It's no secret that eight out of 10 businesses fail within their first 18 months. It's a common statistic quoted because ostensibly entrepreneurs aren't learning from others' enterprise mistakes. 

There is a wide spectrum of reasons why small businesses fail faster than the blink of an eye: poor management, starting a business strictly for money, a paucity of planning, poor location and (surprisingly) no website. Remember, it's easier said than done when it comes to avoiding these business errors. 

Although business owners do find daily operating costs achievable and within their budgets, they often struggle with locating business funding to succeed, invest within the company and perhaps expand. It should be noted that simply maintaining the status quo and keeping the business afloat won't allow it to grow. 

Here are four other business challenges that proprietors have to overcome in 2015:

Client Base

Let's face it: if you're a small retailer, a one-man supplier or an independent contractor and you're depending upon a single client then you're in trouble. A diversified client base is the first step towards success. With an abundance of clients and revenue streams then the business can't even open up another room let alone another office. 

Technology

As previously noted, many United States businesses do not have a website, which is puzzling considering that tens of millions of consumers use the Internet every day. These same companies do not have a social media presence, are not investing in payment solutions and are foregoing mobile marketing. To succeed in this economy, brands have to start looking to the future and notice some of the obvious trends that are working for their competitors. 

Money Management

Money mismanagement is the bane to any company's existence. Without proper bookkeeping, math and accounting skills, corporate finances could deteriorate worse than Washington's approval rating. Instead of balancing the company's books on a cocktail napkin, businesses have to invest in accounting software, updated computers and the latest technology to get ahead. 

Data Protection

According to the Huffington Post, 2014 was named "Year of the Breach," and it's likely 2015 and 2016 will continue on with this moniker. If your brand relies on cloud computing, expensive point-of-sale (POS) systems and a digital database then you will have to invest heavily into protecting and securing these systems and data. Otherwise, your brand can lose out on customers and develop a negative portrayal. 

What is the solution to these ever-present difficulties? Alternative funding options. Business owners have to take a peek inside the alternative business funding industry because these tools can allow the brand to invest in an array of business essentials. From hiring the right staff to initiating new marketing campaigns, investing in growth opportunities is the only way the enterprise can flourish.
When a business searches for alternative funding options, it's important for the owner to determine what the money is for, how much money is needed, how long it is needed and what the business's current financial structure is. Accessing greater capital can provide brands the opportunity to start pouring money into new opportunities, technologies, marketing schemes and staff members. 

Alternative funding for business is great for entrepreneurs who are unable to receive additional lines of credit or loans from conventional financial institutions and lenders. A merchant cash advance is one of these tools offered by financial services firms like Quikstone Capital Solutions. This has become a popular business funding alternative for SMBs because it's quick, easy-to-understand and affordable. 

Take a look into merchant cash advances and you'll be able to invest within your company tomorrow.