Lending Library

When financing major equipment for your small business, many lenders may require you to purchase a specific type of insurance that protects the value of your purchase. It's called equipment breakdown coverage and helps you pay for repairs caused by covered events. Here's what you need about this type of insurance and why it's so important. 

What is equipment breakdown coverage?

Many businesses rely on equipment to keep operations running smoothly. Whether you run a restaurant with tons of kitchen appliances or a construction business with heavy equipment and machinery, it's important to keep everything up and running so you can keep your customers happy and your balance sheet healthy.

Equipment breakdown insurance covers repair costs when certain events occur. If your equipment is financed, your lender may require you to have a policy in place. Even if your equipment is paid in full, this coverage can still be useful. Note that this coverage is separate from your commercial property insurance, which covers only damage due to external factors such as fire or theft.

When a covered event occurs, you can file a claim to get paid to fix the equipment. There's usually a limit to how much each piece is covered for, and you may also have to pay a deductible before your coverage kicks in.

What does equipment breakdown coverage cover?

Here are common events that are covered in most equipment breakdown insurance policies. 

Covered incident repairs.

Your list of covered incidents will likely vary depending on the type of equipment insured. Damage caused by power surges, burnouts, or other mechanical breakdowns are typically covered. And you could also be covered for any related inventory damage because of the breakdown. For instance, if your restaurant's refrigerator stops working, you could be reimbursed for any food spoilage in addition to the actual repairs.

Temporary or rush repairs.

Working equipment is vital to the success of your business. That's why your policy should also include coverage for rush repairs and temporary fixes. You need to keep operations running, even if it costs more to get a contractor out there the same day. You'll minimize the financial impact of your equipment breakdown on your broader business. Check policy details to understand any restrictions surrounding rush repairs. 

Lost business income.

There are many requirements your claim must meet in order to be eligible for lost business income coverage. But it's an important component that's usually included in this type of insurance policy. 

The idea is to get reimbursed for any revenue you couldn't collect because of an equipment breakdown. There must be a direct and well-documented correlation between the loss of income and damage to your equipment. There may also be a minimum interruption period you must get through before your policy goes into effect.

Property damage liability.

Liability coverage is a must for any business and your equipment coverage insurance should have a property damage clause. This provides reimbursement for anyone else's property that is damaged related to the equipment breakdown. 

Mandatory inspections

Another benefit of equipment breakdown insurance is that your policy may cover mandatory inspections. The goal is to identify issues before they arise, ultimately saving you (and your insurance company) money.

What equipment breakdown insurance does NOT cover.

Not all issues are covered by an equipment breakdown insurance policy. Here's what won't be covered, so you can plan accordingly.

• Damage from everyday wear and tear - Breakdown due to age or lack of maintenance is not included in most policies. 
• Software or data - Software-related malfunctions, even if purchased with equipment financing or equipment leasing, are not included in your coverage. You'll need separate business insurance to cover cyber attacks and any other issues related to software.
• Repairs beyond coverage limit - Your policy will come with a limit to how much you can claim with each covered event. It's typically based on the value of the equipment (or a percentage of that value).
• Deductible or coinsurance - Your insurance policy may come with a deductible, co-insurance, or both. A deductible is the amount you're responsible for with each claim before your coverage kicks in. Some policies may also include coinsurance, which is a percentage of the repair costs that you're responsible for.

How to use equipment breakdown insurance with equipment financing.

Most lenders require that you get an equipment breakdown policy whenever you finance your equipment. It's a smart financial safety net that keeps your important assets covered so you can avoid setbacks to your business when issues arise. As you explore adding more equipment to your business, remember this added cost of insurance as well. Preparation is always the key to success.

Learn more about how equipment financing can help grow your business with Lendio.

Private equity (PE) is often tangled with venture capital (VC) because they both invest in companies and use a variety of exit strategies, such as selling their stake during IPOs. However, there are some significant differences in the way they do business. Both invest in different types and sizes of companies, spend different amounts and even claim different percentages of equity.

Let’s have a closer look at the core differences between PE and VC firms, and try to characterize the variables that are pushing them to adopt one another’s strategy.

Private Equity

What is Private Equity?

Private equity is a form of investment that is much more hands-on than a venture capital investment. Instead of investing to own a stake in the company, a private equity firm acquires the entire company in the form of a buyout. 

Usually, the company in question is facing some type of difficulty or is distressed in some way. The PE firm evaluates the company and has a plan for how to resurrect it and make it more valuable. There's also usually an exit strategy in mind to sell the company within a few years in order for the PE firm to turn a profit. 

Who funds these private equity deals? In most cases, the answer is institutional or accredited investors. This includes investors such as:

• Pension funds
• University endowments
• Insurance companies
• Sovereign wealth funds
• High-net worth individuals or family offices

Types of Investments

Private equity funding can be packaged in a few different ways. The most common types of deals are buyouts, secondary buyouts, and carve-outs. Here's what each of these means.

Buyout 

This is the most well-known of private equity deals. A PE firm acquires an entire company to gain complete control of major decisions. The strategy can be used on private, public, or closely held companies. 

Secondary Buyout 

With a secondary buyout, a PE firm buys a company from another private equity group instead. The reasoning may be to fix a distressed company or to acquire a company to work with other relevant companies owned by the purchasing PE firm. 

Carve-out 

Instead of purchasing an entire company, a carve-out allows a PE firm to purchase a certain division of a company. It usually does not involve the parent company's core operations.

Venture Capital

What is Venture Capital?

A venture capital (VC) investment is a type of private equity, but instead of focusing on established companies, investors typically pick startups with the potential for major growth. VC investors can include individuals, investment banks, incubator programs, other types of financial institutions, and corporations.

In exchange for an investment, venture capitalists typically gain ownership of a percentage of the business. When profits are distributed or the company is sold, the investor gets that percentage of the total. 

For example, if a VC investor invests $250,000 for 15% equity, then the startup gets acquired five years later for $10 million, the investor's 15% stake will result in a $1.5-million payout. 

