Let’s be honest—funding your business can feel overwhelming. The jargon, the gatekeeping, the pressure to figure it all out on your own—it’s a lot. According to the Bank of America® 2024 Women & Minority Business Owner Spotlight, 88% of business owners plan to obtain funding for their business in the year ahead, yet 30% of business owners feel they do not have the proper information or qualifications to feel confident applying for capital. That gap is real—and it’s exactly why we created Capital Literacy for Women Entrepreneurs.

While stats like “less than 2% of venture capital goes to women” get a lot of attention (and rightly so), the bigger truth is this: fewer than 1% of all businesses are actually a good fit for venture capital in the first place. So the real conversation isn’t just about chasing VC—it’s about understanding the full capital landscape and finding the options that fit you, your business, and where you are right now.

Whether you joined us at the Capital Literacy for Women Entrepreneurs event or are discovering this resource for the first time, you’ll find key terms, tools, and programs shared by experts—plus bonus downloadable tips from our coaches and partners. This resource is here to help you explore funding options with clarity, confidence, and connection.

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Funding Sources Overview

Mia Birk, Chief Amplification Officer at Fabulous Female Founders

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Mia Birk is an executive coach, advisor, and investor who helps women entrepreneurs grow and lead with clarity and confidence. She also writes Fabulous Female Founders, a weekly column sharing real stories and insights from the founder journey.

Below is her breakdown of the most common capital sources.

• Debt Financing: Borrowed money that must be repaid with interest. Includes term loans, lines of credit, equipment financing, and SBA loans.
  
• Angel Investors: High-net-worth individuals who invest early in exchange for equity. Angels often provide capital via direct equity or convertible notes.
  
• Venture Capital: Institutional or group-based equity investments in high-growth startups, usually in return for significant equity.
  
• Crowdfunding: Raising small amounts of money from many individuals via online platforms (e.g., Kickstarter, Indiegogo for rewards-based; Wefunder, Republic for equity-based).
• Non-Dilutive Capital (Grants & Competitions): Funding that does not require giving up equity, such as government grants, foundation grants, and pitch competition prizes.
  
  

📎 Download the Full Funding Sources Overview (PDF) for a deeper dive into the terms and concepts that can shape your funding journey.

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Non-Dilutive Capital: Grants, Public Funds & CSR Partnerships

Marquita Jaramillo, Principal Consultant at Powered by MJ

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Powered by MJ supports early-stage founders, nonprofits, and public programs in navigating grants and non-dilutive funding. With a focus on equity-driven initiatives, MJ helps organizations build the structure and strategy needed to pursue public, private, and philanthropic capital.

Her resource includes:

• Local grants and foundation opportunities
  
• Corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs
  
• Fiscal sponsorships and partnership models
  
• Public & agency capital (including government funds)
  
• Plus: Tips on how to get started and where to find aligned opportunities

📎 Download Marquita’s Guide to Non-Dilutive Capital (PDF). This handout is especially helpful for purpose-driven and community-based businesses that want to grow sustainably—on their own terms.

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Debt Financing: Loans & Lines of Credit to Grow Your Business

When you think about funding your business, debt financing—borrowing money you’ll repay over time—is a common and powerful option. The right loan can help you cover startup costs, expand, or manage cash flow with terms that fit your needs.

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Business Impact NW

Kyle Lovell, Chief Lending Officer at Business Impact NW

Leticia Lares, Loan Officer at Business Impact NW

_{Leticia Lares (left), Kyle Lovell (right)}

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Serving Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, Business Impact NW supports small businesses that may not qualify for traditional loans. Their Loan Fact Sheet breaks down:

• Term loans: BINW Term Loan, SBA Microloan, Commercial Real Estate Loan, SBA Community Advantage Loan, with clear loan amounts, rates, and terms
  
• Flexible line of credit options
  
• Fees, collateral requirements, and eligibility criteria
  
• 1:1 coaching and capital readiness support
  
  

📎 Download Business Impact NW Loan Fact Sheet (PDF)

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Business Oregon

Charlene LaFountain, Finance Officer at Business Oregon

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Business Oregon offers state-backed programs designed to increase capital access for Oregon entrepreneurs:

• Entrepreneurial Development Loan Fund (EDLF) provides direct loans to help start-ups, micro-entreprises, and small businesses expand or become established in Oregon.
  
• The Oregon Royalty Loan Program allows businesses to pay a periodic royalty payment as a percentage of sales to accommodate growing companies that do not qualify for traditional financing.
  
  

📎 Download EDLF Overview (PDF)
📎 Download Oregon Royalty Loan Program Overview (PDF)

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Prosper Portland

Gini Ryles, Sr Business Finance Officer at Prosper Portland

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Prosper Portland offers flexible small business and commercial real estate loans for Portland-based businesses that may not qualify for traditional financing. Their team provides one-on-one support, and loans can be combined with other funding sources to bridge gaps.

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📎 Download loan program brochure

🔗 Learn more at prosperportland.us/loans

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OnPoint Community Credit Union

Josie Ruiz, Small Business Relationship Manager at OnPoint

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OnPoint Community Credit Union offers a range of small business financing options—including lines of credit, term loans, and commercial real estate loans - all serviced in-house, with local decision-making.

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📎 Download rate sheet (effective June 1, 2025)

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Bonus Resource: CEO Financial Clarity Corner

Carla Titus, Founder & CEO, Wealth & Worth Within

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Fractional CFO and Xcelerate coach Carla Titus supports entrepreneurs in getting capital-ready through financial systems, projections, and strategic guidance. Her new podcast, CEO Financial Clarity Corner, is all about helping business owners boost financial literacy and lead with confidence.

🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast platform

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Meet Our Capital Readiness Coaches

These are the women in our network helping business owners clarify their capital options, prep for funding, and move forward with financial confidence. Whether you’re exploring grants, loans, or investor-readiness, these coaches meet you where you are.

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📋 Ready to work with a coach?
Fill out our Business Advising Form and we’ll match you with the right fit.

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