The process of obtaining money to fund a new idea or start-up company, can be frustrating and sometimes fatal for the new enterprise.Reality, though, is that for most entrepreneurs, you must prove your concept first before anyone will put up that kind of money. But most businesses require some sort of initial capital for things like inventory, marketing, physical facilities, incorporation expenses, etc.Banks and other lenders evaluate the safety of their money, focusing on the factors that ensure that they will get their money back when it is due.Friends and family are still your best source for both loans and equity deals. They are typically less stringent regarding your credit and their expected return on investment. Credit cards are a great tool for cash flow management, assuming you use them just for that and not for long-term financing. Keep one or two cards with no balance on it and pay it off every month to give yourself a 30 to 60 day float with no interest.Bank loans come in all shapes and sizes, from microloans of a few hundred dollars, typically offered by local community banks, to six-figure loans by major national banks.Leasing is the way to go if you need big-ticket items such as equipment, vehicles, or even computers. Your supplier will help you explore this.