Types of Investments

There are usually two types of investments venture capitalists make in startups: an initial seed round of funding or a range of series funding as the company becomes more established.

Seed Funding

This is typically the first round of formal investment for startups. Some may have had a pre-seed funding round, which usually just raises capital from the founder's family and friends. In the seed round, the startup is still at an early stage, but has a concept and early proof of concept to entice VC investors.

Series Funding

As the startup becomes more established, it may opt to engage in additional rounds of funding. Each round is given a new title in succession: series A, B, C, D, and even E funding. Typically the company raises more money in each round.  

• Series A funding: $2 to $15 million
• Series B funding: $7 to $10 million
• Series C funding: average of $26 million

Private Equity Vs Venture Capital

Core differences: PE Vs VC Firms

Private equity firms buy established, inefficient companies, take total control, and make them more efficient to escalate revenue. They also attempt to capitalize on mispriced assets. 

Venture capital firms, on the other hand, purchase only 50% or smaller stakes in startup companies that they believe have the greatest growth potential.

While PE firms invest in a specific company and concentrate their expertise on a particular sector, VC firms like to diversify and reduce their risk profile. Usually, VC firms are limited to technology, biotechnology, and clean air companies. VC firms also often limit their investment to $10 million in each company. PE firms are open to how much they invest, particularly since they're usually buying out an entire company.

The core difference between the two is where they put their money. PEs invest in established businesses while VEs invest in startup growth.

Risk and Return

VC firms understand that most of the companies they invest in will not be profitable. But  they expect that at least one of them will turn in huge profits and make the fund profitable. Because startups can be so unpredictable, they basically hedge their bets across multiple investments. 

Fred Wilson, a $1-billion, New York-based VC fund, expects that out of the 25 growth companies it has invested in, about 10 will fail, one will turn extraordinary profits, about five will give solid returns, and the rest will be wiped out. 

Another key difference between VC and PE? VC firms use only equity to finance their purchases, but private equity investors use both equity and debt.

Additionally, PE firms have concentrated exposure in one or a few particular industries, so they have to bear additional risk. Their holdings in the companies are so extensive that, if one of the companies failed, the fund would mostly fail. However, shouldn’t higher risk translate to higher returns?

Modern portfolio theory proposes that greater risk is compensated with higher returns, but here, VC firms, even with the higher risk, are targeting the same returns as PE firms, and actual returns for both, are also very similar.

Small business owners who want to retain full ownership of their companies will most likely want to avoid outside investment. 

Instead, apply for a small business loan to get the exact amount of financing you need without having to give up equity in your company. 

You’ve toyed with the idea of starting a healthcare business, but you might not be sure what business you could start. Even if you have a healthcare business idea, you’re not sure if it would be profitable or have the potential to grow over the next few years. 

According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, U.S. national healthcare spending grew to $4.3 trillion in 2021. This equaled an average of $12,914 per person, and it accounted for 18.3% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). While a lot of this money was spent with large healthcare organizations, a considerable amount was paid to private healthcare business owners as well. 

Healthcare businesses are not only the focus of so much spending, but also much more likely to survive and thrive. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 15.6% of healthcare businesses fail in the first year, significantly below the 21% average first-year failure rate across all industries.

In short, starting a healthcare business is an extremely promising prospect right now. To help you narrow down the direction you could take, we will cover 24 healthcare business ideas—any of which you could start executing over the next few weeks.

Let’s dive in.

Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Data of survival rates of businesses started in 2017.

Growth and cost comparison.

Healthcare business growth and cost comparison.

There are multiple factors to consider when choosing which type of healthcare business you want to start, including your own expertise and personal interests. The following chart gives you an overview of the estimated market size, compound annual growth rate (CAGR), and startup costs for common business types within the healthcare industry. Keep in mind that costs can vary considerably, depending on how you set up your business and where you are located.

Healthcare business ideas.

24 healthcare business ideas.

Read on to learn more about individual healthcare business ideas.

Healthcare business ideas for entrepreneurs

1. Telehealth software solutions

2. Medical equipment rental and maintenance service

3. Nurse concierge service

4. Medical staffing agency

5. Sole practice business

6. Medical billing service

7. Home healthcare agency/home care agency

8. Massage therapy

9. Outpatient substance abuse management

10. Medical supply courier services

11. Drug testing business

12. Infusion services

13. Medical apparel sales

14. Medical waste handling

15. Medical laundry services

16. Assisted-living services

17. Senior day care center

18. Medical transcription service

19. Legal nurse consulting

20. Hydration therapy business

21. In-home physical and occupational therapy services

22. Autism support services

23. Retail pharmacy store

24. Non-emergency medical transportation

1. Telehealth software solutions.

At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth services rose to the forefront. Now, although many healthcare practices have returned to seeing patients in person, at least 37% of U.S. adults continue to use telehealth services. This is where your telehealth software solution could come in.

An app or software that enhances the telehealth experience is always welcome in the market. This may include tools that allow healthcare providers, such as doctors and nurse practitioners, to monitor their patients whom they are serving remotely or even virtual reality telehealth solutions.

2. Medical equipment rental and maintenance service.

Medical equipment is expensive. Renting can be a cost-effective way for some families to get a piece of medical equipment their loved one needs. With a medical equipment rental service, you could start to fill this gap, connecting patients in need with the right devices. In addition to renting equipment, your business may also provide certified technicians and engineers to maintain the equipment and carry out repairs.

3. Nurse concierge service.

If you’re an experienced nurse who is looking for a change of scenery beyond bedside nursing, you could consider concierge nursing. Concierge nursing is private nursing and it can span a variety of patient types. For example, if you have pediatric nursing experience, your concierge nurse business could focus on caring for children. Other nurse concierge services specialize in providing care services for high-income clientele.

With a host of niches to be filled with a concierge nursing business, your possibilities are endless. 

4. Medical staffing agency.

In the U.S., it can take up to 90 days to fill a vacant registered nurse role. Meanwhile, many hospitals are understaffed and need talent quickly to fill the need. Medical staffing agencies act as matchmakers between professional medical professionals and the health organizations that need them. 

