New York Business Funding: Loans, Crowdfunding and Investors
Starting or growing a business in New York can be challenging without proper funding. Whether you need money to launch your startup or expand your existing company, there are various funding options to explore like small business loans, crowdfunding campaigns, and angel or venture capital investors. This article provides an overview of these financing methods for New York businesses.
New York Small Business Loans
The most common way for small businesses to obtain funding is through loans. There are many types of small business loans available from banks, credit unions, online lenders and even the government. Here are some of the most popular loans for NY entrepreneurs:
-SBA Loans
The Small Business Administration (SBA) guarantees loans made by approved lenders to qualifying small businesses. The most popular SBA loans are 7(a) and 504 loans which offer low interest rates and long repayment terms. Max loan amounts for 7(a) loans are $5 million and 504 loans are $5.5 million.
Business Line of Credit
A business line of credit provides access to a set borrowing limit that can be drawn as needed. Lines of credit offer flexibility since you only pay interest on the amount used. Credit lines are offered by many major banks like Chase and online lenders like Kabbage.
Term Loans
Term loans provide lump sums of cash upfront that are repaid over set periods of time, usually with monthly payments. Terms loans are offered by banks and credit unions as well as alternative online lenders like Lendio and OnDeck.
Equipment Financing
Leasing or financing equipment allows businesses to spread out payments over time. Many equipment manufacturers and dealers directly offer leasing and financing options. There are also equipment financing companies like Balboa Capital that service this need.
-Invoice Factoring
Invoice factoring allows you to sell outstanding invoices to a commercial finance company to raise capital. The factoring company then collects payment from your customers directly. This method quickly unlocks funds tied up in unpaid customer invoices. Top invoice factoring companies in NY include BlueVine and Fundbox.
New York Crowdfunding Platforms
Crowdfunding uses online platforms to source funding from a large pool of investors. New York amended state securities laws in 2021 to allow state-based investment crowdfunding. Some top equity and rewards-based crowdfunding platforms available to NY businesses include:
Wefunder
Wefunder is one of the largest regulated investment crowdfunding platforms that is open to unaccredited and accredited investors. Over $200 million has been raised on Wefunder by over 550 startups and growing businesses.
StartEngine
StartEngine provides both equity crowdfunding and secondary trading services. They have helped over 500 companies raise over $500 million from a community of 380,000 users. Based in Los Angeles.
SeedInvest
SeedInvest is a leading equity crowdfunding platform that provides startups access to angel investors and venture capital firms. Over $400 million invested into 300+ companies.
-Republic
Republic operates an investment platform that has facilitated over $500 million in funding for startups and crypto projects. Republic has over 1.5 million users. Based in New York.
Kickstarter
Kickstarter pioneered rewards-based crowdfunding as a way for startups to validate and fund new product ideas. 15 million people have backed 190,000 projects, $6 billion has been pledged. Based in NYC.
Finding Investors in New York
Beyond loans and crowdfunding, many New York startups seek direct funding from angel investors and venture capital firms. Here are some tips on connecting with investors:
-Attend Startup Events
NYC hosts regular startup pitch events and demo days where you can connect directly with interested investors like Silicon Alley Meetup, NY Tech Meetup and Next Gen Summit.
Leverage Accelerators
Top accelerators like Techstars NYC, Entrepreneurs Roundtable Accelerator and Dreamit Ventures all host exclusive investor demo days for their cohort startups.
Hire an Expert
Fundraising consultants like Matador Advisors and Get Funded can prepare your pitch deck, develop your valuation and connect you with interested NYC angel groups or VCs.
The startup funding landscape in New York ranges from small business loans offered by traditional lenders to equity investments from crowdfunding platforms and angel investor networks. Understanding the different financing options available allows entrepreneurs to pursue the funding streams best suited for their needs and growth stage. With proper capital and smart money backing great ideas, New York businesses are well-positioned to thrive.
Resources
Videos
Articles
- Complete Guide to Startup Funding
- How to Get a Small Business Loan
- How to Raise Money from Angel Investors