External sources of finance refer to the funds that a company obtains from outside sources such as banks, investors, and other financial institutions. The two primary forms of external financing are debt and equity financing. Here is an analysis of external sources of finance:
Debt Financing: This type of financing involves borrowing money from lenders such as banks or issuing bonds to raise capital. The main advantage is that it provides access to a large amount of capital at relatively low interest rates. However, it also comes with the risk of defaulting on loan payments and potentially damaging the company’s credit rating.
Equity Financing: This type of financing involves selling shares in the company in exchange for cash. It allows companies to raise significant amounts of capital without having to pay interest or repay principal amounts. However, it dilutes ownership and control over the company, which can be a disadvantage for some business owners.
Crowdfunding: Crowdfunding has emerged as a popular alternative source of external funding in recent years. It involves raising small contributions from a large number of individuals through online platforms like Kickstarter or Indiegogo. The benefits include ease-of-access and broad investor reach but it also carries market risks, and investors assume risk without knowing much about how well your business will perform.
Leasing: Leasing is another option that businesses use to obtain equipment or other assets without having to purchase them outright. It allows them to conserve their working capital while avoiding large upfront costs associated with buying equipment outright. However, leasing contracts usually involve higher overall costs compared to purchasing the same asset outright over time.
In conclusion, choosing an external source of finance depends on various factors such as business needs, return on investment (ROI), cost-effectiveness, risk involved and organizational goals among others. A thorough analysis should be conducted before making any decision regarding external funding sources so that you can choose an option that best suits your specific situation while achieving long-term success for your business.