They can be critical in shortening this long timeline and create a win-win scenario for both sides. The medical professional avoids the burden of applying with 10 or 15 employers to find the perfect role. Once they apply with a medical staffing agency, the agency does the work of finding roles to suit the professional’s needs. In turn, the hospital organization benefits by gaining access to vetted professionals and filling staff shortages faster. 

5. Sole practice business.

If you’re a licensed healthcare professional who can practice independently, starting a sole practice such as your own medical, dental, optometry, chiropractic, or physical therapy practice may be the most logical business for you to start.

6. Medical billing service.

Effective billing is the lifeblood of any health practice. While bigger institutions may have their own internal billing departments, smaller healthcare businesses and medical practices often depend heavily on medical billing services to keep the lights on. If you’re thinking about starting a medical billing services company, you will always find high demand in the marketplace.

7. Home healthcare agency/homecare agency.

Medical home health agencies offer nursing care to seniors, people recovering from surgery or a severe illness, or for people who are on hospice/end-of-life care. Home healthcare professionals may also come into private homes to help disabled adults with their long-term medical needs. Non-medical home care agencies help a wide range of clients (including the elderly and disabled adults) with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing up, and companion care.

8. Massage therapy

As a massage therapist, you can break out on your own and start a business. Depending on where you live, this might mean investing in proper licensing. In most jurisdictions, you cannot start a massage therapy business unless you are a licensed massage therapist. Regardless, many massage therapists are able to find high demand for their services and make a strong income serving their clients.

9. Outpatient substance abuse management.

For people trying to overcome an addiction to drugs or alcohol, getting the right medications, counseling, and tools during their recovery period is crucial. For those who may want or need to do this outside of a residential recovery center, outpatient addiction and management recovery services are crucial. If you have training and specializations in mental health and substance abuse care, you could start such a business. This can be done from an office or even remotely. 

10. Medical supply courier services.

Medical supply courier services (sometimes called health logistics services) deliver medical equipment to homes, hospitals, and medical practices. Running a medical supply courier service requires that you know how to handle and safely transport medical equipment and supplies. In some states, starting a medical supply courier service will require that you have a pharmacy degree.

11. Drug testing business.

The U.S. Department of Transportation requires certain safety-sensitive employees to undergo drug testing. Moreover, many public and private companies require drug testing as part of their pre-employment and onboarding processes. In addition, drug testing may also be needed in certain legal cases. All of this points to a massive market for drug testing services and a potentially lucrative business idea for nurses (RNs and LPNs) and doctors. 

12. Infusion services

For patients who have been discharged from the hospital but still need medications to be infused into their bodies via an intravenous (IV) line while they recover at home, infusion service businesses are critical.

Infusion service companies are sometimes based in an office, where patients come in weekly or monthly to receive their medication. Others are run via a mobile infusion service that attends to people in their homes.

13. Medical apparel sales.

Whether it’s a pair of scrubs or a white coat or comfy shoes for medical professionals who stand and walk all day, medical professionals need their uniforms. You could manufacture your own scrubs or it is possible for you to wholesale and put your private label on medical apparel.

14. Medical waste handling.

When it comes to the handling of medical waste, like used syringes, needles, tubing, and soiled wound dressings, federal and state regulations abound. To stay on the right side of these regulations, hospitals and practices of every size need reliable medical waste management services, opening yet another potentially profitable business opportunity. 

15. Medical laundry services.

Besides handling medical waste, hospitals often need professional laundering services to take care of bedding, hospital gowns, and hospital-provided attire like surgical scrubs. Your medical laundry services business could meet this need and provide a solid income at the same time.

16. Assisted-living services.

Assisted-living services provide residential services to seniors. Seniors who live in an assisted living facility may do a lot for themselves, but still need help with daily living activities like bathing, grooming, and mobility. Assisted living services may also provide health-related services like nursing care and medication assistance.

17. Senior day care center.

Instead of opting for an assisted living community or senior community, more and more elders are choosing to age in place, living at home for the rest of their remaining years. Other seniors may also live with adult children or caregivers who have to go to work during the day.

To stay safe and to have people to socialize with during the day, these elders may opt to go to a senior daycare center, where they can receive professional care and assistance with their medications, as well as participate in social activities.

18. Medical transcription service.

Medical transcriptionists transcribe recordings made by doctors, nurses, and other medical workers into legible medical records, including notes from patient examinations and discharge reports. They might also review documents for errors, so that facilities can keep accurate records.

While some hospitals and medical practices may have their own in-house medical transcriptionists, there are other organizations that rely on external medical transcription services.

19. Legal nurse consulting.

Legal nurse consultants are registered nurses who have further training that allows them to be assets to attorneys and the legal system. For instance, when there is a malpractice, worker’s compensation, or personal injury lawsuit, attorneys may depend on a legal nurse consultant’s background in the healthcare system and medical science to help build their case. As a legal nurse consultant, you would operate independently. If you have extensive experience in a particular nursing field (e.g., oncology), starting your own legal nurse consultancy that serves that vertical can be a great business. 

20. Hydration therapy business.

This business can be similar to the infusion services idea mentioned above. But while infusion services often focus on delivering medication for health conditions, hydration therapy is a simple treatment that delivers fluids and electrolytes (and sometimes, medication), directly into a person’s bloodstream through an IV line.

In most states in the U.S., licensed healthcare professionals, including medical doctors, nurse practitioners, and nurses, can start a hydration therapy business.

21. In-home physical and occupational therapy services.

Your in-home physical therapy and occupational therapy business could help seniors, people with disabilities, or individuals recovering from an illness or accident. Like some of the private care businesses mentioned already, this kind of business allows patients to receive one-to-one care in the comfort of their homes.

22. Autism support services.

Autism support service businesses can provide personal or group support services to individuals on the autism spectrum. Autism support businesses may provide a host of services, including applied behavioral therapy, speech, and occupational therapy services.

