When a small business needs funding, where does it turn? There are plenty of ways for a small business to gain funding, each with their own unique advantages. While one may be good for a particular business, another may be more suitable to the next business. It all depends on the preferences of the small business and whether or not it will get approved. For small business owners looking to move up in the world, check out this list of sources to gain capital fast.

1. Banks

This is probably the first thing anyone thinks of when it comes to loans. After all, lending money to clients and collecting the interest is one of the ways banks make their profits. It’s usually pretty easy to get approved with a good credit score. However, as it was just stated, banks make money off interest. Therefore, the interest rates on traditional bank loans tend to be a little higher than from other sources, although it varies with the market rate and the credit rating of the applicant.

2. Merchant Cash Advance

Although similar to a bank loan, a merchant cash advance is usually safer and generates less interest. First of all, getting approved with a company like Water Street Capital is a much easier process than via a bank. As long as business grosses an average of $10,000 a month it can start applying confidently for up to $500,000! The application can be submitted online and usually takes about 3 business days to receive the money, however, the business can use the money for an array of different needs such and advertising, payroll, expansions, upgrades and more!

The way the client pays back the loan is also fundamentally different and makes this option one of the best for small businesses. The business agrees with the lender to repay the loan with a small percentage of their sales every month (like taxes). The amount is automatically taken out every month and varies with the success of the business. If it has a slow month, it pays less and if it finds itself enjoy more profits, it will pay off the debt faster!

3. Crowdfunding

While it can’t really be labeled a “reliable” source, crowdfunding has skyrocketed in popularity in the past few years with sites such as Indiegogo and GoFundMe. It can be a great way to gain investors for a small business looking to expand. If the product is popular enough or unique enough, it will surely gain backers. However, it can’t always be counted on to come through. If the business doesn’t receive enough investments to reach its minimum goal, it receives nothing. It’s not the source to turn to for large financial requests, but it has proven to be effective in the past, sometimes with businesses even generating millions of dollars!