Nowadays, there are so many ways to fund a business. There's grants, accelerators, crowdfunding, angel syndicates, venture firms, and private equity groups... The key is to pick the right investors and partners who don't just provide money --- but also provide leverage. Impact Stars recently helped one client raise $2.7 million in funding without giving up any equity using the Small Business Innovation Research Grant program. This company's operating expenses are fully covered FOR THREE YEARS while it continues its breakthrough research and development. Also, by generating inbound leads, publishing white papers in authoritative industry publications, and presenting at conferences, we were able to create an additional income source through client engagements.