Running a business costs a lot of money, and it can feel like finding small business loans is a near-impossible task. Financing is available, but you may have to be creative in looking for sources of capital. Check out these four potential sources of money to jumpstart your business.

Government-Backed Loans

The Small Business Administration is a branch of the government dedicated to fostering new companies. SBA loans are made through private lenders, usually banks and credit unions, and the government assumes part or all of the risk if a default occurs.

When applying for one, it's important to have a coherent, multiyear business plan in place. You should verify that all your company's taxes are paid up and that you have a plan to employ several people. If you're not quite sure how to assemble an application, you may want to discuss your situation with a professional at a firm that provides small business financing services.

Obtain your credit score before seeking financing. A good score should be at least 600 at most credit bureaus, but higher is always better.

Personal Credit

One of the chancier ways to secure financing for your business is to lean on personal sources of credit. These include credit cards and personal loans. Be aware, though, that these sorts of debts can be pursued against you personally long after a business failure.

Friends and Family

Many people seeking small business loans turn to people close to them for cash. The main advantage of this approach is you'll likely have a lot more flexibility in paying back debts because you can lean on your personal relationship if there's a delay in development. The major downside to this approach, though, is that it can place a strain on relationships. Likewise, your friends and family may not have hundreds of thousands of dollars to lend.

Go Directly to the Bank

Banks also provide small business loan services with their own capital. As is the case with SBA loans, you'll be responsible for providing some sort of business plan that covers multiple years, provides clear and attainable targets and explains how the business will fit into its sector of the economy. Take the time to develop data about your industry and your customers' demographics, and include this information in projections. Your goal is to explain to the bank why they should be as optimistic about your future as you are.