Businesses can be classified in a multitude of ways. However, there are three basic categories of businesses as it pertains to size: small, middle, and large market. Placing a company into one of these categories is usually determined by revenue, selling price, or number of employees. If someone uses the term middle market, it is important to distinguish exactly what metrics they are using.

This series explores different ways to get the financing your for business, regardless if you’re financing your own start-up or buying a business already on the market. This series starts with the two most straightforward financing options: credit cards and bank loans.

So you have a successful business: it's growing quick, providing a unique service and bringing in tons of new customers. What to do? If you're providing a walk-in customer experience or a to-their-door service, expanding your single location won't net you the coverage you need. If you've got a product or a technology that's selling like hotcakes, what if you could sell your products not just to customers, but to other companies - or even as a company? Licensing your products or franchising your business might be right for you.