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Self-reliance is one of the most common traits of successful entrepreneurs, and that characteristic extends to business startup funding. Most people starting a business would just as soon rely on their own resources to do it. They don’t want to depend on others – or on any form of debt – to begin building toward their entrepreneurial dream.

But even if your personal financial assets are ample, you’ve probably already got other dedicated purposes for them -- vacations, hobbies, college for the kids, or retirement. There are decided advantages to using other people’s money to make some of your own, whether you borrow it from family and friends , extend your credit card debt , or seek seed capital from customers .

If you decide to go it alone to finance your startup business, you still need to grapple with some important questions. The most important: Is this the best thing you can do with your money? “Your business may become your largest investment, so you should think of it in terms of anything else you might invest in,” says Larry Rice, an accountant and business-development expert with Rodman & Rodman, a firm in Boston. “Consider the risk. The returns you’re projecting should be adequate for the risk you’re taking.”

Also ask yourself: How long will it be before you can pay yourself back? What are the competing demands for those resources that may continue or even grow while you’re nurturing your startup? What if you can’t pay yourself back.

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