Starting a business doesn’t have to break the bank. Whether you need startup cash, marketing funds, or equipment, there are plenty of ways to get financial support as a student entrepreneur.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to finding the best funding option for your business!
1. Start with Personal Savings & Bootstrapping
Before looking for outside funding, start with what you have. Many successful entrepreneurs begin with small, low-cost strategies and reinvest their early profits.
Bootstrapping Tips:
- Start with pre-orders so customers pay upfront
- Use free marketing tools (Instagram, TikTok, Canva)
- Keep costs low by buying used equipment
Example: A Fullerton College student started a mobile car detailing business with just $50 worth of supplies, funding everything else through early customer payments.
Take Action:
Make a list of expenses and find low-cost alternatives to get started!
2. Apply for Campus Grants & Competitions
Many colleges, including Fullerton College, offer grants, pitch competitions, and funding opportunities for student businesses.
Where to Find Campus Grants:
- Fullerton College Entrepreneurship Week – Compete for startup funding! Register here
- Business department scholarships – Ask faculty about small business grants
- Student government funding – Some student organizations fund student-led businesses
Example: A student selling sustainable clothing won a $500 entrepreneurship grant, which helped cover her first batch of inventory.
Take Action:
Email your business professors or student government and ask about funding opportunities!
3. Try Crowdfunding (Get Customers to Fund You!)
Crowdfunding lets you raise money from supporters and future customers before you even launch!
Best Crowdfunding Platforms for Students:
- GoFundMe – Great for community-driven businesses
- Kickstarter – Ideal for creative projects & products
- Indiegogo – Flexible funding for startups
Example: A student launching a handmade candle business raised $2,000 on Kickstarter by offering limited-edition candles to early backers.
Take Action:
Brainstorm what perks or rewards you could offer in a crowdfunding campaign.
4. Look for Small Business Microloans
If you need a small amount of capital ($500-$5,000), microloans can help fund your supplies, website, or marketing.
Best Microloan Options:
- Kiva – Offers 0% interest loans for startups
- Accion – Microloans for student businesses
- Lendio – Helps match businesses with funding
Example: A student selling custom sneakers used a $1,000 microloan from Kiva to buy materials in bulk, lowering his costs and increasing profits.
Take Action:
Check Kiva’s website and see if you qualify for a 0% interest loan.
5. Find Local & Community Grants
Many cities and small business organizations offer grants to young entrepreneurs.
Where to Look for Local Grants:
- Your city’s small business office – Search “[Your City] Small Business Grants”
- Chambers of Commerce – Some offer grants for new businesses
- Nonprofits & business incubators – Programs supporting student entrepreneurs
Example: A Fullerton College student applied for a local women-in-business grant and received $1,500 to fund her branding & marketing.
Take Action:
Google “small business grants + [your city]” and apply for at least one this month!
6. Use Business Credit Cards (With Caution!)
If used responsibly, a business credit card can help cover small startup costs.
Best Starter Business Credit Cards:
- Chase Ink Business Unlimited – No annual fee, 0% intro APR
- Capital One Spark Cash – Earn cash back on business expenses
- Discover It Student Card – Great for students with no credit history
Be Careful: Only use business credit cards if you can pay off the balance each month—avoid debt!
Take Action:
If you need to build credit, apply for a student-friendly credit card with no annual fee.
7. Join the Hornet Student Marketplace for Free Marketing & Support
Instead of paying for advertising, list your business on the Hornet Student Marketplace and get free exposure!
Why Join?
- Free business listing – No fees, no risk!
- Get discovered by students, faculty, and the community
- Opportunities for funding, networking, and promotions
Pro Tip: The more places your business is listed, the easier it is for customers to find you!
Take Action:
Sign up for the Hornet Student Marketplace today! Register here
Final Thoughts:
You Don’t Need Thousands of Dollars to Start!
Most successful student businesses start with small budgets and grow from customer sales, grants, and free resources. Don’t let a lack of money hold you back—get creative, start small, and use available funding options to build your business.
Your Next Steps
Funding
Generate Funds
Register
Join the Hornet Student Marketplace –
Sign up here!
Stay Connected
Follow @HornetBiz on Instagram for student funding tips