50 CLEARING THE HURDLES: WOMEN BUILDING HIGH-GROWTH BUSINESSES
Credit
Most entrepreneurs use a combination of savings, personal debt, and
“minimizing” techniques such as foregone or delayed payments of sal-
ary and benefit packages and the use of alternative office space, equip-
ment, and staff support during the start-up phase of their businesses.
Credit cards and bank loans can provide additional financing options.
The most common sources of credit during the earliest stages of the
business are personal credit cards. (In fact, most entrepreneurs use
more than one personal credit card to maximize their purchasing
power.)
10
Businesses that have been operating successfully for two to
three years find bank financing more accessible because they have a
demonstrated ...