23. Retail pharmacy store.

Don’t let big chain pharmacy stores intimidate you. If you have the proper education and licensing to be a pharmacist, you can still make money as an independent pharmacy store owner. 

24. Non-emergency medical transportation.

Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services help patients get to their healthcare appointments on time. While the guidelines differ from state to state for starting your NEMT business, it is likely you will need basic training in CPR and first aid. If your NEMT business transports people who use wheelchairs, you might also need special training on how to securely transport these individuals.

Execute your healthcare business idea today.

While several of these businesses require you to have a specific healthcare degree in order to start, there are others on this list that don’t require degrees. And in almost each case, instead of reinventing the wheel, you will be starting a tried-and-tested business. 

Forty-one percent of healthcare businesses fail by their fifth year. There are various reasons why this may happen. But often, a lack of funding to support the business is one of those reasons. Learn how you could get the money you need to fund your healthcare practice or get the medical equipment you need to start today.

Sources:

https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/medical-billing-outsourcing-market

https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/us-primary-care-physicians-market

https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/home-healthcare-industry

https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/massage-therapy-services-market

https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/us-transcription-market

https://www.starterstory.com/ideas/medical-billing-service-business/startup-costs

https://doctorly.org/cost-vs-reward-of-opening-a-medical-private-practice/

https://www.careacademy.com/blog/start-home-health-agency/

https://www.starterstory.com/ideas/massage-therapist/startup-costs

https://www.entrepreneur.com/businessideas/medical-transcriptions

https://www.starterstory.com/ideas/medical-equipment-sales-business/startup-costs

https://www.maximizemarketresearch.com/market-report/private-nursing-services-market/167107/

https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/us-home-infusion-therapy-market

https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/us-assisted-living-facility-market

https://www.starterstory.com/ideas/concierge-nurse-service/startup-costs

https://www.ivtherapyacademy.com/post/iv-therapy-start-up-costs-and-considerations

https://www.biospace.com/article/pharmacy-market-size-to-estimate-usd-1-522-1-bn-by-2030/

https://www.starterstory.com/ideas/medical-waste-management-and-recycling-business/startup-costs

Crowdfunding is a term used to describe individuals coming together to support—and directly fund—projects by other individuals and organizations. For small businesses and startups, crowdfunding can be an engine for job creation and development.

Compared to other methods of raising money, crowdfunding is very new, but has nonetheless already provided many businesses with the capital they needed to jumpstart and expedite their growth and potential.

Types of crowdfunding.

Types of crowdfunding.

Prospective and established small business owners can use crowdfunding platforms to jumpstart their next project, and there are four models of crowdfunding they employ to do so:

• Donations, philanthropy and sponsorship - Like it sounds, this form of crowdfunding involves people donating money for nothing in return.
• Lending - Also known as peer-to-peer lending, this model involves individuals lending a certain amount of money to be repaid with interest.
• Equity-based crowdfunding - The company sells shares of the company.
• Rewards-based crowdfunding - Anyone who donates money receives a reward, such as a discounted product or swag.

Anyone with questions about crowdfunding should first decide what they’re willing to give (if anything) and how they intend to excite potential donors to invest in their company.

How crowdfunding works.

How does crowdfunding work for businesses?

For a business that wants to use crowdfunding to raise capital, the first step is to decide what type of crowdfunding it wants to pursue. All types are available to small businesses, but there are benefits and drawbacks to each. 

Businesses that want to avoid paying additional taxes may want to steer clear of a rewards-based crowdfunding campaign. While the reward is given in exchange for a "donation," to the IRS, it is a sales transaction and is considered taxable income. 

To start a crowdfunding campaign, you’ll need to choose a crowdfunding platform. Crowdfunding platforms revolve around a specific type of crowdfunding. They're all a little different and are often aimed at specific demographics.

Once you've decided on the type of crowdfunding campaign you want to run, you will need to create a campaign page that explains what you need the money for and how you intend to spend it. Successful campaigns often provide videos to help motivate and excite donors.

Do crowdfunding sites charge money?

Yes, they do. The amount varies with each site, but it’s not uncommon for platforms to charge 5% or more of the total funds raised, plus a transaction fee for each donation. If you have an exact amount you need for your small business, you’ll need to calculate the fees when determining how much you need to raise.

Can crowdfunding money be used for anything?

Any money raised through crowdfunding must be used for the exact purpose stated to the public. Therefore, if you state that you need the money to cover manufacturing costs, you cannot turn around and use any funds raised to purchase stock or real estate.

Crowdfunding pros & cons.

The pros and cons of crowdfunding.

Consider the following pros and cons when considering using crowdfunding to fund your business.

Pros:

• Serves as a marketing tool - Crowdfunding can be a company’s first exposure to the world and can therefore be used as a means to advertise to the general public
• Provides a forum for feedback on the project - It’s common for investors to provide needed feedback on a service or product they have invested in; this feedback may be essential for your company’s long term success in the market
• Fees are minimal - Crowdfunding platforms take only a small percentage of the funds you raise from investors 
• Inexpensive way to raise funds - No traveling is needed to speak with investors, nor does it cost that much to establish. You can spend money to launch and run a campaign, but the amount you spend is up to you.
• Can make it easy to communicate to your investors - With all of your investors in one spot, communicating to them is a lot easier.
• May not have to give up equity depending on which type of crowdfunding campaign you choose - Equity crowdfunding is just one type of crowdfunding. Other methods don’t require selling portions of your company, which means you will be able to keep more of the profits for yourself.
• Is a valid alternative to bootstrapping and debt - Not too long ago companies had very few options when it came to raising money, but crowdfunding has changed that.
• Can create excitement over your project or product - Smart companies realize that raising money through a crowdfunding campaign is only one benefit—the other is generating buzz and excitement pre-launch. 
• Provides partial proof of concept - While a successful crowdfunding campaign is not complete proof of concept, it is still a very good sign. Full proof of concept is only established once the product or service is launched and is financially successful

Cons: 

