies & Nonprofits
- Non-bank financing sources
- Venture capital, angel investors, and other equity financing options are available. Networks are available that offer access to the various options in equity financing. For a more detailed list of venture funds, angel investors, and equity financing, visit the Office of Strategy & Innovation’s website.
- Incentives
- Technical assistance organizations
North Carolina is home to several Community Development Financial Institutions, also known as CDFIs. CDFIs serve to help empower underserved communities and help people who traditionally do not have access to financing.
| Organization | Loans | Grants | Coaching/Advising | Tech Assist | CDFI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carolina Community | X | X | X | ||
| Carolina Small Business Development Fund | X | X | X | X | X |
| Corner Square Community Capital | X | ||||
| Institute Capital | X | X | |||
| NC Rural Center | X | X | |||
| Operation Hope | X | X | |||
| Self-Help Credit Union | X | X | |||
| US Small Business Administration (SBA) | X | ||||
| Thread Capital | X | X | X |
For more information about grants and financial incentive programs available through the City of Raleigh, Wake County, and the State of North Carolina, refer to the section on Grants.
For more information on capital opportunities, check out the “How to Fund Your Business” guide provided by the Small Business & Technology Development Center (SBTDC).
The SBTDC publishes the Capital Opportunities for Small Businesses Guide. This comprehensive financing resource describes all the funding options available to North Carolina companies and startups. This continuously updated 100+ page guide also has contact information to learn more about each funding opportunity.