This article was paid for by Intuit QuickBooks.
Big dreams for your small business? You have plenty. Spare capital? Not so much.
When you’re busy keeping things running, you may not have the time or resources to attract venture capitalists, much less get approved for a loan.
That can slow your momentum: According to a 2025 report from the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council, a nonprofit advocacy group, more than half (51%) of small business owners say limited access to capital is restricting their ability to invest, expand, compete or operate at their ideal capacity.
So, if that sounds familiar, you’re not alone — and you’re not out of options. We’ve compiled eight practical strategies for accessing capital that don’t involve expensive loans or controlling investors.
If you have a loyal customer base or an engaged online community, crowdfunding can be an effective way to raise funds. Rather than approaching a single lender or investor, you collect small contributions from people who are already passionate about your business.
In most cases, the money you raise doesn’t need to be paid back. Instead, contributors receive early access, personalized contact or other perks — making crowdfunding a lower-risk option than traditional fundraising. User-friendly sites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo make it easy to share your story, unveil your concept and attract backers. And because your campaign is live on an entrepreneurial platform, you’re also putting your idea in front of a new audience looking to support promising projects.
Pay attention to how funding is handled, though. While some platforms allow you to keep whatever you raise, others operate on an all-or-nothing model, meaning you only receive the money if you hit your fundraising goal.
Be sure to choose a crowdfunding platform that includes built-in tools like email templates, social-sharing features and analytics to track your performance.
Presales are a practical way to bring in capital quickly, especially if you’re testing a new product or service. Instead of covering production or development costs out of pocket, you allow customers to purchase early (often at a discount or with exclusive perks) and use that revenue to fund your next steps.
This approach works well for a variety of businesses, from brokers selling seats to a real estate workshop to candlemakers offering early access to new holiday scents, and lets you gauge interest before committing too many resources.Â
Because you’re offering something that doesn’t exist yet, however, this approach can be a little risky for your customers. Don’t offer a presale if you’re not confident you can deliver on your promise.
Many businesses have assets that sit idle at least part of the time — tools, equipment, event supplies, even office space or storage. Renting out what you’re not using is an easy way to generate quick capital without taking on debt or raising prices.
Depending on what you have available, you could list equipment on a rental marketplace like Hygglo, lend out tables or chairs to other businesses or offer co-working or studio time during off-hours.Â
Even renting small items, like whiteboards or point-of-service tablet stands, can generate steady revenue. Just be sure to have a rental agreement in place to protect both sides.
4. Use QuickBooks Capital for streamlined funding
Nailing down traditional funding can feel overwhelming, but lending marketplaces make the process simpler. QuickBooks Capital connects small businesses with business loan options through its Marketplace. You can skip digging up old tax returns or bank statements, since your data is pulled directly from your QuickBooks account.
The Marketplace is designed to get you answers quickly. You can review offers and apply directly on the site, and if you’re approved, your financing partner will deposit the funds into your bank account.
While QuickBooks helps streamline the process, the underwriting, approval decisions and loan terms are handled by an accredited lender.
QuickBooks Capital Loans Types of loansStandout benefits
Seamlessly integrated with QuickBooks and can provide funding in as little as one business day. There is no origination fee, application fee or prepayment penalty and other financing options from lending partners are available in the QuickBooks Capital Marketplace
Loan amountsTermsMinimum credit score Minimum requirements
Must use QuickBooks and have at least 6 months of activity in your account. Must have revenue of at least $50,000 over the last 12 months
5. Turn your knowledge into a revenue stream
As a small business owner, you have unique skills and hard-won knowledge. Those are assets that you can transform into income. Hosting a paid webinar, creating a digital workshop, writing a downloadable guide and offering consulting services are all low- or no-cost ways to generate much-needed capital.Â
It doesn’t need to be a massive undertaking. Even a small, one-time offer, like a strategy session or a one-hour Q&A, can generate meaningful revenue with little upfront investment.Â
The easiest way to access capital is to keep more of the money you already have. Your vendors and suppliers may be willing to be flexible about payment and even a small adjustment can make a big difference to your cash flow.Â
Start by asking for extended payment terms (like moving from net 30 to net 45 or net 60) or requesting a temporary extension during the holidays or a new product launch.
If you regularly place large orders, you may be able to negotiate a volume discount or lock in lower pricing for the coming year. Most suppliers would rather adjust terms than lose a steady customer.
Another option is a group purchasing organization (GPO). GPOs allow multiple small businesses to band together and negotiate better pricing and terms with suppliers. You can find GPOs in your market by checking with industry associations, trade groups or your local chamber of commerce.
7. Accounts receivable lending
The capital you need might be tied up with your customers. Accounts receivable (AR) lending allows you to get an advance against expected revenue, using your invoices as collateral for a loan or line of credit.
Another option is AR factoring, which involves outright selling your invoices at a discount to a third-party company like AltLINE or eCapital for immediate cash. When the invoice comes due, the buyer collects payment directly from your customer.
Either method can be a practical way to improve cash flow without taking on long-term debt. In lieu of interest, your lender or factor will only pay you a discounted portion of the invoice, so be sure your budget can take the hit.
Government agencies, chambers of commerce, economic development groups and foundations support small businesses with microgrants, small cash awards ranging from a few hundred dollars up to about $10,000. Unlike a loan, you don’t need to repay a grant.
A small business grant can provide a critical funding boost when you’re in launch mode, covering early expenses or trying to bridge a short-term gap and the application process is usually simpler than with a traditional loan. Many microgrants don’t require credit checks, collateral or a formal underwriting process. In addition, you usually don’t have to submit asset appraisals or years of financial statements.
Some grants require a short proposal, while others just ask for basic details about your business or a short summary of how you plan to use the funds.
There are grants aimed at businesses owned by women, minorities and veterans, as well as those focused on certain industries and regions. Start with resources like the Small Business Association,, your local Small Business Development Center or your local economic development website.
There are many fundraising options available to small business owners who don’t want to be saddled with large debt or answer to a group of investors.
The strategy that’s best for your business depends on your financial needs and time horizon. It’s never a bad idea to consult a financial advisor, especially when large amounts of money or personal assets are at stake.
Subscribe to the CNBC Select Newsletter!
Money matters — so make the most of it. Get expert tips, strategies, news and everything else you need to maximize your money, right to your inbox. Sign up here.
Editorial Note: Opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Select editorial staff’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any third party.