• Often limited on amount of funding you can raise - Companies can not raise more than $5 million in a 12-month period
• Exposes project to the public, risking copycats - it’s not uncommon for companies to avoid crowdfunding altogether if they are currently unable to afford a patent because some companies use crowdfunding sites to get ideas for new products 
• Funds may be subject to securities regulation - Companies selling securities via crowdfunding must comply with all federal security laws, regardless of the platform they choose
• Takes a lot of work to find investors - It’s unlikely investors will find your page on their own and give you money. Successful campaigns often involve full-blown social media activity to attract attention.
• Takes a lot of work to create a campaign - Making a donation page, shooting a video, and filling out all of the appropriate paperwork takes more time than you may be willing or able to give.
• Dwindled influence of the crowdfunding model - Thanks to too many scammers, some investors have grown weary of crowdfunding altogether.
• Does not necessarily show proof of concept - There are many examples of "successful" campaigns that did not translate to the real world of business. 
• Can be expensive to get going - If you contract your campaign’s creation, you may end up having to spend more than you want.
• Too much competition on crowdfunding sites - Just creating a campaign is unlikely to be enough, and it can take a lot of work to have your project stand.

Crowdfunding sites

Crowdfunding sites

Popular crowdfunding sites include:

• Indiegogo
• Classy
• Seedinvest
• FundRazr
• Fundly
• Startengine
• GoFundMe
• Mighty Cause
• Kickstarter
• Fundable
• WeFunder
• EquityNet
• Patreon

To choose the best crowdfunding site, decide which type of campaign you want to create and compare the fees charged on each. It’s rare for investors to scroll through campaigns. Instead, many learn about investment opportunities on forums and social media. Therefore, don’t worry too much about where you launch your campaign because everything comes down to how it’s promoted. 

Crowdfunding tips

Tips for a successful crowdfunding campaign.

Like any other type of business financing, crowdfunding requires strategic thought, upfront work and a commitment to reach out to potential investors. Consider the following tips when planning your crowdfunding project.

1. Choose the right site for you - Some sites occupy a specific niche, such as arts or nonprofits. Find the one that fits your business and your ideal donor demographic. You can run multiple campaigns at the same time through different sites, but you will want to consider how. 
2. Set a realistic target and time limit - Asking for too much or too little can affect your project’s chances of success.
3. Create a campaign video - A personal touch—which video excels at— can pay off. In fact, projects with videos outperform those without by 125%.
4. Post regular campaign updates - Keep supporters engaged to maintain momentum. The more buzz and excitement you can generate and maintain for your project, the more likely your donors will recommend your project to their peers. If done correctly, they may even promote your campaign for you. 
5. Connect with friends and family first - Begin with word of mouth among your inner circle, then promote your campaign on social media. Some donors are more likely to contribute if they feel the campaign is already in motion and gaining traction. 
6. Offer rewards - Supporters may be more eager to back you if you offer a small incentive. Just remember that doing a rewards-based crowdfunding campaign means you will pay tax on any money received. 

Crowdfunding is an exciting new way to raise money for your small business, and there are a lot of opportunities to be had. However, you may still require additional capital after your campaign ends even if it is successful. 

Learn more about your business funding options today at Lendio.

With the rise of the so-called “unicorn startup,” it can be easy to get caught up in the myth that, to start a successful new business, one must be young, have millions of dollars of funding, and plan to grow the business to be the size of Facebook or Amazon. The number of startups funded by venture capital has risen over the years. However, most small businesses start without external investment, and the majority of startup founders are middle-aged.

Failure rates

Startup failure rate statistics.

Startup companies are often considered the backbone of economic growth and innovation, with the potential to disrupt traditional industries and create new markets. However, the reality is that starting a business is risky with no guarantee of success. In fact, statistics show that the majority of startups fail within the first few years of operation. 

21% of new businesses fail within the first year. 

Source:  BLS

Starting a new business is a risky venture. This underscores the importance of careful planning, market research, and a solid business strategy to ensure a greater chance of success.

Nearly half of all startups fail by year five. 

Source:  BLS

While surviving the first year is crucial, it is not enough for long-term success. This highlights the need for sustained growth, innovation, and adaptability to keep a business thriving over the long term.

Oregon, South Dakota, Mississippi, California, and Massachusetts have the highest five-year survival rates of 55% or more. Missouri has the highest five-year failure rate at 60.5%.

Source: Lendio 

Location can be a significant factor in a startup's success or failure. This may be due to a variety of factors, such as a less-supportive business environment, lower access to capital or talent, or other systemic barriers.

Startup challenges

Startup challenges statistics.

Starting a new business is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it is also a daunting task that comes with a host of challenges. So, what is standing in the way of startups’ success? From securing funding to developing a viable product or service, entrepreneurs face numerous obstacles that can make or break their business. 

41% of small business owners state their No. 1 challenge is related to the economy and inflation, with another 14% dealing with other financial concerns. 

Source: Lendio

This highlights the need for small businesses to carefully monitor economic conditions, manage cash flow effectively, and seek out resources and support to overcome financial challenges.

56% of small businesses state that large corporations have a negative impact on growth opportunities for their business. 

Source: Lendio

This may be due to factors such as competition for customers or talent. It may also be the ability of large corporations to invest in technology and marketing that small businesses may not be able to match. As such, small businesses may need to focus on developing unique value propositions, building strong customer relationships, and seeking out niche markets where they can excel.

52% of businesses state access to capital would have had a significant impact in their ability to start a successful business. 

Source: Lendio

This highlights the importance of a robust and accessible financing ecosystem, including traditional loans, venture capital, and alternative sources like crowdfunding.

Startup funding

Startup funding statistics.

Starting and growing a business requires capital, and finding sources of funding is often a top priority for entrepreneurs. From traditional bank loans to venture capital investments, there are numerous options available to businesses seeking funding, but obtaining funding can be a challenge for most early-stage startups. In fact, the majority of businesses are started with personal funds.

• 54% of SMB owners started their business with personal funds.  (Source: Lendio)
• 43% of small business owners needed less than $10,000 to fund their startup. (Source: Lendio)
• Only 3% of startups are funded through venture capital firms. (Source: Lendio)
• Colorado, Utah, and Minnesota have the highest access to small business loans. (Source: Lendio)
• Massachusetts, California, and New York have the highest amount of venture capital disbursed per $1 million of GDP. (Source: Lendio)
• In 2021, early-stage funding totaled $201 billion. (Source: Crunchbase)
• Global venture funding was more than 10x higher in 2021 than in 2012. (Source: Crunchbase)
• Overall, Kickstarter has successfully funded more than 200,000 projects totaling $6.5 billion in successful funding. (Source: Kickstarter)
• 40% of Kickstarter projects are successfully funded. (Source: Kickstarter)
• 66% of Kickstarter startups raise $10,000 or less. (Source: Kickstarter)
• 77% of tech Kickstarters fail. (Source: Kickstarter)

Unicorn startups

Unicorn startup statistics.

The term "unicorn" is used to describe privately-held startups with a valuation of $1 billion or more. These companies are often seen as the darlings of the tech industry, with the potential to disrupt traditional markets and generate massive returns for investors. While unicorn startups represent only a small fraction of all startups, their impact on the economy and the technology landscape is significant. 

• There are 1,206 unicorn startups worldwide valued at ~$3791 billion dollars. (Source: CB insights)
• Bytedance, an artificial intelligence company in China and parent company of TikTok, has the highest valuation at $140B. (Source: CB insights)
• SpaceX has the second-highest valuation at $127B. (Source: CB insights)

Startup demographics

Startup demographic statistics.

Entrepreneurship is often seen as a means of achieving the American dream, with the potential to create wealth and opportunity for individuals and communities. However, not all entrepreneurs have the same opportunities to start and grow their businesses. In fact, access to resources and support can vary significantly based on a variety of demographic factors, including age, race, gender, and education.  

Age

Contrary to popular belief, the majority of startup founders are middle-aged, and studies have found that older founders may have a higher chance of success than younger founders.

• On average, entrepreneurs are 42 years old when they found their company. (Source: HBR)
• In software startups, the average age is slightly younger at 40. (Source: HBR)
• In oil and gas and biotechnology companies, the average age is around 47. (Source: HBR)
• Entrepreneurs' success rates increase with age, peaking in the mid-50s. (Source: HBR)

Gender

Recent statistics highlight both the progress made and the challenges that remain for women entrepreneurs. On the positive side, startups with female founders are shown to perform better. However, there are still significant disparities in funding and representation. Female business owners tend to ask for less funding than men, and they often face more difficulty securing loans or lines of credit. 

• Startups with a female founder perform 63% better than startups that have all-male founding teams. (Source: First Round)
• The proportion of female co-founded companies has doubled from 10% in 2009 to 20% in 2019. (Source: Crunchbase)
• On average, female business owners ask for less funding, about $35,000 less than their male counterparts.
• Women business owners make multiple attempts to secure bank loans or lines of credit, and 40% of women business owners applying for a loan never succeed in obtaining funding.
• Women represented just 6.4% of the CEOs on the most recent Fortune 500 list—and that was the highest female-male ratio in the list’s 63-year history.
• Top 10 States for Women’s Access to Capital:
• South Dakota
• Maine
• Mississippi
• New Hampshire
• North Carolina
• Virginia
• Washington
• Delaware
• Indiana
• Oregon

Source: Lendio

Race

In 2018, Black-owned businesses represented 9.9% of all businesses, while Hispanic-owned businesses represented 12.2%. However, these businesses tended to be smaller and less profitable than non-minority-owned businesses. (Source: Census Bureau)

Only 1% of venture-funded startup founders were Black and just 1.8% were Hispanic. (Source: Stanford)

The National Bureau of Economic Research found that Black-owned businesses were more likely to be denied loans than white-owned businesses, even when controlling for creditworthiness and other factors. (Source: National Bureau of Economic Research)

These startup statistics demonstrate the challenges and opportunities that come with starting and growing a business. While the failure rate of startups can be discouraging, it is important to remember that entrepreneurship plays a vital role in driving innovation and economic growth. 

Additionally, it is crucial to acknowledge the systemic barriers that exist in the entrepreneurial ecosystem and work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable environment for all aspiring entrepreneurs. As we continue to track and analyze startup statistics, let us strive to create a world where anyone with an idea and the drive to succeed has the opportunity to do so.

Lendio is committed to helping small business owners survive and thrive by making funding more accessible to small business owners. Learn more about small business loan options.

If you’re in the process of starting a law firm, one of your main concerns is likely how much it will cost. There are many variables that factor into the actual cost to begin your own practice, not to mention how you will fund the whole endeavor. Some attorneys are able to create a firm on a shoestring budget. However, if you are planning on starting big, your initial costs may be more significant. 

Here are some things to consider when it comes to law firm start-up costs. 

How much does it cost to start a law firm? 

It’s impossible to pinpoint exactly how much it will cost you to hang a shingle. However, there are some ballpark considerations that can help you understand your initial budget. Some people are able to start a law firm with a couple thousand dollars. Others need $30,000 or more to begin practice. The exact amount you need depends on your overhead costs and the budget you decide on for items you will need. To determine this amount, consider the following.

Location 

Will you have a physical law office or a virtual workplace? If you, like many new attorneys, decide to work from home, you can easily rent a workspace or conference room when you need to meet with clients. On the other hand, having an office space may be important to you. Rent for a physical business location can range dramatically depending on where you are located. If you rent a traditional office space, you may pay $1,000 or more monthly, while renting conference space only when it is needed might cost $200 or less. 

Supplies and office equipment

Even if you opt to work from home, you will need certain supplies and office equipment. It’s important to have high-quality printers, scanners, phones, and copiers. For high-quality equipment leases expect to pay $1000/month. You will also need plenty of paper, stamps, pens, note pads, envelopes, and more. These items can add up. However, they shouldn’t amount to more than a couple of hundred dollars per month. 

