How should I fund my start-up?

[CreativeGenius]

Hi, what would be the best way to fund my start-up company? Two of my close friends and I are interested in starting a skateboard/prep inspired clothing line that would be sold in small boutiques and skate stores throughout the Metro Atlanta area. We're all 16 year old high school sophomores with only about $1,500 and we were hoping to have our line up in running by mid summer. All of us have jobs, but we're working part time at $6.20 an hour. We want to start out with t-shirts, bookbags, and skateboards. We know we're too young to apply for a loan, but could we apply for a grant? Or would it be best for us to hold off for another year or so until we have enough cash? Also, does anyone with experience in starting a biz know of any other cost/requirements associated with starting a company (cost of business liscense, getting a trademark, etc..)? And it would be really nice to have some of you older entrepreneurs who have been where I'm trying to go lend some helpful advice. Thanks in advance. Your help will be deeply appreciated.

[rogercbryan]

Fundraising is not my specialty so I’ll let others post about that. My advice would be to start working on a solid business plan. You can learn how to write them by doing a Google Search for ‘how to write a business plan’. The first step in starting a business is not getting the money. It’s having a solid plan. You also need to know how much money you need. Don’t try to solicit investors until you know exactly what you need. I grew my company using the- beg, borrow, steal method (not literally). Try to write a business plan and then repost on the forums…

[rogercbryan]

Also get rid of the "CEO/President of CG&Co".... If there are only three of you then there is not need to be using titles like that... that's just my opinion

[CreativeGenius]

Thank you. We do have a business plan that's great, but it has a major whole in it (its missing accurate financial statements).