Where your business is in its financial life cycle — from startup to aging — will often dictate the availability of certain financing alternatives.

• Startup businesses typically face the greatest obstacles to obtaining financing because they lack a performance record and a credit history.
• Acquired businesses face fewer obstacles than those being started from scratch, and might have seller financing as an option.
• Growing businesses generally have more financing options because as a business matures, it establishes creditworthiness and operating success.
• Aging businesses tend to be cash-rich because new investment is not taking place. Owners are often searching for the best way to sell out.