Computer hardware and software

Computer hardware and software will be one of your highest costs when starting a law firm. You will need a quality laptop computer, as well as case management software and document and PDF processing software. These are generally one-time or annual costs, with hardware costing thousands of dollars and software hundreds. 

Most legal research databases and data storage in cloud services are subscription-based. You can lower your costs by joining the American Bar Association or your state bar association with free legal research databases. Data storage in cloud services like Dropbox are necessary to ensure your information is secure and you don’t lose valuable files if your hardware malfunctions. These overhead costs may amount to $100 per month or less.

Professional expenses and training

You will need to set aside a budget for professional expenses and training, including licenses, continuing education, conferences, and events. Most states charge companies to obtain a business license, and you will  have to pay to maintain your active status as an attorney with the state bar association. 

Continuing education is a requirement of all attorneys. While conferences and events are sometimes negotiable expenses, they should be heavily considered to maintain networking and positive appearance. These costs can amount to hundreds or thousands of dollars, depending on the details of the training and events. 

Insurance

All businesses need insurance, especially law firms. The types of insurance you need depend on the state you’re in, your practice areas, whether or not you have employees, and other factors. The cost of all these insurance types can vary also, but usually amount to $1,000 or less monthly total. 

At a minimum, you should have: 

• General liability insurance
• Property insurance
• Malpractice insurance
• Workers’ compensation insurance
• Cybersecurity Insurance

It’s best to consult with a professional business advisor in your state to ensure you get the right insurance for your new law firm. 

New law firm marketing

You will need to invest in marketing for your law firm. However, the amount you decide to put into building a website, social media, Google ads, and other advertising methods depends heavily on your goals. For example, if your target audience does not use social media often, then you can avoid spending money on developing a heavy Facebook presence. 

However, one thing you should not skimp on is the quality of your website. And you can achieve a professional site at a low cost or at significant expense. The choice is yours. Many low-cost template options allow you to build your own website. But if you really want to take advantage of SEO tools and rank at the top of Google, you may need to invest in a marketing agency. Many legal marketing agencies offer packages to new law firms for $2,000 to $5,000 monthly to create a website, juggle advertising, and track performance. 

Taxes

Every business must pay state and federal taxes. However, the amount you pay will depend on the type of business you form and your annual earnings. It will cost up to $1,000 to have a tax professional keep track of your revenue and expenses and help you complete and file your taxes when the time comes. 

Get the funds to start your own law firm

If you are ready to start your own law firm, you should consider all of the costs. Once you create a budget and know how much you need, complete a quick application on Lendio to receive and compare multiple law firm funding offers. Learn more about law firm financing options.

Many newly minted lawyers dream of one day hanging their own shingles. You may be ready to start your own law firm, but unsure of where to begin. Many lawyers, when they first start out, will work out of their home, use their personal cell phone and obtain liability insurance and a simple case management system. This post will explore the steps beyond that if your dream is to build and expand a practice. 

Create a business plan

How to create a law firm business plan

One of the first steps in starting a law firm is to create a business plan. This is a document that summarizes your goals and details about operations. It serves as a basis for creating the firm, as well as a roadmap for the future. 

Here are some key elements to include in a law firm business plan: 

• Executive summary stating what your company is
• Firm description
• Goals and a discussion of how your firm will be successful
• Market analysis
• Organization of members and management overview
• Services offered and practice areas
• Marketing strategy and sales goals
• Financial plan, including funding needs and fee structure
• Financial projections and start-up budget

Budget and financing

Creating a budget and financing a new law firm

Another essential part of starting any new business is figuring out the financial details. When you begin thinking about your new law firm, you need to have a solid understanding of how much it will cost to begin operations and how to get the money you need. 

Your initial budget should include everything from startup costs to necessary purchases of hardware and software, including personal computers and case management software. Long-term budgeting should consider: 

• Recurring subscriptions
• Annual bar dues
• Personal liability insurance premiums
• Law firm marketing costs
• Malpractice insurance premiums
• Workers’ compensation insurance costs
• Unemployment insurance costs
• Other expenses for employee benefits

It is possible to start a firm with less than $5,000 in the bank; however, these small businesses often need other financing options down the road. That’s where Lendio comes in. Lendio offers new law firms financing options with a single 15-minute application. 

Technology and services

Legal technology and services you may need

The legal industry utilizes a plethora of legal technology and tools that can help lawyers operate a successful practice. While many of these services are not required to practice law, they can make your operation much more efficient, saving time for your staff and money for your clients. 

Basic hardware new law firms need

You will need several pieces of hardware to communicate with other attorneys, clients, and courts. Some of the basic hardware you need include: 

• Computers (preferably laptops)
• Printers
• Scanners
• Phones

You can easily create a paperless law firm wherein you don’t need physical filing cabinets, but that will require additional software and data storage systems. 

Software new law firms need

There is an array of innovative software for law firms on the market. These programs benefit attorneys, staff, and clients by making work easier and helping everyone stay organized. Some important software you’ll want to consider for your new law firm include: 

• Legal practice management system (LPMS)/Case management software
• Word processing software (such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs)
• PDF readers and editing software (such as Adobe Acrobat)
• Interoffice communications (such as Slack or Google Hangouts)
• Email software (such as Google or Yahoo)
• Office calendaring software
• Client relationship management software (CRM)
• Data threat security tools (such as Webroot or Norton)

Data or cloud storage

You will need a place to store client documents and other firm information, so that it can be easily accessed by key stakeholders. The most convenient method is to utilize cloud storage through a service like Dropbox. 

This storage system can be customized to allow internal or external users to access, upload, and download documents, pictures, and other data. Since the storage is available online, you can have access to it from anywhere, whether you are in the office or about to head to court. 

Phone systems

All law firms need to have a phone system, so that clients can easily reach them. While you might be inclined to use your current phone, that will quickly become overwhelming when you gain dozens (or hundreds) of clients. As you’re practice grows it will be helptful to have a dedicated phone line solely for law firm use. 

