I happened on this online service called Kickstarter when my friend, Valerie Mayen, used it to fund her local fashion incubator start up "Buzz and Growl". Here's what Kickstarter has to say about their service:

Kickstarter is the largest funding platform for creative projects in the world. Every month, tens of thousands of amazing people pledge millions of dollars to projects from the worlds of music, film, art, technology, design, food, publishing and other creative fields.

A new form of commerce and patronage. This is not about investment or lending. Project creators keep 100% ownership and control over their work. Instead, they offer products and experiences that are unique to each project.

All or nothing funding. On Kickstarter, a project must reach its funding goal before time runs out or no money changes hands. Why? It protects everyone involved. Creators aren’t expected to develop their project without necessary funds, and it allows anyone to test concepts without risk.

Each and every project is the independent creation of someone like you. Projects are big and small, serious and whimsical, traditional and experimental. They’re inspiring, entertaining and unbelievably diverse. We hope you agree... Welcome to Kickstarter!

Anyway, another friend, Aaron Strumpel, used it to fund his next music recording. Both friends met their financial goals and then some... so I've seen that it works even for both kinds of projects/startups. Valerie posted this video to tell more people about it and to generate interest. Of course it never hurt that she was on last years season of Project Runway. Here's a link to her project on Kickstarter.

Anyway... I'm sharing all of this because if you have a decent business idea, but lack the funding, this might be a way to raise the capital to get your idea off the ground.

Buzz and Growl | Valerie's Store on Etsy | Youtube Enjoy!