But what if you're passionate about money?

Okay, I may be getting a little ahead of myself here, but this is a pretty important facet of your business – financing. It's no NECESSARY to get money to start your business, but it is pretty important. Like I said before, if you're spending more time worrying about if you're going to have enough cash to pay for your dinner rather than thinking about how your business is doing, then you're hurting your chances of success.

I got to sit down and talk to Rina Pillitteri, Director, Small Business Client Strategy, and Karen Hamilton, Senior Manager, Marketing, at RBC. They're basically the brains behind all that is RBC-meets-small business-meets money.

They actually showed me this sweet thing on the RBC website. Honestly, never would have found it if they wouldn't have pointed it out, but it’s full of gems, real gems.

They raised a few good points that are definitely worth noting: First of all, the moment you get into the tactical planning of your business, go open up a business account; that way, being a little proactive, you'll have a spot to put your cashola to take care of lining up things like suppliers and partners and whatnot. Otherwise it'll be coming out of your pocket and that could run you into trouble down the road.

What I found CRAZY was this page on the site. I think it's a pretty loud statement of the mental blocks that stand between you and starting a business. Generally, from my observations, people thought that it was going to be TWICE AS DIFFICULT to start a business then it actually is. Now, don't let this lead you into underestimating the work that it’s going to take! Look at the first stat: 58% of people think its going to be a P.I.T.A to get financing. 27% actually found it hard.

Now, I know what you're thinking (I think); "I'm a student, who's going to lend me money, I have no credit history, I'm just a kid, etc." Stop right there. Its not about your age, it’s about the plan. And getting a good plan isn't too incredibly tough. Just make sure you patch up any holes if there are any, like:

Your (lack of) experience: If you're good at painting (strength) but know jack about operating a business (weakness), then have a plan. Do some networking, meet people and find someone who's got the know-how to help you out.

Problem: Solved.

Your (lack of) goals: My accounting professor always says, "What gets measured gets done." Your plan better have some definitive goals in it. Now, I know this is tough, trying to ball-park revenue streams and costs and the likes if you have NO idea about what you're getting into. But there's this great tool out there that really helps you find information about this kind of stuff. Stats Canada is another good place to look.

Now, apparently (and I know) the sweetest thing about starting up your own business is the independence (Karen said that 87% of start-ups are done on an individual basis). But also stressed was the face that you need to have a support team.

Money is hiding all over the place, from grants to loans to lottery tickets (I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS).

Ultimately, from the sounds of it, banks are there to help. I can't speak for the other financial institutions out there, but if you have an idea, head to RBC and toss it to them. Business advisors will totally give you feedback that could be pretty valuable; they may shoot it down, and they may not. Just remember, if its something that you are passionate about then don't let any nay-sayer stop you.

What do you guys think is the most challenging thing about starting a business up?? And a little P.S.: I'm going to assemble a list of grants that are out there. I know, no doubt, it won't be exhaustive, so feel free to give me your ideas =D.