Bootstrapping is the term used to describe the process of starting a business with no outside funding. Many famous entrepreneurs bootstrapped their now well-known businesses when they were first launched including Bill Gates (Microsoft), Michael Dell (Dell Computers), Pierre Omidyar (eBay), Paul Simon (YDE) and Richard Branson (Virgin) to name just a few.

A very common approach among start-up entrepreneurs is to use whatever access to short-term credit they may have. Needless to say, this is an incredibly risky approach. To do this, you need more than mere confidence in yourself or your business idea, you need certainty.

The DTI has established several institutions mandated to deliver a wide range of key services, including both financial and non-financial support services, to small enterprises.

A great source of business finance is enterprise development contributions from companies who wish to improve their BEE score. In terms of the BEE Act, businesses are required to contribute towards the establishment, development and sustainability of small black owned businesses.

Friends and Friends is the first port of call when looking for financing a small venture. If your family and friends are not confident enough to advance you a little money for your business, then there’s a great chance that no one else will. If your friends and family are not in a financial position to help you, then perhaps, they can point you to someone who can.