You should also consider using a virtual receptionist who can answer the phones when you are unavailable. This will ensure your clients and potential clients always receive great customer service. 

Marketing

New law firm marketing

Legal marketing can feel overwhelming. There are a lot of moving parts, from creating a website to pay per click (PPC) advertising on Google and other platforms. While some firms spend tens of thousands on law firm marketing, that’s not necessary when you’re just beginning your firm. You should create a marketing plan that considers your clients’ needs and how you can meet them in the most efficient way possible. 

Branding your new law firm

Branding is one of the most essential parts of new law firm marketing. You want to use effective branding to connect with your clients and put your best foot forward. Develop a logo, slogan, and tone of voice that match your style. Your brand should be presented on everything that you create, from your website to your business cards. 

Creating a website 

Law firms need to have an online presence. However, it doesn’t have to cost five figures to create a website. If you have time, you can create your own website with templates available online. You may outsource content and SEO (search engine optimization) services to reduce costs and still get good copy. However, there are legal marketing agencies out there who will develop law firm websites for reasonable prices. 

Other considerations for running a new law firm

In addition to starting your new law firm, you will have to run it on a day-to-day basis. To do this, you should consider: 

• Organizational charts, including accountabilities of staff
• Hiring and staffing considerations
• Outsourcing whenever possible
• Coaching and mentorship to achieve goals

Get your new law firm started with Lendio

Lendio offers many financing options for new law firms. We want to see you succeed. Learn more about funding options for law firms from Lendio. 

The American Dream, once the ethos of the United States, offering the highest aspirations and equal opportunities for a comfortable life, has changed. What is the American Dream in 2023, and is the American dream still attainable?

A recent Lendio survey of more than 350 small- and medium-sized business owners across the U.S. found that, while 49% of small business owners believe it is somewhat or much harder to own a small business than it was in the past, 89% still believe it’s possible to reach that goal.

American dream definition.

How small business owners define the American dream.

The original definition of the “American Dream” was based on the prospect of equality, justice, and democracy. Evolving into the belief that anyone can become what they strive to be—the opportunity for upward mobility, economic success, and attaining the life one has always dreamed would be fulfilling. 

As times have changed, so has the idea behind the dream. While traditional components, such as homeownership (46%) and starting a business (34%), are still identified as important by small business owners, 67% identify freedom to live how you want as the primary component of the American Dream.   

American dream challenges.

Small business owners remain optimistic but see growing challenges.

Starting a business is a significant step in obtaining the American Dream, and entrepreneurs can face many challenges. There’s no one solution for all businesses. But making a plan and accessing tools make it easier in today’s environment, where small business owners are one click away from equipping themselves in advance. Some of the biggest obstacles to tackle for small business owners include the following:

1. Funding a business
2. Finding and keeping customers
3. Finding and keeping good employees

According to the survey, small business owners primarily face challenges related to the economy (23%), inflation (21%) and other financial concerns (14%). Hiring remains a primary challenge for 11% of small business owners. 56% of small business owners state that large corporations, such as Amazon and Google, have a negative impact on growth opportunities for their business.

Generational Differences

Generational differences

Millennials are a highly entrepreneurial group of business owners, with ages ranging from 27 to 42. In this high-rate environment with rising costs, layoffs, and the Great Resignation, we’ve seen a surge in startups. And according to Bloomberg, “creating successful companies is a young person’s game.” 

But being an entrepreneur is not just for the young at heart, it’s the American Dream for people of all ages, with 31% of respondents aged 45+ stating that starting a business is part of achieving the American dream. Perhaps unsurprisingly, those owners 45 and above place greater importance on retirement (46%), while those under 45 place more importance on becoming wealthy (36%) as part of the American dream.

At a certain age, the American Dream can seem easy to give up on or unattainable. The analysis finds a clear correlation between age and sentiment among small business owners. Those over 45 are more pessimistic, seeing the American Dream as more challenging to attain in the current environment. In contrast, those under 45 find it slightly easier to achieve. But entrepreneurship is a reality for both the young and old, with 89% of those age 45+ still believing owning a small business is attainable.

The two generations also fund their businesses differently. While both generations rely heavily on personal funds to start their businesses, those under the age of 45 have started to turn to alternative sources as well, such as crowdfunding (6%) and online lenders (5%).

Access to funding.

Access to funding is key for small businesses.

Access to capital and lower expenses are the key factors for creating an environment where entrepreneurs can start a business.

• 66% of small business owners state having a financial safety net would have had the most impact on their ability to start a business, followed by access to capital at 53%. 
• Of the respondents, 52% state that living in an area with lower business costs and a lower cost of living would be helpful. 44% state lower taxes would have an impact. 
• 54% of SMB owners started their business with personal funds with another 12% relying on friends and family. 
• 79% of SMB owners needed less than $100,000 to start their business with 43% needing less than $10,000.

Although 49% of respondents believe it’s somewhat or much harder today than in the past to achieve the dream of owning a small business, online loan marketplaces are making it much easier. Lendio is committed to helping entrepreneurs find the right small business loans for their small businesses, so they feel supported and optimistic in achieving their piece of the American Dream. 

*Disclaimer: The information, methodologies, data and opinions contained or reflected in Lendio’s Small Business Owner Pulse Survey (the “Survey”) are proprietary of Lendio and is intended for informational purposes only. The Survey does not constitute business or legal advice, and is not a substitute for professional advice. The recommendations provided by Lendio are general industry recommendations, and are not a substitute for your business judgment. The Survey is based on responses to a survey provided by Lendio, but the opinions of those businesses may change over time. Thus, the Survey is not warranted as to its merchantability, completeness, accuracy or fitness for a particular purpose. The Survey is provided “as is” and reflects Lendio’s opinion at the date of their elaboration and publication. Lendio does not accept any liability for damage arising from the use of the Survey in any manner whatsoever. While every effort has been made to ensure that this Survey and the sources of information used herein are free of error, Lendio is not liable for the accuracy, currency and reliability of any information provided in the Survey.