Home > Tools & Resources > Finance Your Business

Finance Your Business


There are two major ways a business can obtain financing:

1. Debt Financing - is money that is borrowed and expected to be repaid over a specified period of time.

2. Equity financing - offers capital to high growth firms that is ‘patient’ [repayment is not expected in the short term]. In exchange for offering this high-risk capital, a business will offer partial ownership and control of the business to its investors.

Client Testimonial
“The WBDC helped me package my loan and directed me to the right bank where I was approved for the loan I needed to expand my business. I thought they would just give me information. Instead, they worked with me to get the loan I needed.”

Who Can Benefit?
All businesses that want to grow can benefit from our finance expertise - start-up businesses and established businesses. It is difficult to obtain financing for businesses that are losing money or that are not gaining market share.

How We Can Help You
The WBDC can help you to develop a financing strategy, including what type of financing will best serve your business and what you need to prepare to approach various financing sources.

For more information contact DuWarn Porter at x56, dporter@wbdc.org, or Teresa Prim x42. tprim@wbdc.org



Next Steps

1. Download the Debt vs. Equity flyer in the Tools Section to self-determine what type of financing is best for you.

2. Attend the WBDC Finance Training Seminars such as Take The Mystery Out Of Obtaining Financing For Your Business.

3. If you have not yet prepared a Business Plan, go to Develop Your Business Plan to get instruction on this necessary First Step.

Get a Grant

Get a Loan

Find an Investor


Business Plan Outline  

Can I qualify for a Loan  

Debt vs. Equity - Financing Fundamentals  

Do I Have What It Takes to Attract Investors?  

Is My Business Ready for Equity Investment?  

Loan Package Checklist  

Sample Cashflow Statement, Income Statement, and Balance Sheet  


llinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DECO)
Online Women's Business Center
Small Business Administration
Springboard Enterprises




8 South Michigan • Suite 400 • Chicago, IL • 60603-3306 • (312) 853-3477 • Fax (312) 853-0145 • wbdc@wbdc.org