There are several potential financing options available to cash-strapped businesses that need a healthy dose of working capital. A bank loan or line of credit is often the first option that owners think of – and for businesses that qualify, this may be the best option.In today’s uncertain business, economic and regulatory environment, qualifying for a bank loan can be difficult – especially for start-up companies and those that have experienced any type of financial difficulty. Sometimes, owners of businesses that don’t qualify for a bank loan decide that seeking venture capital or bringing on equity investors are other viable options.But are they really? While there are some potential benefits to bringing venture capital and so-called “angel” investors into your business, there are drawbacks as well. Unfortunately, owners sometimes don’t think about these drawbacks until the ink has dried on a contract with a venture capitalist or angel investor – and it’s too late to back out of the deal.Different Types of FinancingOne problem with bringing in equity investors to help provide a working capital boost is that working capital and equity are really two different types of financing.Working capital – or the money that is used to pay business expenses incurred during the time lag until cash from sales (or accounts receivable) is collected – is short-term in nature, so it should be financed via a short-term financing tool. Equity, however, should generally be used to finance rapid growth, business expansion, acquisitions or the purchase of long-term assets, which are defined as assets that are repaid over more than one 12-month business cycle.But the biggest drawback to bringing equity investors into your business is a potential loss of control. When you sell equity (or shares) in your business to venture capitalists or angels, you are giving up a percentage of ownership in your business, and you may be doing so at an inopportune time. With this dilution of ownership most often comes a loss of control over some or all of the most important business decisions that must be made.Sometimes, owners are enticed to sell equity by the fact that there is little (if any) out-of-pocket expense. Unlike debt financing, you don’t usually pay interest with equity financing. The equity investor gains its return via the ownership stake gained in your business. But the long-term “cost” of selling equity is always much higher than the short-term cost of debt, in terms of both actual cash cost as well as soft costs like the loss of control and stewardship of your company and the potential future value of the ownership shares that are sold.Alternative Financing SolutionsBut what if your business needs working capital and you don’t qualify for a bank loan or line of credit? Alternative financing solutions are often appropriate for injecting working capital into businesses in this situation. Three of the most common types of alternative financing used by such businesses are:1. Full-Service Factoring – Businesses sell outstanding accounts receivable on an ongoing basis to a commercial finance (or factoring) company at a discount. The factoring company then manages the receivable until it is paid. Factoring is a well-established and accepted method of temporary alternative finance that is especially well-suited for rapidly growing companies and those with customer concentrations.2. Accounts Receivable (A/R) Financing – A/R financing is an ideal solution for companies that are not yet bankable but have a stable financial condition and a more diverse customer base. Here, the business provides details on all accounts receivable and pledges those assets as collateral. The proceeds of those receivables are sent to a lockbox while the finance company calculates a borrowing base to determine the amount the company can borrow. When the borrower needs money, it makes an advance request and the finance company advances money using a percentage of the accounts receivable.3. Asset-Based Lending (ABL) – This is a credit facility secured by all of a company’s assets, which may include A/R, equipment and inventory. Unlike with factoring, the business continues to manage and collect its own receivables and submits collateral reports on an ongoing basis to the finance company, which will review and periodically audit the reports.In addition to providing working capital and enabling owners to maintain business control, alternative financing may provide other benefits as well: It’s easy to determine the exact cost of financing and obtain an increase.
Professional collateral management can be included depending on the facility type and the lender.
Real-time, online interactive reporting is often available.
It may provide the business with access to more capital.
It’s flexible – financing ebbs and flows with the business’ needs.It’s important to note that there are some circumstances in which equity is a viable and attractive financing solution. This is especially true in cases of business expansion and acquisition and new product launches – these are capital needs that are not generally well suited to debt financing. However, equity is not usually the appropriate financing solution to solve a working capital problem or help plug a cash-flow gap.A Precious CommodityRemember that business equity is a precious commodity that should only be considered under the right circumstances and at the right time. When equity financing is sought, ideally this should be done at a time when the company has good growth prospects and a significant cash need for this growth. Ideally, majority ownership (and thus, absolute control) should remain with the company founder(s).Alternative financing solutions like factoring, A/R financing and ABL can provide the working capital boost many cash-strapped businesses that don’t qualify for bank financing need – without diluting ownership and possibly giving up business control at an inopportune time for the owner. If and when these companies become bankable later, it’s often an easy transition to a traditional bank line of credit. Your banker may be able to refer you to a commercial finance company that can offer the right type of alternative financing solution for your particular situation.Taking the time to understand all the different financing options available to your business, and the pros and cons of each, is the best way to make sure you choose the best option for your business. The use of alternative financing can help your company grow without diluting your ownership. After all, it’s your business – shouldn’t you keep as much of it as possible?

A side hustle is an essential part of building wealth and creating the means to do more with the limited time we have. Many people have never even considered having a source of income outside of their day jobs.

But wouldn’t it be great to rid yourself of the financial pressures you face? Not having to worry about the end of the month and what your bank balance is?

Starting with a side hustle is now easier than ever, but it might be worth considering these 3 factors before you jump straight in.

Time
You need to make sure whatever side hustle you decide to embark upon is suitable for your time commitments. Some side hustles require much more time than others. Blogging for example is extremely time consuming. Although it may be one of the most profitable side gigs it might not be suitable for your lifestyle.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t find a hustle that does suite your needs. There are countless ways to make extra income, you just need to explore your options and pick what you are able to commit to. Here are just some examples of side hustles that do not require a great deal of your precious time:

User testing
eBay Flipping
Rent out Car
Rent out House
Complete tasks on TaskRabbit
Online Surveys
Recommended article: 29 Awesome Side Hustle Ideas To Make Extra Money

Skill
Obviously the more skill a side hustle requires, the more profitable it will likely be. Now, this doesn’t mean you can’t develop and learn the skills needed to do any side hustle you want. It just means it may take more time before you jump in and start making money.

But this is something that you should carefully consider.

Investing in education is the best way to significantly increase your earnings. And this is where many people fall short. You see, it’s so easy to think $500 or $1000 is a massive outlay and not worth it.

But you will be able to develop and learn the skills required to perform a side hustle that could make this initial investment back and more. And that is the key to investing in yourself and your ability to earn more money in the future.

Passion
Do you need to passionate about your side hustle selection?

Well, the truth is, it helps.

And it helps a lot.

There are so many things you could do to earn more money outside of you main source of income. Bu the chances are you have hobbies and interest. And this could actually give you a leg up over the competition.

Take for example a music teacher. They work at a school doing 40 hours a week for standard teachers pay. This is great, but the teacher wants to improve their life and make more money.

Now they could consider starting a blog or running Facebook ads. Both are great side hustles and would do the job perfectly.

But if the music teacher considers their skills then an ideal side hustle is right under their nose. Giving music lessons on the side means they can charge a decent price because they are already qualified and they can get started right away.

This won’t be the case for everyone, and if you don’t have any obvious skills that you can monetise, don’t worry. Remember, skills are transferable and the side hustle options are many.

But having a passion is a great way to start side hustling the right way – and it means you can make even more money.