When you’re building something while raising children, you know two things very well: time is limited, and money feels scarce. You might wake up with a brilliant idea, sketch it during nap time, but freeze when you realize you need funding to bring it to life.
I want you to know: ideas have power. And you don’t need venture capital right away. There are multiple ways to fund your business. Some that let you keep control, others that build your reach. What matters is knowing which path fits your business right now.
In this post, I’ll walk you through funding options moms often overlook (or fear), share real examples, pros and cons, and tips to move forward.
10 Fundraising Options For Small Startups
1. Bootstrapping: Starting Small with What You Have
Bootstrapping means launching your business using your existing resources, your savings, your side hustle, or early revenues. You don’t borrow. You don’t give up equity. You move forward with what you can afford.
When Busy Baby was born, Beth didn’t start with big investors. She built prototypes in her kitchen, sold her first 100 orders, and shipped them herself. Busy Baby+1 That’s bootstrapping in action.
Why it’s powerful for moms: You stay in control, avoid debt, and force clarity, only spending on what truly moves the needle.
The challenges: Growth is slower. You may hit a ceiling because you can’t afford big inventory runs, marketing, or hiring help. If something fails, it’s on you.
Tips to bootstrap intelligently:
- Start with a minimal viable product (MVP). Don’t over-engineer
- Offer a pre-order to fund production
- Use profits to fund growth (don’t reinvest 100%)
- Work in phases: validate, then scale
2. Kickstarter Campaigns: Launching with Community Backing
Kickstarter is one of the best-known crowdfunding platforms. You create a project page, show your prototype or vision, set a funding goal, and people back you, often in exchange for early versions of your product.
It’s not just about money. It’s about proof: will people buy this?
What works well:
- A personal story (why you built this, your journey)
- Strong visuals and video (show how the product works)
- Reward tiers (early bird, bundle deals)
- Promotion before you launch (email list, social media)
Watch out: You’ll be held to your promises. Delays, production issues, and shipping costs are all real risks. If you fail to deliver, your reputation takes a hit.
Mompreneur in action: Some baby gear brands got initial traction through Kickstarter campaigns, then used that data and funding to scale. (Even Busy Baby had a “pre-sale + early adoption” vibe behind its growth trajectory.)
Tips:
- Build your email list months before launch
- Start with moderate goals (not too ambitious)
- Show your risks and plans — transparency wins trust
- Over-communicate with backers—delays happen, but honesty builds loyalty
3. Crowdfunding Beyond Kickstarter: Expand Your Options
Kickstarter is great, but it isn’t the only game. Platforms like Indiegogo, GoFundMe, and iFundWomen cater to different types of projects, or even women-led ventures.
For example, iFundWomen is built especially for women entrepreneurs. They connect you with grants, coaching, and community support.
Pros:
- Flexible funding models (some let you keep money even if you don’t hit the goal)
- More community of supportive backers
- Tools, coaching, and visibility bundled in
Cons:
- Lower traffic (compared to Kickstarter)
- Platform fees and requirements
- More noise—harder to stand out if your story isn’t strong
Tips:
- Choose the right platform for your audience (moms, parents, niche)
- Use a strong narrative— “why you built this”
- Leverage communities (Facebook parenting groups, mom forums)
- Use social proof and testimonials—even early ones
4. Microloans and Community Lending Programs
Microloans are small amounts (hundreds to tens of thousands) lent by nonprofit or community organizations. They’re often more accessible than bank loans for early entrepreneurs.
These loans help plug small financial gaps—like inventory costs or equipment. But remember, they still must be repaid with interest.
Pros:
- Easier to qualify for than large loans
- More flexible terms
- Lenders may be mission-oriented (helping women, underserved founders)
Cons:
- Smaller amounts won’t fund a huge expansion
- Interest still applies
- Application may require paperwork, credit checks
Tips:
- Target microloans for essential, high ROI uses (inventory, materials, tools)
- Combine multiple microloans, not just one large ask
- Keep your accounting neat, these lenders will expect clarity
5. Small Business Grants for Women and Moms
Grants are magical in theory—money you don’t repay. But the reality: grants are competitive, often tied to mission goals, and time-consuming to apply for.
One well-known example: the Amber Grant. Every month, WomensNet awards $10,000 to a women-owned business. At year-end, some monthly winners become eligible for additional $25,000 grants.
