(POLL) Would You Ever Ask Family for Money for the Business?


(POLL) Would You Ever Ask Family for Money for the Business?

Access to capital for growing your small business is one of the biggest challenges you’ll face.

Hopefully, you’re not in a situation where you desperately need the money to keep the ship afloat. In all likelihood, you’re looking for extra money to buy a new piece of equipment, add some extra help to your staff, or for some other reason that indicates your small business is getting bigger.

Banks, however, haven’t been so friendly to small businesses like yours in this situation. The situation is getting better and lenders are starting to approve more loan applications from small businesses, but it’s still more likely that you’ll be rejected at least once from a traditional lender — like a bank.

There are newer forms of lenders, namely online, that use other factors to determine if your small business is worthy of an influx of cash, but your company may not be ready to go that route.

This week, we want to know if you’d consider asking family or friends for the money you’re looking for to grow your business. So, in this week’s poll question, let us know if you’d be willing to lean on family or friends to get that capital you need.

And if you have reached out to friends or family for business funding in the past, let us know of your experiences in tapping these resources for capital.

Would You Ever Ask Family for Money for the Business?

  • No - wouldn’t dream of asking family (38%, 246 Votes)
  • Yes - but only if desperate (31%, 201 Votes)
  • Yes - of course (21%, 133 Votes)
  • No - my business doesn’t need the money (10%, 68 Votes)

Total Voters: 648

See All Polls

Photo via Shutterstock


More in: 3 Comments ▼

Joshua Sophy Joshua Sophy is the Editor for Small Business Trends and the Head of Content Partnerships. A journalist with 20 years of experience in traditional and online media, he is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists. He founded his own local newspaper, the Pottsville Free Press, covering his hometown.

3 Reactions
  1. Yes. If they are willing to lend it. This is because this takes you out of all the requirements and right into the money. Of course, you have to be responsible and pay for it.

  2. Money from a family member is the best resource. But it is also often taken for granted so it must be done with caution for it can also ruin relationships.

  3. Some say that you should not mix family with business. But I guess you should try to avoid it unless it is absolutely necessary.