With awareness increasing around the topic of sustainability, more organizations have appeared that are focused on green practices. If you are currently thinking about opening your own business, one that benefits from eco-friendly characteristics, the main issue that is probably holding you back is lack of capital. Getting the necessary funding isn’t an easy process, considering you are competing against numerous other entrepreneurs with the same financial needs. If you believe you have a solid business plan, and your business idea could appeal to others, you should start revising your funding options. You have a leaping advantage from the start, green businesses becoming more appealing in recent years, with the rise of sustainable actions on a global scale. Here are some of the ways you might be able to get capital:

Governmental grants

You should first start by looking into how the government supports sustainable organizations. In various countries, eco-friendly business ideas are backed up by the state through different forms of grants. The amount can vary here, and so do eligibility requirements. Funding programs designed for green initiatives are available, and depending on the specifics of your business concept, applying for one could provide you with your wanted results. Do some research, and see how the government can assist you in getting your green business on its feet.  

Crowdfunding

When federal funding isn’t an option – perhaps you don’t qualify for it – you’ll need to explore other solutions. One of the options that have become quite popular in recent years, and a method used by many entrepreneurs to enter the business world is crowdfunding.

Crowdfunding gives you the chance to raise capital (usually a limited amount) with financial support from different individuals. Almost any business can be eligible for this type of funding, as long as the guidelines of the said crowdfunding platform.

The reason why this is an option worth your attention is that in recent years, people have become more eager to encourage green initiatives. If you are able to highlight the eco-friendly nature of your future organization, you are likely to gather your needed capital mount rapidly.

There are several crowdfunding platforms out there, each coming with its own set of requirements and benefits. It’S up to you choose GoFundMe, Kickstarter or Indiegogo. Remember that usually, people will contribute to strong projects, projects they are actually passionate about, so you need to perfect your pitch and have an excellent presentation for your business plan.

Get in contact with investors

Drawing the interest of investors is another option worth your thought. Private funding can work great in various situations, and if you are willing to share the stocks of your organization, this possibility can be advantageous from various points of view. Investors are always on the hunt for a great opportunity, and those who are showing an interest in green initiatives themselves, will likely take your proposition into account. Private equity investors or peer-to-peer investors aren’t our only choices here. You can access the necessary funding from anyone who has the net worth and income required to help you, and wishes to see your concept brought to life. Successful Forex market investors, stock investors, angel investors – the list of possibilities isn’t at all limited, you just need to get in touch with someone who actually wants and has the finances to support you.

Online lending platforms

Society’s digitalization has come with quite a lot of appealing prospects. Getting a hold of a certain amount of money, with minimal requirements involved, is possible nowadays through online lending platforms. This is an easy solution if you only require a small amount of money, are able to return it short-term. If you have already self-funded your business, and just need a bit of extra support until getting your business on track, you should research this particular option more and find out what requirement you have to meet.

Contests

Last but not least, you should look into contest funds. Although not as easy to access as the other options above-mentioned, entering a funding contest is worth a shot. This way of raising capital for green businesses has been developed from the desire of increasing the number of sustainable businesses. More entrepreneurs have worked towards developing green startup concepts instead of traditional business formats due to the monetary appeal of this type of funding possibility. The competition is of course steep, so you shouldn’t make this your primary choice. However, if you have an innovative idea in mind, and can support it accordingly, you do have a chance at winning. 

If you have a great green business concept you would want to bring into the market, but you currently lack the necessary capital, discovering the right means of funding becomes a priority. Options are several, you just need to find one that works best for your situation. The solutions found here should be explored first.