You may have a unique business idea, but without sufficient finances, fully realizing your business plan will be impossible. There's a likelihood that your startup will run out of money in the first few months or a year, as many other startups do worldwide. But don't be disheartened!As more and more businesses are emerging these days, a slew of funding options has opened up for budding entrepreneurs. Here's how you can fund your startup. Small business loans Getting a business loan is a popular funding option for many startups. Some banks specifically offer loans to small businesses, but getting one can be difficult. In general, if you have collateral, good credit history, and don’t need cash immediately, banks may offer you a loan. Otherwise, you may have to look to other sources for funding. Microlending This is a good alternative for those who don’t qualify for a startup loan for a new business. Microlending refers to granting small loans, also called “microloans,” to small businesses. These lenders are typically private investors, and like financial institutions, they require you to pay interest. Small business grants Offered by the Small Business Administration, a grant is essentially free money for your startup. You don’t need to pay any institution back or pay any interest on them. However, it’s not easy to get a grant. They're mainly offered to women entrepreneurs, minorities, or veterans. Bootstrapping Many entrepreneurs consider bootstrapping, otherwise known as self-funding, the best way to get your business up and running. The financing method can be used for new startups or already established businesses. Bootstrapping gives you complete ownership of your startup. It means using personal savings, low or no interest credit cards, or asking friends and family to contribute to running your business. This is a suitable financing option when the initial requirement is small. For businesses needing money right from the start, bootstrapping might not be a viable option. Business incubators and accelerators Today, many early-stage businesses receive funding through incubator and accelerator programs. Almost all business incubators and accelerators provide free resources, like office space and mentorship, to many startups. They also provide some type of funding. If your business is focused on state-of-the-art sectors such as information technology, biotechnology, multimedia, or industrial technology, you have a better chance of receiving support from these programs. Crowdfunding If you’re confident that you have a sound business plan and can market your startup well, launching a crowdfunding campaign may be worth a shot. Crowdfunding means raising money from a large number of people, usually through a crowdfunding website. If people are interested in your startup, they may donate to your campaign, in exchange for rewards like discounted products or services, some form of equity, or other special perks. Angel investors Angel investors are wealthy individuals who invest in startups and new businesses in exchange for a stake in the business. You can raise thousands of dollars with the help of these investors. Alongside capital, investors also offer mentoring or advice. Many successful companies have made it big with the help of angel investors. Venture capital investors When startups or other small businesses need millions of dollars in funds, they often turn to venture capital firms. Venture capitalists are typically on the lookout for technology-driven businesses and companies with high growth potential. They will want a stake in your company. In exchange, they will provide capital, usually along with mentorship and other things to help your business succeed.