Why they’re worth chasing:
- No repayment
- Credibility boost
- Sometimes comes with mentorship or publicity
The catch:
- Very few winners
- Applications demand storytelling, budget–use proposals, and follow-ups
- Many restrictions on how the money is used
Tips to improve your chances:
- Apply broadly—not just big grants
- Tailor your application to each grant’s mission
- Show real metrics or a clear vision
- Keep your story human—why this matters to you
- Stay organized with deadlines, documents, and reporting
6. Small Business Loans: Traditional & Alternative
Once your business is more established, you might consider more conventional loans: from banks, credit unions, or online lenders.
These can fund bigger costs: inventory, equipment, hiring, and expansion.
Pros:
- Larger amounts available
- More predictable repayment schedules
- Useful for scaling
Cons:
- You may need collateral
- Approval can hinge on personal/business credit
- Debt risk if sales stall
Tips:
- Don’t borrow more than you truly need
- Shop around for rates: compare banks, credit unions, online lenders
- Prepare a strong business plan and projections
- If possible, start with smaller, shorter-term loans to build your credit profile
7. Pitch Competitions and Business Contests
Pitch competitions are spaces where founders present their ideas to judges, often in front of an audience. The winner might receive cash, mentorship, or resources.
These contests do more than give money. They give visibility. Even if you don’t win, you meet people, get feedback, and get your name out there.
Pros:
- Funding + exposure
- Feedback from experts
- Network-building
Cons:
- Time investment (preparation, travel)
- Often small amounts
- You might feel rejection publicly
Tips:
- Practice your pitch with friendly listeners
- Focus on telling a story, not just facts
- Take every exposure, even “losing,” and share it (social media, blog)
- Look locally first (city, university, women’s groups)
8. Shark Tank: Exposure That Can Change Everything
You probably know Shark Tank. Founders pitch to “sharks” (investors) on TV. If a shark likes your idea, they may invest. But here’s the twist: you can benefit even if you don’t take a deal.
Beth (Busy Baby’s founder) appeared on Shark Tank. She declined a licensing deal that would’ve diluted her control. Yet the exposure itself sent her sales soaring. After the episode aired, sales spiked, and she gained visibility, customers, and credibility.
What you gain from Shark Tank (even without a deal):
- Massive visibility
- Social proof (being “on TV” is powerful)
- Media pickup, press, new audiences
Risks to know:
- Sharks may ask for steep terms
- You’ll be under scrutiny: product margins, costs, business details must be tight
- The public spotlight can expose your flaws
Tips if you aim for Shark Tank:
- Prepare thoroughly. Know your costs, margins, and story
- Be ready to say “no” if a deal isn’t right
- Treat your pitch like marketing: use the show to drive awareness
- After airing, follow up: capitalize on the buzz (email, social, restocking)
9. Using Peer Groups to Learn, Grow & Fund
One of the most underrated resources is your community. Talking with other mompreneurs, sharing ideas and experiences, can lead to new funding paths you’d never seen on your own.
Beth’s journey included joining veteran-entrepreneur programs and networks that connected her to opportunities like Shark Tank.
When a peer tells you “I used this grant,” “I pitched at this competition,” or “I got this lender,” that information is golden.
How to get into these groups:
- Search local entrepreneur or mom‑founder meetups
- Join Facebook or Slack groups in your niche
- Ask others you admire for introductions
- Attend conferences, virtual summits, or coworking events
What happens when you join in:
- You get support when things feel lonely
- You hear about new resources first
- You may form partnerships or co-investment opportunities
10. What About Investors? (And Why You Don’t Have to Go There Now)
When people talk about funding, it’s easy to think “VC or bust.” But many businesses, especially early ones, don’t need external investors.
Investor types you might hear about:
- Angel investors
- Venture capital firms
- Strategic/corporate investors
Why people want them:
Big capital, growth potential, mentorship, connections.
Why do many skip them early on or ever:
- Too much pressure to scale fast
- You may lose control or give up equity!
- Not all businesses fit the “scale fast” model
When investing makes sense:
Once you have traction, a proven model, a clear path to scale, and a need for capital beyond what other routes can support.
If you’re just starting, you can focus on grants, bootstrapping, or smaller loans until you have metrics that attract investors on your terms.
Conclusion: You Don’t Need a Fortune to Start—You Need a Strategy
Every funding path has trade-offs. What you choose depends on where you are in your journey, your product, your risk tolerance, and your values.
Pick one or two paths to dig into today. Maybe it’s applying for the Amber Grant, reaching out to a microloan group, or sketching a Kickstarter draft. Don’t try to do it all at once — momentum comes from action, not waiting.
Your idea deserves more than being an afterthought because of money. Let funding be a tool, not a barrier. Build what you can, ask for help, iterate, and keep your vision alive.