Tim Ferguson, co-founder of merchant bank Next Street, chats with WalletPop's Lan Nguyen about the many ways entrepreneurs and small business owners can finance their dreams.

Ferguson, who started the bank in 2005 with fellow banking industry vet Ronald Walker, goes over the pros and cons of getting money from investors like banks, venture capitalists, and friends and family. If you can self-finance, do so as long as you can, he recommends. Another tip: find an investor that will help you through the tough, as well as the good, times.