Hidden Treasures Where to find the funds to finance your homebased business.

Money isn't everything, but you can't get startedwithout it. Once you know how much money you'll actually need,there are plenty of places you can turn. In fact, you may alreadyhave access to the only sources you need.

"While a homebased business requires less start-up capitalthan a traditional office, remember that you still need money tostart your business and support ongoing expenses, such as an extraphone line, stationery, advertising and inventory," says AlonaSussman, a certified financial planner in Chicago. Sussman suggestsacquiring at least six months' worth of working capital beforestarting your business. "This financial cushion will help yousurvive the time from when you open your doors to when your firstrevenue check arrives."