Of all the things you need to get your business off the ground, money is the make-or-break factor. You don’t have to be wealthy to launch a business. But you need enough dough to meet fixed expenses until you start earning a steady stream of income. Some experts recommend having six to 12 months’ living expenses and operating costs in the bank.

Before you take the leap into entrepreneurship, do everything you can to minimize money problems: eliminate as much debt as possible, reduce your spending, build up your savings account, and strive for a good credit rating. Plenty of small-business loan programs exist, but getting traditional business loans is easier for established companies than new ones. Here are some strategies for getting the cash you need:

• Consider a home-equity loan or line of credit. You can use these to consolidate debts or get the money for startup costs.

• Get the best credit-card deal you can find—one with the lowest possible interest rate for the longest term.

• Talk to friends or family members who might be willing to lend you money.

• Investigate the Small Business Administration’s micro-loan program, which makes short-term loans of up to $25,000 at competitive interest rates. They’re a good choice for those who may not qualify for a bank loan.

• Borrow from a revolving loan fund (RLF), administered by community-based financial institutions. RLFs exist to make loans that couldn’t qualify for bank financing, but not all communities are served. Your local banker should be aware of programs in your area.

• Take a second job to keep your business afloat through the challenging early stages.

• Try to attract a partner or an investor. Every community has “angels” who are interested in investing in promising businesses. Begin your search by networking with people at the local chamber of commerce, Small Business Development Center, entrepreneurship programs and the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE).